Hoopstars Inc.

Child Protection Policy – Effective 24 Aug 2007

Children have a fundamental right to be safe from any form of abuse while involved in sport or associated activities.

Child abuse is illegal in all states and territories of Australia, with each having their own laws that cover the reporting and investigation of cases of child abuse.  There are responsibilities and requirements under child protection legislation for organisations and individuals that work or have contact with children.

Child protection legislation makes it mandatory for sporting organisations and individuals involved in sport, as a paid employee or a volunteer, to meet certain requirements.  Legislation exists in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, while Victoria, Tasmania and Northern Territory are in the draft stage.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Code of conduct

·        Players

·        Parents

·        Coaches

Responsibilities of Managers and Coaches.

Child protection representative position description.

Disclosure of harm policy.

Blue card register.

WHO MUST COMPLY?

·        Volunteers

·        Employees

·        All Staff

·        Parents/Care givers

·        Children and Young People

·        Contractors

·        All club members

POLICY.

It is the policy of this club to ensure that children are at all times treated and regarded in a proper caring and respectful manner.  This policy promotes and enhances the safety and welfare of children.

PROCEDURE.

All volunteers need to have, or applied for, a positive notice for working with children (blue card) from the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYP).  This card is to be sighted by the Child protection representative of the club and entered on the club blue card register.  An authority to validate form must be filled in for current blue cared holders.

Codes of conduct must be adhered to at all times.

Coaches and managers must comply with there responsibilities listed.

MONITORING

Club shall nominate a child protection representative who will monitor policies and procedures and blue card compliance.  All information regarding compliance or non-compliance shall be passed onto the club president in writing.

BREACHES

Any breaches of the code of conduct or policies will be reported to the Child protection representative as soon as possible.

Consequences of breach’s are:

·        1^st breach    Warning

·        2^nd breach   Suspension

·        3^rd breach    Cancellation of membership

Any discrepancies to these consequences are to be addressed with the executive committee in writing who shall have the final say.

EVALUATION

Policy to be reviewed annually.