Member Protection Resources
Member Protection
A Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) provides information about the rights, responsibilities and options available to an individual making a complaint in sport. They can also inform and advise sport administrators and complaint handlers in Member Protection Policy for specific sports. MPIOs are impartial and don’t mediate or investigate complaints. They may reside in a club, state association or national sports organisation and can also freelance.
Click here for more information on how to become a Member Protection Information Officer.
Child Safety & Protection
Sport NSW are committed to safeguarding children and young people in sport and recreation. Protecting children from abuse and harm in sport is a priority in which all sporting organisations, their staff members and volunteers have a vital role to play in. When addressing child safety, it is important to understand the legal requirements highlighted by the Royal Commission that applies to all sporting organisations from grassroots clubs to National Sporting Organisations. Sport NSW works in conjunction with the NSW Office of Sport, NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian and Play by the Rules to assist in creating a child safe sport in NSW.
This webpage will provide information and further links on how to develop a child safe culture within your organisation and the required procedures and policies to prevent and respond to allegations of child abuse.
Working With Children Check (WWCC)
A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is mandatory for people who work or volunteer in child-related work in NSW. The process includes a national criminal history check and review of findings of workplace misconduct. Applications for the WWCC can be made here.
Support and Additional Resources
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NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian The Royal Commission recommended 10 child safe standards, drawing on its findings and extensive research and consultation about what makes organisations child safe. These standards below come with core components to help your organisation implement each standard. A Guide to the Child Safe Standards (PDF 7.4MB) Click here for eLearning, webinars and face-to-face training, resources, Child Safe Standards, information for parents and requests for training. |
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Office of Sport These standards developed by Australia’s Royal Commission provides a framework for creating a child safe organisation. The standards target Leadership and Culture, Involvement of Children and Young People, Policies and Procedures, Human Resources, Complaints, Training and Education, Environments and Equity. Developed using materials from the Office of the Children’s Guardian, the Child Safe Sport workshop targets club committees, administrators and volunteers. The workshop is free of charge and provides practical ways to assist clubs to protect children and also provides an overview of Working with Children Check responsibilities. Participants will also learn about useful resources, tools, templates and tips to assist them in safeguarding children in sport. |
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Play by The Rules Child Protection Online Course This course is a free, interactive online training course suitable for coaches, administrators, officials, players, parents and spectators. Through interactive technology, case studies and practical scenarios you will learn what child abuse is, your rights and responsibilities under child protection laws, how the laws apply to sporting organisations, clubs, their employees and volunteers, when, where and how to report incidents, and how to establish a welcoming and inclusive environment at your club or organisation. |
Mandatory Reporting
If an individual witnesses or suspects, on reasonable grounds, that a child or young person is at risk of harm, they should report it to the Child protection Helpline on 132 111.
If the child is in immediate danger or in a life-threatening situation, the NSW Police should be contacted immediately on 000.
Further Contacts
Sport NSW (02) 8736 1239
Working With Children Check Service Team (02) 8736 1239
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (free)
Mental Health and Well-being
Sport NSW places the mental health and well-being of all its members as top priority whether it be on or off the field. If you or someone you know need to reach out and seek support, Sport NSW advises contacting either Beyond Blue or Sports Chaplaincy Australia for help. The links are provided below.
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Beyond Blue |
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Sport Chaplaincy Australia |