hamburger hamburger
afl_icon
Register to PLAY
Overview
Safeguarding Children & Young People
Section 1 Overview Section 2 Policies & Guides for Clubs Section 3 Editable Templates, Guides & Posters Section 4 Resources for Parents, Coaches, Players & Umpires Section 5 Translated documents and forms Section 6 Need further help?
Support
Copy Link

Safeguarding Children & Young People

The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people who participate in AFL Football at any level through activities, programs, services and /or use of facilities by fostering a culture where children and young people feel safe and welcome. Everyone who plays Australian Football has the right to Be Safe, Feel Safe, Play Safe.
AFL Strategic Action Plan
Section 1

Overview

The AFL has created a suite of resources and useful links to help foster a safe and welcoming environment for all those involved in Footy.
PLAY
PAUSE

Situations where people simply feel uncomfortable at footy are things that every Committee and Club volunteer must take very seriously. Having any role at any grassroots footy club is important to help people enjoy their time whilst involved at the club and being connected within the community.

Keeping Children and Young People safe is the number one priority we have as a community – and nothing is different at footy clubs.

As a result, we have provided a wealth of information to help clubs navigate the complexity associated with this critical topic. Don’t be daunted by the range of information provided. Simply checking out the website is a good start. Remember - any action you take is better than taking no action.

Check out the links below for policies, editable templates, posters and fact sheets to help you educate your community about Safeguarding Children and Young People.

Section 2

Policies & Guides for Clubs

Offering a detailed guide on various policies and guides that clubs can adopt and implement to ensure the safety of children and young people.
Section 3

Editable Templates, Guides & Posters

Providing clubs with editable templates, guides, and posters to facilitate the implementation of safeguarding policies and practices.
Section 4

Resources for Parents, Coaches, Players & Umpires

Offering resources specifically designed for children, young people, parents/carers, coaches, and umpires.

Designed for ‘children’ (5-12), ‘young people’ (13-18) & their parents/carers.

Designed for Coaches, Volunteers and Umpires:

Section 5

Translated documents and forms

Ensuring accessibility and understanding across diverse communities by providing translated documents and forms in various languages.

Child Safety Posters

Abuse in Footy

Expectations of Adults in Footy

Raising Safety Concerns

Transporting Children and Young People Guidelines

Young People - Abuse in Footy

Flagging Unsafe Behaviours in Footy

Young People's rights and responsibilities

Young People safe and unsafe behaviours in footy

Section 6

Need further help?

Please see below a selection of external support links designed to assist with safeguarding children and young people. These resources offer vital information and guidance for the well-being and protection of our most vulnerable individuals.

Child Safe Standards (Commission for Children and Young People)  
The Child Safe Standards require organisations involving children to have policies, procedures and practices to keep them safe.

Child Safe Organisations
As part of the Child Safe Organisations project, the Australian Government commissioned the National Children’s Commissioner to lead the development of National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

Cultural Safety and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
This resource is intended to support organisations engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

eSafety Commissioner – staying safe online
This campaign raises awareness of the new Online Safety Act 2021, which protects Australians from serious online abuse.

Play by the Rules - Let Kids be Kids campaign
Let Kids be Kids is a national campaign that addresses poor sideline behaviour - largely at junior sport.

National Office for Child Safety - Child Friendly Complaints Information
Speaking up is important. It can make a difference. Adults should always listen, answer your questions and treat you with respect. 
 
Child Safe Sport - Play by the Rules
Safe and enjoyable sport and recreation experiences are the right of every Australian child. The PBTR Child Protection and Safeguarding online training course is free and suitable for players, volunteers, coaches, officials and administrators in sport. 
 
Child Safe Sport — Vicsport
New Child Safe Standards are coming to better protect children and young people from abuse. The Victorian Government has announced that the new Standards will commence on 1 July 2022, giving organisations time to plan, prepare and comply.

Kids Helpline | Phone Counseling Service | 1800 55 1800
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free (even from a mobile), confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14
National charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
Support for young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drug services, as well as work and study support. 

1800RESPECT
Confidential information, counseling and support service.

Blue Knot Foundation
Blue Knot provides information and support for anyone who is affected by complex trauma.