Member Protection Policy
Fernhill Junior Football Club is committed to providing a safe, fair, and inclusive environment for every member of our community.
Protecting Every Member
Fernhill Junior Football Club adopts and operates under the Football NSW Member Protection Policy. This policy reflects our legal and ethical obligations to ensure that everyone involved in our club — players, parents, coaches, volunteers, and officials — is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
Member protection covers a broad range of conduct including harassment, discrimination, child abuse, and any behaviour that negatively impacts the safety or wellbeing of our members.
Every person who participates in our club is responsible for upholding these standards. This is not a compliance exercise — it is a fundamental part of who we are as a community club.
What We Stand For
Safety First
The physical and emotional safety of every member is our highest priority. No sporting outcome justifies compromising the safety or dignity of any person.
Inclusion & Respect
We do not tolerate discrimination on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. Everyone belongs here.
Child Protection
Children are afforded the highest level of protection. All adults in contact with players hold a current Working with Children Check and are trained in child safety.
Fair Process
Anyone raising a concern will be heard and treated fairly. We have a clear complaints process and we act on concerns promptly and without retaliation.
Confidentiality
All member protection matters are handled with strict confidentiality. Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis and disclosures are protected.
Accountability
Breaches of this policy are taken seriously. Outcomes may include education, suspension, or removal from the club depending on the severity of the breach.
Who and What Is Protected
Who Is Covered
All players, parents, guardians, coaches, team managers, volunteers, committee members, officials, and spectators affiliated with Fernhill Junior Football Club.
What Is Covered
Harassment, bullying, discrimination, child abuse, sexual misconduct, victimisation, and any conduct that breaches our codes of conduct or Football NSW policies.
Where It Applies
At all club activities including training, matches, social events, travel, and online communications made in the context of club participation.
External Policies
This policy operates alongside Football NSW's Member Protection Policy, the Football Australia National Member Protection Policy, and NSW legislation including the Working with Children Act 2012.
Member Protection Information Officer
Our club has a registered Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) who is trained by Football NSW to provide confidential information and support to anyone with a member protection concern. The MPIO is your first point of contact for any concern related to this policy.
You do not need to have experienced something yourself to speak to our MPIO. If you have seen something that concerns you about another member's welfare, please reach out.
Contact Our MPIONeed to Raise a Concern?
If you have a concern about the safety or welfare of any member — including yourself — please get in touch. Every concern is taken seriously.