MEMBER PROTECTION 2012

WORKING WITH KIDS SEMINARS 2012

Coaches and Managers who are required to attend a WWK Seminar but have failed to attend one of the five seminars already held, the next seminar will be held at Football NSW on Wednesday 4 April 2012. All registrations and ID cards for persons who have failed to attend will remain on hold until you attend the April seminar.

TO REGISTER FOR THE NEXT SEMINAR CLICK HERE

Or cut and paste this link into your browser http://www.footballnsw.com.au/index.php?id=638

If you are a Police Officer, Teacher or Child care worker you may be eligible for an exemption. Email your enquiry for exemption to michelle@footballnsw.com.au

'New' WORKING WITH KIDS HANDBOOK

The Working with Kids Handbook provides coaches, managers, MPIOs and club officials with important and useful information. CLICK HERE - Football NSW Working with Kids Handbook

CHILD PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS 2012

Child Protection requirements for 2012 apply to all clubs, associations and branches (including futsal clubs & referee branches) with players or members aged under 18 years of age.

Follow these steps to child protection compliance....OMPLIANCE

ALL CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS AND BRANCHES MUST :

1. Have a Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO)

2. Register as a Child Related Employer if you have paid employees - Register Here (If your club is already registered there is no need to register again)

AT THE START OF THE SEASON :

3. Ask every Volunteer to sign a Volunteer Declaration form (printable version)

Clubs must require all volunteers who work with children (aged U18) to sign a Volunteer Declaration form. The form must be signed and handed to the club. The club keeps all forms in a secure place for 3 years from date of signing. Forms must be available for random checking by FNSW or the Commission for Children and Young People.

4. Ask every Paid employee to sign a Declaration & Consent form (printable version)

All paid employees who work with children (aged U18) must complete and sign this form. The club must then background check the employee. (see Item 5 below). These forms must be kept by the club in a secure place for 3 years after the person has left the club.

5. Background Check Paid Employees - Clubs must conduct a background check on all paid employees who work with children aged under 18 years. The club must complete a Request Background Check form (printable version) and then send the form and the Declaration & Consent form (signed by the employee) in for checking. Fax to (02) 9286 7201 or scan and Email to: check@kids.nsw.gov.au

The CCYP will check the employee for any records and suitability to work with children and then issue the club with a clearance to employ that person. Allow up to 10 days for this process, longer if the person was born overseas.

DURING THE SEASON :

6. Self Employed persons who work at your club (e.g. self employed goalkeeping coach running a Goalkeeping training weekend) should be asked to show their Self Employed Child Protection Certificate. If the self employed person does not have a Self Employed Certificate then they must obtain one before they work at your club. For more information click here

7. Respond to complaints - All clubs must respond to complaints reported to have occurred within their organisation and which are alleged to have been committed by a club volunteer or paid employee. Click here for Reportable offences and 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 A club is required to report any relevant proceedings (suspension/sacking etc) of a volunteer or paid employee as a result of any act of abuse directed at a child or in the presence of a child whilst in your employment. Click here for information about Reportable Offences

Refer page 12 of the Working with children check guidelines for information about your reporting obligations. For more information click here

Link to all Working With Children Check FORMS

Link to the Working with Children Check Website

Link to the Printable full version of WWCC Guidelines

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What forms to volunteers and staff have to sign?

Volunteers must still sign a Volunteer Declaration

Paid employees must still sign a Declaration & Consent form

Q. How long does the club keep the forms?

All forms should be kept in a secure place for 3 years from date of signing.

Q. What if someone who is self employed is hired to come and coach at our club?

Your club should request the person provide a copy of their Certificate for Self Employed People before they coach children at your club.

Q. Why do people have to sign the forms?

People can only volunteer or work with children if they have signed the appropriate form. It is a legal requirement. These forms help prevent known offenders from working with children in sport.

Q. What if someone refuses to sign a form?

They are not allowed to volunteer or work with children.

You cannot make a person sign a form or ask why they refuse 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 forms as they are not employed to work with or volunteer to work with children. Team officials should be mindful of the varying ages of their players and ensure they are 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 they are considered to be in a supervisory position or position of authority working or volunteering with children.

Q. What if I see someone physically abuse a child but that person is not an employee or volunteer at the club?

Any offence against a child is unacceptable and should 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 also take disciplinary action. Clubs can also report any child welfare concerns to the Football NSW State MPIO on 02 88144402. Reports can be made anonymously. For more information click here

MEMBER PROTECTION INFORMATION OFFICERS (MPIOs)

Member Protection is key to providing a safe sport environment and relates to issues involving harassment, abuse, victimisation, racial vilification and child protection. The following information is provided for all new and existing MPIO's.

All clubs must follow the requirements of the FFA National Member Protection Policy.

THE ROLE OF THE MPIO

An MPIO is the first point of contact for anyone with a member protection concern. MPIOs offer support and information but do not offer advice and do not investigate complaints. It is the responsibility of the club or association to handle complaints. The MPIO does not investigate but remains neutral to the matter. Click here for Role of the Member Protection Information Officer

MPIO TRAINING

Basic Training - As a minimum, all MPIO’s should complete basic training on child protection and harassment. This training is free and can be completed on-line at www.playbytherules.net.au

Child Safe Training - this course provides MPIO's with information about the Working with children check requirements and about making your club Child Safe & Child Friendly. Click here for informaton about these courses.

Certified Courses - Certified MPIO courses are available through:

NSW Sports Federation CLICK HERE

NSW Sport & Recreation CLICK HERE

For information about all Sport Courses CLICK HERE

MPIO RESOURCES

Club Resources - Injury prevention and Management and Factsheets CLICK HERE

PBTR - A website for MPIO's and Club Officials

Bullying Information and Resources

Bullying Hurts Brochure

Australian Sports Commission - MPIO Information

Child Safe Child Friendly Club Resources

Child Safe Check Up

Choosing the Right People for your club

MPIO SUPPORT

MPIO's are a valuable resource for all clubs, associations, referee branches, coaches, players and parents. Sometimes our MPIO's need assistance and support. If you are a club MPIO and need advice or support, please contact your local Association MPIO. If you do not have a local Association then please contact Michelle Hanley, Football NSW Risk Manager and State MPIO. Email michelle@footballnsw.com.au Phone: 02 8814 4402

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 - Coaches at elite levels of sport tend to show more frustration as this is where the pressure to succeed is often greater. Clubs and parents who place unrealistic expectations on a coach can also contribute to the frustration felt in 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 and sanctions applied.

In state competitions conducted by Football NSW offenders reported are required to appear before the Football NSW General Purposes Tribunal.

Penalties imposed for such offences depend on the level and type of offence and on the findings of the tribunal 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.

Child Safe, Child Friendly - Keeping your club safe

Child-safe means taking active measures to keep children and young people safe from abuse,. harassment and bullying.

Child-friendly means creating a trusting environment that values, respects and welcomes children and young people. This means children and young people feel confident to raise any problem or concern and know they will be listened to.

Is your club child safe? There are free child-safe courses for club committee people to attend. Click here for course information Child Safe Training Courses

A Child-Safe Child-friendly club:

Is preventative rather than reactive.
Is child-centred. It recognises that children and young people are at the core and responds accordingly.
Has an holistic approach to working with children and young people. It knows that when children and young people are safe and valued, this will have an affect on all areas of their lives.
Acknowledges the harm done by all forms of abuse.
Actively decreases negative influences and enhances positive influences.
Has clear boundaries for behaviour within the organisation.
Has a commitment embedded in the organisational culture to the link between safety and participation. Children and young people are unlikely to speak up about experiences of feeling unsafe if their participation is not valued and facilitated in an organisation.

Follow these links for more information and assistance in making your club child safe and child friendly.

Child Safe Child Friendly Club Resources

Child Safe Check Up

Choosing the Right People for your club

Working with Kids Seminars

The Working With Kids Seminars are conducted by Football NSW and are primarily aimed at coaches and managers in state and representative youth football to enable a better understanding of their responsibilities when working with children. The seminars provide information about acceptable behaviour, unacceptable behaviour, codes of conduct, child protection, investigations and tribunals, reportable offences, penalties and common issues.

Seminar Enquires click here

Football NSW acknowledges the continued support of NSW Sport & Recreation in our presentation of these award winning educational seminars.

Overseas Travel Information

Department of Foreign Affairs Travel information for teams and persons travelling overseas. Travel bulletins and safety information is available at the DFATSmartraveller website. Click here for Smartraveller Information