Child Safe Policy

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Date of implementation: January 2026

Mernda Netball Club is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where all children and young people feel respected, valued and protected from harm.

This policy outlines the club’s commitment to child safety and wellbeing and the expectations of all individuals involved with the club.

Mernda Netball Club: 

• Has zero tolerance for child abuse, harm or neglect
• Actively works to promote the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children
• Takes all child safety concerns seriously and responds appropriately

Statement of Commitment

Mernda Netball Club has zero tolerance for child abuse, or abuse of any kind and is committed to protecting children from harm. The club will act in the best interests of children at all times and take appropriate action when concerns are raised.

This policy applies to:

• Players under the age of 18
• Coaches
• Team Managers
• Committee members
• Volunteers
• Parents and carers while engaged in club activities

The club is committed to:

• Providing a safe and positive sporting environment
• Promoting respectful behaviour and fair play
• Ensuring children are heard and taken seriously
• Supporting children to feel safe to speak up if something does not feel right

All adults involved with Mernda Netball Club must:

• Treat children with respect and dignity at all times
• Act as positive role models
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
• Avoid being alone with a child where possible
• Never engage in behaviour that could be perceived as inappropriate or against the behaviours outlined in the Code of Conduct 

Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to:

• Physical, emotional or verbal abuse
• Bullying, harassment or discrimination
• Inappropriate language or gestures
• Unnecessary physical contact

Mernda Netball Club will:

• Ensure appropriate supervision during training, games and events
• Support coaches and team managers to understand their child safety responsibilities
• Encourage safe practices in changing rooms, travel and communications

Any concerns related to child safety must be reported immediately.

• Concerns should be raised with the Team Manager or Coach in the first instance, where appropriate
• Serious, urgent or sensitive matters should be reported directly to the President at info@merndanetballclub.com.au

All child safety concerns will be handled respectfully, confidentially where possible, and in line with the club’s Complaints and Grievances Policy.

All child safety concerns will be treated seriously and handled with sensitivity. Information will only be shared with those required to manage or respond to the concern.

Committee

• Promote and uphold this policy
• Ensure child safety is prioritised across club operations

Coaches and Team Managers

• Act in accordance with this policy
• Promote safe and respectful behaviour
• Report any concerns immediately

Parents and Players

• Support a positive and safe club environment
• Raise concerns promptly and respectfully

This policy will be reviewed regularly by the Mernda Netball Club Committee to ensure it remains current and effective.