by John Wharington, President, GCV

I would like to ensure that all club members are familiar with the GFA's Member Protection Policy (MPP), to which, as an affiliated club, we are expected to adhere to.  The document is available here:

http://www.gfa.org.au/Docs/Policies/MP_Policy.pdf

I quote now from a recent briefing by GFA on the MPP and its purpose:

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"Over the last few years governments in all states and territories have been progressively introducing policies and procedures to actively protect vulnerable people in our society from harassment, discrimination and child abuse.

Sporting organisations have legal obligations in relation to harassment, discrimination and child protection. They also have moral obligations in relation to establishing standards of appropriate behaviour and in providing safe, respectful and appropriate sporting environments. Increasingly, insurance companies are also requiring comprehensive risk management plans that include policies and procedures for addressing harassment, discrimination and child protection.

In May 2006, the GFA Board reaffirmed its commitment to investigate and comply with all Commonwealth and State regulatory requirements for dealing with youth.

The issue of safe, respectful sporting environments is considered so important that the Australian Sports Commission introduced a mandatory funding criterion which requires national sporting organisations to develop and implement policies and procedures to promote positive and respectful behaviours and to meet obligations relating to harassment, discrimination and child protection.

It is GFA’s commitment to provide an environment safe for children, which is free from harassment and abuse for everyone, and promotes respectful and positive behaviour and values.

The Member Protection Policy will provide a code of conduct and supporting processes and procedures which will form the basis of appropriate and ethical conduct which everyone must abide by, and will clearly set out how any issues will be handled. It is an essential part of GFA’s proactive and preventative approach to tackling inappropriate behaviour."

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I urge all members to familiarise themselves with this document as it provides straightforward and clear processes when dealing with disputes and complaints; the responsibilities of members and officials; as well as role-specific codes of conduct.

Note also that adherence to the Membership Protection Policy and its Code of Conduct is not voluntary for GCV nor its members; breaches of either can result in penalties or disciplinary measures to individuals or the GCV itself.

With that said, though, I consider the MPP to be fair and reasonable, and sets out policy to ensure that everyone can enjoy the sport to the fullest.