Child Safety Policy & Code of Conduct 

In April 2012, the Victorian Government initiated an inquiry into the handing of child abuse allegations within religious and non-government organisations. The inquiry’s final report, “Betrayal of Trust”, made a number of recommendations that have been acted on by the Victorian Government. The creation of Child Safety Standards (the Standards) was one of the key recommendations.  

Child Safety in Netball Policy information

The Standards came into effect on 1 January 2017 and applies to sporting organisations that operate and provide sporting services to children within Victoria (including National Sporting Organisations).  

The standards are a compulsory framework that supports organisations to promote the safety of children.  

Two documents have been developed to help support Netball Victoria and all its affiliates to comply with the Standards, specifically Child Safe Standard 2- A child safe policy or statement of commitment to child safety and Child Safe Standard 3 - A code of conduct that establishes clear expectations for appropriate behaviour with children.

The Child Safety in Netball policy aims to assist Netball Victoria in creating a safe and positive environment for everyone participating in Netball Victoria activities.  The policy sets out Netball Victoria's commitment to the protection of Children and Young People, as well as outlining the types of behaviours expected from those bound by the policy. 

Where a complaint, incident or matter arises which may be dealt with under the Child Safety in Netball Policy (Policy), then it is to be resolved in accordance with the processes in this Policy, to the exclusion of all other Netball Victoria disciplinary or grievance policies or processes.

For the avoidance of doubt, this means that where a complaint relates to child safety and falls within the scope of this Policy, this Policy will prevail and any such complaint shall be dealt with in accordance with this Policy and not any other Netball Victoria policy.
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The Child Safety in Netball Policy (CSNP) sets out the responsibilities that all Clubs and Persons in Positions of Authority have to our Members and Participants when it comes to protecting Children and Young People in Netball. The Framework represents best practice processes and procedures, as well as tools and guidance for all Persons in Positions of Authority in Netball. 

The following guide sets out the key responsibilities we have under the Child Safety in Netball Policy and its associated documents and where to find further detail as needed.
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Where a complaint, incident or matter arises which may be dealt with under the Child Safety in Netball Policy (Policy), then it is to be resolved in accordance with the processes in this Policy, to the exclusion of all other Netball Victoria disciplinary or grievance policies or processes.

For the avoidance of doubt, this means that where a complaint relates to child safety and falls within the scope of this Policy, this Policy will prevail and any such complaint shall be dealt with in accordance with this Policy and not any other Netball Victoria policy.

A document has been developed to guide you through the complaints management process in accordance with the policy and includes Tips and Scripts for complaint conversations

The Child Safety in Netball Code of Conduct outlines the expected behaviour for interactions within Netball in Victoria and aligns with the Child Safety in Netball Policy.  The primary aim of this code is to protect and safeguard Children and Young People. The Code and Policy applies to Netball Victoria and its members as of 1 January 2017. Breaches of the Policy may lead to disciplinary sanctions in accordance with the processes provided in Part 3 of the Policy.
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Netball Victoria’s Child Safety Policy (CSP) requires all persons involved in netball (All) to abide by certain behavioural standards when it comes to dealing with Children and Young People (CYP).  It also requires additional behavioural standards to be met by all Persons in Positions of Authority (PPA) in our sport.  

A document has been developed to summarise those requirements, who they relate to and where to find further detail as needed.
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​Working with Children Check (WWCC)

​The Working with Children Check is just one component of maintaining and creating a child safe environment.  Victorian affiliates must know:

  • ​That the regulation applies to every adult (18 years and older) who hold a position of responsibility or authority with children.
  • That positions of responsibility or authority cover a wide range of positions including directors, committee members, coaches, umpires, officials, team managers and other senior positions.
  • That positions can be paid or unpaid, accredited or not accredited.
  • Affiliates must keep a register of all members or persons within the club, association or league who hold a WWCC.  Netball Victoria has developed a sample register template for use by affiliates.
  • Comprehensive information regarding the regulation is detailed in the Child Safety in Netball Policy and referenced in the Child Safety in Netball Code of Conduct.

For details on how to apply for a working with children check and your obligations as a working with children check cardholder please visit the Working with Children Website.

Organisations have an obligation to ensure all paid staff and volunteers doing child related work have a valid working with children check.  The status checker is an excel spreadsheet that will check the status of multiple cards and applications and display them in a table.  You can save the file on your PC and periodically run the checker to ensure all your staff and volunteers have a valid check.

For information and to download the Status Checker Tool, click here.