If you think a child or young person is at risk of harm from abuse or neglect, contact the Child Protection Helpline on
13 21 11 (open 24 hours/7 day)
13 21 11 (open 24 hours/7 day)
Child Safe Organisation
Woolwich Netball Club is committed to keeping all children safe from harm and as such have adopted a Child Safe Commitment Policy which includes
- adopting Netball NSW Child Safeguarding Policy
- adopting Netball NSW Member Protection Policy
- adopting, implementing, and complying with our: (i) Child Safe Commitment Statement; (ii) Child Safe Practices; and (iii) Recruitment & Screening
Child Safe Commitment Statement
1. CHILD SAFE COMMITMENT STATEMENT
Woolwich Netball Club is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children that are involved in netball in our club. Our policies and procedures seek to address risks to child safety and to establish child safe culture and practices.
1.1 We are committed to keeping children safe
a. Through our Child Safeguarding Policy, we document our clear commitment to keeping children safe from abuse and neglect.
b. We communicate our commitment to all our staff and volunteers and give them access to a copy of this commitment statement.
1.2 We promote equity and respect diversity
a. We actively anticipate children’s diverse circumstances and respond effectively to those with additional vulnerabilities.
b. We give all children access to information, support, and complaints processes.
c. We consider the needs of all children, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children with a disability, LGBTQI children and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
1.3 Our staff and volunteers know the behaviour we expect
a. We ensure that each person involved in our delivery of services to children understands their role and the behaviour we expect in relation to keeping children safe from abuse and neglect through application of our Child Safe Practices.
b. We utilise clear position descriptions which clearly state relevant child safe requirements.
c. Our staff and volunteers are given a copy of and have access to the Child Safe Practices.
d. Our staff and volunteers indicate, in writing, that they have read and are committed to the Child Safe Practices.
e. Our staff and volunteers are aware of their Failure to Report obligations.
1.4 We minimise the likelihood of recruiting a person who is unsuitable
a. We have appropriate measures in place to minimise the likelihood that we will recruit staff or volunteers who are unsuitable to work/volunteer with Children.
b. We will meet the requirements of the NSW Working with Children check laws.
1.5 Induction and training are part of our commitment
a. We will provide all new staff, volunteers, and participants with information about our commitment to Child Safety including Netball NSW Child Safeguarding Policy, Child Safe Practices and Responding to Child Abuse Allegations.
b. We support ongoing education and training for our staff and volunteers to ensure child safety information is provided and updated as required.
c. We ensure that our staff and volunteers have up-to-date information relevant to NSW Child Safety Legislation.
1.6 We encourage the involvement of children and their parents
a. We involve and communicate with children and their families in developing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. We will provide information to children and their carers through our website and …
(i) our commitment to keeping children safe and communicating their rights;
(ii) the behaviour we expect of our staff and volunteers and of themselves;
(iii) our policy about responding to child abuse.
b. We have processes for encouraging two-way communication with children and families.
c. We seek their feedback and have a process for responding.
d. We respect diversity and seek to facilitate effective communication and involvement.
1.7 Our staff and volunteers understand their responsibility for reporting child abuse
a. Our policy for responding to child abuse is approved and endorsed by the Woolwich Netball Club Committee and applies to all our members and volunteers. Members and volunteers must:
(i) immediately report any potential breaches of this policy by any persons involved with our Woolwich Netball Club and/or any concerns with policies, practices or the behaviour of any Woolwich Netball Club/member that they become aware of;
(ii) meet any legislated or other jurisdictional reporting requirements including but not limited to Failure to Report obligations;
(iii) follow a specified process when reporting abuse or neglect.
b. Our volunteers have access to the Complaint Handling Procedures and understand the implications of the policy for their role.
c. We document any allegation, disclosure or concern regarding child abuse and monitor responses to all allegations, disclosures, or concerns.
1.8 We maintain and improve our policies and practices
a. We are committed to maintaining and improving our policies, procedures, and practices to keep children safe from neglect and abuse.
b. We have assigned responsibility for regularly maintaining and improving our policies and procedures to our Policy and Member Protection officer.
c. Woolwich Netball Club monitor their members, volunteers, and external providers to ensure appropriate practice, behaviour and policies are followed.
d. Woolwich Netball Club require their members and volunteers to disclose convictions or charges affecting their suitability to work with Children. Woolwich Netball Club review NSW WWCC checks regularly.
e. We have formally reviewed our service delivery to identify and document potential risks to children.
f. We undertake formal reviews, at least annually, to identify and document potential risks to children associated with our service delivery
Woolwich Netball Club is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children that are involved in netball in our club. Our policies and procedures seek to address risks to child safety and to establish child safe culture and practices.
1.1 We are committed to keeping children safe
a. Through our Child Safeguarding Policy, we document our clear commitment to keeping children safe from abuse and neglect.
b. We communicate our commitment to all our staff and volunteers and give them access to a copy of this commitment statement.
1.2 We promote equity and respect diversity
a. We actively anticipate children’s diverse circumstances and respond effectively to those with additional vulnerabilities.
b. We give all children access to information, support, and complaints processes.
c. We consider the needs of all children, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children with a disability, LGBTQI children and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
1.3 Our staff and volunteers know the behaviour we expect
a. We ensure that each person involved in our delivery of services to children understands their role and the behaviour we expect in relation to keeping children safe from abuse and neglect through application of our Child Safe Practices.
b. We utilise clear position descriptions which clearly state relevant child safe requirements.
c. Our staff and volunteers are given a copy of and have access to the Child Safe Practices.
d. Our staff and volunteers indicate, in writing, that they have read and are committed to the Child Safe Practices.
e. Our staff and volunteers are aware of their Failure to Report obligations.
1.4 We minimise the likelihood of recruiting a person who is unsuitable
a. We have appropriate measures in place to minimise the likelihood that we will recruit staff or volunteers who are unsuitable to work/volunteer with Children.
b. We will meet the requirements of the NSW Working with Children check laws.
1.5 Induction and training are part of our commitment
a. We will provide all new staff, volunteers, and participants with information about our commitment to Child Safety including Netball NSW Child Safeguarding Policy, Child Safe Practices and Responding to Child Abuse Allegations.
b. We support ongoing education and training for our staff and volunteers to ensure child safety information is provided and updated as required.
c. We ensure that our staff and volunteers have up-to-date information relevant to NSW Child Safety Legislation.
1.6 We encourage the involvement of children and their parents
a. We involve and communicate with children and their families in developing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. We will provide information to children and their carers through our website and …
(i) our commitment to keeping children safe and communicating their rights;
(ii) the behaviour we expect of our staff and volunteers and of themselves;
(iii) our policy about responding to child abuse.
b. We have processes for encouraging two-way communication with children and families.
c. We seek their feedback and have a process for responding.
d. We respect diversity and seek to facilitate effective communication and involvement.
1.7 Our staff and volunteers understand their responsibility for reporting child abuse
a. Our policy for responding to child abuse is approved and endorsed by the Woolwich Netball Club Committee and applies to all our members and volunteers. Members and volunteers must:
(i) immediately report any potential breaches of this policy by any persons involved with our Woolwich Netball Club and/or any concerns with policies, practices or the behaviour of any Woolwich Netball Club/member that they become aware of;
(ii) meet any legislated or other jurisdictional reporting requirements including but not limited to Failure to Report obligations;
(iii) follow a specified process when reporting abuse or neglect.
b. Our volunteers have access to the Complaint Handling Procedures and understand the implications of the policy for their role.
c. We document any allegation, disclosure or concern regarding child abuse and monitor responses to all allegations, disclosures, or concerns.
1.8 We maintain and improve our policies and practices
a. We are committed to maintaining and improving our policies, procedures, and practices to keep children safe from neglect and abuse.
b. We have assigned responsibility for regularly maintaining and improving our policies and procedures to our Policy and Member Protection officer.
c. Woolwich Netball Club monitor their members, volunteers, and external providers to ensure appropriate practice, behaviour and policies are followed.
d. Woolwich Netball Club require their members and volunteers to disclose convictions or charges affecting their suitability to work with Children. Woolwich Netball Club review NSW WWCC checks regularly.
e. We have formally reviewed our service delivery to identify and document potential risks to children.
f. We undertake formal reviews, at least annually, to identify and document potential risks to children associated with our service delivery
Child Safe Practices
2. CHILD SAFE PRACTICES
• Woolwich Netball Club is committed to safeguarding everyone involved in our organisation including children in our care, ensuring that they feel and are safe. Woolwich Netball Club Child Safe Practices have been developed to identify and prevent behaviour that may be harmful to the children in our sport.
• A breach of the Child Safe Practices is a breach of Woolwich Netball Club’s adoption of Netball NSW Child Safeguarding Policy and will be managed in accordance with the Complaints Handling Procedures.
• There may be exceptional situations where aspects of the Child Safe Practices do not apply, for example in an emergency it may be appropriate to physically restrain a child. However, it is crucial that, where possible, that an individual seeks authorisation prior to taking action that does not comply with these standards or that you notify Woolwich Netball Club and/or its relevant Affiliate as soon possible after any incident in which these standards are not complied with.
2.1 Sexual misconduct
a. Under no circumstances is any form of ‘sexual behaviour’ to occur between, with, or in the presence of children.
b. ‘Sexual behaviour’ needs to be interpreted widely, to encompass the entire range of actions that would reasonably be considered to be sexual in nature, including but not limited to:
(i) ‘contact behaviour’, such as sexual intercourse, kissing, fondling, sexual penetration or exploiting a child through prostitution; and
(ii) ‘non-contact behaviour’, such as flirting, sexual innuendo, inappropriate text messaging, inappropriate photography or exposure to pornography or nudity.
2.2 Professional boundaries
a. Members, Participants and Woolwich Netball Club Committee members and volunteers must act within the scope of their role when working with children who are involved or have been involved in Netball.
They must not:
(i) provide any form of support to a child or their family unrelated to the scope of their role (e.g. financial assistance, babysitting, provide accommodation), where there is no existing social, personal, or family relationship;
(ii) use personal phone, camera, or video camera to take images of children unless photos are requested for Woolwich Netball Club social media page
(iii) exhibit any type of favouritism towards a child;
(iv) transport children unless specifically approved;
(v) giving gifts/presents to children other than the provision of official awards and end of season gifts, where there is no existing social, personal, or family relationship;
(vi) engage in open discussions of a mature or adult nature in the presence of children;
(vii) discriminate against any child, including on the basis of gender identity, culture, race, or disability;
(viii) have one on one contact with a child outside of authorised sport activities (includes direct contact such as in-person as well as indirect, such as by phone, or online), where there is no existing social, personal, or family relationship; or
(ix) accept an invitation to attend any private social function at the request of a child or
their family, where there is no existing social, personal, or family relationship.
b. If a Committee members, coaches, umpires and other WNC volunteers becomes aware of a situation in which a child requires assistance that is beyond the confines of their role, they should undertake any or all of the following at the earliest opportunity:
(i) refer the matter to NSW Police;
(ii) refer the Child to an appropriate support agency;
(iii) contact the Child’s parent or guardian; or
(iv) seek advice from Woolwich Netball Club and/or the relevant Affiliate.
2.3 Use of language and tone of voice
Language and tone of voice used in the presence of children should:
a. provide clear direction, boost their confidence, encourage, or affirm them;
b. not be harmful to children. In this respect, avoid language that is:
(i) discriminatory, racist, or sexist;
(ii) derogatory, belittling, or negative, for example, by calling a child a ‘loser’ or telling them they are ‘too fat’;
(iii) intended to threaten or frighten; or
(iv) profane or sexual.
2.4 Positive guidance (Discipline)
a. Children participating in Netball will be made aware of the acceptable limits of their behaviour so that we can provide a positive experience for all participants.
b. Captured Entities must appropriate techniques and behaviour management strategies to ensure:
(i) an effective and positive environment; and
(ii) the safety and/or wellbeing of Children, or personnel participating in sport.
c. All Committee members, coaches, umpires and other WNC volunteers must use strategies that are fair, respectful, and appropriate to the developmental stage of the Children involved.
d. Children need to be provided with clear directions and given an opportunity to redirect their misbehaviour in a positive manner.
e. Under no circumstances are Committee members, coaches, umpires and other WNC volunteers to take disciplinary action involving physical punishment or any form of treatment that could reasonably be considered as degrading, cruel, frightening or humiliating.
2.5 Supervision
a. Children participating in Netball Activities must always be supervised. Supervision must be constant, active, and diligent and requires Members and Participants to always be in a position to observe each Child, respond to individual needs, and immediately intervene if
necessary.
b. One-to-one unsupervised situations with Children should be avoided, however some Netball Activities may involve such circumstances (e.g., medicine and physical therapy) and in this case, these situations will need to be identified and recorded by Woolwich Netball Club and/or the
relevant Affiliate.
c. Any incident of one-to-one unsupervised contact should be immediately reported to Woolwich Netball Club within 24 hours of the incident occurring.
2.6 Use of electronic or online communications
a. For any electronic or online communication with Children in Netball we adopt a two-deep model, that is, copy in the organisation and a parent or guardian in all communication
b. When communicating with Children, Committee members, coaches, umpires and other WNC volunteers must ensure content is:
(i) directly associated with delivering our services, such as advising that a scheduled event is cancelled;
(ii) concise with personal or social content limited only to convey the message in a polite and friendly manner;
(iii) devoid of any sexual behaviour; and
(iv) not promoting unauthorised social activity or contact.
2.7 Photographs of Children
a. Woolwich Netball Club requires every person to obtain permission from a Child’s parent or guardian before taking images of a Child that is not their own. They should also make sure the parent/guardian understands how the image will be used.
b. Woolwich Netball Club requires the privacy of others to be respected and prohibits the use of camera phones, videos and cameras inside changing areas, showers and toilets.
c. If any person believes that another person is taking photos that are indecent or inappropriate, they should immediately contact police.
d. In the event that the taking of any images is banned for example due to child custody matters, wards of the state, restraining orders and witness protection, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian or individual to notify Woolwich Netball Club including where appropriate the provision of a confidential copy of the order. In such cases Woolwich Netball Club will use its best endeavours to prevent the taking of such images.
e. Woolwich Netball Club will not name or identify any Child or publish any personal information such as residential address, email address or telephone numbers without written approval from the Child’s parent or guardian.
f. Woolwich Netball Club will not provide or publish to any person or organisation information about a Child’s hobbies, interests, school etc.
g. Woolwich Netball Club will only use appropriate images of a Child, relevant to Netball and depicting the Child suitably clothed in a manner that promotes participation in Netball. Wherever possible, Woolwich Netball Club will seek permission from a Child’s parent or guardian before using the image.
h. Images (digital and hardcopy) will be stored in a manner that prevents unauthorised access by others and will be destroyed or deleted as soon as they are no longer required.
2.8 Physical contact with Children
a. Any physical contact with Children must be appropriate to the delivery of Netball Activities and based on the needs of the Child such as assisting with the use of equipment, technique, treatment by a health practitioner or administrating first aid.
b. Under no circumstances should any person have contact with Children participating in Netball Activities that:
(i) involves touching of genitals, buttocks, or the breast area other than as part of delivering medical or allied health services;
(ii) would appear to a reasonable observer to have a sexual connotation;
(iii) is intended to cause pain or distress to the Child (e.g. corporal punishment);
(iv) is overly physical (e.g. wrestling, horseplay, tickling or other roughhousing);
(v) is unnecessary (e.g. assisting with toileting when a Child does not require assistance); or
(vi) is initiated against the wishes of the Child, except if such contact may be necessary to prevent injury to the Child or to others, in which case:
• physical restraint should be a last resort;
• the level of force used must be appropriate to the specific circumstances, and aimed solely at restraining the Child to prevent harm to themselves or others; and
• the incident must be reported to Woolwich Netball Club as soon as possible.
c. Committee members, coaches, umpires and other WNC volunteers are required to report to Woolwich Netball Club any physical contact initiated by a Child that is sexualised and/or inappropriate, for example, acts of physical aggression, as soon as possible, to enable the situation to be managed in the interests of the safety of the Child and all Committee members, coaches, umpires and other WNC volunteers.
2.9 Change room arrangements
a. Children should be supervised in change rooms whilst ensuring their right to privacy.
b. A minimum of two Members or Participants of the same gender as the group should always be present.
c. Members or Participants must not shower or change at the same time as supervising groups of children.
d. Members or Participants must avoid one-to-one situations with a child in a change room area.
e. Members or Participants need to ensure adequate supervision in ‘public’ change rooms when they are used, providing the level of supervision required for preventing abuse by members of the public, adult users, or general misbehaviour, while also respecting a Child’s
privacy.
f. Phones, cameras and recording devices are not to be used in changing rooms and in particular whilst Children are getting dressed, showering or using toilets.
2.11 Use of, possession or supply of alcohol or drugs Members or Participants, whilst responsible for the care of Children, must not:
a. use, possess or be under the influence of an illicit drug;
b. use or be under the influence of alcohol;
c. be incapacitated by any other legal drug such as prescription or over-the-counter drugs;
d. supply alcohol or drugs (including tobacco) to a Child;
e. supply medicines, except with the consent of the parent, guardian, or carer of the Child and under a valid prescription for that Child and at the prescribed dosage.
2.10 Parent/Guardian Involvement
Committee members, coaches, umpires and other WNC volunteers must:
a. ensure that a parent/guardian is involved in any significant decision, including the signing of any documentation in relation to their Child’s involvement in Netball.
b. conduct all Netball Activities in open locations and allow parents/guardians to watch their Children during Netball Activities.
c. make parents/guardians aware of the standard of behaviour required when watching their Child during Netball Activities.
2.11 Drop off and Pick up of Children
Woolwich Netball Club must:
a. ensure Children and their parents or guardians know the time and location of Netball Activities, including start and finish times.
b. arrive before scheduled practice or game times to ensure that Children are not left unattended.
c. have an accessible register of parent and guardian emergency contact numbers and an operational phone.
d. ensure they are aware of alternative pick up arrangements for Children and that the parent or guardian has provided consent.
e. ensure that if a parent or guardian is late, they make reasonable attempts to contact them. It is not the responsibility of a Captured Entity to transport Children home if their parent or guardian is late for pick up.
f. not leave the training or match until all Children have been collected by their parents and guardians.
• Woolwich Netball Club is committed to safeguarding everyone involved in our organisation including children in our care, ensuring that they feel and are safe. Woolwich Netball Club Child Safe Practices have been developed to identify and prevent behaviour that may be harmful to the children in our sport.
• A breach of the Child Safe Practices is a breach of Woolwich Netball Club’s adoption of Netball NSW Child Safeguarding Policy and will be managed in accordance with the Complaints Handling Procedures.
• There may be exceptional situations where aspects of the Child Safe Practices do not apply, for example in an emergency it may be appropriate to physically restrain a child. However, it is crucial that, where possible, that an individual seeks authorisation prior to taking action that does not comply with these standards or that you notify Woolwich Netball Club and/or its relevant Affiliate as soon possible after any incident in which these standards are not complied with.
2.1 Sexual misconduct
a. Under no circumstances is any form of ‘sexual behaviour’ to occur between, with, or in the presence of children.
b. ‘Sexual behaviour’ needs to be interpreted widely, to encompass the entire range of actions that would reasonably be considered to be sexual in nature, including but not limited to:
(i) ‘contact behaviour’, such as sexual intercourse, kissing, fondling, sexual penetration or exploiting a child through prostitution; and
(ii) ‘non-contact behaviour’, such as flirting, sexual innuendo, inappropriate text messaging, inappropriate photography or exposure to pornography or nudity.
2.2 Professional boundaries
a. Members, Participants and Woolwich Netball Club Committee members and volunteers must act within the scope of their role when working with children who are involved or have been involved in Netball.
They must not:
(i) provide any form of support to a child or their family unrelated to the scope of their role (e.g. financial assistance, babysitting, provide accommodation), where there is no existing social, personal, or family relationship;
(ii) use personal phone, camera, or video camera to take images of children unless photos are requested for Woolwich Netball Club social media page
(iii) exhibit any type of favouritism towards a child;
(iv) transport children unless specifically approved;
(v) giving gifts/presents to children other than the provision of official awards and end of season gifts, where there is no existing social, personal, or family relationship;
(vi) engage in open discussions of a mature or adult nature in the presence of children;
(vii) discriminate against any child, including on the basis of gender identity, culture, race, or disability;
(viii) have one on one contact with a child outside of authorised sport activities (includes direct contact such as in-person as well as indirect, such as by phone, or online), where there is no existing social, personal, or family relationship; or
(ix) accept an invitation to attend any private social function at the request of a child or
their family, where there is no existing social, personal, or family relationship.
b. If a Committee members, coaches, umpires and other WNC volunteers becomes aware of a situation in which a child requires assistance that is beyond the confines of their role, they should undertake any or all of the following at the earliest opportunity:
(i) refer the matter to NSW Police;
(ii) refer the Child to an appropriate support agency;
(iii) contact the Child’s parent or guardian; or
(iv) seek advice from Woolwich Netball Club and/or the relevant Affiliate.
2.3 Use of language and tone of voice
Language and tone of voice used in the presence of children should:
a. provide clear direction, boost their confidence, encourage, or affirm them;
b. not be harmful to children. In this respect, avoid language that is:
(i) discriminatory, racist, or sexist;
(ii) derogatory, belittling, or negative, for example, by calling a child a ‘loser’ or telling them they are ‘too fat’;
(iii) intended to threaten or frighten; or
(iv) profane or sexual.
2.4 Positive guidance (Discipline)
a. Children participating in Netball will be made aware of the acceptable limits of their behaviour so that we can provide a positive experience for all participants.
b. Captured Entities must appropriate techniques and behaviour management strategies to ensure:
(i) an effective and positive environment; and
(ii) the safety and/or wellbeing of Children, or personnel participating in sport.
c. All Committee members, coaches, umpires and other WNC volunteers must use strategies that are fair, respectful, and appropriate to the developmental stage of the Children involved.
d. Children need to be provided with clear directions and given an opportunity to redirect their misbehaviour in a positive manner.
e. Under no circumstances are Committee members, coaches, umpires and other WNC volunteers to take disciplinary action involving physical punishment or any form of treatment that could reasonably be considered as degrading, cruel, frightening or humiliating.
2.5 Supervision
a. Children participating in Netball Activities must always be supervised. Supervision must be constant, active, and diligent and requires Members and Participants to always be in a position to observe each Child, respond to individual needs, and immediately intervene if
necessary.
b. One-to-one unsupervised situations with Children should be avoided, however some Netball Activities may involve such circumstances (e.g., medicine and physical therapy) and in this case, these situations will need to be identified and recorded by Woolwich Netball Club and/or the
relevant Affiliate.
c. Any incident of one-to-one unsupervised contact should be immediately reported to Woolwich Netball Club within 24 hours of the incident occurring.
2.6 Use of electronic or online communications
a. For any electronic or online communication with Children in Netball we adopt a two-deep model, that is, copy in the organisation and a parent or guardian in all communication
b. When communicating with Children, Committee members, coaches, umpires and other WNC volunteers must ensure content is:
(i) directly associated with delivering our services, such as advising that a scheduled event is cancelled;
(ii) concise with personal or social content limited only to convey the message in a polite and friendly manner;
(iii) devoid of any sexual behaviour; and
(iv) not promoting unauthorised social activity or contact.
2.7 Photographs of Children
a. Woolwich Netball Club requires every person to obtain permission from a Child’s parent or guardian before taking images of a Child that is not their own. They should also make sure the parent/guardian understands how the image will be used.
b. Woolwich Netball Club requires the privacy of others to be respected and prohibits the use of camera phones, videos and cameras inside changing areas, showers and toilets.
c. If any person believes that another person is taking photos that are indecent or inappropriate, they should immediately contact police.
d. In the event that the taking of any images is banned for example due to child custody matters, wards of the state, restraining orders and witness protection, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian or individual to notify Woolwich Netball Club including where appropriate the provision of a confidential copy of the order. In such cases Woolwich Netball Club will use its best endeavours to prevent the taking of such images.
e. Woolwich Netball Club will not name or identify any Child or publish any personal information such as residential address, email address or telephone numbers without written approval from the Child’s parent or guardian.
f. Woolwich Netball Club will not provide or publish to any person or organisation information about a Child’s hobbies, interests, school etc.
g. Woolwich Netball Club will only use appropriate images of a Child, relevant to Netball and depicting the Child suitably clothed in a manner that promotes participation in Netball. Wherever possible, Woolwich Netball Club will seek permission from a Child’s parent or guardian before using the image.
h. Images (digital and hardcopy) will be stored in a manner that prevents unauthorised access by others and will be destroyed or deleted as soon as they are no longer required.
2.8 Physical contact with Children
a. Any physical contact with Children must be appropriate to the delivery of Netball Activities and based on the needs of the Child such as assisting with the use of equipment, technique, treatment by a health practitioner or administrating first aid.
b. Under no circumstances should any person have contact with Children participating in Netball Activities that:
(i) involves touching of genitals, buttocks, or the breast area other than as part of delivering medical or allied health services;
(ii) would appear to a reasonable observer to have a sexual connotation;
(iii) is intended to cause pain or distress to the Child (e.g. corporal punishment);
(iv) is overly physical (e.g. wrestling, horseplay, tickling or other roughhousing);
(v) is unnecessary (e.g. assisting with toileting when a Child does not require assistance); or
(vi) is initiated against the wishes of the Child, except if such contact may be necessary to prevent injury to the Child or to others, in which case:
• physical restraint should be a last resort;
• the level of force used must be appropriate to the specific circumstances, and aimed solely at restraining the Child to prevent harm to themselves or others; and
• the incident must be reported to Woolwich Netball Club as soon as possible.
c. Committee members, coaches, umpires and other WNC volunteers are required to report to Woolwich Netball Club any physical contact initiated by a Child that is sexualised and/or inappropriate, for example, acts of physical aggression, as soon as possible, to enable the situation to be managed in the interests of the safety of the Child and all Committee members, coaches, umpires and other WNC volunteers.
2.9 Change room arrangements
a. Children should be supervised in change rooms whilst ensuring their right to privacy.
b. A minimum of two Members or Participants of the same gender as the group should always be present.
c. Members or Participants must not shower or change at the same time as supervising groups of children.
d. Members or Participants must avoid one-to-one situations with a child in a change room area.
e. Members or Participants need to ensure adequate supervision in ‘public’ change rooms when they are used, providing the level of supervision required for preventing abuse by members of the public, adult users, or general misbehaviour, while also respecting a Child’s
privacy.
f. Phones, cameras and recording devices are not to be used in changing rooms and in particular whilst Children are getting dressed, showering or using toilets.
2.11 Use of, possession or supply of alcohol or drugs Members or Participants, whilst responsible for the care of Children, must not:
a. use, possess or be under the influence of an illicit drug;
b. use or be under the influence of alcohol;
c. be incapacitated by any other legal drug such as prescription or over-the-counter drugs;
d. supply alcohol or drugs (including tobacco) to a Child;
e. supply medicines, except with the consent of the parent, guardian, or carer of the Child and under a valid prescription for that Child and at the prescribed dosage.
2.10 Parent/Guardian Involvement
Committee members, coaches, umpires and other WNC volunteers must:
a. ensure that a parent/guardian is involved in any significant decision, including the signing of any documentation in relation to their Child’s involvement in Netball.
b. conduct all Netball Activities in open locations and allow parents/guardians to watch their Children during Netball Activities.
c. make parents/guardians aware of the standard of behaviour required when watching their Child during Netball Activities.
2.11 Drop off and Pick up of Children
Woolwich Netball Club must:
a. ensure Children and their parents or guardians know the time and location of Netball Activities, including start and finish times.
b. arrive before scheduled practice or game times to ensure that Children are not left unattended.
c. have an accessible register of parent and guardian emergency contact numbers and an operational phone.
d. ensure they are aware of alternative pick up arrangements for Children and that the parent or guardian has provided consent.
e. ensure that if a parent or guardian is late, they make reasonable attempts to contact them. It is not the responsibility of a Captured Entity to transport Children home if their parent or guardian is late for pick up.
f. not leave the training or match until all Children have been collected by their parents and guardians.
Child Protection Policy
Introduction
As a child safe organisation, our club is committed to providing an environment that fosters health, development, self-respect, and dignity, that is free from violence and exploitation. Under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, children and young people must receive the care and protection necessary to ensure their safety, welfare, and wellbeing. We are committed to ensuring all educators and staff have a full understanding of their responsibilities in regards to reporting concerns of risk of significant harm to children.
‘At risk of significant harm’ - in relation to a child or young person means that there are current concerns for their safety, welfare, or wellbeing because of the presence to a significant extent of any one or more of the following circumstances:
• The child’s or young person’s basic physical or psychological needs are not being met or at risk of not being met;
• The parents or other caregivers have not arranged and are unable or unwilling to arrange for the child or young person to receive medical care;
• In the case of a child or young person who is required to attend school in accordance with the Education Act 1990 - the parents or other caregivers have not arranged and are unable or unwilling to arrange for the child or young person to receive and education in accordance with that Act;
• The child or young person has been, or is at risk of being, physically or sexually abused or ill-treated;
• The child or young person is living in a household where there have been incidents of domestic violence and, as a consequence, the child or young person is at risk of serious physical or psychological harm;
• A parent or other caregiver has behaved in such a way towards the child or young person that the child or young person has suffered or is at risk of suffering serious psychological harm; or
• The child was the subject of a pre-natal report under section 25 of the Children and Young Persons Care and Protection Act 1998 and the birth mother of the child did not engage successfully with the support services to eliminate, or minimise to the lowest level reasonably practical, the risk factors that gave rise to the report. (Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 No 157, Chapter 3, Part 2, Section 23)
Any such circumstances may relate to a single act or omission or to a series of acts or omissions.
‘Reasonable grounds’ - means that you suspect a child may be at risk of significant harm based on:
• Your observations of the child, young person, or family; or
• What the child, young person, parent, or another person has told you. You are NOT required to confirm your suspicions or have clear proof before making a report. To do so may interfere with evidence or compromise the work of statutory agencies, for example the Police or Department of Communities and Justice.
Strategies
Woolwich Netball Club will:
• ensure a Member Protection Officer is on the Woolwich Netball Committee to oversee the Child Safe Commitment of our Club
• Ensure that committee members, umpires, managers and coaches provide a Working with children check to the club which will be verified by the Member Protection Officer
• Any person whose working with children check has been disqualified as a result of failing to qualify for a working with children check renewal, will be unable to continue in their position until it is verified. This check is verified when renewed;
• Provide all new staff, volunteers, and participants with information about our commitment to Child Safety including Netball NSW Child Safeguarding Policy, Child Safe Practices and Responding to Child Abuse Allegations
• The Member Protection Officer will notify the police and the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian
• Any incident where the any employee reasonably believes that physical abuse or sexual abuse of a child or children has occurred or is occurring while the child is, or the children are being educated and cared for by the education and care service;
• Allegations that physical or sexual abuse of a child or children has occurred or is occurring while the child is or the children are engaged in Netball Activities
• Orientate every working and volunteering adult to this child protection policy, and ensure their regular review of these;
• Support members to seek assistance from external sources where there are language/cultural issues that may hinder communication between Woolwich Netball Club and family.
• Provide socially responsive environments where children will know that their questions and concerns are listened to.
• Ensure children are adequately supervised when engaged in netball activities including ensuring children go to the bathroom in pairs during training sessions
• Make reports of current concerns for any child at risk of significant harm to the Child Protection Helpline
• Make appropriate responses to all disclosures of abuse and any allegation of abuse against members of the service.
• Display the Child Protection Helpline number (132 111) on the Woolwich Netball Club Member Protection Page
• Ensure all child protection information remains confidential at all times.
• Provide access to Responding to Child Abuse Allegations for members to follow
As a child safe organisation, our club is committed to providing an environment that fosters health, development, self-respect, and dignity, that is free from violence and exploitation. Under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, children and young people must receive the care and protection necessary to ensure their safety, welfare, and wellbeing. We are committed to ensuring all educators and staff have a full understanding of their responsibilities in regards to reporting concerns of risk of significant harm to children.
‘At risk of significant harm’ - in relation to a child or young person means that there are current concerns for their safety, welfare, or wellbeing because of the presence to a significant extent of any one or more of the following circumstances:
• The child’s or young person’s basic physical or psychological needs are not being met or at risk of not being met;
• The parents or other caregivers have not arranged and are unable or unwilling to arrange for the child or young person to receive medical care;
• In the case of a child or young person who is required to attend school in accordance with the Education Act 1990 - the parents or other caregivers have not arranged and are unable or unwilling to arrange for the child or young person to receive and education in accordance with that Act;
• The child or young person has been, or is at risk of being, physically or sexually abused or ill-treated;
• The child or young person is living in a household where there have been incidents of domestic violence and, as a consequence, the child or young person is at risk of serious physical or psychological harm;
• A parent or other caregiver has behaved in such a way towards the child or young person that the child or young person has suffered or is at risk of suffering serious psychological harm; or
• The child was the subject of a pre-natal report under section 25 of the Children and Young Persons Care and Protection Act 1998 and the birth mother of the child did not engage successfully with the support services to eliminate, or minimise to the lowest level reasonably practical, the risk factors that gave rise to the report. (Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 No 157, Chapter 3, Part 2, Section 23)
Any such circumstances may relate to a single act or omission or to a series of acts or omissions.
‘Reasonable grounds’ - means that you suspect a child may be at risk of significant harm based on:
• Your observations of the child, young person, or family; or
• What the child, young person, parent, or another person has told you. You are NOT required to confirm your suspicions or have clear proof before making a report. To do so may interfere with evidence or compromise the work of statutory agencies, for example the Police or Department of Communities and Justice.
Strategies
Woolwich Netball Club will:
• ensure a Member Protection Officer is on the Woolwich Netball Committee to oversee the Child Safe Commitment of our Club
• Ensure that committee members, umpires, managers and coaches provide a Working with children check to the club which will be verified by the Member Protection Officer
• Any person whose working with children check has been disqualified as a result of failing to qualify for a working with children check renewal, will be unable to continue in their position until it is verified. This check is verified when renewed;
• Provide all new staff, volunteers, and participants with information about our commitment to Child Safety including Netball NSW Child Safeguarding Policy, Child Safe Practices and Responding to Child Abuse Allegations
• The Member Protection Officer will notify the police and the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian
• Any incident where the any employee reasonably believes that physical abuse or sexual abuse of a child or children has occurred or is occurring while the child is, or the children are being educated and cared for by the education and care service;
• Allegations that physical or sexual abuse of a child or children has occurred or is occurring while the child is or the children are engaged in Netball Activities
• Orientate every working and volunteering adult to this child protection policy, and ensure their regular review of these;
• Support members to seek assistance from external sources where there are language/cultural issues that may hinder communication between Woolwich Netball Club and family.
• Provide socially responsive environments where children will know that their questions and concerns are listened to.
• Ensure children are adequately supervised when engaged in netball activities including ensuring children go to the bathroom in pairs during training sessions
• Make reports of current concerns for any child at risk of significant harm to the Child Protection Helpline
• Make appropriate responses to all disclosures of abuse and any allegation of abuse against members of the service.
• Display the Child Protection Helpline number (132 111) on the Woolwich Netball Club Member Protection Page
• Ensure all child protection information remains confidential at all times.
• Provide access to Responding to Child Abuse Allegations for members to follow