Nothing to answer for huh?
The AFL policy is under 18
Well done, Derryn!
You're right FNM. It is under 18. Here's the AFL’s Child Protection Policy:
http://www.afl.com.au/Portals/0/afl_docs/afl_hq/Policies/AFL_Member_Protection_Policy_2009.pdf5.1 CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
(a) OverviewEvery person and organisation bound by this policy must always place the safety and welfare of children above all other considerations.
Child abuse is illegal in all states and territories of Australia, with each having their own child protection laws that cover the reporting and investigation of cases of child abuse.
Child abuse relates to children (a person under 18 years old) at risk of harm, usually by adults, sometimes by other children, and often by those they know and trust. It can take many forms. Children may be harmed by verbal and emotional abuse and physical actions and by people failing to provide them with basic care. Child abuse may include:
• Physical abuse by hurting a child or a child’s development (e.g. hitting, shaking or other physical harm; giving a child alcohol or drugs; or training that exceeds the child’s development or maturity).
• Sexual abuse by adults or other children where a child is encouraged or forced to watch or engage in sexual activity or where a child is subject to any other inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature (e.g. sexual intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, pornography including child pornography or inappropriate touching or conversations).
• Emotional abuse by ill-treating a child (e.g. humiliation, taunting, sarcasm, yelling, negative criticism, name calling, ignoring or placing unrealistic expectations on a child).
• Neglect (e.g. failing to give food, water, shelter or clothing or to protect a child from danger or foreseeable risk of harm or injury).
All allegations of child abuse will be dealt with promptly, seriously, sensitively and confidentially. The AFL requires that anyone who reasonably suspects that a child has been or is being abused by someone within our sport, or by his/her parents/guardians to report it immediately to the police or relevant government agency, and the AFL or relevant Affiliated State Body. The AFL or Affiliated State Body will not attempt to investigate, mediate or conduct any hearing into any allegation of child abuse as this is the role of the police and the relevant government agency.
(b) AFL Child Protection RequirementsThe AFL requires every individual and organisation bound by this policy to:
(i) Prohibit any form of abuse against children;
(ii) Provide education and/or information to those involved in our sport on child abuse and child protection.
(iii) Carefully select people whose role requires them to have regular direct and unsupervised contact with children;
(iv) Provide opportunities for our juniors to contribute to and provide feedback on our program development;
(v) Ensure codes of conduct, particularly for roles associated with junior sport, are promoted, enforced and reviewed
(vi) Provide procedures for raising concerns or complaints. Where applicable meet the requirements outlined in:
A Attachment B1 Child Protection Requirements
B Attachment B2. Member Protection Declaration
C QLD Blue Card Requirements. Refer website
www.bluecard.qld.gov.au or contact 1800 113611)
D NSW Child Protection Requirements. Refer to the NSW Commission for Children and Young People website:
www.kids.nsw.gov.au or contact 02 9286 7219
E WA Child Protection Requirements. Refer to the Department of Community Development Working with Children Screening Unit website
www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au or contact 1800 883 979.
F VIC Child Protection Requirements. Refer to the Department of Justice website:
http://www.justice.vic.gov.au and follow the Working with Children Check link under Business Units or contact 1300 652 879.
G SA Child Protection Requirements. Refer to the Department of Families and Communities website
www.familiesandcommunities.sa.gov.au or the South Australian Office for Recreation and Sport’s website
www.resport.sa.gov.auState specific child protection requirements apply despite the existence or absence of the AFL Member Protection Policy.
http://www.afl.com.au/Portals/0/afl_docs/afl_hq/Policies/AFL_Member_Protection_Policy_2009.pdf