Sport Ethics - Child Protection and Safe Environments

All recreation and sport organisations are now subject to the amended Children's Protection Act 1993, which becomes fully effective from January 2008.

The Office for Recreation and Sport has developed resources to make it as easy as possible for recreation and sport providers to implement the requirements of the Act which are detailed in the following document.

Child Safe Environments : Principles of Good practise for Recreation and Sport

Click here to download resource (398kb)

The document also discusses a number of issues likey to come up in most clubs:

• What practical things can we do to make our Club safe?
• Maintaining professional boundaries for Coaches (and others working with children).
• Do we need to conduct Criminal History checks and should we?
• How can we screen our staff and volunteers?
• Who is affected by this Act?
  

The guidelines recommend that clubs appoint a Child Safe Officer.  A recreation and sport Child Safe Officers train the trainer course is available. This allows your organisation to train and inform your members and affiliates on the processes and requirements of the Act including mandated reporting and how to develop child safe environments.

Currently both courses are full, new course dates will be published shortly

The Act makes all staff and volunteers of recreation and sport organisations mandated reporters of child abuse.

Click here to download "Keeping Children Safe in Recreation and Sport" which explains obligations associated with mandated reporting

Regulations governing the Act require all non-government organisations to develop child safe environments, including codes of behaviour so that all members are aware of their responsibilities.  Keeping Sport Fun and Safe provides a series of codes as required by the Act.

Click here to download resource (405kb)

Checklists

Using specific checklists can enhance the manner in which organisations develop and maintain child safe, friendly and positive environments.  By identifying strengths, any gaps needing attention can be addressed.

Click here to view checklists

Harassment Free Sport Policy

Contact your national or state peak body for a copy of this or download a template from the Australian Sports Commission website

Criminal History Checks

Criminal History Checks (CHC) are not compulsory for non government recreational and sporting organisations except under certain circumstances.  However CHC can be a deterrent to a small number of convicted offenders who are clearly not suitable to work with or around children.

For more information on CHC click here

For more information
Senior Project Officer

Safe Supportive Environments
Office for Recreation and Sport
Phone: +61 8 8416 6622

Email: participation@saugov.sa.gov.au