My child was at practise the other day, and every time one team member did anything wrong they all had to do 20 push-ups. It was a hot day, and they were all exhausted. I think it is totally inappropriate but no-one else did anything. What can I do?

You can talk to the coach about your concerns, or meet with the club's Member Protection Information Officer who should outline available options.

The club is a small one and I don't think they have any policies or procedures for managing harassment, discrimination or abuse. What can we expect them to do?

Small clubs can develop policies and procedures with assistance from their sport or recreation organisation, governing body or sport and recreation department. Policy templates are available from the Australian Sports Commission and can easily be adapted for the club to implement.

My child has been selected for a State team, and we have been told not to visit or contact them outside of the games. Is this right?

It is important to check the justification for this approach.

If you feel worried about the instructions, discuss this with the organising body.  They may have a policy related to this practice that you could read which may reassure you.

What if I'm concerned about a coach's behaviour but all the other parents think he/she is great?

Check your sporting organisation's Code of Conduct to find out what is acceptable behaviour. If you feel the coach is in breach of the Code of Conduct, this should be reported to the relevant contact person within your sport and be dealt with according to your sporting organisation's policies and procedures.