CHILD SAFE code of conduct

BDU Lightning Basketball Club is committed to providing a safe, supportive, inclusive and positive environment for all children and young people.

This Code of Conduct applies to all coaches, volunteers, committee members, team managers, parents, guardians, players, officials and spectators involved with the Club.

All members are expected to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and contribute to a child-safe culture.

ALL ADULTS MUST:

  • Treat all children and young people with dignity, respect and fairness.

  • Place the safety and wellbeing of children above winning or personal interests.

  • Be positive role models at all times.

  • Listen to children and take their concerns seriously.

  • Promote inclusion and respect for diversity.

  • Encourage participation in a safe and supportive environment.

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

  • Act in accordance with Club policies and Basketball Victoria requirements.

  • Report any concerns about child safety immediately.

     

COACHES, TEAM MANAGERS AND VOLUNTEERS MUST:

  • Hold any required Working With Children Check.

  • Follow Basketball Victoria Child Safeguarding code of conduct.

  • Ensure activities are conducted safely.

  • Use positive coaching and communication methods.

  • Create an environment where children feel comfortable speaking up.

  • Immediately report concerns, disclosures or incidents involving child safety.

  • Ensure electronic communication includes parents or guardians where practical.

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS MUST:

  • Encourage respectful behaviour.

  • Support a safe and inclusive environment.

  • Treat players, coaches, officials and volunteers with respect.

  • Raise concerns through appropriate Club channels.

  • Never verbally abuse, threaten or intimidate children, officials or volunteers.

PLAYERS MUST:

  • Treat teammates, opponents, coaches, officials and volunteers with respect.

  • Play fairly and demonstrate good sportsmanship.

  • Follow directions from coaches and officials.

  • Speak up if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

  • Include and support other players.

  • Respect Club facilities and equipment.

ALL ADULTS MUST NOT:

  • Engage in any form of child abuse, neglect, grooming or exploitation.

  • Use physical punishment, intimidation or humiliation.

  • Bully, harass or discriminate against any child.

  • Use inappropriate, offensive or sexualised language.

  • Develop inappropriate relationships with children.

  • Be alone with a child where the interaction cannot be observed by others, unless required for safety reasons.

  • Contact children through personal social media accounts.

  • Share inappropriate images, messages or content.

  • Consume alcohol or illegal drugs while supervising children.

PLAYERS MUST NOT:

  • Bully, harass or exclude others.

  • Use abusive or discriminatory language.

  • Engage in physical or verbal intimidation.

  • Share inappropriate content online.

  • Behave in a manner that places themselves or others at risk.

Reporting Concerns

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child, please contact:

Child Safety Officer : Kirsty Dixon

Email : bduchildsafety@gmail.com

Mobile: 0437 122 431

Alternatively, concerns may be reported to the Club President or Vice President, Basketball Victoria, Victoria Police (000 in an emergency), or Child Protection Services.

BREACHES OF THIS CODE

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in:

  • Education or counselling

  • Verbal or written warning

  • Suspension from Club activities

  • Removal from coaching or volunteer duties

  • Referral to Basketball Victoria

  • Referral to relevant authorities where required.