Administrators play a vital role in sport, particularly to reduce the potential for things to go wrong. Here, you can access resources to help you manage risks in your sport.
Coaches and officials are what make sport tick. They play a crucial role in helping keep sport safe, fair and inclusive. Here are a number of tools and resources to help you do just that.
If you are a player then you can make a huge contribution to making sport safe, fair and inclusive. Your behaviour influences others, not only your team mates, but everyone involved in sport.
As a parent you should be aware of your clubs responsibilities. At the same time you also have responsibilities and you can play a huge role in creating a safe environment for your child.
The six main types of child abuse are:
Any sexual act or sexual threat imposed on a child or young person. This can include exposure to inappropriate sexual behaviour or material. For example, suggestive behaviour, inappropriate touching or voyeuristically watching an athlete shower or change clothes. In most states and territories of Australia, by law, children (under 16 years of age) do not have the ability to consent to any sexual activity with an adult. It is against the law for adults in a position of power or authority (e.g. Coach, Manager, Selector, MPIO, Committee member) to engage in any form of sexual activity with a child.
Non-accidental injury and/or harm to a child or young person, caused by another person such as a parent, care-giver or even an older child. For example, physically punishing a young person for losing a game by hitting, kicking, throwing equipment, pushing or shoving.
Behaviours that may psychologically harm a child or young person.
For example, threatening language, bullying, ridicule, personal abuse and comments designed to demean and humiliate. Persistent negative comments to a child or young person.
Failing to provide a child or young person with basic physical and emotional necessities, harming them or putting them at risk of harm.
For example, keeping the best young player on-field to win the game despite having an injury or making children play or train in excessive heat. Over-training young athletes and/or denying a child their basic rights (access to toilets, water and food).
Sometimes known as domestic violence, means violent, threatening or other behaviour by a person that coerces or controls a member of the person’s family (the family member), or causes the family member to be fearful (Family Law Act).
This can include a range of circumstances where multiple children are subject to abuse from multiple people. This can include organized child pornography or child prostitution.
Disclaimer
These definitions and indicators have been included as a guide only. They do not replace the need for consultation with professionals who work in the area of child abuse.
So what are the indicators of abuse?