Whitehorse Colts Junior Football and Netball Club Inc. (A0029084C)
2. CHILD SAFE POLICY
2.1 Introduction
All children and young people have the right to be safe and protected from harm. All people looking after children and young people have a responsibility to provide a safe and protective environment, including in the provision of community sport and recreation. The issue of child abuse is a serious and complex problem in our community and all children are vulnerable. Building a child safe environment is a process of continuous improvement that is driven by values, culture and governance.
2.2 Our Statement of Commitment to Children and Young People
The Whitehorse Colts Junior Football and Netball Club is committed to ensuring that all children and young people, whether they be members or visitors, are safe and protected from all forms of abuse and harm. We believe that all children have the right to be safe and as a club we value the wellbeing of children and young people above all else.
Our Club believes that protecting children and young people is everyone’s responsibility and that we all have an important role to play.
2.3 Scope
This policy applies to all children, young people and adults who are members of the Whitehorse Colts Junior Football and Netball Club. This includes players, parents/guardians, Team Managers, Coaches, team officials and Club officials. This policy also applies to siblings and visitors to our Club.
This policy applies to all Club activities including games, functions and official events held on Club premises or elsewhere.
2.4 Key Elements of our Child Safe Policy
2.4.1 Working with Children Checks
The Yarra Junior Football League requires that all Club Presidents, Vice Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers, Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Team Managers, Trainers and Runners must have a valid Working With Children Check2. Applications can be lodged online and finalised through Australia Post3.
2 Also includes those who have lodged an application for a WWCC and those who are exempt (sworn members of Victoria Police who are not suspended and teachers registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching).
3 Visit http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/home/
The Club retains records of approved WWCC for individuals who have nominated the Club in their application and notes the expiry date of these checks. It is the responsibility of those with a WWCC to ensure their check is renewed prior to commencing any official or team duties.
The Club encourages all parents who hold a valid WWCC to notify their Team Managers should they wish to volunteer in any capacity. This may also include volunteering at short notice to fill vacancies in various team roles.
In the event that a team role must be filled at short notice by an individual who does not hold a current WWCC, appropriate supervision by the Coach and/or Team Manager must occur.
While they are important, WWCC are one element in creating a child safe environment and the Club considers that a range of measures are required, as outlined in this policy.
2.4.2 Being alone with children
Our Club values the high level of parent engagement and involvement in all that we do and this also contributes to creating a child safe environment. While it is not common, there may be rare occasions when there is the potential for a Coach, trainer or medic to be alone with a child.
It is not appropriate for an unrelated adult to be alone with a child or children and it is the responsibility of all team officials to ensure that a parent or guardian is present. If a parent or guardian is not available, then another team or club official must be present. Consideration must also be given to the gender of the child or young person and the gender of any adults present.
2.4.3 Club functions
The opportunities provided within our Club to socialise, celebrate and build the community and family connections within our Club are greatly valued and we consider this an important aspect of our positive club culture.
Our Club functions are designed and intended to be family friendly and we actively encourage positive and responsible behaviour. We also encourage freedom and fun for our children and young people, often providing an opportunity to play on the ovals under lights.
It is the responsibility of all parents to ensure their children are safe and accounted for at all times during club functions. We encourage parents to be aware of the environment surrounding the Club rooms including adjacent car parks, parkland and playgrounds.
It is also the responsibility of all parents to ensure that any unsafe or concerning behaviour is addressed and reported immediately to Club officials or members of the Committee.
Please also refer to our Responsible Serving of Alcohol Policy and Safe Transportation Policy.
2.4.4 Photography
The Club recognises that parents, grandparents and others associated with the Club may wish to video or take photographs at games and functions.
Permission should always be sought from the Team Manager and parent/s, where possible.
Under no circumstances should cameras of any kind be used in toilet or shower facilities and if this occurs it must be reported to Club officials immediately.
Under no circumstances should photographs or video be published on social media without the prior consent of the subjects, parents and/or Club. Please refer to our Social Media Policy for further information in relation to the publication of photos or videos on social media.
2.5 Reporting of other concerns
The grounds surrounding the Club rooms are considered a public space and there may often be occasions when members of the general public are accessing the grounds, toilet facilities, car parks, playground and surrounding areas.
The Club encourages all children and young people to report any concerns they have to parents, team or Club officials if they feel uncomfortable about something or someone.
It is the responsibility of all parents and team officials to report any suspicious, concerning or unsafe behaviour to Club officials as soon as possible.
Any violent or aggressive language or behaviour towards a child or young person will not be tolerated and must be reported to Team Managers, Coaches or Club officials immediately.
2.6 Breaches of this policy
Any breach of the above policy will be considered as extremely serious and may lead to sanctions such as suspension or cancellation of Club membership.
Any allegation of emotional, physical or sexual abuse of a child or young person at the Club will be taken extremely seriously and the Club will proactively cooperate with any police inquiries and/or criminal investigation as required.
The Club will take all reasonable steps within its authority levels and in accordance with YJFL and AFL policies to ensure that any risks to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people are addressed immediately.
2.7 Related Policies
Code of Conduct
Alcohol Management Policy
Safe Transportation Policy
Social Media and Digital Communications Policy