CLUB POLICIES

The TEDNFC is committed to providing a safe and fun environment for everyone who participates. We require that all players, coaches and spectators abide by the rules of good sportsmanship.

TEDFNC Code of Conduct Policy

COMMITTEE: The Thornton Eildon District Football and Netball Club (TEDFNC) has a current committee in place voted upon at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The persons who contribute to these roles will get together once a month for regular meetings. The committee comprise of; President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Club Executives and well as sub committees within departments and General Committee Members. As club members you have the right to vote at the AGM’s and bring any issues/ideas you may have up with the committee at any time throughout the year. For a full list of the current club committee please contact your Secretary. WORK AROUND THE CLUB: Players are expected to assist where possible at the club by helping with fundraising, functions and anything that may assist the club in raising funds or facility improvement/maintenance. For some club functions and assisted jobs a roster will be created by the committee. Players may swap with another player if unable to fulfil the required task. Player must notify the task leader or committee of the intended swap.

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS: All players are expected to attend all club functions. Players not in attendance are required to pay admittance fee or any other fees the committee have set for the function; please see your coach if you are unsure if this applies to you.

SMOKE FREE POLICY: To encourage a healthy lifestyle and comfortable surroundings all functions, clubrooms, change rooms and veranda areas are STRICTLY SMOKE FREE areas. Signs are placed around the club and we expect players and members to respect others. Smoking is allowed in car-park area, away from entrances and outside of the club boundaries.

RESPONSIBLE ALCOHOL MANAGEMENT POLICY: TEDFNC will comply with Liquor Licencing Victoria Regulations. A copy of this can be found at the bar within club rooms. The club provided a range of non-alcoholic, light, mid-strength and heavy beverages. Water is always available within the bar or canteen. The club is NOT licenced for Bring Your Own alcoholic beverages. Alcohol will NOT be sold, served or consumed by minors. The Responsible Serving of alcohol will be adhered to, therefore the bar staff reserve the right to refuse service to minor and those that are intoxicated. Club members and bar staff encourage those drinking to pre-organise a safe form of transport home. ANY club members that do not comply too these rules will be deemed in breach of the code and therefore called to give evidence before the Active Executive Committee. Each case will be dealt with individually and may result on a financial donation towards the club but is not restricted to this form of punishment.

PLAYERS: All Football and Netball players are required to find an individual Player Sponsor with a minimum contribution of $50. This contribution greatly contributes to our club and goes into its sustainability throughout the season. Please see Matt Herridge (or Treasurer) for more information regarding player sponsors and to pass on your sponsorship and business information.

PLAYER FEES: Player Membership Fees are to contribute to League Insurance Payments and a small amount back to the club for general running costs. These MUST be paid before the first practice round of Football or Netball (no exceptions). If you would like to set up a payment plan, please speak with the club Treasurer. Fee amounts per grade/team will be announced early 2021. This will be done via Facebook and email correspondence. All fees will be invoiced. Any players wishing to pay via Direct Debit into the club account, will be considered on a case by case basis.

INJURY MANAGEMENT: If a player receives an injury during a game he/she must seek out a trainer to receive any treatment required. This will then be recorded within the Trainers log book. Players are also required to report any injuries post game to also be recorded (which may not present themselves until the day after the game) If you have not reported your injury you will be expected at all training sessions in perfect health.

If you do receive an injury during the game, be aware that most injuries are made worse by adding alcohol. Please take responsibility for your body and its health.

TRAINING: All players are to attend all sessions with appropriate training gear i.e. runners/boots, clothes etc. If you are unable to make a training session it is your responsibility to contact your head coach. Our mission is to improve as a team and we cannot do so with frequent missing players. Those that travel in excess of an hour to training and are unable to make all sessions are encouraged to train Tuesday nights together in a central spot. Thursday trainings are compulsory to all players. Selections Nights: All players and coaching staff are required to stay back post training on Thursday nights for game day team selections and awards from the previous week. GAME DAY: All players are expected to be at all games to support the game before theirs, allowing enough time for strapping should you require it. Closer to the first game of the season your coach will let you know times of expected arrival for away and home games. Wear the club logo with pride – arrive to all game days in your team uniforms in a tidy respectful manner. The committee hopes you share the same passion for the club and respect the logo. If you are running late to a game due to unforeseen circumstances it is your responsibility to make contact with your coach, if you are unable to make contact, try your captain and so on until team management is notified. The team leadership group will decide your movements once you arrive. If you are taken off the field/court you are not to argue with any team mates, runners or coaching staff. If you are not told why, you may ask in a respectful manner and discuss further post game – remember it is not only our team there on game day and your actions can reflect badly on the club and result in a lift for the other team and a negative flow on attitude among our players. If players do not agree with decisions being made by the bench staff, they are encouraged to speak with this leadership group ONLY.

Football and Netball are both team games and rules must be followed. There is no room for individuals. Players are not to argue on the field/court with team mates under any circumstance. After the game warm down stretches must be performed by all players. All players are expected to participate in a round the ground clean up as a warm down after home games. This will be organised on a roster system by the Leadership Group. Netballers are encouraged to pick any rubbish up and tidy if they see mess around – Team Effort! Players are expected to remain at clubs until your team talks are done. Times will vary depending on team, will be confirmed closer to beginning of the season. Players are also encouraged to stay back after all games on home game days to interact with your supporters and club members. This is not compulsory, but remember they have spent the day cheering our players on, we wouldn’t be the strong club we are today without them. Players are expected to have at least one drink post games on away days to express a good presence at opposition clubs. We want opposition clubs and members to have a drink and support our club at home games, let’s lead by example. Players are asked to keep the area you are sitting in tidy. Please ensure any rubbish is put in the bin including strapping tape.

SUPPORTING OUR TEAMS: Always remember your behaviour (both verbally and physically) reflects back on the club as a whole. Respect others around you when barracking on our teams. We are all passionate about our Football and Netball and enjoy hearing the support as a player and barracking as a supporter. We openly invite club, local, community and

opposition families to our home games and pride ourselves on being a respectful club, please help us maintain this club quality at both home and away games.

When wearing the club emblem you are to behave in a manner that reflects only positively and respectfully to others. This includes; training sessions, home and away game days and in your own time – especially in public. It’s great seeing the extended support and having members and supporters wearing our club emblem outside of the facilities and we strongly encourage this support – please wear it with pride and respect.

If you have any queries positive or negative please feel free to come and see the coaching staff or leadership group at any time. If we are not aware of an issue, how can we improve and develop as a team!

Thornton-Eildon District Football Netball Club Gender Equity Policy

DEFINITION OF GENDER EQUITY

Gender Equity is the process of allocating resources, programs and decision-making fairly to both males and females. This requires ensuring that everyone has access to a full range of opportunities to achieve the social, psychological and physical benefits that come from participating and leading in sport and active recreation.

PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

Thornton Eildon District Football Netball Club are committed to:

Increasing access;
Ensuring opportunity; and
Equitably distributing resources

for ALL participants.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all Thornton Eildon District Football Netball Club participants, coaches, officials, administrators and leaders. Thornton Eildon District Football Netball Club 1340 Taggerty-Thornton Road Thornton 3713 tedfnc@outlook.com

Fear The Roo tedfnc@outlook.com

POLICY STATEMENT

Thornton Eildon District Football Netball Club will play a leadership role in raising the awareness and understanding of gender equity amongst members by establishing:

• Fair, unbiased, and equitable opportunities to participate in quality sport and active recreation programming, access resources and facilities, and attain and sustain leadership roles;

• A safe, supportive, inclusive, and relevant environment for sport participation.

PROCEDURES

Thornton Eildon District Football Netball Club is committed to championing gender equity in Club programs and leadership by:

1. Using gender neutral language in the Clubs by-laws, policies, procedures and publications.

2. Striving to have a gender balance in the appointment of all committee members, with a minimum 40% representation of women on the committee/board.

4. Ensuring equitable opportunities to participate in sport and active recreation are provided for all genders by;

a. Making gender equity a key consideration when developing, updating and delivering programming.

b. Working proactively to identify and eliminate barriers facing underrepresented groups in football and netball.

c. Ensuring funding and resources are equitably distributed to all genders.

5. Increasing exposure and building awareness of gender equity in all aspects of football and netball.

6. Thornton Eildon District Football Netball Club will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to our disciplinary procedures.

TEDFNC Disability Inclusion Policy

Our Club’s Commitment:

Thornton Eildon Football Netball Club welcomes all members of the community, regardless of their abilities. We will include people with disability in our club in both playing and non-playing roles to the greatest extent that we can. Inclusion is reliant upon our sporting environment having positive attitudes, effective communication and high levels of appropriate access, which we will constantly strive to deliver at a level which clearly proves our strong commitment to club inclusiveness.

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to help our club take action to promote inclusion and prevent and manage problems associated with discrimination and acceptance within sport. Our aim is to provide an environment where all people feel welcome, included in decision making, able to openly participate, safe and free from discrimination, bullying, harassment and vilification.

How We Will Be Inclusive:

Always put the person first, not the disability. We will focus on what a person ‘can’ do, not on what they ‘can’t’ do.
Respect all participants for their individuality & be adaptable and flexible in our approaches as needed.
Actively identify and reduce barriers to participation for all types of disability
Ask participants – and parents if the individual is a child – how your club can best meet the needs of the individual and help them to fit in.
Listen to feedback and insight from people with a disability and give them the opportunity to speak and communicate at a club level where appropriate.
Where practical, adjust coaching, equipment and facility aspects to suit the needs and capabilities of individuals who require them. This includes being honest and upfront if certain adjustments are not possible and how these could be addressed in the future.
Communicate club correspondence and information in ways that are suitable to persons within our club who have certain communication needs or requirements.
Make sure that any of our club social functions and events are also inclusive and not segregated to discourage the attendance of someone with a disability.
Expect all members of our club to be accepting of a person with a disability, show due respect and as much as possible, communicate in a friendly and encouraging way.
Ensure that our member protection policy and any other relevant club documents also address aspects of inclusion of people with a disability.

What We Ask You To Do:

If you have a disability:

Tell us what we can do to help you feel included at our club
Understand that we will do our best to address all specific needs and concerns that you may have regarding participation
Inform us if you have any concerns or ideas that would improve your experience at our club
Tell our Member Protection Officer or a trusted person within the club if you have been mistreated or victimized

If you don’t have a disability:

Show physical and verbal respect and acceptance towards those with a disability.
Be patient and understanding when explaining things to someone with a disability, or if they are trying to explain something to you.
Communicate the same as you would to anybody else at the club, unless you are specifically directed to do so in an alternative way.
Encourage and support those with a disability as much as possible to enhance their overall experience.

MEMBER AGREEMENT

I have read and understood all of the below policies of the Thornton Eildon District Football Netball Club:

Member Protection Policy
General Code of Conduct - Child Safety/Family Friendly Policy
Code of Conduct - Disability Inclusion Policy
Gender Equity Policy
Health & Safety Policy
Complaint Handling/Reporting Policy
Social Media/Marketing & Communications Policy

I understand the context and rationale behind each of the policies being included in the framework of this club, and declare that I will follow and abide by all of the requirements and directives that the policies dictate to the best of my ability.

I understand, as a part of this club, that my actions and the actions of those around me whilst representing the club reflect directly back to the organisation, and therefore have a responsibility to ensure that the conduct of myself and fellow members, players, volunteers and spectators reflects these policies in a positive manner.

I understand that it is my responsibility to ensure that I am aware of the specific content of the policies, and that if I have any misunderstandings or concerns with the content of a policy, that I should seek out the explanation of an executive committee member to clarify.

I understand that failure to adhere to or abide by the above policies can result in disciplinary action as directed by the executive committee of the club on a case-by-case basis.

All policies will be made available both in hard copy at the clubrooms, and also via our club website & social media platforms

TEDFNC Member Protection Policy – Version 1 – 7/3/19

THORNTON EILDON FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

MEMBER PROTECTION POLICY

VERSION 1

CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Purpose of Our Policy

3. Who Our Policy Applies To

4. Extent of Our Policy

5. Club Responsibilities

6. Individual Responsibilities

7. Protection of Children

7.1 Child Protection

7.2 Supervision

7.3 Transportation

7.4 Taking Images of Children

8. Anti-Harassment, Discrimination and Bullying

9. Inclusive Practices

9.1 People with a Disability

9.2 People from Diverse Cultures

9.3 Sexual & Gender Identity 10 Responding to Complaints

10.1 Complaints

10.2 Complaint Handling Process

10.3 Disciplinary Measures 10.4 Appeals

11. Communication

12. Alcohol

13. Work Health & Safety

13.1 Risk Management

13.2 Volunteer & Staff Management TEDFNC Member Protection Policy – Version 1 – 7/3/19

MEMBER PROTECTION POLICY

Introduction

Club Values:

• Excellence: Being uncompromising around the quality of football & netball we play & involving the best people for the club’s development.

• Pride: Being proud of our history and accomplishments as a club

• Community Spirit: Being inclusive and community oriented with teams, membership and the general public.

Mission Statement:

• To provide an opportunity for local members to play in our community club, to experience the highs and lows that team sport brings and to reach their full potential in the best facilities that the club can provide.

• To provide a safe and friendly environment by promoting respectful positive behaviour and values amongst the members.

• To foster and encourage a supportive and family environment to members of the club and the community.

• To offer sponsors and supporters of the club opportunities to contribute to the club.

• To promote unity and good fellowship amongst members of the club and between members of our club and other clubs.

• To be the most successful club that we can be the league/s in which the club has chosen to participate.

2. Purpose of Our Policy

The main objective of our Member Protection Policy is to maintain responsible behaviour and the making of informed decisions by participants in this club. It outlines our commitment to a person’s right to be treated with respect and dignity, and to be safe and protected from abuse. Our policy informs everyone involved in our club of his or her legal and ethical rights and responsibilities and the standards of behaviour that are required. It also covers the care and protection of children participating in our club’s activities.

3. Who Our Policy Applies To

Our policy applies to everyone involved in the club including committee members, members, life members, coaches, support personnel, officials (umpires/league delegates), employees, players, parents and spectators. TEDFNC Member Protection Policy – Version 1 – 7/3/19

4. Extent of Our Policy

Our policy covers unfair decisions (e.g. team selection) and actions, breaches of our code of behaviour and behaviour that occurs at practice, in the club rooms, at social events organised or sanctioned by the club (or our sport), and on away and overnight trips. It also covers private behaviour where that behaviour brings our club or sport into disrepute or there is suspicion of harm towards a child or young person.

5. Club Responsibilities

With regards to this policy, as a club, we will: - Implement and comply with our policy; - Promote our policy to everyone involved in our club; - Promote and model appropriate standards of behaviour at all times; - Respond to breaches or complaints made under our policy promptly, fairly, and confidentially - Review this policy every 2 years - Seek advice from and refer serious issues to the appropriate authorities. Serious issues include unlawful behaviour that involves or could lead to significant harm and includes criminal behaviour (e.g. physical assault, sexual assault, child abuse) and any other issues that our state or national body request to be referred to them.

6. Individual Responsibilities

Everyone associated with our club must:

- Comply with the codes of behaviour outlined in our policy - Always treat others with respect - Always place the safety and welfare of children above other considerations - Be responsible and accountable for their behaviour - Follow the guidelines outlined in this policy if they wish to make a complaint or report a concern about possible child abuse, discrimination, harassment or other inappropriate behaviour - Comply with any decision and/or disciplinary measure imposed under this policy.

7. Protection of Children

7.1 Child Protection

Thornton Eildon Football Netball Club is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people accessing our service. We support the rights of children and will act without hesitation to ensure a child safe environment is maintained at all times. We also support the rights and wellbeing of our staff and volunteers and encourage their active participation in building and maintaining a secure environment for all participants. TEDFNC Member Protection Policy – Version 1 – 7/3/19

Thornton Eildon Football Netball Club acknowledges that our staff, members and volunteers provide a valuable contribution to the positive experiences of children involved in our sport. Our aim is to continue this and to take measures to protect the safety and welfare of children participating in our sport by the following:

7.1.1: Identify and Analyse Risk of Harm

Thornton Eildon Football Netball Club will develop and implement a risk management strategy, which includes a review of existing child protection practices, to determine how child-safe and child-friendly the organisation is and to determine what additional strategies are required to minimise and prevent risk of harm to children because of the action of an employee, volunteer or another person.

7.1.2: Develop Codes of Conduct for Adults and Children

Thornton Eildon Football Netball Club will ensure that the organisation has codes of conduct that specify standards of conduct and care when dealing and interacting with children, particularly those in the organisation’s care. The organisation will also implement a code of conduct to address appropriate behaviour between children.

7.1.3: Choose Suitable Employees and Volunteers

Thornton Eildon Football Netball Club will ensure that the organisation takes all reasonable steps to ensure that it engages the most suitable and appropriate people to work with children (in prescribed positions).

This may be achieved by using a range of screening measures. Such measures will aim to minimise the likelihood of engaging (or retaining) people who are unsuitable to work with children.

Thornton Eildon Football Netball Club will ensure that working with children checks/police checks are conducted for employees and volunteers working with children, where an assessment is required by law.

If a criminal history report is obtained as part of their screening process, the Club will ensure that the criminal history information is dealt with in accordance with relevant state requirements.

7.1.4: Support, Train, Supervise and Enhance Performance

Thornton Eildon Football Netball Club will ensure that volunteers and employees who work with children, or their records, have ongoing supervision, support and training such that their performance is developed and enhanced to promote the establishment and maintenance of a child-safe environment. TEDFNC Member Protection Policy – Version 1 – 7/3/19

7.1.5: Report and Respond Appropriately To Suspected Abuse and Neglect

Thornton Eildon Football Netball Club will ensure that volunteers and employees are able to identify and respond to children at risk of harm.

Thornton Eildon Football Netball Club will make all volunteers and employees aware of their responsibilities under respective state laws if they have suspicion on reasonable grounds that a child has been or is being abused or neglected.

In addition to any legal obligation, if any person feels another person or organisation bound by this policy is acting inappropriately towards a child or is breaching the code/s of practice set out, they may make an internal complaint. Please refer to our Child Safe Policy - this will explain what to do about the behaviour and how our club will deal with the problem.

7.2 Supervision

Members under the age of 18 must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult. Our club will provide a level of supervision adequate and relative to the members’ age, maturity, capabilities, level of experience, nature of activity and nature of venue. If a member finds a member under the age of 18 is unsupervised, they should assume responsibility for the member’s safety until the parent/guardian or supervisor can be found.

Parents must turn up on time to collect their child for reasons of courtesy and safety. If it appears a member will be left alone at the end of a training session with just one child, they will ask another member to stay until the child is collected.

7.3 Transportation

Parents/guardians are responsible for transporting their children to and from club activities (e.g. practice and games). Where our club makes arrangements for the transportation of children (e.g. for away or over night trips), we will conduct a risk assessment that includes ensuring vehicles are adequately insured, the driver has a current and appropriate licence for the vehicle being used and appropriate safety measures are available (e.g. fitted working seatbelts).

7.4 Taking Images of Children

Images of children can be used inappropriately or illegally. The club requires that members, wherever possible, obtain permission from a child’s parent/guardian before taking an image of a child that is not their own and ensure that the parent knows the way the image will be used. We also require the privacy of others to be respected and disallow the use of camera phones, videos and cameras inside changing areas, showers and toilets.

If the club uses an image of a child, it will avoid naming or identifying the child or it will, wherever possible, avoid using both the first name and surname. We will not display personal information such as residential address, email address or telephone numbers without gaining consent from the TEDFNC Member Protection Policy – Version 1 – 7/3/19

parent/guardian. We will not display information about hobbies, likes/dislikes, school, etc as this information can be used as grooming tools by pedophiles or other persons. We will only use appropriate images of a child, relevant to our sport and ensure that the child is suitably clothed in a manner that promotes the sport, displays its successes, etc.

8. Anti-Harassment, Discrimination and Bullying

Our club opposes all forms of harassment, discrimination and bullying. This includes treating or proposing to treat someone less favourably because of a particular characteristic; imposing or intending to impose an unreasonable requirement, condition or practice which has an unequal or disproportionate effect on people with a particular characteristic; or any behaviour that is offensive, abusive, belittling, intimidating or threatening – whether this is face-to-face, indirectly or via communication technologies such as mobile phone and computers. Some forms of harassment, discrimination and bullying are against the law and are based on particular characteristics such as age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, political or religious beliefs, race, and marital status.

Our club takes all claims of harassment, discrimination, bullying and cyber bullying seriously. We encourage anyone who believes they have been harassed, discriminated against or bullied to raise the issue with the club (see Item 10: Responding to Complaints).

9. Inclusive Practices

Our club is welcoming and we will seek to include members from all areas of our community.

9.1 People with a disability

Where possible we will include people with a disability in our teams and club. We will make reasonable adaptations (e.g. modifications to equipment and rules) to enable participation.

9.2 People from diverse cultures

We will support and respect people from diverse cultures and religions to participate in our club and where possible will accommodate requests for flexibility (e.g. modifications to uniforms).

9.3 Sexual & Gender Identity

All people, regardless of their sexuality or gender are welcome at our club. We strive to provide a safe environment for participation and will take action over any homophobic or transphobic behaviour. TEDFNC Member Protection Policy – Version 1 – 7/3/19

10. Responding to Complaints

10.1 Complaints

Our club takes all complaints about on and off-field behaviour seriously. Our club will handle complaints based on the principles of procedural fairness (natural justice), that is: - All complaints will be taken seriously - Both the person making the complaint (complainant) and the person the complaint is against (respondent) will be given full details of what is being said against them and have the opportunity to respond (give their side of the story) - Irrelevant matters will not be taken into account - Decisions will be unbiased and fair; and any penalties imposed will be fair and reasonable.

More serious complaints may be escalated to higher authorities. If the complaint relates to suspected child abuse, sexual assault or other criminal activity, then our club will report the behaviour to the police and/or relevant government authority.

10.2 Complaint Handling Process

When a complaint is received by our club, the person receiving the complaint (e.g. committee member or Member Protection Information Officer) will: - Listen carefully and ask questions to understand the nature and extent of the problem - Ask what the complainant would like to have happen - Explain the different options available to help resolve the problem - Take notes - Maintain confidentiality but not necessarily anonymity.

Once the complainant decides on their preferred option for resolution, the club will assist, where appropriate and necessary, with the resolution process. This may involve:

- Supporting the person complaining to talk to the person being complained about - Bringing all the people involved in the complaint together to talk objectively through the problem (this could include external mediation) - Gathering more information (e.g. from other people that may have seen the behaviour) - Seeking advice from our district, regional, state and/or national body or from an external agency (e.g. Valley Sport or AFL Victoria/Netball Victoria) - Referring the complaint to the appropriate authorities if necessary.

In situations where a complaint is referred to our affiliated association and an investigation is conducted, the club will: - Co-operate fully - Ensure the complainant and respondent are not victimised - Where applicable, ensure the complainant is not placed in an unsupervised situation with the respondent(s) - Act on authorities recommendations. TEDFNC Member Protection Policy – Version 1 – 7/3/19

At any stage of the process, a person can seek advice from or lodge a complaint with an anti-discrimination commission or other external agency.

10.3 Disciplinary Measures

Our club will take disciplinary action against anyone found to have breached our policy or made false and malicious allegations. Any disciplinary measure imposed under our policy must: - Be applied consistent with any contractual and employment rules and requirements - Be fair and reasonable - Be based on the evidence and information presented and the seriousness of the breach - Be determined by our Constitution, By Laws, this policy and the rules of the game.

Possible measures that may be taken include: - Verbal and/or written apology - Counselling to address behaviour - Withdrawal of any awards, placings, records, achievements bestowed in any tournaments, activities or events held or sanctioned by our club - Suspension or termination of membership - Participation or engagement in a role or activity - De-registration of accreditation for a period of time or permanently - Financial sanction - Any other form of discipline that our club considers reasonable and appropriate.

10.4 Appeals

The complainant or respondent can lodge one appeal against decisions of or disciplinary measures imposed by our club to our Board or affiliated association. Appeals must be based on either a denial of natural justice, because of unjust or unreasonable disciplinary measure(s) being imposed, or on the grounds that the decision was not supported by the information/evidence presented and available to the decision maker/club.

11. Communication

OUR COMMITMENT:

Electronic communication is essential for sharing club news and information with our members. Our communication will be timely, appropriate and related to club business.

WHAT WE WILL DO:

We use a range of electronic tools to communicate with our members. Our communication will protect members’ privacy, maintain clear boundaries and ensure that bullying and harassment does not occur. A responsible administrator will be appointed to provide accountability and control over material published on our club’s website and any related discussion groups or social media websites, such as Facebook, YouTube or Twitter. TEDFNC Member Protection Policy – Version 1 – 7/3/19

Website:

- Our website will include current information on competitions, social events, committees, policies, constitution, rules and by-laws. - No offensive content or photos will be published. - If we intend to publish a photo of a child, we will first seek permission from his or her parents and take care not to provide identifying information. - We will seek feedback from members to improve the information available on the site.

SMS and Email:

Committee members, coaches and team managers may use SMS and email to provide information about competition, training, club-sanctioned social events and other club business, however: - SMS messages should be short and about club/team matters - Email communication will be used when more information is required - Communication involving children will be directed through their parents.

Social Media:

- We treat all social media postings, blogs, status updates and tweets as public ‘comment’. - Postings (written, photos or videos) will be family-friendly and feature positive club news and events. - No personal information about our members will be disclosed unless authorised. - No statements will be made that are misleading, false or likely to injure a person’s reputation. - No statements will be made that might bring our club into disrepute. - Abusive, discriminatory, intimidating or offensive statements will not be tolerated. Offending posts will be removed and those responsible will be blocked from the site.

WHAT WE ASK YOU TO DO:

We expect our members to conduct themselves appropriately when using electronic communication to share information with other members or posting material on public websites connected to the club. Electronic communication should

Be restricted to club matters
Must not offend, intimidate, humiliate or bully another person - Must not be misleading, false or injure the reputation of another person
Should respect and maintain the privacy of members
Must not bring the club into disrepute
Coaches and others who work with children and young people must direct electronic communication through the child’s parents.

NON-COMPLIANCE:

Members may face disciplinary action for sending inappropriate electronic communication or posting online content or comments that harass, offend, intimidate or humiliate another member, as outlined in our member protection policy or code of conduct. TEDFNC Member Protection Policy – Version 1 – 7/3/19

Under certain circumstances, cyber bullying (e.g. bullying that is carried out through an internet service such as email, a chat room, discussion group, instant messaging or website) is a criminal offence that can be reported to the police.

In addition, members who publish false or misleading comments about another person in the public domain (e.g., Facebook, YouTube or Twitter) may be liable for defamation.

12. Alcohol

OUR COMMITMENT:

Our club supports the responsible consumption of alcohol and takes seriously any inappropriate behaviour that results from excessive drinking. AIcohol-free social events will be provided for young people and families. We will not endorse or support events, celebrations or end of season trips that involve excessive consumption of alcohol. As part of our involvement in the Good Sports Program, we commit to upholding the policy requirements of the program within our own structures.

WHAT WE WILL DO:

- Alcohol will be served in compliance with the requirements of our club's liquor licence and in accordance with the safety and wellbeing of patrons. - Only trained servers will be permitted to serve alcohol. They are not permitted to drink while serving alcohol. - The liquor licence will be displayed at the bar. - Excessive or rapid consumption of alcohol will be discouraged. - A person aged under 18 will not be permitted to be behind the bar under any circumstances. - A committee member will be present at events where alcohol is served.

Intoxicated Patrons: - Alcohol will not be served to any person who is intoxicated. Signs of intoxication include slurred speech, impaired balance, poor coordination and reduced inhibition, aggressive, belligerent and disrespectful behaviour. - Servers will follow procedures, provided in their training by the Liquor Licensing Commission, for dealing with and refusing alcohol to intoxicated patrons. - Intoxicated patrons will be asked to leave. Safe travel options will be suggested.

Underage Drinking: - People aged under 18 will not knowingly be served alcohol. - Staff will request proof of age, where appropriate, and only photo ID will be accepted.

Safe transport: - We will prominently display taxi phone numbers in the venue. - Club members and bar staff will encourage intoxicated patrons to take safe transport home. - Our club encourages members to appoint a designated driver amongst friendship groups. TEDFNC Member Protection Policy – Version 1 – 7/3/19

Food and other drinks: - A range of snacks and meals will be available when alcohol is served. - The club will provide a selection of low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks, such as sports drinks and soft drink, at the bar and at social functions. Free water will also be available. - Tea and coffee will be available during social functions.

Promoting the responsible use of alcohol: - Posters about responsible drinking and standard drinks measures will be prominently displayed. - We will educate members and supporters about our alcohol policy through our website, newsletter and other club communication.

WHAT WE ASK YOU TO DO:

All members and sporting personnel are required to comply with the following:

Drink and behave responsibly at all club functions, events and away trips.
Do not supply alcohol to team members if they are aged under 18.
Do not drink alcohol at the club, club functions, and matches or while away on trips if you are aged under 18.
Do not bring alcohol into our club or its grounds.
Do not encourage others to drink alcohol excessively.
Do not encourage or take part in team bonding activities that involve excessive alcohol.
Do not spike another person's drink.

NON-COMPLIANCE: The club will take action for breaches of behaviour and responsibilities outlined in this policy. - If members or sporting personnel become drunk at the club or other social events they will be asked to leave. Ongoing instances of intoxication will be in breach of our Code of Behaviour and can result in disciplinary action (e.g. suspension or termination of membership). - Spiking of drinks is a criminal offence that can be reported to police by victims. It can lead to serious police charges being laid against the offender/s. Separate action can be taken as a breach of our state sporting organisation’s and our club’s Member Protection Policy to provide for the protection, safety and welfare of members. - Serving alcohol to a minor is a criminal offence that can be reported to the police and the relevant liquor licensing authority by victims and their parents. It can lead to heavy fines. Separate action can be taken as a breach of our state sporting organisation’s and our club’s Member Protection Policy to provide for the protection, safety and welfare of children. - Any person aged under 18 found to have consumed alcohol while at a club function or on a trip in the care of the club may be suspended. The young person’s parents shall be advised and will be responsible for getting their son/daughter home at their own expense. - Any member or sporting personnel found to have behaved inappropriately because of overconsumption of alcohol (e.g. sexual harassment, verbal abuse, physical assault, and neglect of a child) will face disciplinary action as outlined in our Member Protection Policy or Code of Behaviour. TEDFNC Member Protection Policy – Version 1 – 7/3/19

13. Work Health And Safety

At all Board Meetings there must be an Agenda Item to discuss health and safety

Board Member Responsibilities:

Must ensure the health, safety and welfare of all members and visitors.
Provide a safe working environment for all members and visitors
Provide WH&S information, instruction and supervision to all members (in particular) playing members.
Provide adequate facilities. -
Advise and work with the Council of any potential hazards and rectify asap.
Ensure persons at or near the club are not exposed to risks to their health and safety as a result of the workings of the club including any outside contractors, officials or visitors.
Implement procedures for the monitoring of WH&S of members and the conditions of the club -
Provide members with easily understood information regarding potential hazards, policies, procedures and practices. - Demonstrate leadership by communicating the commitment to WH&S.

Develop and maintain a positive workplace culture

Member and Official Responsibilities:

Ensure own safety and that of club members and visitors by taking reasonable care.
Cooperate with designated match day official and club WH&S Procedure.
Be alert too and report any hazards to the match day official or a Board member.

Emergency Evacuation Plan:

In the event of a fire, explosion or emergency all members and visitors of the club shall remove themselves as quickly and orderly as possible form the clubrooms via the nearest practical safe emergency exit point and assemble in the centre of the Oval if safe to do so.

A club match day board member will do a head count.

No one is to leave this evacuation point until all are accounted for.

13.1 Risk Management

Risk will always be part of everyday life and it is certainly a key aspect of sport and recreation. Without risk there would be limited opportunities for exploring physical and personal development. However, we aim to provide a healthier and ‘legally’ safer operating environment for our members, players and visitors by adopting risk management practices.

A risk is anything untoward happening that can affect our objectives and operations by creating exposure to potential loss or damage. Risk management is systematically identifying threats (risks) and developing ways to minimise them from occurring. Our procedures aim to determine the most important risks and how we allocate resources to deal with them.

Risk management involves the development of a system of policies, processes and procedures and ensuring that they are followed. As stated previously, we can’t eliminate all TEDFNC Member Protection Policy – Version 1 – 7/3/19

risks, but we can manage them appropriately. We aim for risk management to become a part of our club culture, even if the process used is informal it will be documented and managed.

Our Board’s approach is to:

- Set up a policy to undertake the risk management process and report to the board regularly. - Communicate the risk management strategies to everyone in our organisation. - Monitor and review the risk management plan regularly.

Generally, risk management tends to focus on what can go wrong, but it is important to remember that any event, circumstance or situation that occurs can also provide an opportunity for improvement.

Thornton-Eildon District Football Netball Club Child Safe/Family Friendly Policy & Code of Conduct

The Victorian Government has introduced new Child Safety Standards for implementation from 1 January 2017. Thornton Eildon Football Netball Club is strongly committed to complying with all requirements and promoting best practice in child safety procedures and policies.

The Child Safe Standards have been introduced by Victorian State Government as a compulsory, minimum standard of safety in all organisations providing services to children. The Standards aim to drive cultural change in organisations, so that protecting children from abuse is embedded in everyday thinking and practice. Each of the Standards must also be understood and applied with the context of the following in mind:

• The cultural safety of Aboriginal children

• The cultural safety of children from a culturally and/or linguistically diverse background

• The safety of children with a disability

The seven standards are:

Standard 1: Strategies to embed an organisational culture of child safety, including through effective leadership arrangements.

Standard 2: A child safe policy or statement of commitment to child safety.

Standard 3: A code of conduct that establishes clear expectations for appropriate behaviour with children.

Standard 4: Screening, supervision, training and other human resources practices that reduce the risk of child abuse by new and existing personnel.

Standard 5: Processes for responding to and reporting suspected child abuse.

Standard 6: Strategies to identify and reduce or remove risks of child abuse.

Standard 7: Strategies to promote the participation and empowerment of children.

In implementing changes to meet our Child Safety responsibilities, it is recommended that we take 5 steps the first instance:

1. Establish a register of all club members with Working With Children Certificates (WWCC).

2. Appoint a Child Safety Officer. This role has formal reporting, monitoring and pastoral care duties. Children in the club will be made aware of what the person is there for i.e. someone to speak to if a child is feeling unsafe. Further information about our clubs’ CSO delegate can be found at the conclusion of this document.

3. Communicate reporting procedures to club members/parents/guardians.

4. Comply with AFL & Netball Victoria social media policies.

5. Ensure recruitment processes include a strong focus on Child Safety Standards including reference checks, mandatory WWCC and probation period.

Although we as a club do not have current established junior sporting teams, we are committed to creating a family friendly environment for all players, members, spectators and visiting club participants who are under the age of 18. With a vision towards increasing junior participation at the club moving forward, it is imperative that we take steps towards creating a child & family orientated and safe club culture as directed above.

WWCC Guidelines

WWCC guidelines state that all who are working unsupervised with children under 18 years of age should have a current WWCC (including if children are playing in senior competition). These guidelines remain current and should be the guide for all who are working with children in both football and netball capacities. Any person who is going to be involved in overnight camps with children (i.e. pre-season camps) must also have a current WWCC. Thornton Eildon FNC will ensure that WWCC’s are managed and maintained as appropriate for all teams or programs which include persons under the age of 18.

Reporting Procedure

It is the responsibility of the Club to communicate the reporting procedure to all members of the club with any reports to be dealt with as below:

a. Any reports of child abuse are to be made to the Child Safety Officer (CSO). CSO to report to Police if there is any report of sexual or physical abuse of a child. Child Safety Officer to stay in contact with reporter and alleged victim to provide support.

b. Child Safety Officer to communicate to Affiliate Manager. Detailed written report must be recorded and stored, including Who, What, When, Where & Why the incident is of concern.

c. Affiliate Manager to report to higher level SSA Management if necessary i.e. if report was communicated to the Police or is of significance to higher level management.

d. Alleged perpetrator (if a member of staff or volunteer) to be reassigned to other duties until investigations completed.

e. If alleged perpetrator is a member of staff or volunteer, local or SSA independent investigation to take place. Approval of investigation process from higher level SSA Management required.

Social Media Use

All persons are required to abide by our separate Social Media, Marketing & Communications Policy document, which outlines the standard of behaviour expected with Social Media. When relating specifically to children:

a. No adult in a role working with children should engage in individual social friendships with children from the Club on personal social media sites.

b. Multiple adults, including Club President, Secretary, and Child Safety Officer should be part of the contact list and included in any social media communication with children from, or on behalf of the Club.

c. When setting up a social media platform connected with the club or individual team within the club, an administrator should be appointed as someone who will check on the status of posts and comments.

d. Confidentiality is important, permission must be obtained from parents for any use of a child’s name or photo to be used in any postings, this is particularly important in case of any custody issues or privacy required.

Recruitment Processes

Child Safe Standards are integral in any appointment to an AFL & Netball Victoria affiliate which is providing football for players under 18 years of age. The Standards will be addressed for appointments to positions where the person will be working directly with children, and the processes used for appointments will include clear steps that are addressing the requirements of the Child Safe Standards.

The following steps are provided as the minimum which we must undertake to appoint people. Each Centre/Club/League will have current position selection criteria relevant to the role to be filled, and the statement that AFL/Netball Victoria and the relevant Centre/Club/League is a Child Safe Organisation needs to be included in this.

A detailed position description, including reference to the commitment of the club to Child Safe Standards should be made available to all potential applicants for the identified roles. All positions which are going to have people working with children within Centres/Clubs/Leagues should include a formal application process which requires a written application including the following details:

Contact details for two referees relevant to the role which is being applied for.
Proof of a current or evidence of application for a Working With Children Check.
WWCC number (if currently held) and alignment of the card to the Centre/Club/League
A formal interview process should be undertaken for roles identified as directly involving work with children, including within this, interview questions identifying:
Why the person wishes to work with children?
The candidate’s history of working with children and why they left previous positions?
Create scenarios that might occur specific to the role where the person will need to interact with children, and question the applicant on how they would deal with the situation
Ensure that the applicant is aware that the referees will be contacted, and follow the process through to speak directly to the listed referees. If unable to be contacted, discuss alternates with the applicant.
A probation period during the initial stages of appointment may be part of these appointments. Such a probation period provides the Club with a mechanism to address any concerns that might arise after an appointment is made, and enables for the appointment to be terminated under the terms of the appointment. Probation review should be undertaken in accordance with what has been provided in the initial role description.

CODE OF CONDUCT:

1. Introduction

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to promote child safety within our Club environment.

Any form of abusive, derogatory, discriminatory, offensive or intimidating behaviour or language by adults towards minors, or minors towards other minors, is not acceptable.

Any action that may be hurtful or risk being interpreted by a reasonable observer as grooming behaviour is unacceptable. Comments or actions that are negatively and unreasonably critical of a person’s culture, ethnicity, language, gender identity, disability, sexuality or age, are unacceptable.

Committee members, volunteers, employees, coaches, players and parents/guardians of players at the Club are bound by, and required to abide to, this Code.

2. Unacceptable behaviour

The following actions are prohibited and may, depending on the specific circumstances, constitute misconduct in accordance with our Child Safe Policy & Code of Conduct:

a) ignore or disregard any suspected or disclosed child abuse;
b) put a minor at risk of abuse;
c) speak to a minor in a way that is or could be construed by any observer as overly harsh, threatening, intimidating, shaming, derogatory, demeaning, or humiliating. Some examples are overly offensive swearing in the presence of a minor, or intimidatory language and gestures directed at a minor.
d) express inappropriate personal views on cultures, race or sexuality in the presence of a minor

e) discuss overtly sexual activities with a minor
f) have any online contact with a minor (including by social media, email, instant messaging etc) or their family without the Club and parent/guardians knowledge and/or consent;
g) exchange personal contact details such as phone number, social networking sites or email addresses with a minor (unless the minor is a member of your family) without the Club and parent/guardians knowledge and/or consent;
h) using, possessing, or being under the influence of illegal drugs while in the presence of a minor;
i) using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol while supervising a minor (unless the minor is a member of your family or your contact with the minor is accidental/incidental and you are not performing your professional obligations);
j) providing or allowing a minor to consume illegal drugs;
k) discriminate against any minor, including because of age, gender, race, culture, vulnerability, sexuality, ethnicity or disability;
l) engage in rough physical games (outside of what is reasonably considered appropriate in a Club training session), hold or touch a minor in an inappropriate and or/culturally insensitive way (unless the minor is a member of your family and you comply with all relevant legislation);
m) take a minor to their home or encourage meetings outside Club activities or events (unless the child is a member of your family or parental permission has been provided) without the Club or Team’s knowledge and/or consent;
n) photograph or video a minor inappropriately, or in circumstances where you have been requested to cease;
o) share sexually oriented or morally inappropriate printed materials (magazines, cards, videos, films, messages, clothing, etc.) in the presence of a minor;
p) engage in sexual contact with a minor.

Any violation of this Code of Conduct by a committee member, volunteer, employee, coach, player, parent or guardian or other Club Associate at the Club can, and will, be dealt with as a disciplinary matter by the Club, or may be referred to the authorities as misconduct under the legislative provisions.

3. Physical contact / touching

Committee members, volunteers, employees, coaches, parents and players are prohibited from using physical discipline in any way for behaviour management of minors. This prohibition includes spanking, slapping, pinching, hitting, or any other physical force as retaliation or correction for inappropriate behaviours by minors.

Physical contact may be required in an emergency situation to remove minors quickly from danger or threat of danger.

Appropriate contact between committee members, volunteers, employees, coaches, parents and players and minors is part of normal human relationships. Some considerations and guidelines include the following:

a) consider the minor's age, developmental level, maturity and level of care required, for example, touching a minor to gain their attention, guiding or comforting a distressed minor;
b) work in an open environment; for example, in one-to-one discussions indoors the door should be open with visual access;
c) be alert to cues from minors about how comfortable they are in your proximity and respect their need for personal space;
d) be sensitive when interacting with minors who may misinterpret your actions, such as those who may have been traumatised by abuse or adolescents seeking attention from a member of the opposite sex;
e) be aware of cultural norms that may influence the interpretation of your behaviour;
f) be cautious about physical contact in training or during matches. If you need to make physical contact for demonstrations, explain the activity and what you will do, maintain a safe and appropriate distance;
g) physical contact should be made in a way that makes minors feel comfortable, for example, shaking hands, a congratulatory pat on the back or rub on the side of their arm for reassurance. Massaging a minor if you are not trained to do so or allowing a child to massage you is inappropriate physical contact.
4. Transportation and off-site events

Other than in an emergency or other abnormal situation where no other option could be reasonably foreseen, it is unwise to transport children without permission of their parent, carer or guardian.

It is prohibited to have unnecessary and/or inappropriate physical contact with minors while in vehicles. Minors should be transported directly to their destination. No stops should be made other than those that are reasonably scheduled for meals or comfort stops.

It is prohibited to have minors spend the night at the residence of a committee member, volunteer, employee, or contractor without parental/guardian prior approval.

5. Confidentiality

Disclosing information to committee members and CSO

The privacy of the child should be respected at all times. When considering breaching the privacy who and how many people are told should be based on what is believed to be in the best interests of the child. Information in relation to abuse or suspected abuse of a minor should be disclosed to a committee member or CSO of the club only, in order to limit the potential dissemination of confidential information.

Disclosing information to people external to the organisation

Committee members, volunteers, employees, coaches, parents and players should not discuss confidential matters about children with people outside the organisation in a way that identifies that child except when they have the express permission of the child or it complies with the Club’s Child Safe Policy and Code of Conduct. In circumstances where committee members, volunteers, employees, coaches, parents and players believe that there is not enough knowledge within the Club to provide the best possible assistance to a child, they are able to seek expertise external to the Club. When communicating with people outside the Club the child’s identity should be protected.

Informing children

It is the responsibility of the Club to communicate the limits of confidentiality in the Club to children who are likely to have an ongoing relationship with the Club. These guidelines should be published in an accessible place for children.

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