This Framework outlines how Golf Australia is committed to supporting clubs and members to provide environments that are safe, supportive and fun for children and young people. We have zero tolerance for any form of behaviour that puts the well-being of children and young people at risk.
The recent Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has shone the spotlight on child protection policies and safeguarding children strategies within the sport and recreation sector, and gave us valuable insights into the characteristics of, and risk factors for, child sexual abuse in sport and recreation.
It is essential that everyone involved in our sport understands the important legal and governance responsibilities they have in relation to child safety. Child safety must be embedded in every club’s culture, reflected in their policies and procedures, and understood and practised at all levels.
See the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission), an outline on why it is so important to safeguard children, and Child Safe Sport Definitions.
The Safe Sport Framework brings together everything we do around safeguarding and protecting children and young people, including:
- What we believe in (our Child Safe Inclusion Statement)
- Rights and responsibilities (our policies and codes for children and young people)
- Resources and tools
- Education and training
Click on the sections below to check out the information and resources.
Safe Sport – Our Commitment
Golf Australia’s core values include respect, inclusion and and building stronger and safer sporting environments for everyone involved in our sport. We will ensure that child safety is embedded in our organisation’s culture, reflected in our policies and procedures, and understood and practiced at all levels of our sport.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and young people, under the age of 18, and to ensuring that they can enjoy their sport and feel safe, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.
It is essential that we reduce the risks of abuse and harm to children and young people, and provide a safe and supportive environment that focuses on fun and physical activity that builds their confidence and awareness through positive learning and development.
We are also committed to assisting all Golf Australia staff, Board members, officials, coaches, volunteers, affiliated clubs, consultants, contractors and licensees to fulfil their child protection and safeguarding responsibilities by adhering to our Member Protection Policy and code of conduct.
Safe Sport – Policies & Codes
This section provides a range of policies and codes so everyone in our sport understands their rights and responsibilities regarding safe sport, particularly for children and young people. See our following related policies and codes and information for related areas:
- Our Member Protection Policy outlines the policies and processes that ensure a safe, positive environment for children and young people.
- The MPP also outlines the complaints and reporting process.
- Additionally, the Child Protection Code of Conduct highlights appropriate behaviours when dealing with children.
- Social Media/Taking Images of Children
- Hot Weather Policy
- Concussion Policy
The policies also promote cultural safety of Aboriginal children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and safety of children with disability.
It is vital that clubs and members review their child safety policies and codes against the relevant national principles and legislated child safe standards in states/territories. Existing policies and codes should be strengthened to include relevant specific child safe provisions.
It is also important to develop strategies to ensure everyone knows and understands these child safe policies and codes. Try these following ways to get the information out there:
- Club meetings – ensure the topic is discussed at the regular meetings with staff and volunteers.
- Online resources – an intranet or internal web page can be used for staff to reference the new policies and procedures.
- Posters, brochures and advertising material – simple, accessible information that children and parents can access.
- Website and social media – use these online resources to communicate with everyone in the sport.
- Communicate your policy at inductions, events and forums.
Safe Sport – Resources & Tools
Resources
- Child Safe Sport Framework Definitions
- Safeguarding Children in Sport Blueprint Report 2015 Summary
- Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
- AHRC National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
- Child Safe Sport Toolkit, Sport Australia has an online advisory toolkit to assist sport organisations with policies and procedures related to child safe environments.
- 2018 Child Safety Toolkit. How to Create a Child Safe Organisation
- Play by the Rules also has useful information for steps on how to respond to allegations of child abuse and a Reference Guide for relevant agencies and contacts.
- Safeguarding children in sport – ASC Podcast
- Keeping kids safe in sport – Play by the Rules podcast
- Play by the Rules Reference Guide
- Play by the Rules has useful facts sheets which outline strategies for Parents, Coaches and Clubs/Associations in creating safe environments for children in sport.
- Play by the Rules fact sheet for guidance on taking images of children.
Contacts Sexual Misconduct Helpline
A confidential helpline to assist if you have been, or are at risk of being, impacted by sexual misconduct while under Sport Australia’s (including Sport Australia and AIS) care as well as if you are seeking information to prevent or responding to observed sexual misconduct. Email: aschelp@crcc.org.au or Phone: 1800 272 4357.
24-hour telephone assistance is available through:
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- 1800 Respect – 1800 737 732
- MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978
- Bravehearts Inc – 1800 272 831
- Child Wise Helpline – 1800 991 099
Children’s Commissions
- National Office for Child Safety
- National Children’s Commissioner
- Queensland Family and Child Commission
Safe Sport – Education & Training
Your club’s induction, education and training programs are a vital part of your commitment to safeguarding children and young people from abuse and neglect.
All staff and volunteers should receive an appropriate induction and be aware of their responsibilities to children and young people, including record keeping, information sharing and reporting obligations.
All members should be encouraged to undertake an online/face-to-face Child Safeguarding and Protection Course to understand their responsibilities in identifying abuse and harm, assist in recognizing the indicators of abuse and harm, and how to respond. Play by the Rules has a free online Child Protection course that provides an overview on these elements, as does Sport Australia in their Child Safe Sport Toolkit.
The induction and training requirements in the template below have been developed by Sport Australia to ensure staff, volunteers, contractors and consultants are provided with the information they need to undertake their duties in accordance with your policies, guidelines and procedures.
Downloads
Education and Training There are a range of free online and face-to-face training courses to enhance your skills and knowledge of child protection and creating safe environments, including:
