Important Information

St. Teresa’s Saints Basketball Club inc (Saints Basketball Club) was established in 2002 through the St. Therese’s Primary School in Cranbourne, Victoria with the objective of providing a not-for-profit club in which children of the school had their own club to play the sport of basketball. Since then the club has expanded to become a club for all children from 5 years to adult to participate in where they can learn and play the game of basketball.

Saints Basketball Club is an all inclusive club and encourages families of all culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as players of all abilities and provides a safe environment for these children to learn and grow.

Our club is family focused and as such, our club committee is made of parents and family members of players. We encourage all parents and family members to be involved in the club whether it be as a coach, team manager, committee member or to provide a positive contribution to the club when time allow them to do so.

Our volunteer committee members participate in on-going training and development to ensure we can provide our players and teams with continued opportunities to learn new skills and develop existing ones.

Saints Basketball Club’s core values are:

• Embracing equality of opportunity

• Focusing on participation and learning rather than “winning at all costs”

• Fostering a sense of fair play and sportsmanship

• Acknowledging people who succeed and those who contribute to the Club

• Being financially prudent and delivering value for money for members

• Planning for the future and being open to the challenge of new ideas

• Conducting our activities with integrity

• Seeking continuous improvement

At SAINTS BASKETBALL CLUB we encourage all forms of positive, sportsmanlike and encouraging behaviour and communication between all players, parents and families, and club officials (including to association staff and referees).

The attitude and behaviour of our players, coaches and parents (including family guests), when representing the SAINTS BASKETBALL CLUB, is expected to be exemplary at all times. This includes communications via all forms of media (email, Facebook, Twitter, etc) and the privacy of others in the Club and their personal & professional lives outside the Club is to be respected at all times.

Our club has a General and Email/Social Media Code of Conduct that all players, parents, club officials and their families must abide by. This includes Basketball Victoria’s Code of Conduct.

Players, Club Officials and Parents give the SAINTS BASKETBALL CLUB Committee the right to deal with any misconduct or infringement of the Codes of Conduct that is brought to their attention. Penalties for breaches of these Codes of Conduct are at the discretion of the Committee, and may include suspension from games and in the event of serious or repeated infringements, expulsion from the club.

GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT

As a Player/Team Official:

• Be a good sport and team player - play for the love of it

• Take responsibility for your actions – follow the directions of your Coach and Team Manager at all times

• Compete according to the competition conditions and rules

• Accept the decision of the umpires - if in disagreement with a decision, raise it with your coach

• Control your temper and your language – no criticism by words or actions

• Encourage and support your team/club members

• Show respect and recognition for your opponents, their skills and achievements, applaud good play and goals by the opposing team. Be friendly to all participants

• Bullying and Harassment will NOT be tolerated in any form

• At all Club functions, whether training, games or social gatherings, we expect each player/team official to behave in such a way that their actions reflect positively on our Club

As a Parent/Spectator

• Encourage and support players, coaches and team mangers at all times

• Never ridicule or yell at a player for making a mistake, or not performing to your expectations, support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities

• Bullying and Harassment will NOT be tolerated in any form

• Remember that children learn by example – applaud good performances by all and cheer with good sportsmanship in mind

• If in disagreement with an umpire’s decision, keep it to yourself and allow the game to proceed. If your concern is in relation to safety of players, then please raise it discreetly with the Coach or Team Manager during a break in play

• Ensure that playing/training venues are smoke and alcohol free at all times

• At all Club functions, whether training, games or social gatherings, we expect all parents and family guests to behave in  such a way that their actions reflect positively on our Club.

EMAIL & SOCIAL MEDIA

CODE OF CONDUCT

Content:

• Email and usage of the Club’s Facebook page is to be in accordance with the Club’s General Code of Conduct. Any communication or content that undermines this is not acceptable. Our Club prohibits bullying, harassment, discrimination, offensive, abusive or unsportsmanlike behaviour in all of its forms of communication.

• Electronic communication can often be inadequate in conveying mood and context, therefore users should carefully consider how the recipient/s might interpret a message before composing or sending the message. All communication should strive for the highest level of professionalism, politeness and courtesy.

Facebook:

• Whilst the Club’s Facebook page is a closed page, users are personally responsible for the content they publish. Be mindful that published content will be in the public domain indefinitely.

• Respect the audience – don’t use ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity, or engage in any behaviour or conduct that is not aligned with the General Code of Conduct. Users should also show proper consideration for others’ privacy and for topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory.

• ‘Tagging’ on photos of any player under 18 years of age is not permitted without permission of their parent or guardian. ‘Tagging’, on photos for any adult is not permitted without that person’s permission

It is not acceptable for users to upload website links or photos known to contain offensive material. Offensive material includes content of an obscene, threatening, dangerous, unlawfully discriminatory or of a sexual nature.

Statement of Commitment to Child Protection

Our Club is committed to child safety.

We want children to be safe, happy and empowered. We support and respect all children, as well as our staff and volunteers.

We are committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children.

We have zero tolerance of child abuse, and all allegations and safety concerns will be treated very seriously and consistently with our robust policies and procedures.

We have legal and moral obligations to contact authorities when we are worried about a child’s safety, which we follow rigorously.

Our Club is committed to preventing child abuse and identifying risks early, and removing and reducing these risks.

Our Club has robust human resources and recruitment practices for all volunteers.

Our Club is committed to regularly training and educating our volunteers on child abuse risks.

We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, the cultural safety of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and to providing a safe environment for children with a disability.

We have specific policies, procedures and training in place that support our leadership team and volunteers to achieve these commitments.

Our Children

This policy is intended to empower children who are vital and active participants in our Club. We involve them when making decisions, especially about matters that directly affect them. We listen to their views and respect what they have to say.

We promote diversity and tolerance in our Club, and people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds are welcome. In particular we:

• promote the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of Aboriginal children

• promote the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds

• Ensure that children with a disability are safe and can participate equally.

• Child Protection Policy

1. Introduction

Everyone who participates in our Club’s activities is entitled to do so in an enjoyable and safe environment. Saints Basketball Club Inc. Basketball Club has a moral and legal obligation to ensure that, when given responsibility for young people, coaches, officials, volunteers and parents provide them with the highest possible standard of care.

Saints Basketball Club Inc. Basketball Club is committed to devising and implementing policies so that everyone in sport accepts their responsibilities to safeguard children from harm and abuse. This means to follow procedures to protect children and report any concerns about their welfare to appropriate authorities.

The aim of the policy is to promote good practice, provide children and young people with appropriate safety/protection whilst in the care of Saints Basketball Club Inc. Basketball Club and to allow volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues.

Child:

The words ‘child’ and ‘children’ in this guide refer to children and young people up to the age of 18years. This definition is consistent with the national framework, Creating Safe Environments for Children – Organisations, Employees and Volunteers, the Commission for Children and Young People Act, the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act    2005 and the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005. The term ‘child’ in this guide is inclusive of anyone under 18 years of age. Not utilising the term ‘young people’ is not intended to diminish any emphasis on, or acknowledgement of, the safety risks to older children or teenagers.

1. Policy Statement

Basketball Victoria is committed to the following:

• the welfare of the child is paramount

• all children, whatever their age, culture, ability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity should be able to participate in basketball in a fun and safe environment

• taking all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment and to respect their rights, wishes and feelings

• all suspicions and allegations of poor practice or abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately

• all Saints Basketball Club Inc. Basketball Club volunteers who work with children will be recruited with regard to their suitability for that responsibility, and will be provided with guidance and/or training in good practice and child protection procedures

• working in partnership with parents and children is essential for the protection of children

2. Promoting Good Practice

To provide children with the best possible experience and opportunities in basketball everyone must operate within an accepted ethical framework such as The Codes of Conduct.

It is not always easy to distinguish poor practice from abuse. It is therefore NOT the responsibility of employees or participants in basketball to make judgements about whether or not abuse is taking place. It is, however, their responsibility to identify poor practice and possible abuse and act if they have concerns about the welfare of the child.

Please read the attachment below to help you identify good practice and poor practice.

3. Children’s Rights to Safety and Participation

Saints Basketball Club Inc. Basketball Club is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children accessing our service. We support the rights of the child and will act without hesitation to ensure a child safe environment is maintained at all times.

Saints Basketball Club Inc. Basketball Club also promotes the involvement and participation of children and young people in developing and maintaining child-safe environments.

We involve them when making decisions, especially about matters that directly affect them. We listen to their views and respect what they have to say.

We promote diversity and tolerance in our Club, and people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds are welcome. In particular we:

• promote the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of Aboriginal children

• promote the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds

• ensure that children with a disability are safe and can participate equally.

4. Identify and Analyse Risk of Harm

Saints Basketball Club Inc. Basketball Club will develop and implement a risk management strategy, which includes a review of existing child protection practices, to determine how child-safe and child-friendly the organisation is and to determine what additional strategies are required to minimise and prevent risk of harm to children because of the action of an employee, volunteer, official, parent, player or another person.

5. Ensure that Adults and Children Adhere to the Codes of Conduct

Saints Basketball Club Inc. Basketball Club will ensure that all adults are aware of and adhere to the organisation’s Codes of Conduct that specify standards of conduct and care when dealing and interacting with children, particularly those in the organisation’s care. The organisation will also implement a code of conduct to address appropriate behaviour between children.

All staff and volunteers, as well as children and their families, are given the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Codes of Conduct.

6. Training and Supervision

Training and education is important to ensure that everyone in our organisation understands that child safety is

everyone’s responsibility.

Our organisational culture aims for all volunteers (in addition to parents/carers and children) to feel confident and comfortable in discussing any allegations of child abuse or child safety concerns. We provide information to our volunteers to identify, assess, and minimise risks of child abuse and to detect potential signs of child abuse.

We also support our volunteers through ongoing supervision to develop their skills to protect children from abuse; and promote the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, the cultural safety of children from linguistically and/or diverse backgrounds, and the safety of children with a disability.

New volunteers will be supervised regularly to ensure they understand our organisation’s commitment to child safety and that everyone has a role to play in protecting children from abuse, as well as checking that their behaviour towards children is safe and appropriate (please refer to this organisation’s code of conduct to understand appropriate behaviour further). Any inappropriate behaviour will be reported through appropriate channels, including the Department of Health and Human Services and Victoria Police, depending on the severity and urgency of the matter.

7. Club Welfare Officer

It is not the responsibility of anyone working for Saints Basketball Club Inc. Basketball Club in a paid or unpaid capacity to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. However, there is a responsibility to act on any concerns through contact with the appropriate authorities so that they can then make inquiries and take necessary action to protect the young person. This applies BOTH to allegations/suspicions of abuse occurring within our organisation’s activities and to allegations/suspicions that abuse is taking place elsewhere.

Saints Basketball Club Inc. Basketball Club will ensure that a Club Welfare Officer is appointed to look over matters concerning child safety and abuse. We expect our members and staff to discuss any concerns that they may have about the welfare of a child IMMEDIATELY with the nominated Club welfare officer. The Club welfare officer will ensure that the concerns/incident reported to them remain confidential and that the identity of the person reporting the concern/incident is not revealed.

The Club welfare officer will be required to report all the incidents noted by them to the appropriate authority at Basketball Victoria who will then ascertain whether or not the person/s involved in the incident play a role in the organisation and act

 accordingly.

8. Screening and Recruitment

Saints Basketball Club Inc. Basketball Club ensures that all reasonable steps are taken in order to engage the most suitable and appropriate people to work with children. This is achieved using a range of screening measures. Such measures help us minimise the likelihood of engaging (or retaining) people who are unsuitable to work with children.

Our organisation understands that when recruiting volunteers, we have ethical as well as legislative obligations.

We actively encourage volunteers from Aboriginal peoples, people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability.

All people engaged in child-related work, including volunteers, are required to hold a Working with Children Check and to provide evidence of this Check. Please see the Working with Children Check website

www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au for further information.

Please read the attached document which states the screening processes followed by our organisation.

9. Induction and Training for Personnel

All volunteers will receive informal induction during which:

• Their responsibilities will be clarified

• They will sign up to the organisation’s Codes of Conduct and the Member Protection Declaration

• Child Protection Procedures will be provided

• Training

• In addition to checks, the safeguarding process includes information to help volunteers to:

• Analyse their own practice against what is deemed good practice, and to ensure their practice is likely to protect them from false allegations

• Recognise their responsibilities and report any concerns about suspected poor practice and/or abuse

• Respond to concerns expressed by a child

• Work safely and effectively with children

10. Fair and Just Procedures for Personnel

The safety and wellbeing of children is our primary concern. We are also fair and just to personnel. The decisions we make when recruiting volunteers, assessing incidents, and undertaking disciplinary action will always be thorough, transparent, and based on evidence.

We record all allegations of abuse and safety concerns, including investigation updates. All records are securely stored.

If an allegation of abuse or a safety concern is raised, we provide updates to children and families on progress and any actions we as an organisation take.

11. Privacy

All personal information considered or recorded will respect the privacy of the individuals involved, whether they be volunteers, officials, parents or children, unless there is a risk to someone’s safety. We have safeguards and practices in place to ensure any personal information is protected. Everyone is entitled to know how this information is recorded, what will be done with it, and who will have access to it.

12. Legislative Responsibilities

Our Club takes our legal responsibilities seriously, including:

• Failure to disclose: Reporting child sexual abuse is a community-wide responsibility. All adults in Victoria who have a reasonable belief that an adult has committed a sexual offence against a child under 16 have an obligation to report that information to the police.1

• Failure to protect: People of authority in our organisation will commit an offence if they know of a substantial risk of child sexual abuse and have the power or responsibility to reduce or remove the risk, but negligently fail to do so.2

• Any personnel who are mandatory reporters must comply with their duties.3

13. Risk Management

In Victoria, organisations are required to protect children when a risk is identified (see information about failure to protect above). In addition to general occupational health and safety risks, we proactively manage risks of abuse to our children.

14. Regular Review

This policy will be reviewed every two years and following significant incidents if they occur. We will ensure that families and children have the opportunity to contribute. Where possible we do our best to work with local Aboriginal communities, culturally and/or linguistically diverse communities and people with a disability.

1 A person will not commit this offence if they have a reasonable excuse for not disclosing the information, including a fear for their safety or where the information has already been disclosed.

Further information about the failure to disclose offence is available on the Department of Justice and Regulation website

<www.justice.vic.gov.au/home/safer+communities/protecting+children+and+families/failure+to+disclose+offence>.

2 Further information about the failure to protect offence is available on the Department of Justice and Regulation website

<www.justice.vic.gov.au/home/safer+communities/protecting+children+and+families/failure+to+protect+offence>.

15. Regular Review

This policy will be reviewed every two years and following significant incidents if they occur. We will ensure that families and children have the opportunity to contribute. Where possible we do our best to work with local Aboriginal communities, culturally and/or linguistically diverse communities and people with a disability.

16. Allegations, Concerns and Complaints

Our organisation takes all allegations seriously and has practices in place to investigate thoroughly and quickly. Our volunteers are provided with information to deal appropriately with allegations.

We work to ensure all children, families and volunteers know what to do and who to tell if they observe abuse or are a victim, and if they notice inappropriate behaviour.

We all have a responsibility to report an allegation of abuse if we have a reasonable belief that an incident took place (see information about failure to disclose above).

If an adult has a reasonable belief that an incident has occurred then they must report the incident. Factors contributing to reasonable belief may be:

• a child states they or someone they know has been abused (noting that sometimes the child may in fact be referring to themselves)

• behaviour consistent with that of an abuse victim is observed4

• someone else has raised a suspicion of abuse but is unwilling to report it

• observing suspicious behaviour.

3 Mandatory reporters (doctors, nurses, midwives, teachers (including early childhood teachers), principals and police) must report to child protection if they believe on reasonable grounds that a child is in need of protection from physical injury or sexual abuse.

See the Department of Health and Human Services website for information about how to make a report to child protection

<www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/documents-and-resources/reports-publications/guide-to-making-a-report-to-child- protection-or-child-first>.

4 For example of behaviour, please see An Overview of the Victorian child safe standards:

<www.dhs.vic.gov.au/ data/assets/word_doc/0005/955598/Child-safe-standards_overview.doc>

Objective

The Saints Basketball Club Inc. Basketball Club (SBC) organises teams to play in competitive basketball games against other clubs, with the Casey Basketball Association (CBA). The CBA competition is arranged around age groups (Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, etc.). Each age group can have a number of grades (A, B, C, etc.), with A being the highest standard. This is done so that teams play against other teams of a similar standard, and players are developed to the maximum of their ability.

The Club aims to offer basketball in a fun and safe family environment, fostering an enjoyment and knowledge of the game while developing a sense of team spirit, positive self-esteem and good sportsmanship, through equal participation.

Age Groups (available through Casey Basketball Association)

Saints Basketball Club Inc. junior teams are grouped as follows:

• Mixed Under 12 - Tuesday

• Mixed Under 14 - Tuesday

• Mixed Under 10 - Thursday

• Mixed Under 8 - Thursday or Saturday

• Girls Under 10, 12, 14, 16, -  Saturday

• Boys Under 10, 12, 14, 16 - Saturday

• Boys Under 18 - Sunday

• Girls Under 19 - Sunday

Player Commitment

Once a player registers for a season, he/she makes a commitment to be reliable and attend all training sessions and games for their team, unless for some unforeseen circumstance, such as sickness, injury or special family functions. Choosing to play another sport where it is known that training or game times conflict with basketball commitments is not an acceptable reason for absence.

Please ensure when submitting your child’s registration form you make clear any days and times your child would be unable to train, and we will consider this, however please understand scheduling training is a difficult and complex process and we have to ensure training times align to our volunteer coaches availability to train the team.

Players that miss training may receive less court time than players that make training (at coach’s discretion). Coaches plan their training sessions based on their provided training manual to best suit their team and work on specific skills and set plays. If a child is not at training and therefore does not know or understand the set offensive and/or defensive sets that the coach showed the team at training, then that player can only expect to be on the court when not running these as this can be detrimental to the team’s development in the long run.

A player should notify their Team Manager as soon as they become aware that they will be unavailable for a particular training session or a game.

Policy

As children progress through each age group, coaches assess them to ensure they compete in a team that will best help their basketball development and enjoyment. Teams are selected by balancing the following criteria:

• Player ability – general skill level, attitude and motivation;

• Team balance – having a good mix of tall players, skilful ball handlers, goal shooters and defensively skilled players; and

• Friendship – requests can be made on the registration form, but these must be reciprocal.

Further to the above, the following principles are used in selecting teams:

• Existing teams that want to stay together do, on the basis the whole team wish to stay together.

• We aim to have top age and bottom age teams, this means where possible teams will be selected with children born in the same year, which provides continuity for children to develop as a group. This won’t always be possible and where friends born in different years but are eligible for the same age group, or where team numbers don’t allow for only top age or bottom age children teams will be formed with a combination of top and bottom age.

• Children wishing to change teams may be invited to attend a grading session with another team if vacancies exist for them to move teams. Following an assessment session with the team the decision will be made between the coach and registrars as to the child’s fit for their team.

• New players will attend a grading / assessment session to help determine the most appropriate team for them.

The optimal number of players per team is eight in most circumstances. All efforts will be made to aim for eight players per team, however in some cases; teams may have only seven players.

Situations that would result in a departure from the policy, such as requests for a group of players from the same school to be selected as a team, and other special requests not covered by the policy, must be approved by the President.

Process

The process of selecting teams is a difficult exercise requiring balancing the often competing criteria of existing teams, player ability, team balance and friendships.

At a high level the process involves:

1. Registrations open

2. Registrations including any special requests are made on the registration form and deposit paid by the due date

3. Player assessments for those requesting to change teams and new players are held

4. Registrars form teams along with input from Coaching Co-ordinator and Team Manager Co-ordinator

1. Registrations open for an upcoming season.

Registration forms and deposits must be paid by the due date to secure a place for the next season. For existing players late registrations may result in a player losing their place in a current team or result in SBC not being able to offer a place at all. Special requests will not be considered for late registrations.

2. Special requests

Special requests may include requests such as play with a friend, play in higher age group or higher grade, team stay together, training times, etc.

• For special requests to be considered they need to be submitted with a registration by a nominated due date, late special requests will not be considered.

• Special requests are not guaranteed but will be considered, and will range from wanting to play with a particular friend (must be reciprocal), training nights, to change teams to a higher or lower graded team.

• Special requests for children to play out of their eligible age group (for example a child that is 8 years old and eligible for under 10’s wanting to play in under 12’s instead) will be only considered once all eligible children for the desired age group have been placed in a team.

3. Player assessments

Before the end of the season, all coaches are expected to provide assessments of existing players to the club registrars to assist the team selection process. The evaluation will rate the player on specific technical basketball skills as defined by the Coaching Coordinator, as well as commitment to team training and games, and attitudes and behaviours. SBC may also obtain player statistics from the current season, sourced from CBA.

Where it is a felt a child would benefit from playing in a lower ranked team the coach or a committee member will discuss this with parents before seasons end.

Assessment sessions will be held for new players and those wishing to change teams or be considered for a higher graded team (if vacancies exist), this may be via an invitation to attend training of an existing team or via a more general assessment session.

Children wishing to be considered for a team in a higher grade will be assessed by the team coach with a vacancy who will determine if the child would be a fit for their team.

Typically this will take place, in February and August each year.

4. Registrars form teams

Registrars use feedback from coaches of current players, any feedback from assessment sessions and registration forms (including considering special requests) to form teams.

Teams will be assigned to training times and confirm that all teams have a coach (Team’s MUST have a coach). Team Managers can be determined at a later date if necessary.

5. Release of teams

Once teams are finalised, the Team Manager coordinator will communicate to players the team they have been selected in and their coach and training time.

Coaches and Team Managers will receive a team list providing all the contact details and players in the team, singlet numbers etc.

6. Feedback

Any queries or concerns relating to a team selection matter should be directed in a respectful manner to the Team Manager Co-coordinator, who will then liaise with the relevant Registrars to respond to the query

CBA Grading Games

At the beginning of each season, teams play a number of grading games (usually six). The results from grading games are used by CBA and the CBA grading committee to ensure all teams are placed in the most appropriate grade for their skill level.

It needs to be noted once teams are formed SBC will nominate a grade thought to be appropriate for the team for the beginning of grading games. However, beyond this point there are a number of factors that will decide the grade a team plays in for the season at the conclusion of grading, such as team performance in grading, who they have played, how other teams have performed within the current grade and also in the grades above and below.,

Initial grading is for the first 3 matches, results and grades are then reviewed ahead of rounds 4 to 6 and then a final grading meeting is held at the conclusion of round 6 and before round 7. At the completion of this process teams can no longer move grades for the remainder of the season. Any teams with feedback on team performance during grading games should be directed to the President, by either the Team Manager or Coach.

As required by the Basketball Victoria Member Protection By-Laws, this attachment sets out the screening process for people in our Club who work, coach, supervise or have regular unsupervised contact with people under the age of 18 years.

Saints Basketball Club Inc., will:

1. Identify positions that involve working, coaching, supervising or regular unsupervised contact with people under the age of 18 years.

2. Obtain a completed Member Protection Declaration (MPD) from all people who are identified in the above step and keep it in a secure place.

3. Provide an opportunity for a person to give an explanation if a MPD isn’t provided or it reveals that the person doesn’t satisfactorily meet any of the clauses in the MPD. We will then make an assessment as to whether the person may be unsuitable to work with people under the age of 18 years. If unsatisfied we will not appoint them to the role/position.

4. Where possible, check a person’s referees (verbal or written) about his/her suitability for the role.

5. Make sure that the person being interviewed / screened, has a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) issued by the Victorian government. Our organisation recognises two (2) exceptions to the Working with Children Check – police officers and teachers. These personnel will not be required to have a Victorian WWCC for the positions identified in Step 1.

PROMOTING GOOD PRACTICE

This attachment will help you identify what is meant by good practice and poor practice.

Good Practice

All personnel should adhere to the following principles and actions:

• always work in an open environment (e.g. avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging open communication with no secrets)

• make the experience of basketball fun and enjoyable: promote fairness, confront and deal with bullying

• treat all children, including Aboriginal children, children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and children with a disability equally and with respect and dignity

• always put the welfare of the child first, this includes before winning

• maintain a safe and appropriate distance with players (e.g. it is not appropriate for staff or volunteers to have an intimate relationship with a child or to share a room with them)

• avoid unnecessary physical contact with children. Where any form of manual/physical support is required it should be provided openly and with the consent of the child. Physical contact can be appropriate so long as it is neither intrusive nor disturbing and the child’s consent has been given

• involve parents / carers wherever possible, e.g. where children need to be supervised in changing rooms, encourage parents to take responsibility for their own child. If groups have to be supervised in changing rooms always ensure parents, coaches, etc. work in pairs

• request written parental consent if Club officials are required to transport children in their cars

• gain written parental consent for any significant travel arrangements e.g. overnight stays

• ensure that if mixed teams are taken away, they should always be accompanied by a male and female member of staff

• ensure that at away events adults should not enter a child’s room or invite young people to their rooms

• be an excellent role model; this includes not smoking or drinking alcohol in the company of children

• always give enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism

• recognising the developmental needs and capacity of the children and do not risk sacrificing welfare in a desire for Club or personal achievements. This means avoiding excessive training or competition and not pushing them against their will

• secure written parental consent for the Club to act in loco parentis, to give permission for the administration of emergency first aid or other medical treatment if the need arises

• keep a written record of any injury that occurs, along with details of any treatment given

Poor Practice

The following are regarded as poor practice and should be avoided by all personnel:

• unnecessarily spending excessive amounts of time alone with children away from others

• taking children alone in a car on journeys, however short

• taking children to your home where they will be alone with you

• sharing a room with a child

• engaging in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay

• allowing or engaging in inappropriate touching of any form

• engaging with children on social media platforms

• taking unauthorised photographs of children (please read the attached document on precautions to be taken while photographing/filming children)

• allowing children to use inappropriate language unchallenged

• making sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun

• reducing a child to tears as a form of control

• allowing allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon

• doing things of a personal nature that the children can do for themselves.

When a case arises where it is impractical/impossible to avoid certain situation e.g. transporting a child in your car, the tasks should only be carried out with the full understanding and consent of the parent/care and the child involved.

If during your care you accidentally hurt a child, the child seems distressed in any manner, appears to be sexually aroused by your actions and/or if the child misunderstands or misinterprets something you have done, report any such incidents as soon as possible to another colleague and make a written note of it. Parents should also be informed of the incident.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO SUSPICIONS AND ALLEGATIONS

It is not the responsibility of anyone working for our Club in a paid or unpaid capacity to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. However, there is a responsibility to act on any concerns through contact with the appropriate authorities so that they can then make inquiries and take necessary action to protect the child. This applies BOTH to allegations/suspicions of abuse occurring within our Club’s activities and to allegations/suspicions that abuse is taking place elsewhere.

This attachment explains how to respond to allegations/suspicions.

NOTE:Please also read the Victoria State Government’s Education and Training website: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/safety/Pages/childprotection.aspx

For further information on child protection reporting obligations, this website will provide you with information on the appropriate authorities to be contacted when child abuse has taken place and the procedures to be followed for making a report of child abuse to the concerned authorities.

Receiving Evidence of Possible Abuse

We may become aware of possible abuse in various ways. We may see it happening, we may suspect it happening because of signs such as those listed above or it may be reported to us by someone else or directly by the child affected.

In the last of these cases, it is particularly important to respond appropriately. If a child says or indicates that he/she is being abused, you should:

• stay calm so as not to frighten the young person.

• reassure the child that he/she is not to blame and that it was right to tell.

• listen to the child, showing that you are taking him/her seriously.

• keep questions to a minimum so that there is a clear and accurate understanding of what has been said. The law is very strict and child abuse cases have been dismissed where it is felt that the child has been led or words and ideas have been suggested during questioning. Only ask questions to clarify.

• inform the child that you have to inform other people about what he/she has told you. Tell the child this is to help stop the abuse from continuing.

• safety of the child is paramount. If the child needs urgent medical attention call an ambulance, inform the doctors of the concern and ensure they are made aware that this is a child protection issue.

• record all information.

• report the incident to the Club’s welfare officer.

Recording Information

To ensure that information is as helpful as possible, a detailed record should always be made at the time of the disclosure/concern. In recording you should confine yourself to the facts and distinguish what is your personal knowledge and what others have told you. Do not include your own opinions.

Information should include the following:

• the child’s name, age and date of birth

• the child’s home address and telephone number

• whether or not the person making the report is expressing his/her concern or someone else’s

• the nature of the allegation, including dates, times and any other relevant information

• a description of any visible bruising or injury, location, size etc. Also any indirect signs, such as behavioural changes

• details of witnesses to the incident

• the child’s account, if it can be given, of what has happened and how any bruising / injuries occurred

• have the parents been contacted?  If so what has been said?

• has anyone else been consulted? If so record details

• has anyone been alleged to be the abuser? Record details.

Reporting a Concern

All suspicions and allegations MUST be reported appropriately. It is recognised that strong emotions can be aroused particularly in cases where sexual abuse is suspected or where there is misplaced loyalty to a colleague. It is important to understand these feelings but not allow them to interfere with your judgement about any action to take.

Saints Basketball Club Inc. Basketball Club expects its members to discuss any concerns they may have about the welfare of a child IMMEDIATELY with the person in charge and subsequently to check that appropriate action has been taken.

If the nominated Club welfare officer is not available you should take responsibility and seek advice from the duty officer at your local social services department or the police. Telephone numbers can be found in your local directory.

Where there is a complaint against a volunteer, there may be three types of investigation.

• Criminal in which case the police are immediately involved

• Child Protection in which case the social services (and possibly) the police will be involved

• Disciplinary or Misconduct in which case Basketball Victoria will be involved

As mentioned previously in this document, Saints Basketball Club Inc. Basketball Club’s volunteers are not child protection experts and it is not their responsibility to determine whether or not abuse has taken place. All suspicions and allegations must be shared with professional agencies that are responsible for child protection.

Social services have a legal responsibility under The Children Act 1989 to investigate all child protection referrals by talking to the child and family (where appropriate), gathering information from other people who know the child and making inquiries jointly with the police.

NB: If there is any doubt, you must report the incident: it may be just one of a series of other incidences which together cause concern

Any suspicion that a child has been abused by a volunteer should be reported to Saints Basketball Club Inc. Basketball Club who will take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the child in question and any other child who may be at risk. This will include the following:

• we will refer the matter to social services department

• the parent/carer of the child will be contacted as soon as possible following advice from the social services department

• the President of our organisation will be notified to decide who will deal with any media inquiries and implement any immediate disciplinary proceedings

• if the Club welfare officer is the subject of the suspicion/allegation, the report will be made to the club President who will refer the matter to social services

Allegations of abuse are sometimes made sometime after the event. Where such an allegation is made, you should follow the same procedures and have the matter reported to social services. This is because other children in the sport or outside it may be at risk from the alleged abuser. Anyone who has a previous conviction for offences related to abuse against children is automatically excluded from working with children.

Concerns Outside the Immediate Sporting Environment (e.g. parent or carer)

• Report your concerns to the welfare officer.

• If the welfare officer is not available, the person being told or discovering the abuse should contact their local social services department or the police immediately.

• Social Services and the welfare officer will decide how to inform the parents/carers.

• The welfare officer should also report the incident to Basketball Victoria. We will ascertain whether or not the person/s involved in the incident, play a role in the organisation and act accordingly.

• Maintain confidentiality on a need to know basis.

Precautions to be Taken While Photographing Children

When photographing or filming a child or using children’s images for work-related purposes, one must:

• assess and endeavour to comply with local traditions or restrictions for reproducing personal images before photographing or filming a child

• obtain informed consent from the child and parent or guardian of the child before photographing or filming a child. As part of this one must explain how the photograph or film will be used.

• ensure photographs, films, videos and DVDs present children in a dignified and respectful manner and not in a vulnerable or submissive manner. Children should be adequately clothed and not in poses that could be seen as sexually suggestive.

• ensure images are honest representations of the context and the facts.

• ensure file labels, meta data or text descriptions do not reveal identifying information about a child when sending images electronically or publishing images in any form.

• understand that the onus is on him/her to use common sense and avoid actions or behaviours that could be construed as child exploitation and abuse.

Objective

The Saints Basketball Club organises teams to play in competitive basketball games against other clubs, with the Casey Basketball Association (CBA).

The Club aims to offer basketball in a fun and safe family environment, fostering an enjoyment and knowledge of the game while developing a sense of team spirit, positive self-esteem and good sportsmanship, through equal participation. It also aims to keep player fees reasonable so it is affordable for families but needs to ensure that it covers the costs of entering teams and running the club.

What is included in player fees?

Player fees are comprised of many components, including the following:

• Cost of team registration, this includes player insurance with Basketball Victoria

• Weekly game fees

• Weekly training fees

• Cost of trophy/medal at the conclusion of each season

What isn’t included in player fees?

There are some club costs not included in player fees which are as follows:

• Club administration costs

• Team training equipment

• Coach development

• Annual club presentation day

We undertake fundraising activities to cover the above costs and also look for appropriate community grants. We do this in order to keep our player fees as low as possible.

How often are fees reviewed?

It is anticipated that fees will be reviewed annually, before the commencement of each winter season. However, from time to time there may be a need to adjust fees in summer seasons as well.

For example, if CBA increase costs for a summer season, Saints Basketball Club will need to review their player fees to ensure that costs are covered and be adjusted if necessary.

Fees for each season will be made available at the time of registration opening

No-pay no-play policy

We have a no-pay no-play policy in place. If a player’s fees are not paid in full by the first game of the season, and there is no payment arrangement in place with our treasurer, the player will be unable to take the court until payment is made or a suitable payment arrangement is in place. Please contact saintsbasketballclub3977@gmail.com if you are having difficulty paying your fees.

Non-refundable deposit - explained

At the time of registering a player, a payment needs to be made to secure a position in a team. Parents can choose to pay their fees in full at this time, or pay a deposit. The deposit amount is non-refundable as there is significant time put into placing children in teams and registering teams with CBA.

The only time the deposit will be refunded is if Saints Basketball Club cannot place your child in a team for their age group, or nominated age group. If you are not satisfied with the team your child is placed in, your deposit will not be refunded.

If you change your mind after registering your child and having paid a deposit, your deposit will not be refunded.

Refund of fees

Player fees are due to be paid in full by the 1st round of each season. If you withdraw your child from the Saints Basketball Club after round 1, your fees will only be refunded, minus the deposit amount, if we can replace your child’s position with another child.

For example, you have registered your child to play in U12 boys and he has been placed in a team. You later decide to withdraw Tom’s registration. Saints are unable to find a replacement child for this team for the season. Your fees will not be refunded. However, if 2 weeks later, another enquiry is received which results in Tom’s position being filled, you will be refunded your fees minus the specified deposit amount plus the amount of weeks court fees (team sheet fees) that would have been your share.

Refund due to injury

If you child sustains an injury during the season, whether or not this happens during a game or training, and is then unable to play for a number of weeks, you may apply to have some fees refunded. You must email our treasurer at saintsbasketballclub3977@gmail.com and provide a medical certificate which must include the date from and to they can’t play. Fees will be refunded at a rate of $10 per week up to a maximum of $120. Please note, your deposit amount will not be refunded.

Absence during season

If you go away for a period of a season, fees will not be refunded for games missed.

Other costs

If a player fills-in for a Saints team and is not a current registered member of the Saints Basketball Club, they will be charged $10 per game that they play. Please note, it is a last resort to use a fill in player that is not a member of our club and all fill-ins need to be arranged through the committee. This payment should be deposited into our club bank account as follows, with reference as the child’s name.

Bank details: Bendigo Bank

Account name: Saints Basketball Club

BSB: 633 000

Account no: 156 069 916

Reference: Surname + first initial + fill-in

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Click on the following link for the full version of the competition by-laws

https://www.caseybasketball.com.au/domestic/competition-bylaws/