Safeguarding

Have a safeguarding concern?

Immediate danger or a life-threatening situation: call 000. Do not wait for an email response. Reporting to the club does not replace reporting to police or child protection authorities when required.

If you are uncomfortable raising a concern with the club, or the concern involves the person you would normally contact, use Football Australia’s safeguarding guidance for external reporting options.

You have the right to feel safe

If something at football makes you feel worried, unsafe or uncomfortable, you can tell a parent, carer, coach or another adult you trust. You can also ask for help contacting the club’s Safeguarding Officer.

Your voice matters. You can speak up about something that happened to you or something you are worried about for someone else.

A safe club is everyone’s responsibility

SUFC is committed to a positive environment free from abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, neglect and exploitation. Everyone involved—committee members, coaches, managers, volunteers, players, families and spectators—has a part to play.

• Put children’s safety, wellbeing and best interests first.
• Listen to children and take their concerns seriously.
• Welcome and respect people from all backgrounds and abilities.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries between adults and children.
• Ensure people working with children meet applicable Blue Card and registration requirements.
• Identify risks and respond to concerns promptly.
• Share information appropriately to protect children and meet reporting obligations.

Our approach is guided by the club’s safeguarding policy and Football Australia’s Member Protection Framework.

What happens when you contact us?

The Safeguarding Officer can listen, record your concern, explain reporting options and help identify the next steps. This may include referral to the club executive, FQ, FA, police or child protection authorities, and steps to help keep children safe.

Information is handled sensitively and shared where needed to respond to the concern or meet safeguarding and legal obligations. We cannot promise absolute confidentiality.

The Safeguarding Officer does not replace police or child protection authorities and does not conduct a criminal investigation. The club may still have separate responsibilities to respond, report and cooperate with the relevant authorities.

For general team selection, playing time or administration enquiries, contact your coach, manager or info.sufc@gmail.com. Concerns involving harm, abuse or unsafe behaviour should use the safeguarding pathway.

Policies and practical resources

Open the full documents for detailed guidance. These links retain the safeguarding resources currently published by the club.