Creating a culture that embraces a welcome safe and supportive environment for all is a goal every sport and recreation organisation should aim to achieve.
Policies and procedures provide rules and guidelines to support this but every member should share the responsibility to work towards building a safe, fair and inclusive atmosphere.
Member protection is simply supporting this goal by addressing harassment, discrimination and child safety. Resources and education are available help to deal with issues and complaints as quickly as possible to enable everyone to continue to enjoy their participation.
Most clubs are bound by Member Protection Policies provided by their governing body. If you are from an affiliated club, and unsure of which policies apply to your club, you should contact your State Association. This will most certainly include codes of conduct or codes of behaviour.
If you do not have a governing body or need to develop your own resources there are templates available.
Member Protection Policies will generally also include the organisations grievance procedure which is important when lodging or dealing with a complaint.
Annual application for registration including the individual members sign off on policies and codes of conduct is recommended for clubs to promote awareness.
Club Member Protection Policy template DOC, 544 KB
State Association Member Protection Policy Template
Play By the Rules Free Online Training and Toolkits
For additional Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) face to face training please click on the following link: https://www.orsr.sa.gov.au/upcoming_courses_and_events or use the menu on the left of the screen.
We acknowledge and respect Aboriginal peoples as South Australia's first peoples and nations, we recognise Aboriginal peoples as traditional owners and occupants of land and waters in South Australia and that their spiritual, social, cultural and economic practices come from their traditional lands and waters; and they maintain their cultural and heritage beliefs, languages and laws which are of ongoing importance; We pay our respects to their ancestors and to their Elders.