CREATING GREATS FOOTBALL ACADEMY

CHILD SAFE POLICY

1.1 Commitment to Child Safety

Creating Greats Football Academy is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all children participating in our programs. The safety, wellbeing, and best interests of children are our highest priority.

We have zero tolerance for child abuse, neglect, bullying, harassment, or unsafe conduct.

1.2 Scope

This policy applies to:

• All training sessions

• All academy activities

• The sole coach/operator

• All participants and parents

1.3 Child Safe Principles

The academy will:

• Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment
• Treat all children with respect and dignity
• Ensure activities are conducted in open, visible locations
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times
• Communicate with children only through parents/guardians

1.4 Safe Coaching Practices

The coach will:

• Hold a valid Working With Children Check
• Conduct sessions in public or visible areas
• Avoid isolated one-on-one situations where possible
• Obtain parental consent for private sessions
• Never transport players without written permission
• Use appropriate physical contact only when necessary for coaching

1.5 Communication Rules

The academy will:

• Communicate with parents/guardians directly
• Not privately message children on social media or personal devices
• Use professional communication channels only

1.6 Risk Management

The academy will:

• Maintain safe equipment
• Monitor training conditions
• Ensure appropriate supervision at all times
• Keep emergency contact details on file

2. COACH CODE OF CONDUCT

The coach agrees to:

• Act as a positive role model at all times
• Treat all players fairly and respectfully
• Avoid discrimination, harassment, or intimidation
• Maintain professional boundaries with all children
• Never engage in inappropriate physical or verbal behaviour
• Never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs during activities
• Follow all child protection laws and reporting obligations

3. REPORTING PROCEDURE

3.1 When to Report

The coach must act if they:

• Witness suspected abuse or neglect
• Receive a disclosure from a child
• Observe concerning behaviour
• Become aware of safety risks

3.2 Immediate Action Steps

1. Ensure the child is safe.

2. Listen calmly and do not ask leading questions.

3. Reassure the child they did the right thing.

4. Record details as soon as possible.

3.3 Reporting Authorities (NSW)

If serious risk is suspected, contact:

Child Protection Helpline:
132 111 (24 hours)

Emergency:
000

3.4 Documentation

All incidents must be recorded using the Incident Report Form.

Records will be kept confidential and secure.

4. INCIDENT REPORT FORM TEMPLATE

Date:
Time:
Location:

Child’s Name:
Age:

Description of Incident:
(Include what happened, who was present, and any actions taken)

Witnesses:

Action Taken:

Reported To:

Signature:
Date:

5. POLICY REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed annually or whenever:
• New risks arise
• Laws change
• The business expands.