The laws or rules that govern an organisation can be grouped into two types: external rules and internal rules. External rules Organisations are subject to external laws, rules and community standards of behaviour. These rules exist in the form of statutes and common law, which include: - providing a safe environment: All individuals and organisations have a duty to act responsibly. Conduct not meeting an appropriate standard of care may constitute negligence and may result in liability for the individual and the organisation.
- following fair procedures: All private and public organisations are required to ensure fair procedures for all members.
- respecting human rights: All members must be treated equitably, and organisations may not discriminate when employing staff and providing services.
- complying with child protection laws: These laws, in place in all States and Territories of Australia, aim to protecting children and young people from child abuse and neglect.
- avoiding criminal actions: All individuals and organisations are subject to the criminal codes.
Internal rules Internal regulations are standards that an organisation makes for itself. This could include your Member Protection Policy, constitution and policies, as well as by-laws, codes of conduct, the rules of the game and any guidelines for behaviour. All levels of sporting organisations must comply with certain legislative requirements. Failure to comply not only exposes them to legal action, but may endanger members and expose them to unnecessary risk and harm. (Adapted from Fairholme, J., & Ferguson, P. It's More Than Just A Game, 4th Edition. p 58 Vancouver, BC, Canada: The Canadian Red Cross Society. For more information, read RespectED: Violence & Abuse Prevention, at www.redcross.ca)
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