All Children have the right to feel safe and protected from all forms of abuse, harm, and neglect. Children have the right to take part in sailing in a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment.

The Child Safeguarding Policy is Australian Sailing’s statement of commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in sailing. The policy ensures that everyone involved in sailing is educated and informed of their responsibilities to protect and look after children. The policy aims that those rights are provided for.

To lead the way on this, important steps are being taken right at the top of the organisation. The board of directors has volunteered that every director and will get their Working With Children Checks (WWCC) done and on record, irrespective of whether the Child Safeguarding Policy requires it of them. The executive team are demonstrating the same leadership with every senior member of staff taking the same step, and also completing Sport Integrity Australia’s online Child Safeguarding in Sport Induction.

Other actions already underway at Australian Sailing are assessing all roles in sailing, whether employees or volunteer for proper screening and WWCC requirements. Internally, Australian Sailing’s recruitment processes are being updated to make sure that advertising of roles, interviews, WWCC, criminal history record check, and reference checks are all being done in accordance with the policies.

“Watch what they do, not what they say” is a frequently used leadership idiom. Your club’s committee can lead by taking actions which clearly demonstrate the adoption and implementation of child safe practices.

A good place to start is the Child Safeguarding in Sport Induction. The course is excellent for anyone involved in running sailing clubs with racing or training involving children. The course will provide the basic knowledge required to understand and implement the Child Safeguarding Policy.

The Child Safeguarding in Sport Induction is here.
An online induction about the National Integrity Framework and its policies can be done here.
The National Integrity Framework and its policies are here.

For further information please contact glen.stanaway@sailing.org.au.