This Code of Conduct has a specific focus on safeguarding children and young people at Rosebud Junior Football Club (RJFC) against sexual, physical, psychological, and emotional abuse or neglect. It is intended to complement other codes of conduct, club policies and legislation. The Victorian Government introduced new improved Child Safety Standards for implementation from 1 July 2022. The Standards are compulsory, and a minimum standard of safety in all organisations providing services to children. RJFC is strongly committed to complying with all requirements and promoting best practice in child safety procedures and policies.

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to establish clear expectation for appropriate behaviour by adults towards children and young people. It aims to protect children and reduce any opportunity of abuse or harm to children.

This Code of Conduct applies to all committee members, club officials, volunteers, and contractors engaged by Rosebud Junior Football Club (RJFC)

Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct will be considered a breach of the Policy and may result in investigation, disciplinary action including restriction or suspension of duties or termination.

Acceptable Behaviours

All committee members, club officials, volunteers and contractors are responsible for supporting the safety of children by complying with the following ‘acceptable behaviours:

• Always adhering to RJFC’s Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and associated procedures.

• Taking all reasonable steps to protect children from abuse.

• Treating all Children and Young People with respect, including listening to and valuing their ideas and opinions;

• Listening and responding to the view and concerns of young people, particularly with they are telling you that another young person has been abused and/or are worried about their safety or the safety of another child;

• Use corrective strategies that are fair, respectful and appropriate to the developmental stage of the children and young people involved.

• Be vigilant in maintaining player privacy and mindful of the need to avoid placing yourself in vulnerable situations;

• Taking account of the diversity of all children, including (but not limited to) the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with disabilities and children who are vulnerable;

• Ensuring as far as practicable that adults are not left alone with a child.

• Use best endeavours to complete a risk assessment for any program (external) that involves children and young people prior to carrying out that program.

• Reporting all child safety complaints, suspected abuse, disclosures, or breaches of the Child Safety Code of Conduct immediately to the Child Safety Officers or President.

• Understanding and complying with all reporting obligations as they relate to legislation.

Unacceptable behaviours

All committee members, club officials, volunteers and contractors must not:

• Ignore or disregard any child safety complaints, suspected abuse, disclosures or breaches of the Child Safety Code of Conduct;

• Exhibit behaviours with children or young people, which may be construed as unnecessarily physical;

• Do things of a personal nature that a player can do for themselves (such as toileting or changing clothes);

• Engage in open discussions of an adult nature in the presence of children and young people;

• Exchange personal contact details such as phone numbers, social networking sites or personal email addresses with children or young people;

• Have unauthorised contact with children or young people ‘online’ via email, social networking sites, by text message or other means;

• Display any behaviour, in person or ‘on-line’, which could be construed as inappropriate or disrespectful to those who may view it, children, young people and those from Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander and diverse cultural backgrounds;

• Use inappropriate language in the presence of children.

• Use prejudice, oppressive behaviour, or language in the presence of/or with children.

• Express personal views on cultures, race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity or disabilities in the presence of children.

• Discriminate against any player because of culture, race, ethnicity or disability.

• Attend training sessions/team events under the influence or effect of illegal drugs or alcohol.

• Solve suspected cases of child abuse themselves.

• Photograph or video a player or young person without consent of their parents or guardian.

Version Number: 1

Approved by: RJFC Committee

Date: 06.03.2024

Effective Date: 22.03.2024

Next Review Date: June 2024

Policy Owner Rosebud Junior Football Cub