MEMBER PROTECTION & CHILD PROTECTION
MEMBER PROTECTION TRAINING COURSES
FOOTBALL NSW MPIO TRAINING COURSE - Course closed now fully booked
The Football NSW MPIO course being held on Wed 4 August 2010 is now fully booked.
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MPIO COURSE - Central Coast - 17 August 2010
NSW Sport & Recreation are currently offering an MPIO Course at it's Ourimbah Campus on the Central Coast of NSW on Tuesday 17 August 2010 from 6pm to 10pm. Cost is $75.00 per person. Enquiries and Registration Click Here
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FREE CHILD PROTECTION COURSE - Central Coast - 9 September 2010
This course is being offered by NSW Sport & Recreation at it's Ourimbah Campus on 9 September 2010 from 6pm to 9pm. Cost is free. Enquiries & Registration click here
CHILD PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, BRANCHES, FUTSAL AND REFEREE BRANCHES
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Quick link to Working With Children Check FORMS
Quick link to Working with Children Check GUIDELINES
Quick link to Printable full version of WWCC Guidelines
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All Clubs, Associations, Branches, Futsal clubs and Referee Branches are required to:
1. Have an identified Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO)
2. Be registered with CCYP as a child related employer Registration form
3. Volunteers must sign a Volunteer Declaration (click here for printable version)
NOTE: All volunteers who work with or supervise children (U18) must sign this form. The form should be completed on line, then printed and signed and handed to the club/assoc/Ref Branch. If they cannot complete on-line then a printable version is available. Volunteer forms must be kept by the employer (Club/Assoc/Referee Br.) in a secure place for 3 years from date of signing. Failure to produce a form when requested can result in penalties for breach of the Child Protection Act.
4. Paid employees must sign a Declaration & Consent form (click here for printable version)
NOTE: All paid employees who work with or supervise children (U18) must sign this form. This includes paid persons at clubs and associations and referees who are remunerated for their services. Forms must be printed and then signed by the employee to be valid. The form is then used by the employer to background check the employee. (see 5. Check below). These forms must be held in a secure place for 2 years after the person has ceased their employment.
5. Background Check - the employer conducts a check on the paid employee by completing the Request Background Check form (click here for printable version) and then sending the form and the Declaration & Consent form signed by the employee to Communities NSW CCYP for checking. Fax to (02) 9286 7201 or scan and Email to: check@kids.nsw.gov.au
NOTE: The CCYP will check the employee/applicant for any records and suitability to work with children and then issue the employer with a clearance to employ that person. Allow up to 10 days for this process, longer if the person was born overseas.
ADDITIONAL MANDATORY CHILD PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
6. Self Employed persons who work for your organisation or are invited to coach at your club should be asked to show you their Self Employed Child Protection Certificate. If the self employed person does not have a Self Employed Child Protection Certificate then you should ask them to obtain one before they work at your club.
For more information click here
7. Respond to complaints - The employer (your organisation) is responsible for responding to complaints of child abuse, either directly at a child or in the presence of children, that are reported to have occurred within their organisation and which are alleged to have been committed by your employee (volunteer/paid).
Click here for Reportable offences
Refer page 12 of the Working with children check guidelines.
For information and resources to assist in managing complaints click here
8. Report Relevant Employment Proceedings (volunteers or paid persons) The employer (your organisation) is required to report any relevant employment proceedings (suspension/sacking etc) applied to a volunteer or paid employee as a result of any act of violence in the presence of a child or where an act of violence was committed towards a child, adult or other person in the presence of a child by an employee (volunteer or paid person) whilst in your employment.
Click here for Reportable Offences
Refer page 12 of the Working with children check guidelines for information about your reporting obligations.
For more information click here
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What forms to people have to sign?
Volunteers who work with children - sign a Volunteer Declaration
Paid employees - sign a Declaration & Consent form
Q. How long does the club keep the forms for?
All forms should be kept in a secure place for 3 years from date of signing.
Q. What if someone who is self employed comes to coach or work at our club?
Your club should request the person provide a copy of their Certificate for Self Employed People before they are allowed to coach, supervise or work with children.
Q. Why do people have to sign the forms?
People are not permitted to volunteer or work with children if they have not signed the appropriate forms. It is a legal requirement under the Working With Children Check Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998 and the Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998. The forms help prevent known child offenders from working in a sport in a voluntary or paid capacity.
Q. What if a person refuses to sign a form?
They cannot be offered a position or allowed to volunteer or work with children.
You cannot make a person sign a form or ask why a person refuses to sign a form but they cannot volunteer or work with children if they have not signed the appropriate form.
Q. Do adult players have to sign a form if there is a person U18 in the team?
No, players do not sign the WWCC forms as they are not employed to work with or volunteer to work with children or directly supervise children. The club and team officials however should be mindful of the varying ages of their players and ensure they are appropriatetly supervised and that younger players are not subjected to inappropriate behaviours by other players in the team.
Q. Do committee members or canteen managers sign the forms?
Yes, where there are juniors players (U18) at a club the committee/canteen manager should sign an appropriate WWCC form as these people would be considered to be in a supervisory position or position of authority. They would sign the Volunteer Declaration or Declaration and Consent form if they are paid.
Q. What if I see someone physically abuse or hurt a child but that person is not an employee or volunteer at the club?
This offence can be reported to the Child Protection hotline on 132 111 (24 hrs). If the offender is a member of the club then the club can take disciplinary action as the abuse of children is unacceptable. The club can also report the incident to the Child Protection hotline on 132 111. Reports to the hotline can be made in person or anonymously. For more information click here
NOTE: The club does not submit this incident as a reportable offence under the Working With Children Check as the WWCC reportable offences only apply to volunteers and paid people who work at the club.
WORKING WITH KIDS SEMINARS
The Working With Kids Seminars are conducted by Football NSW to improve coach and manager behaviour in state and representative level youth football and to assist coaches and mangers in better understanding their responsibilities when working with children.
The seminars outline the importance of providing a safe and enjoyable environment and provide information about acceptable behaviour, unacceptable behaviour, codes of conduct, child protection, investigations and tribunals, reportable offences, penalties and common issues.
Information and reference materials are also provided to assist with working with children, dealing with difficult parents, common problems and frequently asked questions. Information about free on-line child protection training at www.playbytherules.net.au is also provided and encouraged.
The pre-season seminars are now completed however more seminars are proposed for regional NSW.
Enquires: E-mail michelle@footballnsw.com.au or phone 8814 4402.
Football NSW acknowledges NSW Sport & Recreation in support of the Working With Kids Seminars series 2010,
MEMBER PROTECTION
Member Protection is important in providing a safe sporting environment and relates to issues including harassment, abuse, victimisation, racial vilification and child protection.
A key initiative of Football NSW is the requirement for all clubs, associations and referee branches to have a dedicated Member Protection Information Officer.
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THE ROLE OF THE MPIO
The MPIO at your club is the first point of contact and is a sounding board for anyone with a member protection concern. An MPIO can offer information on complaint resolution and policies but does not offer advice and does not investigate complaints.
Clik here for Role of the Member Protection Information Officer
It is the responsibility of the club or association to decide who invesigates complaints. The MPIO should remain neutral and be a good listener and communicator.
MPIO TRAINING
1: On-Line Training
As a minimum all MPIO’s should complete the NSW Child Protection and Harrassment & Discrimination training on-line at www.playbytherules.net.au and refer to the information, scenarios and video’s available at this website. The training is free and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
To complete the on-line training:
Step1: Go to http://www.playbytherules.net.au/online-learning
Step 2: Register as a new user and proceed to the On-line Training page
Step 3: Select a course. It is recommended that you complete Child Protection NSW for Coaches and Officials and also the Harassment and Discrimination course.
Step 4: Complete each course, assessment and then the review, then save and print the Course Certificate. Retain the original certificate for your resume as proof of doing the course.
2: Accredited Training
It is advisable that MPIO's also complete the Australian Sports Commission Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) Course. This course is currently available through two providers:
1: NSW Sports Federation www.sportnsw.com.au
2: NSW Sport & Recreation http://www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/training/sportsadmin.asp
3: Free Child Protection Training
These courses are available at www.dsr.nsw.gov.au
FINDING AN ACCREDITED MPIO
MPIO's who have completed this training are listed on the Australian Sports Commission website. List of ASC Accredited MPIOS
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MPIO INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Information and on-line training
NSW Sports Federation Accredited Courses
Child Protection Courses (no cost)
Bullying Information and Resources
COMMON COMPLAINTS
There are various common complaints which arise in team sports and football, they include:
Insufficient Game Time
These complaints are not child protection issues and are often resolved through mediation with the coach and club. It is a decision for the coach of a team to determine how much game time players receive and this is particular where representative and elite football is involved. Of course it would be ideal for all players to have equal game time and this should be encouraged where possible and particularly in amateur football. Some associations and clubs have policies relating to amateur football game time. Contact your local association or club for further information and enquire whether they have a game time policy.
All complaints regarding insufficient game time should be submitted to the club for resolution. If a club has concerns about game time then the usual process is for the club to discuss the issue with the coach but the decision of the club is final in these matters.
It is important that parents and players are reminded that football is a team sport and that time on the bench is an accepted part of being in a football team. The strategies used by coaches are many and varied in their efforts to try and provide players with fair game time but equal time is not always possible particularly in representative and elite football where the games are closely contested and where player fitness, endurance, ability and team cohesion are factors in player selection, rotation and positioning.
Non Selection in team or squad
These complaints are not child protection issues. The selection of players into particular teams or squads is a decision for the selectors or selection committee. There may also be selection criteria which players are required to meet.
Players are generally selected into teams and squads for several reasons including skill, strength, stamina, physique, fitness, sportsmanship, teammanship, commitment and a willingness and ability to learn and improve. A good behaviour record both on and off the field, is also beneficial.
Children in all sports are often told they are highly talented and are going to reach the elite level or be the next superstar. People often make these remarks to assist in building a player's self esteem and confidence but parents need to be mindful of this and not take such comments as factual. Unqualified people should avoid making such comments as this can result in placing unnecessary pressure and unrealistic expectations on children and could result in lowering the child's self esteem when it is realised that they are not as talented as what has been suggested. If a child is partiularly talented then they will usually be identified on their own merits and then follow the available processes and development pathways in football.
Our team is not winning - my child is not scoring goals
It is interesting to note that a study on children's sport found that the top 3 reasons children play amateur sport are:
To make friends; To have fun; and To play the game.
Parents should remember that winning is not always a priority for children and that just playing with their friends, having fun and kicking the ball is what they base their good experience on. Parents should support their children and encourage good sportsmanship no matter the outcome of the game - win, lose or draw. Parents and others who stress about a child's sport can unknowingly put unwanted pressure onto the child. Placing pressure on a child can have a detrimental effect on their confidence, distract their focus, lower their self esteem and effect their enjoyment of the game.
Sport is often the only outlet a child has from the pressures of school and life in general so it is important to ensure they are allowed to enjoy their sport, have a good experience and participate on their terms.
Behaviour of the Coach
Behaviour of a frustrating nature by coaches and officials often occurs at elite levels of sport where the pressure to succeed is often greater. Clubs and parents who place unrealistic expectations on a coach can also contribute to the frustrating nature of a coaching role.
Inappropriate behaviour by coaches is unacceptable and clubs and associations are responsible for taking appropriate action where they consider the behaviour of their coaches and officials to be in breach of acceptable standards and the Coaches Code of Conduct. In Association football, the Association has a level of jurisdiction over coaches and team officials this behaviour can result in those persons appearing before the Association tribunal for reported offences.
In state competitions conducted by Football NSW offenders are reported and required to appear before the Football NSW General Purposes Tribunal.
Penalties imposed for such offences depend on the level of offence and on the findings of the tribunal or committee considering the matter.
Offences are always dealt with on a case-by-case basis as they all have differing contributing factors and the penalties applied can depend on these and on a person's previous record.
In a situation where a coach has exhibited inappropriate behaviour the following options and penalties may be considered suitable depending on the level of offence.
- Speaking with the coach about their behaviour
- Monitoring the coach to observe the reported behaviour
- Mentoring the coach on how to improve his/her behaviour
- Mediation between the aggrieved parties
- Required to complete the Play By The Rules on-line training
- Required to complete an accredited coaching course at Football NSW
- Issue of a written warning to the coach about their behaviour
- Taking disciplinary action
- Suspending the coach from his/her duties for a period of time
- Dismissing the coach
- a combination of some of these.
Any action taken is at the discretion of the club, association, tribunal or committee considering the matter. The person making the complaint DOES NOT determine or have input into the penalty applied. An offender should also consider recognising that they have made a mistake and offer an apology. Such action can often result in a good outcome for all and can enable the parties involved to move forward.
Failure to release a player from a contract
The release of a player from a contract is a matter for resolution between the club and the player involved as the contract (agreement) is between these two (2) parties. Failing to release a player from a contract is not a child related offence.
COMPLAINT PROCESSES
When a person has a complaint then it is up to them to decide whether they want to proceed with the complaint or not. If a person is unsure what to do then they may consider the following options:
- Do nothing
Consider what may happen if nothing is done. If the problem is likely to continue or get worse then doing nothing may not be suitable.
- Direct Approach
Consider whether speaking to the person causing the problem may resolve the matter. If the person knows about the concerns they may do something straight away to prevent the problem from continuing or apologise for what has occured. In most cases it is only fair that the person is provided with an opportunity to fix the problem themselves.
- Seek mediation
This is where a club official or another person may act as a mediator between to two parties involved. For example: If a parent is having a problem with a coach, a meeting may be arranged between the parent and the coach with a club official acting as mediator. This way the problem can be discussed in a polite manner.
- Verbal Complaint
The matter could be discussed with the MPIO, Secretary, President or another official of the club. This may provide the club an opportunity to monitor the situation. A club may request that a written complaint be lodged before they take any further action.
- Complaint by a child
A verbal complaint to an appropriate adult by a person U18 years of age should be acted upon. Where this occurs the adult they report the incident to may take lodge complaint on behalf of the child. Appropriate adults may include their parent or guardian, a school teacher, a school counsellor or a member of the Police.
- Official Complaint
An official complaint should be addressed to the Club or Association Secretary or General Manager, be in writing and be signed. The person who signs the complaint must be able to be identified and be contactable. It is important to note that the person being complained about will be informed of the complaint and may even be provided with a copy of the complaint as it is their right to be notified of any complaint made against them. An unsigned written complaint, an anonymous complaint or a rumour cannot be acted upon.
- Other Agencies
Advice can also be sought from the Police, Department of Community Services, a solicitor or another Government Authority.
COMPLAINT HANDLING
When a complaint is received a club or association should immediately consider whether there is any immediate risk to the parties involved and if so take action to remove that risk. If there is a possibility of further risk to a child by a coach or manager then appropriate action could be for the club to stand down that coach or manager or allocate them to alternative duties until the matter is resolved. This may also remove any possibility of victimisation against the coach or manager or the player.
Clubs and associations have a duty of care to their members to provide a safe and enjoyable sporting environment. Clubs and associations should always endeavour to act in the best interests of all parties involved and respond to a complaint as quickly and effectively as possible. Leaving a complaint unanswered or unactioned could result in the parties involved being placed at further risk should a repeat or additional offence occur.
It is a basic expectation that a club will manage all complaints fairly and effectively.
MAKING A COMPLAINT
Click here for information about:
Important Contact Information
Football NSW Local Associations: http://www.footballnsw.com.au/index.php?id=219
NSW Commission for Children and Young People - 02 9286 7219
Child Protection Hotline - 132 111
NSW Police Assistance Line: 131 444 (non-emergencies)
NSW Police Emergencies: Dial 000
All local enquiries regarding general complaints and member protection issues should be directed to the clubs or local association.
FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA - DFAT TRAVEL INFORMATION
Department of Foreigh Affairs Travel information for persons travelling to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Click here to download the DFAT World Cup Smart Traveller Card
Click here for the DFAT World Cup Travel Information
