Purpose

This policy outlines the commitment of Adelaide Croatia Soccer Club Inc (ACR) and Croatian Sports Centre SA Inc (CSC) to ensuring a safe environment for children. It defines the responsibilities of all individuals involved in our organisations—committee members, management, coaches, assistants, team managers, and volunteers—in fostering and maintaining a child safe environment.

Scope

The club will provide an inclusive, supportive and safe environment for every child exclusive of race, This policy applies to all individuals involved in the operations of ACR and CSC, including but not limited to:

  • Committee Members

  • Management

  • Coaches

  • Assistant Coaches

  • Team Managers

  • Volunteers

Commitment to Child Safety

ACR and CSC are dedicated to creating a nurturing and secure environment for children. We adhere to relevant legislation, including:

  • Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017

  • Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016

Moreover, our policy aligns with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, ensuring we prioritise the rights and welfare of every child.

Values

We value and respect all children, embracing their diverse backgrounds, abilities, sexes, genders, and socio-economic statuses. Our organisations are committed to inclusivity and equality. We will not tolerate bullying, harassment, or any form of discrimination.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Committee Members

  • Ensure compliance with child safety legislation and policies.

  • Promote a culture of child safety within the organisation.

2. Management

  • Develop and implement child safety strategies and training programs.

  • Regularly review and update child safety policies and procedures.

3. Coaches, Assistants Team Managers

  • Maintain a safe environment during trainings and matches.

  • Recognise and report any concerns regarding child safety.

  • Organise and communicate essential information regarding child safety policies to parents and players.

  • Monitor and support the implementation of the child safety policy within teams.

4. Volunteers

  • Adhere to the principles and guidelines set forth in this policy.

  • Engage positively and supportively with children and their families.

Reporting Concerns

Any concerns regarding child safety must be reported immediately to a designated child safety officer within the organization. Confidentiality and sensitivity will be maintained throughout the reporting and investigation process.

Review and Communication

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. All members of ACR and CSC are expected to familiarise themselves with this policy and uphold its principles in all interactions with children.

By working together as a community, we can foster a safe and supportive environment for all children and contribute to their well-being and development.

This document serves as our commitment to protecting children and promoting their rights within our clubs. It outlines the commitments of staff and volunteers at ACR to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children. Given the complexities of communication issues that may affect children, it is essential that all staff and volunteers are equipped to handle these matters effectively.

Key Commitments:

1. Awareness and Training:

  • Parents or carers will be informed upon enrolment about ACR's dedication to child safety.

  • Staff and volunteers will receive training on the importance of reporting issues regardless of parental preferences, in line with information sharing guidelines aimed at preventing harm to children.

2. Accessibility of Policies:

  • The child safety policy is available to parents, staff, and volunteers upon request and is included in the induction process for all new personnel.

3. Child Participation:

  • We prioritise the voices of children in our programs. Their opinions and views will be respected and they will be encouraged to participate in decisions that affect them where suitable.

4. Clear Communication:

  • Children will be provided with explanations tailored to their age and developmental stage regarding their rights, including:

    • The right to live and be in a safe environment.

    • The assurance that their concerns will be heard and taken seriously.

5. Feedback Mechanism:

  • A transparent process will be established for children to give feedback or lodge complaints.

  • All concerns raised by children will be listened to carefully and addressed promptly.

By adhering to these commitments, ACR aims to foster an environment that not only prioritises the safety and wellbeing of children but also encourages open communication and trust between children, parents, and staff.

Recruitment

As an organisation, we will ensure to only engage the most suitable people to work or volunteer with children. We maintain that we meet the requirements of the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 which requires management, staff and all volunteers have a current ‘not prohibited” Working with Children Check (WWCC) issued by the DHS Screening Unit. We will verify the accuracy of the WWCC before employing staff and volunteers to work with children, and for existing staff, we will verify that they renew their WWCC every 5 years and the status remains ‘not prohibited’.

Training, supervision and support for workers

Staff and volunteers will receive training that explains their role and responsibilities for children’s safety and wellbeing and outlines how those responsibilities should be met with sensitivity and purpose. The training will cover the obligations underpinning a child safe environment and will include the role of a mandated notifier under Sections 30 and 31 of the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017.

Principles

Protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility that cannot be compromised by other considerations. Children and young people have a right to:

  • be treated with respect and to be protected from harm.

  • be asked to express their views and wishes about matters affecting their lives and to have those views appropriately considered by adults .

  • feel and be safe in their interactions with adults and other children and young people understand, as early as possible, what is meant by ‘feeling and being safe’.

  • the support of school based counsellors or designated staff in their education or care environment whose role includes being an advocate for their safety and wellbeing.

Children and young people are entitled to the rights above irrespective of their special needs, gender, race, sexual orientation or cultural, religious or family circumstances.

Preventing and intervening in the abuse and neglect of children and young people are moral and legal obligations. They contribute to improving safety and health of current and future generations. Roles and responsibilities.

ACR Committee and Management must ensure:

  • screening of adults working or volunteering at ACR complies with the approved screening policy .

  • concerns raised about staff or volunteer conduct are responded to in accordance with approved protective practice guidelines.

  • conduct and practice at ACR is monitored to ensure it meets the obligations outlined in this policy.

Staff (Coaches, and Volunteers) must:

  • act in accordance with the obligations outlined in this policy.

  • raise concerns when barriers or threats to the protection of children’s safety and wellbeing are identified, including through the conduct of other adults at the Club.