CHILD SAFETY & WELLBEING POLICY

1. Purpose

BDU Lightning Basketball Club is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, supportive, and positive environment where all children and young people are respected, protected, and empowered. The Club has zero tolerance for child abuse, neglect, bullying, harassment, discrimination, grooming, or any behaviour that places a child or young person at risk.This policy supports and operates alongside all relevant Basketball Victoria, Basketball Australia, and Victorian Child Safe Standards requirements.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All players under 18 years of age

  • Coaches and assistant coaches

  • Team managers

  • Committee members

  • Volunteers

  • Referees and officials

  • Parents, guardians, and spectators

  • Contractors and service providers engaged by the Club

3. Commitment to Child Safety

BDU Lightning Basketball Club commits to:

  • Promoting the safety, participation, and empowerment of all children.

  • Creating an environment where children feel valued, respected, and heard.

  • Acting in the best interests of children at all times.

  • Taking all allegations, disclosures, complaints, and concerns seriously.

  • Responding promptly and appropriately to child safety concerns.

  • Supporting the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

  • Supporting children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

  • Supporting children with disability.

  • Supporting children of all genders, identities, and backgrounds.

4. Child Safe Standards

The Club is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards by:

  1. Promoting culturally safe environments.

  2. Embedding child safety in leadership and governance.

  3. Empowering children and young people.

  4. Involving families and communities.

  5. Upholding equity and diversity.

  6. Ensuring suitable recruitment and screening practices.

  7. Maintaining child-focused complaint processes.

  8. Providing education and training.

  9. Promoting safe physical and online environments.

  10. Reviewing and improving child safety practices.

  11. Maintaining documented policies and procedures.

5. Recruitment and Screening

All coaches, team managers, committee members, and volunteers who work with children must:

  • Hold a valid Working with Children Check where required.

  • Comply with Basketball Victoria Member Protection requirements.

  • Read and acknowledge this Child Safety Policy.

  • Follow the Basketball Victoria Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct.

  • Complete any child safeguarding training required by the Club or Basketball Victoria.

The Club reserves the right to refuse or terminate involvement where a person does not meet child safety requirements.

6. Code of Behaviour

Adults involved with BDU Lightning must:

  • Treat children with dignity, respect, and fairness.

  • Listen to children and take their concerns seriously.

  • Use positive and appropriate language.

  • Maintain professional boundaries.

  • Ensure interactions are observable and accountable.

  • Report concerns or suspected misconduct immediately.

Adults must not:

  • Engage in grooming behaviour.

  • Use physical punishment.

  • Bully, intimidate, humiliate, or verbally abuse children.

  • Have inappropriate private contact with children.

  • Communicate with children through private social media channels without parental involvement.

  • Be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while supervising children.

7. Online Safety

The Club recognises the importance of protecting children in online environments.

Club representatives must:

  • Use approved communication channels.

  • Include parents or guardians in electronic communications where practical.

  • Use social media respectfully and responsibly.

  • Obtain consent before publishing images of children.

Any online behaviour that places a child at risk will be treated as a child safety concern.

8. Reporting Child Safety Concerns

Any person who believes a child is at risk of harm must report the concern immediately.

Reports may be made to:

  • BDU Lightning Child Safety Officer
    Kirsty Dixon
    Email: bduchildsafety@gmail.com
    Mobile: 0437 122 431

  • Basketball Victoria

  • Victoria Police (000 in emergencies)

  • Child Protection Services where appropriate

All reports will be:

  • Taken seriously

  • Treated confidentially where possible

  • Managed promptly and fairly

  • Escalated when required

No person will be disadvantaged for making a genuine report in good faith.

9. Responding to Concerns

When a concern is raised, the Club will:

  • Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the child.

  • Listen without judgement.

  • Record information accurately.

  • Follow mandatory reporting obligations where applicable.

  • Seek guidance from Basketball Victoria where required.

  • Cooperate fully with any investigation.

10. Child Participation

BDU Lightning values the voices of children and young people.

Children will be encouraged to:

  • Express their views.

  • Raise concerns safely.

  • Participate in decisions affecting them.

  • Provide feedback about their basketball experience.

11. Roles and Responsibilities

Committee

The Committee will:

  • Promote a child-safe culture.

  • Ensure compliance with this policy.

  • Appoint a Child Safety Officer.

  • Review child safety practices annually.

Child Safety Officer

The Child Safety Officer will:

  • Receive and manage child safety concerns.

  • Provide support and guidance.

  • Maintain confidential records.

  • Liaise with Basketball Victoria when required.

Coaches and Volunteers

Coaches and volunteers must:

  • Follow this policy.

  • Maintain professional boundaries.

  • Report concerns immediately.

  • Support safe participation.

Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians are encouraged to:

  • Support child-safe practices.

  • Report concerns.

  • Promote respectful behaviour.

12. Breaches of Policy

Any breach of this policy may result in:

  • Education or counselling

  • Suspension from Club activities

  • Removal from volunteer or coaching roles

  • Referral to Basketball Victoria

  • Referral to relevant authorities

13. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the BDU Lightning Committee or earlier if legislation, Basketball Victoria requirements, or Club operations change.

Policy Endorsement

Approved by: BDU Lightning Basketball Club Committee
Effective Date: 20/10/2026
Review Date: 20/10/2027
Child Safety Officer: Kirsty Dixon
President: Troy McCarthy