CHILD & ATHLETE PROTECTION POLICY - ROOKIE NATION
Youth & Community Sport Coaching
Sample copy for website mockup purposes only — not legal advice
Last updated: 12 August 2026
Rookie Nation Pty Ltd ("Rookie Nation", "we", "us" or "our") is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for every athlete in our coaching programs. This policy sets out our approach to protecting children and vulnerable participants from harm, and the standards of behaviour expected of everyone involved in our programs.
This is placeholder text prepared for a website design mockup. It is not intended for actual publication and should be reviewed and finalised by a qualified professional before use.
1. Our Commitment
Rookie Nation believes every athlete has the right to participate in sport in an environment free from abuse, neglect, bullying and discrimination. We are committed to:
● Putting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people first, ahead of results or reputation.
● Creating a culture where athletes, parents, coaches and staff feel confident to speak up.
● Taking all concerns and disclosures seriously and responding promptly and appropriately.
● Reviewing and improving our safeguarding practices on an ongoing basis.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all Rookie Nation coaches, volunteers, staff, contractors and board members, and to all participants, parents and guardians involved in our programs, clinics, camps and events.
3. Recruitment and Screening
We take reasonable steps to ensure everyone working with young athletes is suitable to do so, including:
● Requiring a valid Working with Children Check (or local equivalent) for all coaches, volunteers and staff before they have unsupervised contact with participants.
● Verifying references and relevant qualifications prior to engagement.
● Providing safeguarding induction and training to all coaching staff and volunteers.
● Maintaining records of checks and renewing them in line with legal requirements.
All coaches, staff and volunteers are expected to:
● Treat all athletes with respect, patience and fairness, regardless of ability, background or identity.
● Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times, including in one-on-one interactions and online communication.
● Avoid being alone with a single athlete where reasonably possible; use open, observable environments for coaching.
● Never use physical punishment, humiliation or inappropriate language toward a participant.
● Follow our Code of Conduct in all training sessions, trials, camps, travel and online interactions.
The following behaviours are strictly prohibited: any form of physical, emotional or sexual abuse; grooming behaviour; discrimination, harassment or bullying; and the use, possession or supply of drugs or alcohol while responsible for young athletes.
5. Recognising and Responding to Concerns
Rookie Nation encourages anyone — athletes, parents, coaches or staff — who has a concern about a child's welfare or the conduct of an adult to speak up. If you have a concern:
● Report it as soon as possible to our Child Safety Officer or a senior staff member.
● Do not investigate the matter yourself or confront the person involved.
● Where a child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services first.
All concerns will be treated confidentially, taken seriously, and handled in line with relevant child protection legislation and reporting obligations, including mandatory reporting where applicable.
6. Reporting and Response Process
● Concerns are documented and reviewed by our Child Safety Officer within 24 hours.
● Where required by law, matters are reported to the relevant child protection authority or police.
● Interim safety measures (such as suspending a coach's contact with participants) may be put in place while a matter is reviewed.
● Outcomes are communicated to relevant parties in line with privacy and legal obligations.
● We do not tolerate victimisation of anyone who raises a concern in good faith.
7. Online Safety and Communication
To protect young athletes in digital spaces, we require that:
● Communication between coaches and athletes under 18 occurs through official Rookie Nation channels, and copies a parent/guardian or another staff member where practical.
● Coaches do not add athletes under 18 as personal contacts on private social media accounts.
● Photos and video of participants are only used with appropriate consent, in line with our Privacy Policy.
8. Training and Awareness
All coaches, staff and volunteers complete safeguarding training upon induction and on a periodic basis thereafter. Athletes and parents are provided with information on this policy, our Code of Conduct, and how to raise a concern at the start of each program.
9. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed regularly to reflect changes in legislation, best practice and feedback from our community. The version in effect is the one published on this page with the "Last updated" date above.
10. Reporting a Concern / Contact Us
To report a concern or ask a question about this policy, please contact our Child Safety Officer:
| Contact | Child Safety Officer, Rookie Nation Pty Ltd |
|---|---|
| Support@rookienation.com.au | |
| Phone | |
| Address | QLD, Australia |
| Emergency | If a child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services (000 in Australia) first. |