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0403 842 349
info@melbournefencingclub.com.au
Child Safety:
All children who are a part of Melbourne Fencing Centre have a right to feel and be safe and have a right to have their voice heard. The welfare of children in our care is our first priority. Melbourne Fencing Cente has a zero tolerance to child abuse. Our Club aims to create a child safe and child friendly environment where children and families feel safe, valued, listened to in order to learn and have fun. Melbourne Fencing Centre's activities are always carried out in the best interests of the children.
1. Children’s Rights to Safety and Participation:
Melbourne Fencing Centre encourages children to express their views about their safety. We listen to their suggestions, especially on matters that directly affect them. We actively encourage all children who use our services to ‘have a say’ about things that are important to them.
2. Coaches, Parents, Spectators, Fencers and Persons of authority should
maintain clear boundaries:
Physical boundaries:
• Drills are used to develop fitness, not as a punishment
• Physical contact needs to be appropriate for the development of a particular skill - seek permission of the athlete
• Work within sight of others at all times
Emotional boundaries:
• Positive feedback on performance - not negative feedback about the person
• Be encouraging and avoid put-downs
Social boundaries:
• Attend sport related events such as sponsorship and fundraising events, celebrations and competitions but do not socialise with young athletes outside sporting functions;
• Do not socialise with young athletes via social media.
Sexual boundaries:
• Do not have sexual relationships with athletes you are coaching
• Do not touch athletes in ways likely to make them feel uncomfortable
3. Coaches, Spectators, Fencers and Persons of authority should minimize physical contact:
Generally, physical contact with players or participants should be to:
• Develop sport skills
• Treat an injury
• Prevent or respond to an injury
• Meet the specific requirements of the sport
All physical contact by personnel should fulfill the following criteria:
• Physical contact should be appropriate for the development of a sport skill/s
• Permission form the player or participant should always be sought
• Players or participants should be congratulated or comforted in public not in an isolated setting
Avoid being alone with a child
To protect yourself and the child from risk:
• Do not isolate yourself and a child and avoid being alone with any particular child
• If a child approaches you and wants to talk to you privately about a matter, do so in an open area and in sight of other adults (e.g. other coaches, officials or parents/guardians)
• Before going into change rooms/bathrooms knock or announce that you will be coming in. Try to have at least one adult with you in a change room with children