Lesson 14: Child Protection Legislation

Every sporting club or organisation has a legal duty of care to ensure that anyone who takes part in the organisation’s programs or activities is protected from all reasonably foreseeable risks of harm. This is a common law responsibility that covers both action and inaction. Therefore, every committee member, manager, coach, staff member and volunteer has a role in providing children with a safe environment.

In addition, each state/territory has child protection legislation specifying the responsibilities for both organisations and individuals that work or have contact with children. These responsibilities include mandatory reporting and background checking, such as police checks or working with children checks.