Purpose of Our Policy The main objective of the [Jr Jags] (“our”, “us” or “we”) Member Protection Policy (“policy”) is to maintain responsible behaviour and the making of informed decisions by members and other participants in this club. It outlines our commitment to a person’s right to be treated with respect and dignity, and to be safe and protected from discrimination, harassment and abuse. Our policy informs everyone involved in our club of his or her legal and ethical rights and responsibilities and the standards of behaviour that are expected of them. It also covers the care and protection of children participating in our club’s activities.
Who Our Policy Applies To: This policy applies to everyone involved in the activities of our club whether they are in a paid or unpaid/voluntary capacity and including: club committee members, administrators and other club officials; coaches and assistant coaches and other personnel participating in events and activities, including camps and training sessions; support personnel, including managers, physiotherapists, psychologists, masseurs, sport trainers and others; referees, umpires and other officials; athletes; members, including any life members; parents; spectators; and anyone else involved directly or indirectly.
Protection of Children Child Protection The [Jr Jags "Club"] is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people who participate in our clubs activities or use our services. We support the rights of the child and will act at all times to ensure that a child safe environment is maintained.. We also support the rights and wellbeing of our staff and volunteers and encourage their active participation in building and maintaining a secure and safe environment for all participants. [Club] acknowledges the valuable contribution made by our staff, members and volunteers and we encourage their active participating in providing a safe, fair and inclusive environment for all participants. 7.1.1: Identifying and Analysing Risks of Harm The [Club] will develop and implement a risk management strategy, which includes a review of our existing child protection practices, to determine how child-safe our organisation is and to identify any additional steps we can take to minimise and prevent the risk of harm to children because of the action of an employee, volunteer or another person. Developing Codes of Conduct for Adults and Children We will develop and promote a code of conduct that specifies standards of conduct and care we expect of adults when the deal and interact with children, particularly those in the our care. We will also implement a code of conduct to promote appropriate behaviour between children. The codes will clearly describe professional boundaries, ethical behaviour and unacceptable behaviour. (See Attachment 2) Choosing Suitable Employees and Volunteers The [Club] will ensure that the organisation takes all reasonable steps to ensure that it engages the most suitable and appropriate people to work with children, especially those in positions that involve regular unsupervised contact with children .This may be achieved using a range of screening measures. Such measures will aim to minimise the likelihood of engaging (or retaining) people who are unsuitable to work with children. The [Club] will ensure that Working with Children Checks and criminal history assessments are conducted for employees and volunteers working with children, where an assessment is required by law. If a criminal history report is obtained as part of the screening process, the [Club] will ensure that the criminal history information is dealt with confidentially and in accordance with relevant legal requirements. (See Attachment 1.3) 7.1.4: Support, Train, Supervise and Enhance Performance The [Club] will ensure that all our employees and volunteers who work with children have ongoing supervision; support and training. Our goal is to develop their skills and capacity and to enhance their performance so we can maintain a child-safe environment in our club. 7.1.5: Empower and Promote the Participation of Children In Decision-Making And Service Development The [Club] will promote the involvement and participation of children and young people in developing and maintaining a child-safe environment in our club. 7.1.6: Report and Respond Appropriately to Suspected Abuse and Neglect The [Club] will ensure that employees and volunteers are able to identify and respond appropriately to children at risk of harm and that they are aware of their responsibilities under state laws to make a report if they suspect on reasonable ground that a child has be, or is being, abused or neglected (See Attachment 4). In addition to any legal obligations, if any person believes that another person or organisation bound by this policy is acting inappropriately towards a child or is in breach of this policy they may make an internal complaint. Please refer to our complaints procedure in section 10 of this policy. Any person who believes a child is in immediate danger or in a life threatening situation, should contact the police immediately. Supervision Children under the age of [18] must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult. We endeavour to provide an appropriate level of supervision at all times. If a member finds a child under the age of [18] is unsupervised, they should assume responsibility for the child’s safety until the child’s parent/guardian or supervisor is located. For reasons of courtesy and safety, parents must collect their children on time. If it appears a member will be left alone with just one child at the end of any club activity, they will ask another member to stay until the child is collected.]