Child Protection Policy


BACKGROUND

​​​​​​​Richmond Rovers Rugby League & Sports Club Inc. (“Richmond Rovers”) acknowledges its responsibilities to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person entrusted to its care and is committed to the principles of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014 to provide a safe environment for all members.  A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any club sports activity. As a club we strive to ensure a child’s protection with respect to best practice, policy and procedures.​The key principles of the Richmond Rovers child protection policy are that:

  • The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration.
  • All children and young people have a right to be protected from any form of abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation.
  • All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
  • We will work in partnership with club team officials, parents, guardians, carers and other organisations.
  • We will ensure recognition of the culture of families/whanau and their rights.


SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Richmond Rovers acknowledges that every child or young person who plays or participates in any organised sports within the club should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse.

Richmond Rovers recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult member involved in our club.

Richmond Rovers has a role to play in safeguarding the rights and welfare of all children and young persons by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying where known.It is noted and accepted that child protection applies to everyone involved in the club whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. 


BEST PRACTICE FOR CHILD PROTECTION

Richmond Rovers has endorsed and adopted best practice for child protection and for recruiting volunteers to various roles within the club and as part of its best practice procedures:

  • Developed a role description for the required position(s).
  • Request identification documents and if required any character references.
  • As a minimum, meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible conduct interviews and checks before appointing.
  • Require a recognised Police Vetting check where appropriate.
  • Develop a training induction for all appointed club officials, team officials and volunteers.


CLUB PROTECTION OFFICER (“CPO”)

Name: Tala Tuisila

Mobile: +6421 567 048

Email: [email protected]​


Richmond Rovers has implemented a specific Child Protection Officer position within its administration. The Child Protection Officer is the first point of contact for all club members, parents, guardians, carers and team officials regarding the welfare of any child or young person. They will liaise directly with the Richmond Rovers Board and appropriate authorities in confidence. They will also play a proactive role in educating and increasing awareness.Richmond Rovers acknowledges that bullying is not acceptable no matter what form and is a category of abuse. If bullying does occur, all members, players. parents, guardians, carers or team officials should be able to tell the Child Protection Officer and know that the any reported incidents will be dealt with promptly, professionally and in confidence with recognition of cultural awareness.Richmond Rovers will prior to the commencement of each season, conduct a workshop for all its volunteers and team officials which will include coverage and explanation of the clubs Child Protection Policy and protocols. 


CODES OF CONDUCT

All members and prospective members have access to this Child Protection Policy via Richmond Rovers’ website and notice board.  Richmond Rovers has clear protocols to deal with any breach of this Child Protection Policy at Board level and acknowledges the possibility of serious sanction which may be implemented in more serious circumstances.