Sport Ireland has announced a new maternity policy for elite athletes that will guarantee funding and other supports for twelve months to international athletes who become pregnant and who want to continue their career in sport after having a baby.
It is a match for the kind of right that is in most workplaces and came about after wide consultation across the high-performance network in Irish sport.
Under the guidance of independent medical experts, the Sport Ireland Institute and National Governing Bodies will play a key role in assisting female athletes through this significant life event supporting their return to performance sport.
“The maternity policy demonstrates our commitment to developing a supportive performance system for all athletes, including female athletes who choose to have a child during their athletic career,” said Sport Ireland CEO John Treacy announcing the new policy on the eve of the Irish Times / Sport Ireland Sportswomen of the Year Awards.
“The athlete is at the heart of everything we do and this policy puts in place a structure of collaboration and communication between the athlete, the NGB and Sport Ireland and will give our athletes peace of mind and support in their decision to start a family and continue to compete.”
“The development of this policy is a very significant step in the support offered towards female athletes in this country,” added Lynne Cantwell, Chair of the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Steering Group.
“Introducing the maternity leave policy sends a strong message that Sport Ireland’s vision for women in sport is one where woman have an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential while enjoying a lifelong involvement in sport.”
“In the past, choosing to have a child during your athletic career has been a stressful decision for many athletes, with fears around funding and support being huge factors. I firmly believe that female athletes should feel supported in their decision to have a child, both throughout their pregnancy and in their return to sport.”
“The decision by Sport Ireland to guarantee funding for 12 months for pregnant athletes is a very progressive stance and one that the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Steering Group and I welcome wholeheartedly.”
“It is a positive time to be a female athlete in Ireland and I look forward to seeing our female athletes have peace of mind, knowing that Sport Ireland support them at this important life stage.”
“As one of many athletes whose best performances followed the birth of my daughter, I’m really excited the see the introduction of this policy,” said Olive Loughnane, former Olympic athlete, World Championship medallist and Sport Ireland Board member.
“It is really positive that female sportspeople will be able to make a life choice that is right for them, safe in the knowledge that they will be supported by their NGB and Sport Ireland.”
“This is extremely positive for the future of Irish sport with so many female athletes around the world showing that it is possible to have children and continue to produce World Class performances,” added Irish sprint canoeist and athlete representative on the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Committee, Jenny Egan.
The guidelines show that the Sport Ireland High-Performance Strategy continues to emphasise an athlete-centred support system.”
Read More: Explore our coverage of the FAI Governance story
