Support Networks

Member Protection Information Officers play an important role within our clubs and are the first point of contact for any enquiries, concerns or complaints around harassment, abuse or other inappropriate behaviour. They provide information about the rights, responsibilities and options available to an individual making a complain in sport. MPIOs are impartial and don't mediate or investigate complaints, but are the moral support to the person with the concern.

Mental Health First Aid is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing health problem or in a mental health crisis. First aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis resolves.

A Mental Health First Aid Officer is an Accredited Mental Health First Aider appointed in their club to:

• Provide mental health first aid within their club as needed, at their level of competence and training
• Escalate any matters if required in a prompt and appropriate fashion according to their relevant organisational policy and procedures

And will be aware of:

• Signs and symptoms of a mental health problem
• How to approach and talk with the person in a caring and non-judgmental way
• Strategies for managing crisis situations, like acute distress and intoxication in the workplace.

Sports Chaplaincy Australia is the national sports network for chaplains serving in sporting clubs around Australia.

Many people ask, “Why do we need a chaplain?” or “Where does a chaplain fit in a sports club?” Apart from primarily providing ‘Pastoral Care’, our chaplain also provides:

• Clubs with a sustainable care strategy
• A club with a ‘safe’ person you can confide in
• A caring person for those in distress
• Help to clubs or individuals to navigate grief and loss
• Someone to help you build a healthy and strong community

The role of sports chaplains includes providing healthy strategies for club communities to care for players, coaches and members who can occasionally struggle to connect.

Bullying and Violence Prevention Program provided by Sammy D Foundation

"Impact" has been designed as a primary prevention program aimed at changing players attitudes towards bullying by educating them about the negative impacts of bullying and violence and providing them with strategies to keep themselves and their mates safe.

Players will hear from Neil Davis, the father the Sam who was tragically killed as a results of a violent and unprovoked one-punch assault. By commencing the program with Sam's story, players are given examples of the characteristics of bullying and its consequences.

Following the presentation, age appropriate workshops will see facilitators work with players to explore in greater detail the characteristics and impacts of bullying and violence whilst senior players, parents, club members and officials look at the impacts of negative sideline behaviours and their influence.

A club committee is the group of people, elected according to the rules or constitution of the club to run the club on behalf of the members and to plan strategically and implement measures to ensure the sustainable future of the club.

There are many duties to be covered by a sporting club committee, some of those include:

• Comply with all legislation, especially:
  • Association Incorporation legislation
  • Member protection, welfare and safety
  • Fund-raising legislation
  • Food handling legislation
  • Liquor licensing laws
• Ensure the club is run according to its rules (constitution), purpose, policies and procedures
• Oversee the financial affairs of the club, ensuring the club stays solvent
• Ensure the sustainability of the club
  • ensuring the club has a sustainable number of participants and volunteers & access to suitable facilities
• Create and manage a risk management plan that minimises risks associated with club all club activities, not just the sporting risks
• Plan, define and deliver the club’s objectives and strategic plan for the future
• Create your club culture and ensure expectations are met
• Ensuring the sporting, competitive and social needs of members are met
• Recruiting, empowering, recognising, rewarding and maintaining club volunteers
• Creating and implementing a succession plan for all roles within the club, ensuring that the next generation of volunteers are being identified, developed and trained
• Regularly communicate with club members
• Collect, protect, maintain and hand over critical club information from one year to the next

Ground Marshals are now compulsory in rugby games within SA, where there must be at minimum one marshal for each team.

They are responsible for

• monitoring and managing spectator behaviour during the match
• supporting match officials with red/ yellow card management
• enter the field of play if the referee has stopped the game AND requires support (such as serious injury or dealing with sideline behaviour)
• assist team personnel with paperwork if required
• report to club committee if an ambulance was required to attend.

When dealing with any situation, a Ground Marshal will show empathy and use statements carefully.