Child Safe Standards
NSWRL Commitment to Safeguarding Children & Young People
NSW Rugby League is committed to supporting the volunteers of Leagues, Associations and Clubs to uphold the 10 Child Safe Standards and to offer a safe, enjoyable and rewarding environment for everyone involved.
Reporting
If you believe a child is in immediate danger or in a life-threatening situation, contact the Police immediately on 000.
In the event of a complaint or allegation of child abuse that indicates child abuse has/may have or is likely to occur, you must immediately notify the police and/or the relevant state/territory government agency.
For information on reporting allegations of child abuse, you may view the Reporting Procedures Here
NSWRL Commitment to Safeguarding Children & Young People
NSW Rugby League is committed to supporting the volunteers of Leagues, Associations and Clubs to uphold the 10 Child Safe Standards and to offer a safe, enjoyable and rewarding environment for everyone involved.
Actions to help implement child safe standards for your club.
- Electing or appointing a nominated Child Safe Officer (s)
- Conduct an annual Office of Children's Guardian self-assessment, this is a use friendly took to guide your club's continuous improvement - great resource to start.
- Ensure all volunteers and officials 18 years and older complete the NRL Patrons of the Game Child Safety Course.
- Endorsing and upholding the NSW Rugby League Child Safe Commitment Statement at Club/League meetings.
- Ensure your club is registered as an employer with the Office of the Children's Guardian and carry out verification on all volunteers and officials working with children.
- Note Child Safe education and WWCC employer status is part of Service NSW requirements for Active Kids providers.
- Endorsing the NRL Safeguarding Children and Young People Framework and distribute the Child Safe Code of Behaviour.
- Liaise with children at your club. Find out if they feel safe and what you can do to make them feel safer? - one way to do this is to develop a short online survey for parents and children to complete.
- Complete the Child Safe Sport eLearning modules
- Make sure committee members and leaders complete the eLearning
- Undergo a self-assessment, start to consider what child safety risks are at your club, and what you can do to mitigate them
- Start talking to children at your club. Find out if they feel safe and what you can do to make them feel safer.
- Encourage parents and coaches to complete the eLearning
Child Safe Standards
The Children’s Guardian Amendment (Child Safe Scheme) Bill 2021 introduced 10 Child Safe Standards to create safer environments and organisations.
- Child safety is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
- Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
- Families and communities are informed and involved
- Equity is upheld and diverse needs are taken into account
- People working with children are suitable and supported
- Processes to respond to complaints of child abuse are child focused
- Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training
- Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur
- Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved
- Policies and procedures, document how the organisation is child safe
Useful Links/Resources
- NSWRL Child Safe Commitment Statement - Audio
- NSWRL Child Safe Commitment Statement
- NSWRL Child Safe Standard Posters
- National Rugby League Safeguarding Children
- Play by the Rules - Child Protection and Safeguarding Course
- eSafety Training for Sports Organisations and Clubs
- NRL Member Protection Policy
Member Protection Information at your Club
All participants need to be able to contact the MPIO at their club. The name and phone number of the MPIO must be made available without question to any person requesting it. The MPIO’s name and contact details should also be listed on the organisation’s website and other correspondence to ensure your members are able to seek information regarding Member Protection options within the club.
MPIO Support
MPIOs from Leagues, Groups, District or Regions contact the State MPIO here
New South Wales Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.