Safeguarding

Safe. Supported. Included.

Springfield United Football Club (SUFC) is committed to providing a safe, supportive, inclusive and positive environment for every child and young person involved in football.

The safety and wellbeing of children and young people is our highest priority. Every child has the right to feel safe, be treated with dignity and respect, have their views heard and participate in football free from abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, neglect or exploitation.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All committee members, coaches, team managers, volunteers, players, parents, carers, spectators and visitors have a role to play in maintaining a child-safe culture at SUFC.

Our approach is consistent with Football Australia’s Safeguarding Policy and Member Protection Framework, which aim to ensure that everyone involved in football is treated with respect and protected from abuse, bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Springfield United Football Club is committed to:

• placing the safety, wellbeing and best interests of children and young people first
• listening to children and taking their concerns seriously
• creating an environment in which children feel safe to speak up
• treating every child fairly, respectfully and without discrimination
• supporting the inclusion of children from all cultures, backgrounds, abilities, identities and family circumstances
• maintaining appropriate professional boundaries between adults and children
• ensuring that people working or volunteering with children meet applicable Blue Card and registration requirements
• providing clear expectations for coaches, managers, volunteers, parents, carers and spectators
• identifying and managing risks associated with junior football activities
• responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns
• reporting matters to external authorities when required
• protecting the privacy of those involved, subject to the Club’s legal and safeguarding obligations
• regularly reviewing our safeguarding practices, policies and procedures.

The SUFC Safeguarding Officer is the Club’s designated contact for concerns relating to the safety or wellbeing of children and young people.

The Safeguarding Officer may:

• listen to and document concerns
• explain the available reporting options
• help determine the appropriate next steps
• refer matters to the Club Executive, Football Queensland, Football Australia, Queensland Police or Child Safety Services
• help implement interim safety measures
• maintain records in accordance with the Club’s obligations.

The Safeguarding Officer does not replace Queensland Police, Child Safety Services or other statutory authorities and will not conduct a criminal or child protection investigation.

Contact the Safeguarding Officer

safeguarding.sufc@gmail.com

• Sun Policy
• National Registration Regulations
• FB Extreme Weather Policy
• FFA Whistleblower Policy