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This policy demonstrates the commitment of committee members, officials, and volunteers of the Highvale Netball Club (the Club) to child safety and provides an outline of the policies and practices the Club has developed to keep everyone involved with our club safe from any form of abuse.
All children who are a part of the Club have a right to feel and be safe. The welfare of the children in our care will always be our first priority and the Club has a zero tolerance to child abuse. The Club strives to create a child safe and child friendly environment where children feel safe, are safe, and have fun.
This policy was developed by the Club Committee with reference to Victorian Government Child Safe Standards, Amendments to the Working with Children Act 2005 and Netball Victoria policies. The policy reflects the Club’s well-established core value of respect, centered around self, others and the community.
This policy applies to all individuals involved in our club (unpaid and paid) including, but not limited to:
The Club’s Child Safe Policy is communicated to volunteers and staff via email and our website.
Child abuse can take a broad range of forms including physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse, and neglect. People to whom this policy applies need to be aware that child abuse can occur whenever there is actual or potential harm to a child. The Club is committed to reducing this risk.
The Club encourages children to express any concerns about their safety to a parent, carer, Team Manager, Coach, or the Club Child Safety Officer. The Club website provides contact details for the Child Safety Officer.
We listen to and act on any concerns children, or their parents/carers, raise with us. Mandatory Reporting requirements and guidelines are adhered to by all Committee Members and volunteer officials. Matters are managed sensitively while respecting the privacy and obligations of all parties concerned.
Highvale Netball Club values diversity and does not tolerate any discriminatory practices. To achieve this we will:
Highvale Netball Club provides support and supervision to all volunteers, so people feel valued, respected and fairly treated.
All players and parents read and sign the Club Code of Conduct at the commencement of each season. This Code of Conduct is also discussed with players to make it meaningful.
Coaches and the Committee monitor and manage behaviour of players, parents, spectators, and volunteers. Serious breaches of the Code of Conduct are reported to the Club Secretary or Child Safety Officer who will act according to Club, League, and legislative processes.
Coaches and Committee sign an additional Code of Conduct, and compliance is monitored.
Highvale Netball Club has appointed a committee person as the Club’s Child Safety Officer. This person will respond to any concerns expressed by staff, volunteers, parents, carers or children regarding known or suspected abuse of a child connected with the Club. The Child Safety Officer can be contacted via email or the phone number on the club website.
The Child Safety Officer will:
Initiate processes to ensure the safety of the child, and other children.
If necessary, make the report as soon as possible, or support the complainant in making the report as soon as possible.
The Child Safety Officer may also provide support to the accused if they are a club volunteer or staff member.
Work with the appropriate Committee members, club officials, and/or Netball Victoria officials regarding behaviour and/or disciplinary action, if not found to be a Child Protection or Police matter.
Review club policies and practices to minimise risk of future similar events/behaviour.
In addition to general health and safety risks, we proactively manage risks to our children. To reduce the risk of child abuse occurring, adults to whom this policy applies should avoid unsupervised direct contact with children. For example, this should be a consideration when:
Our Child Safe Policy is communicated to all volunteers and staff via our website, and by email to volunteer parents.
Working With Children Checks (WWCC) are mandatory for all Highvale Netball volunteers over the age of 18.
In accordance with Netball Victoria guidelines, the Club will ensure that each volunteer over the age of 18 who seek to hold, or currently hold, a position of responsibility or authority with children, has direct contact with children, or who is otherwise required by law to maintain a valid WWCC, must seek and maintain a valid WWCC.
This policy will be reviewed annually, prior to the commencement of each season, or as required by changes in legislation.
REG NO. A0019001H