Child Safe Practices
Every child who participates in Fernhill Juniors has the right to feel safe, respected, and protected at all times.
A Safe Club for Every Child
Fernhill Junior Football Club implements the NSW Child Safe Standards across every aspect of our operations. Our child safe practices are embedded in how we recruit coaches, run training, communicate with families, and respond to concerns.
Every adult at our club shares responsibility for child safety.
Our Child Safe Practices
Working with Children Checks
Every coach, team manager, and volunteer with direct contact with players must hold a current WWCC clearance before commencing any club role. We verify these annually.
Supervision Standards
We maintain a minimum ratio of one adult to sixteen children during training and matches. Children are never left unsupervised or alone with a single adult without others nearby.
Open Environment Policy
One-on-one coaching always occurs in open, visible spaces. Enclosed or private settings with a single adult and a child are not permitted.
Annual Child Safety Training
All coaches and regular volunteers complete child safety training each season covering warning signs, appropriate conduct, mandatory reporting, and how to respond to disclosures.
Professional Boundaries
Coaches and volunteers maintain appropriate professional boundaries with players at all times in person, online, and via any communication channel.
Parent Communication
Parents are informed of supervision arrangements before each season, notified promptly of any incident, and told how to raise a safety concern.
If You Have a Concern
Contact Our MPIO
Our Member Protection Information Officer handles child safety concerns confidentially and is trained by Football NSW.
Immediate Danger
If a child is in immediate danger, contact NSW Police on 000 first. Then notify our MPIO. Do not wait.
Mandatory Reporting
Failure to report a reasonable suspicion of child abuse is a criminal offence in NSW. When in doubt, report.
Every Child Deserves to Feel Safe
If you have any questions about our child safe practices or want to raise a concern, please reach out.