Participation in sport should be safe for all. We are committed to ensuring that people in sport, including children, are treated with respect dignity and are protected from bullying, discrimination, harassment or abuse.
The Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Member Protection Policy highlight the important legal and governance responsibilities in relation to child safety and member protection.
Click here to view our Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy.
For more information on Safeguarding Children and Young People click here.
Watch the video that explains child safeguarding in sport
Working with Children Checks
If you participate within the polocrosse community as an administrator, contractor or volunteer in any child-related positions you are required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).
In Australia, people who work or volunteer with children are screened for suitability. As part of this screening process, nominated state agencies examine an applicant’s police information including criminal charges, offences, findings of guilt and professional conduct reports across the applicant’s lifetime.
The screening process also considers the relevant state or territory legislation, which differs in terms of:
- the type of history that may prevent a person from obtaining registration or a WWCC
- how long the registration is valid for
- who is required to be registered
If an applicant passes the screening processes they may be registered to work with children and/or vulnerable people for a set period of time according to the state or territory that issues the registration.
If you or the applicant you are conducting a check for will be working with children or vulnerable groups, you will need to determine if a working with children and/or working with vulnerable people check is required to be conducted by the relevant screening unit.
Where can I apply for a Working with Children Check?
A single screening unit has been set up in each state and territory to conduct working with children checks and issue the resulting cards, registration or permits. The following state and territory screening units are the only organisations allowed, under legislation, to conduct working with children checks.
Resources
These are very useful for clubs, committees, volunteers, parents and/or guardians and all relevant stakeholders in our polocrosse communities to utilise.
You can find links to the Safeguarding webpage and supporting Child Safe Sport resources below:
- A Parents/Carers Guide to Selecting a Safe Sporting Club
- How to Involve Children and Young People in Your Sporting Organisation
- Checklist for Selecting a Safe Sporting Club
- Choosing a Child Safe Club – Poster
- Transporting Children and Young People in Sport
- Communicating Online or Electronically with Children and Young People in Sport
- Events Involving Overnight Stays
- Organising Day Trips Involving Children and Young People
Free Webinar Series on Safeguarding Children and Young People
Sport Integrity Australia’s education team provides resources for all levels of athletes, their parents, teachers, coaches and support personnel. This includes webinars on specific topics to inform and educate sporting organisations, members, administrators and athletes.
All topics below are free, accessible online here, and delivered by a subject matter expert.
- Photography, Videos and Electronic Communication with Children and Young People
- Recognising Boundaries and Managing Behaviours of Children and Young People
- Transporting and Travelling with Children and Young People
- Understanding Grooming in Sport
- What, Why and How Behind Safeguarding Children & Young People in Sport
For more information on Safeguarding Children and Young People click here.