Statement to Kyneton District Soccer Club players, parents, volunteers and stakeholders

In response to the Child Abuse Royal Commission the Victorian Government passed the Child Wellbeing and Safety Amendment Act 2015 which requires our club to meet “Child Safe Standards” in relation to any person under 17 years old. The new Standards require the Kyneton Soccer Club to:

1. Embed a Club culture of child safety and effective leadership;

2. Have a child-safe policy or statement of commitment to child safety;

3. Have a code of conduct that establishes clear expectations for appropriate behaviour with children;

4. Put in place screening, supervision, training and other human resources practices that reduce the risk of child abuse by new and existing personnel;

5. Have processes for responding to and reporting suspected child abuse;

6. Have strategies to identify and reduce or remove risks of child abuse; and

7. Have strategies to promote the participation and empowerment of children.

The committee of the Kyneton Soccer Club affirms that we are committed to the safety of all children at our club. We take a zero tolerance approach to discrimination and abuse. We have implemented a Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct and a Social Media Policy which respects cultural diversity and strictly safeguards against child abuse and including mandatory reporting obligations. The Kyneton Soccer Club has implemented annual risk assessment and child safety focused recruitment processes. The Kyneton Soccer Club committee members are required to hold a current Working with Children Check. All junior coaches and volunteers are required to sign and commit to the Kyneton Soccer Club’s Child Safety and Code of Conduct statement.

Our child safety policy and practices are co-created with the parents and families of our junior players. The Kyneton Soccer Club requests all parents to be responsible at all times for their children.

The Kyneton Soccer Club’s Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct and a Social Media Policy are available on our website and in the clubrooms or contact committee members.

The Committee strongly endorse a culture that encourages all children and adults to speak up about any concerns about a young person’s wellbeing. As such; 

Any person (aged 18 or over) that forms a belief, on reasonable grounds, that a sexual offence has been committed in Victoria against a child (under the age of 16 years) by another person (aged 18 or older), must make a report to the police as soon as practicable, unless exceptions apply.  

Committee members, employee, volunteers, or of-age players of the Club should discuss these observations and concerns with the Club Child Safety Officer, who can assist the person to make the report to the police as required

The Kyneton Soccer Club has appointed a Child Safety Officer – Mr Jason Tusa; jastusa70@gmail.com; Ph. 0409 095 596.

Click on the LINK below for a copy of the Statement

CHILD SAFETY STATEMENT