1. Purpose
Gympie Hammers Rugby Union Club (“the Club”) is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our sport. This policy outlines our commitment to providing a safe environment and ensuring that all children are protected from harm, abuse, and neglect. It aligns with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework.
2. Commitment to Child Safety
The Club:
- Has a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and neglect.
- Actively works to create an inclusive, supportive, and child-friendly environment.
- Encourages participation by children, families, and the community in ensuring a child-safe culture.
- Implements rigorous policies and procedures to prevent and respond to any risks to child safety.
3. National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
The Club adheres to the following principles:
- Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in leadership, governance, and culture.
- Children and young people are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them, and are taken seriously.
- Families and communities are involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
- Equity is upheld, and diverse needs are respected.
- People working with children are suitable and supported.
- Processes for responding to complaints and concerns are child-focused.
- Staff and volunteers are equipped with knowledge, skills, and awareness to keep children safe.
- Physical and online environments promote safety and minimise risk.
- Implementation of child-safe policies and procedures is continuously reviewed and improved.
- Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children.
4. Screening and Recruitment
- All coaches, managers, volunteers, and committee members working with children must hold a valid Working with Children Check (Blue Card) as required by Queensland law.
- The Club will conduct reference checks where appropriate and require adherence to our Child Safe Code of Conduct.
5. Child Safe Code of Conduct
All Club personnel must:
- Prioritise the safety and welfare of children.
- Treat all children with respect and dignity.
- Listen to and value children’s ideas and concerns.
- Use appropriate language and interactions.
- Report any concerns of child abuse or neglect immediately.
6. Reporting and Responding to Concerns
- The Club has a clear process for reporting child safety concerns, which includes notifying relevant authorities where necessary.
- Any concerns, allegations, or breaches of this policy must be reported to the Club’s Child Safety Officer or relevant committee member.
- Confidentiality and respect will be maintained throughout the reporting process.
7. Risk Management
- The Club actively assesses risks related to child safety in both physical and online environments.
- All Club activities are planned and conducted with child safety in mind.
8. Education and Awareness
- The Club provides ongoing training to coaches, volunteers, and members about child safety responsibilities.
- Child safety information is available to parents, carers, and young players.
9. Review and Compliance
- This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure effectiveness and compliance with child safety standards.
- Any updates to legislation or best practices will be incorporated into Club policies and procedures.
10. Contact Information
For any child safety concerns or further information, please contact the Gympie Hammers Rugby Union Club.
Last updated: January 2025
RUGBY AUSTRALIA POLICIES & GUIDELINES
Gympie Hammers Rugby Union Club uses these Rugby Australia policies and guidelines as a guide only and to the extent that it conflicts, or is inconsistent, with and Australian law or Gympie Hammers Rugby Union Club policy, that law or policy takes precedence.