Youth Wellbeing and Safety Code of Conduct
1. PURPOSE
The Altona Football Club (AFC) is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. Our club recognises the importance of, and our responsibility to ensure that we provide a safe, supportive and enriching environment which respects and fosters the dignity and self-esteem of children and young people and enables them to thrive in their learning and development.
This Code of Conduct aims to protect children and reduce any opportunities for child abuse or harm to occur. It also assists in understanding how to avoid or better manage risky behaviours and situations. It is intended to complement child protection legislation, WRFL policy, AFC policies and procedures and professional standards, codes or ethics as these apply to members, volunteers and other personnel.
All members, contractors, volunteers and any other persons of the AFC community involved in child-related work are required to comply with this Code of Conduct by observing the expectations for appropriate behaviour below. The Code of Conduct applies in all AFC training and match day situations and in the use of digital technology and social media.
2. BEHAVIOUR GUIDELINES
As parents, members, volunteers, contractors, and any other persons of the AFC community involved in child-related work individually, we are responsible for supporting and promoting the safety of children through:
• Positive guidance – acting appropriately with children and young people
• Adhering to role boundaries – should not act outside the confides of the duties of your role
• Use of language, and tone of voice – no defamatory language, use clear direction and encouragement, not being harmful in what you say.
• Supervision – avoid being alone one on one with a child out of the view of others where possible
• Use of electronic communications – where possible, email, text message and social media communications to include parent/guardian or within an open group message
• Photographs of children and young people – within expectations of the AFL privacy policy e.g. photos taken in context of the program, dressed appropriately etc.
• Physical contact with children and young people – done when reasonable and in an appropriate manner.
• Sexual misconduct – under no circumstances are sexual acts to occur with or in the presence of children
• Change room arrangements – important to supervise children while also balancing a child’s right to privacy.
• Transporting children – prior authorization from committee and child’s parents
• Gift giving – prior authorization from committee and child’s parents
• Overnight stays – work purpose only within a part of a formal program with authorisations from parents. Gender of supervisors considered and balanced with children participating
• Alcohol & Drugs – while on duty must not use, possess or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including being incapacitated from legal medications, and not supplying to children.
For further information to seek confidential support please email info@altonafc.com.au.