Member Protection Information

The protection of our Members at Governing Body, Regional, Association and Club level is of the upmost importance to us at Netball WA.

Please find information and resources below, and should you have any additional questions - do not hesitate to contact Lisa Rantanen, Membership Services Co-ordinator on 9380 3700 or lisa.rantanen@netballwa.com.au.

MEMBER PROTECTION POLICY

Netball WA adopts The Netball Australia Member Protection Policy. Netball WA believes it is important to highlight the significance of this document as it contains many guidelines which Netball WA abides by in order to ensure principles of fairness, respect, responsibility and safety whilst participating in Netball throughout Western Australia. It is encouraged that Regions and Associations become familiar with this policy. 

Member Protection Resources

Netball Australia Member Protection Policy

Safe Clubs 4 Kids Manual 

DSR Guide to Member Protection for Clubs - UPDATED APRIL 2013

MEMBER PROTECTION OFFICER

MPIOs are people trained to be the first point of contact within your Region/Association (or club) for any persons considering making a complaint or claim under the Member Protection Policy. MPIOs provide confidential, impartial and timely support and information. They also provide information about the local complaint resolution options available to address the individuals concerns. Netball WA recommends that each Association has a qualified MPIO.

Lisa Rantanen, the Membership Services Coordinator is the MPIO for Netball WA, who is available at any time to assist – please call directly on 9380 3722. Any matters will remain confidential. For more information and resources about becoming an MPIO please visit the Department of Sport and Recreation website www.dsr.wa.gov.au.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK

Under the Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 those people who’s usual duties of work involve (or are likely to involve) contact with a child (under 18) are required to have a Working With Children Check (WWCC).

Regions and Associations must ensure that their Clubs and Individual Affiliates, including volunteers who are involved with working with children (under 18) have a current Working with Children Check and that adequate records are being kept.

Netball WA advises all Regions, Associations and Clubs to visit the WWCC website www.checkwwc.gov.au   to gain a thorough understanding of the strict guidelines regarding Working with Children in Western Australia.

If there are people within your Region, Association or Club who are exempt from the Working with Children legislation, Netball WA recommends that a National Volunteer Police Check is requested before an individual commences working with children. As an added precaution, Netball WA also suggests extending the request for a National Volunteer Police Check to other people involved in the Region, Association or Club who may not necessarily be directly working with children (i.e. committee members, canteen staff, senior coaches etc.).

In addition, it is important to recognise that criminal screening is just one element of creating child safe environment. It is essential that references are thoroughly checked and Netball WA’s child protection guidelines are adhered to as per the Netball Australia Member Protection Policy.

Who needs them?

ALL volunteers, paid, self-employed carrying out “child related work”

Working 5 or more days in a calendar year

*Some exceptions do apply – see website for details

Who does not?

U/18 volunteers

Parents of children involved in club

Renew

Every 3 years

Forms

Available from Australia Post (not available to download and print off)

To be submitted in person at Australia Post

100 point check

Cost

$10.30 volunteers

$53.00 paid workers

How long will it take to get the card?

The length of time needed to complete a WWC Check varies. The majority of cards are received in about two weeks. In the meantime the receipt is proof of your WWC.

Note: The WWC is legislation; therefore there are penalties for eligible volunteers and/or paid employees, who do not have a valid check.

Visit the website below for more information

www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au

Working with Children Resources

Introductory Factsheet: Child Safe and Friendly Organisations

Who Needs a Working With Children Check - UPDATED APRIL 2013

Working with Children Recording Template - UPDATED APRIL 2013

FactSheet 11: WWC Check in Sport and Recreation Sector - UPDATED APRIL 2013

Working with Children Check Information for Clubs / Individual Teams

PLAY BY THE RULES

Play by the Rules is an online resource to assit Associations and Clubs with any issues they may face. It provides guidelines for administrators, coaches, officials, parents and planning. The website also includes components covering Managing Risks, Complaints and Legal Stuff. There are also plenty of resources available to your organisation as well as online training.

http://www.playbytherules.net.au/