Resources
NSW Office of Sport
Sport should be an enjoyable and positive experience for all, including participants, workers, volunteers and supporters.
Sport Integrity Australia
Our focus is policy development, intelligence, investigations and education, outreach & capability building.
Play By The Rules
An interactive education and information website on discrimination, harassment and child protection in sport.
Quick Links
MPIOs are the point of contact or participants, volunteers or parents with member protection enquiries or complaints. In many clubs, it is also the MPIO who manages the club’s Working with Children Check responsibilities.
Compliance with the NSW Working with Children Check is a legal requirement for all Clubs and individuals who work or volunteer in football with children aged under 18 years.
Football Australia & it's member bodies recognise that, like in all parts of life, disputes can arise in football and those involved will not always behave in accordance with the standards expected of them.
Northern Tigers FC is committed to the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all children and young people participating so that children can enjoy football and feel safe, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.
While both member protection and safeguarding are essential components of a safe sporting environment, they have distinct focuses:
Member protection typically refers to policies and procedures designed to protect members of a sporting organisation from various forms of harassment, abuse, discrimination, and other harmful behaviors. It often includes:
- Codes of Conduct: Establishing expected behavior standards for athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers.
- Complaint Handling: Processes for reporting, investigating, and resolving complaints of misconduct.
- Training and Education: Providing education and training to members on recognising and preventing inappropriate behavior.
- Policies and Procedures: Developing and implementing policies to prevent and address issues such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
Safeguarding focuses more broadly on protecting the health, well-being, and human rights of individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, within a sporting context. It involves:
- Child Protection: Ensuring that children are safe from abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
- Safe Environments: Creating and maintaining safe physical and emotional environments for all participants.
- Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating risks to participants' safety and well-being.
- Welfare Officers (MPIOs): Appointing designated individuals responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices and responding to concerns.
- Legislative Compliance: Adhering to local, national, and international laws and guidelines regarding child protection and welfare.