Keeping our sport safe
The safety of children and young people in our sport is paramount. We want swimming to be fun, enjoyable and safe for all. All of us in the Australian swimming community have a role to play in ensuring that we keep our proud sport as safe and enjoyable as possible.
The Safe Sport Framework (SSF) confirms the shared responsibility we all have for keeping each other safe in swimming - children and adults alike. The Safe Sport Framework replaces our previous child and member welfare policies and procedures from 29 July 2016, as well as our Codes of Conduct. It:
- Specifically commits to keeping our Children and Young People safe in swimming;
- Clarifies and raises the standards of behaviour for dealing with Children and Young People through a new “Code of Conduct for dealing with Children and Young People”;
- Consolidates our previous role-specific Codes of Conduct into one General Code of Conduct;
- Strengthens and clarifies processes and procedures when safe sport concerns or incidents arise;
- Requires more rigorous recruitment and screening procedures, as well as reporting by all organisations in swimming; and
- Provides guidance, advice, tips and tools to assist us to keep each other and our sport safe.
To ensure you are Safe Sport compliant, be sure to enrol and complete our free online course (15min), delivered in partnership with Victoria University:
The Safe Sport Framework
- What is the SSF?
- Do we have to adopt the SSF at our club?
The SSF is a comprehensive policy and procedures document that details our shared responsibilities for protecting children and members' welfare. It also replaces our previous child and member welfare policies and procedures.
The SSF can be overwhelming when presented all at once, so it has been broken down into the following Parts which are easier to digest when read individually. You may also find it helpful to read the Safe Sport Framework User Guide, to help you get started.
Part 1: Introduction;
Part 2: Our Child Protection Commitment Statement;
Part 3: Our Codes of Conduct
Part 4: Our Safe Sport Complaint Procedures.
Safe Sport Framework FAQs
Yes, you do. If you have not done so it's incredibly important you do so ASAP. We ask that you please table this for discussion at your next committee meeting.
If you need further assistance with understanding or implementing the SSF, contact your local Development Officer (found on your State or Territories home website)
Resources
- Additional Resources
- ACF Guide to Mandatory Reporting (June 2016)
- ACF Reportable Conduct Summary
- Age of Consent Information for all States
- Case 1: Complaints Flowchart - Child Abuse Serious Criminal Conduct
- Case 2 & 3: Member Complaints Flowchart
- Parent Handbook
- Recruitment and Screening Checklist
- Rights and Responsibilities Summary for Children and Young People
- Reference Check Template
- Safe Sport Case Management Script Tips
- Safe Sport Case Management Guidance
- Sample Interview Questions for People Working with Children
- Safeguarding Children: A4 Poster
- Safeguarding Children: A3 Poster
CALL Swimming Australia on (03) 9910 0700 if you have any child protection concerns or talk to your local club representative.
The Framework has been developed by a committee of experienced people from a range of our Member Associations in consultation with the Australian Childhood Foundation and the Australian Sports Commission. The Framework is a critical piece of work to underpin the positive influence that swimming – and our swimming community – can have on the lives of all participants. It will also put swimming at the forefront of safeguarding children and member processes, procedures and resources in Australia.
Additional Resources
