Child Safeguarding
Rugby Australia is deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children involved in our game. Every child has the right to participate in rugby in a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment. Our policies, frameworks, and procedures are designed to proactively identify and manage risks related to child safeguarding and to uphold the highest standards of care.
Creating a child-safe rugby community is a shared responsibility. Every individual—whether volunteer, coach, player, or administrator—plays a vital role in maintaining a culture of safety, respect, and inclusion.
All clubs operating under Rugby Australia and their respective Member Unions are required to adhere to the 'Child and Young Person Club Commitment Statement'. As part of this commitment, each club will be mandated to complete the Child and Young Person Safeguarding Club Checklist, which outlines essential actions and responsibilities.
To strengthen your club’s approach to child safety, we recommend appointing a Safeguarding Child Safety Officer (CSO). This role is crucial in leading, coordinating, and championing child safety practices within your club.
Please visit the Safeguarding Children section of our website to access necessary information and the following resources:
- Child Safe Commitment Statement
- Child safeguarding policy
- Child safety resources
- Reporting information
- Working with children checks
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
- Required for most people working with children
- Valid for 3 years
Learn more about Blue card obligations for organisations
- 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.
