Our Commitment to Child Safety
At RiverCity Water Polo Club, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all children and young people participating in water polo and club activities.
We recognise that every child has the right to feel safe, respected, valued and heard. The safety, wellbeing and best interests of children are central to all decisions made by our club.
As a Queensland sporting organisation that provides activities and services for children and young people, RiverCity is committed to implementing and complying with the requirements of the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld) and the Queensland Child Safe Standards.
- We support a club culture where:
- Child safety is everyone’s responsibility.
- Children and young people are treated with dignity and respect.
- Concerns and complaints are taken seriously.
- Families are informed and involved.
- Diversity and inclusion are valued.
- Coaches, officials, volunteers and committee members understand theirresponsibilities to protect children.
Our Child Safe Standards Commitment
RiverCity is committed to implementing the Queensland Child Safe Standards and the Universal Principle for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety.
These standards include:
- Child safety and wellbeing are embedded in leadership, governance and club culture.
- Children are informed about their rights and encouraged to participate in decisions affecting them.
- Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety.
- Equity is upheld and diverse needs are respected.
- People working with children are suitable, supported and appropriately screened.
- Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused.
- Staff and volunteers receive ongoing child safety education and training.
- Physical and online environments promote safety and minimise opportunities for harm.
- Child safe practices are regularly reviewed and improved.
- Policies and procedures document how the club keeps children safe.
Child Safe Policies and Procedures
The following policies and procedures support our commitment to child safety and wellbeing:
- Code of Conduct
- Child Safe Policy
- Member Protection Policy
- Inclusivity & Diversity Policy
- Social Media & Electronic Communication Policy
- Photography & Image Consent Policy
- Recruitment & Screening Procedure
- Playing Time & Participation Guide
- Risk Management & Supervision Guidelines
- Complaints Handling Procedure
These are available on our Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines page.
These policies apply to all members of the RiverCity community, including:
- Committee members
- Coaches
- Team managers
- Referees and officials
- Volunteers
- Employees and contractors
- Athletes and members
- Parents, guardians and spectators
Blue Cards and Screening
RiverCity requires all relevant coaches, volunteers, officials and personnel working with children to:
Hold and maintain a valid Queensland Blue Card where required by law.
- Comply with club codes of conduct.
- Complete child safety induction and training.
- Report concerns regarding child safety and wellbeing.
The club maintains appropriate recruitment, screening and supervision practices to help ensure children are protected from harm.
Participation and Inclusion
RiverCity is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all children and young people regardless of:
- Gender
- Ability
- Cultural background
- Language
- Religion
- Sexuality
- Family circumstances
We also recognise and uphold the cultural safety rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in accordance with the Universal Principle under Queensland legislation.
Reporting Concerns and Complaints
All members, parents, guardians, volunteers and children are encouraged to speak up about any concern relating to child safety, misconduct, bullying,
discrimination or inappropriate behaviour.
Concerns may be reported to:
- The Club Child Safety Officer
- The Club President
- A coach or team manager
- Relevant external authorities where required
RiverCity will:
- Take all concerns seriously.
- Respond promptly and fairly.
- Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children.
- Maintain confidentiality where appropriate.
- Comply with legal reporting obligations.
No person will be victimised for making a genuine complaint or report.
Online Safety
RiverCity recognises the importance of maintaining safe online environments.
Our expectations include:
- Respectful online behaviour.
- Appropriate use of social media and messaging platforms.
- No private or inappropriate communication between adults and junior athletes.
- Parental awareness and involvement where appropriate.
- Safe handling of images and personal information.
Continuous Improvement
RiverCity regularly reviews its child safe policies, procedures, training and practices to ensure ongoing compliance with Queensland child safety legislation and best-practice standards.
We are committed to ongoing education, consultation and continuous improvement to help create a safe sporting environment for all children and young
people.
Contact Us
For questions about child safety or to report a concern, please contact:
Child Safety Officer
Kathleen Ready
mpio@rivercitywaterpolo.com
0411 207 091
Club President
Chris Deacon
president@rivercitywaterpolo.com
Useful Information
Queensland Family and Child Commission – Child Safe Organisations
Queensland Government – Child Safe Standards and Reportable Conduct Scheme
Queensland Legislation – Child Safe Organisations Act 2024
This page supports RiverCity Water Polo Club’s commitment to compliance with the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld) and the Queensland Child Safe Standards applicable to sporting organisations and community clubs.
