Leadership and Life Balance
How Do I Choose a Safe Sports Club for My Child in Australia?
Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX
Ask five things: is there a child safeguarding policy that is easy to find, a Child Safe Officer or Member Protection Officer, background checks for staff and volunteers, written consent for photos and travel, and a clear way to report concerns. Seek professional advice if unsure.
The answer
- Ask whether the club has a Child Safeguarding Policy that is easy to find, and how it puts the policy into action.
- Ask whether there are other safety policies, for example for complaints, photography, social media and a code of conduct.
- Ask whether there is a Child Safe Officer or Member Protection Officer.
- Ask whether background checks are done on staff and volunteers.
- Ask whether the club asks for written consent for things like participation, photos or videos, and travel.
- Ask how to report a concern or complaint, how the club supervises children during activities, and whether it has first aid officers and procedures.
- Ask whether staff and volunteers get ongoing training on child safety, and whether the club listens to children and families.
- If you are unsure, ask your sport's governing body or a qualified sports professional. Parents can always seek professional advice.
Last checked 2026-10-16 against the official page(s) listed below. Rules and wording change, so check the club's own policy and the official pages again before you act.
For information only. This is general information for student-athletes, not medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Terms
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you act. Last checked: 16 October 2026.