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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.

This is our commitment to all children in the Rugby League family. Together we will keep our children safe. We will empower all children of all ages, all cultures and all abilities to be brave, to speak up. We will listen, and we will act. We will educate, we will communicate, we will innovate. We will lead by example and uphold the Child Safe Code of Conduct as officials, as coaches, as referees, as players, as supporters. Together we will embrace the 10 Child Safe Standards. Our defence will be strong. We will work together to keep children safe at the game, at training, in the clubhouse, and online.

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.

If you have any concerns you wish to report to the NSWRL please contact us at mpio@nswrl.com.au.

Actions to help implement child safe standards for your club. 

  • Electing or appointing a nominated Child Safe Officer (s) or MPIO
  • Conduct an annual Office of Children's Guardian self-assessment - great resource to start and to continue improvement.
  • 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.
  • Endorse and uphold the Child Safe Code of Behaviour
  • 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.
  • Liaise with children at your club. Find out if they feel safe and what you can do to make them feel safer? - One way could be a short online survey for parents and children to complete.
  • Club/League Association executive Complete the Child Safe Sport eLearning modules

Child Safe Standards

The Children’s Guardian Amendment (Child Safe Scheme) Bill 2021 introduced 10 Child Safe Standards to create safer environments and organisations.

  1. Child safety is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
  2. Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
  3. Families and communities are informed and involved
  4. Equity is upheld and diverse needs are taken into account
  5. People working with children are suitable and supported
  6. Processes to respond to complaints of child abuse are child focused
  7. Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training
  8. Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur
  9. Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved
  10. Policies and procedures, document how the organisation is child safe

Useful Links/Resources

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

 

Acknowledgement of Country

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.