Message from Tennis Australia regarding Member Protection Review Feb 2019:

Strengthening Tennis Australia Member Protection Policy

At Tennis Australia (TA) we take seriously our duty of care to children and young people, as well as their families and community. With this in mind, Tennis Australia recently commenced a national review which aimed to strengthen TAs approach to safeguarding children and young people who participate in tennis.

The national review was assisted by the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) and was based on nationally recognized standards for their Safeguarding Children Program.

As a result of this review, Tennis Australia has made significant changes to the Tennis Australia Member Protection Policy. These changes are aimed at implementing best practice and standards to protect children and young people in their care.

The policy has been developed as part of Tennis Australia’s ongoing commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of its members and participants. Member Protection is all about practices and procedures, which protect a sports organisation’s members including athletes, administrators, coaches and officials.

https://www.tennis.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/TA-Member-Protection-Policy-2019.pdf

Who are SJCTC’s Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) or Child Safety Officer?

SJCTC Secretary undertakes the role of Member Protection Information/Welfare Officer for the club, which is currently Cathy Alibrando.

The SJCTC Child Safety Officer responsiblity is currently fulfilled by general committee member,  Janine Marcon.

What is their role?:

They are the first point of contact in our club for any enquiries, concerns or complaints around harassment, abuse and other inappropriate behaviour. They provide information and moral support to the person with the concern. Most national and state sporting organisations have appointed an MPIO or Child Safety Officer. The Australian Sports Commission maintains a database of MPIOs that allows people who need the help of an MPIO to find one in their sport and/or their state.

What do they do?

• Listen and act as a sounding board
• Clarify basic points and concerns
• Refer to a sport’s member protection or welfare policy and explains what constitutes inappropriate behaviour
• Explain the complaint process and options available under a sport’s member protection or welfare policy
• Discusses any relevant laws and the right to complain to external agencies (for example to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission)
• Offer to provide details for counselling or other referrals if appropriate or requested
• Monitor and follow up the enquiry or complaint

It is also important they:

• Take complaints seriously
• Tackle one issue at a time
• Do not take sides
• Maintain confidentiality if possible
• Provide reassurance about victimisation
• Keep notes