Child Safeguarding
All clubs operating under Rugby Australia and their respective Member Unions are recommended to review their respective state/ territory child safeguarding legislation including the 10 Child Safe Standards. To get started we encourage clubsto complete Child Safety and Wellbeing Club Checklist:
To strengthen your club’s approach to child safety, we strongly recommend appointing a Child Safety Officer (CSO)/Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO). This role is crucial in leading, coordinating, and championing child safety practices within your club.
Additional resources can be found in the below link;
Please visit Rugby Australia’s Codes and Policies website to access further information and the following resources:
- Child Safe Commitment Statement
- Child & Young Person Safeguarding Policy
- Child Safety Resources
- Reporting Information
Additional information on keeping Rugby safe, inclusive and enjoyable for all can also be found below:
- Child Safeguarding - Sport Integrity Australia
- Play by the Rules - Making sport inclusive, safe and fair
- Child Safe Sport - Australian Sports Commission
Each Australian state and territory has its own WWCC system. Here's a summary of the minimum requirements:
- Required for anyone in child-related work
- Valid for 5 years
Learn more at the Office of the Children’s Guardian website: https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/
- Mandatory for all volunteers and employees working with children
- Valid for 5 years
Learn more at vic.gov.au
Blue Card (WWCC) - Valid for 3 years
Learn more about the QLD Rugby Union’s Safeguarding Requirements https://qld.rugby/qru-safeguarding-project
- Mandatory for people in child-related work
- Valid for 3 years
Learn more about Working With Children Check Obligations and Compliance at wa.gov.au
- Required for most people working or volunteering with children
- Valid for 5 years
Learn more about Employer role and obligations at sa.gov.au
- Mandatory for child-related work
- Valid for 3 years
Learn more about Employer obligations at cbos.tas.gov.au
- Required for most people working or volunteering with children
- Valid for 5 years
Learn more about Working with Vulnerable People compliance and reporting for sporting clubs at accesscanberra.act.gov.au
- Mandatory for child-related employment
- Valid for 2 years
Learn more about employers or volunteer coordinators responsibilities at nt.gov.au
Remember, these are minimum requirements. Your association may have additional policies in place. Always check with your state or territory's relevant authority for the most up-to-date information and specific requirements for sporting organisations, or visit the Australian Government’s Australian Institute of Family Studies website for more detailed resources.
