Member Protection Policy
The ARU’s Member Protection Policy was recently approved by the ARU Board for implementation across Australia in 2008.
What is a Member Protection Policy?
The Member Protection Policy reiterates the Australian Rugby Union’s commitment to ensuring that every person involved in rugby is treated with respect and dignity, and is safe and protected from abuse.
The ARU is committed to providing an environment safe for children, which is free from harassment and abuse for everyone, and promotes respectful and positive behaviour and values. This Policy, along with the ARU’s Code of Conduct, form the basis of appropriate and ethical conduct which everyone involved in rugby must abide by.
The Member Protection Policy is an essential part of the ARU’s proactive and preventative approach to tackling inappropriate behaviour.
The Member Protection Policy is an amalgamation of a number of individual ARU existing policies in the areas of discrimination, harassment, child abuse and other forms on inappropriate behaviour from Rugby. This Policy will replace previously existing in anti-discrimination, harassment and pregnancy policies.
Does the Member Protection Policy apply to my Rugby Body?
The Member Protection Policy applies to all individuals involved in Rugby and all Rugby Bodies including Member Unions, Affiliate Unions and Clubs and supersedes any other existing Member Protection related policies.
Member Protection Policy is comprised of four sections.
1. Policy statements regarding child protection, anti-discrimination and harassment, pregnancy and gender identity;
2. Child Protection Requirements including a summary of relevant state legislation and recommended screening process for those states and territories that do not have specific child protection legislation;
3. Procedures including step-by-step guide to all dispute resolution procedures: complaints procedure, mediation procedure, child abuse investigation procedure, conduct committee and appeals procedure, and summary of disciplinary measures;
4. Reporting documents and forms.
Appointment of persons to receive and handle complaints
Every Rugby Body must appoint a person or person(s) to receive and handle complaints and allegations made under this Policy and must display their names and contact details in a way that is readily accessible.
Member Unions and ARU must appoint a trained Member Protection Officer (MPO) - a person trained to deal with complaints under, or breaches of this Policy. Where required, the MPO will also provide advice and assistance to MPC’s; and
Rugby Bodies must appoint a Member Protection Contact (MPC) - a person or group of persons who are a member’s first point of contact in relation to any issue or complaint covered by this Policy. This person should be familiar with the Policy, especially the dispute resolution procedures.
Online Training
MPC's are encouraged to complete the Play by the Rules online training on harassment, discrimination and child protection within the context of sport and recreation. The Play by the Rules website is also a useful resource for anyone involved in Rugby at any level (including coaches, players/volunteers, umpires/referees, administrators/ managers etc). Visit www.playbytherules.net.au
Everyone involved in Rugby should familiarise themselves with the Member Protection Policy, their obligations and responsibilities and the standards of behaviour expected of all participants.
This summary is not intended as a substitute for reading the Policy.
Click here for more information on the Member Protection Policy.
Greg Denny
Administration Education Manager
