Rowing is a sport that values team work, mateship & leadership and one that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
Rowing Australia is committed to ensuring that a diverse range of athletes continue to enjoy our sport for years to come and providing a safe environment in which to do so.
Rowing Australia has developed this policy to validate its commitment to providing an environment for participants of all ages and backgrounds that is safe, free from harassment and abuse, and promotes respectful and positive behaviour and values.
The policy provides a code of conduct forming the basis of appropriate and ethical conduct which everyone must abide by. All state associations and clubs will also be required to adopt this policy.
This policy is an essential part of Rowing Australia’s proactive and preventative approach to tackling inappropriate behaviour within our sport. I trust that all administrators, coaches, athletes and support staff will assist me in promoting safe and responsible behaviour within rowing.
Hon. Patrick McNamara
President of Rowing Australia
May 2005
Purpose of this Policy
This Member Protection Policy aims to ensure our core values, good reputation and positive behaviours and attitudes are maintained. It assists us in ensuring that every person involved in our sport is treated with respect and dignity, and is safe and protected from abuse. This policy also ensures that everyone involved in our sport is aware of his or her legal and ethical rights and responsibilities.
The policy attachments provide the procedures that support our commitment to eliminating discrimination, harassment, child abuse and other forms of inappropriate behaviour from our sport. As part of this commitment, RA will take disciplinary action against any person or organisation bound by this policy if they breach it.
This policy:
- Has been made pursuant to the rules of Rowing Australia and has been endorsed by the Rowing Australia Board and Council;
- And/or its attachments may be amended from time to time by resolution of the Rowing Australia Board;
- Shall be valid unless disallowed or amended by the Council by a majority of those present and entitled to vote at its first meeting held after the particular By-Law(s) is made or altered;
- And its attachments can be obtained from the RA website; and
- Will commence on 1 August 2005.
Who this Policy applies to
This policy applies to the following, whether they are in a paid or unpaid/voluntary capacity:
- Rowing Australia Inc;
- Individuals sitting on boards, committees and sub-committees;
- Member associations;
- Affiliated clubs and associated organisations;
- Athletes;
- Coaches and assistant coaches;
- Boat Race Officials including referees, umpires and other officials;
- Employees and volunteers;
- Support personnel (e.g. managers, physiotherapists, psychologists, masseurs, sport trainers);
- Members, including life members;
- Any other person or organisation that is a member of or affiliated to RA; and
- Parents, guardians, spectators and sponsors to the full extent that is possible.
This policy will continue to apply to a person even after they have stopped their association or employment with RA if disciplinary action, relating to an allegation of child abuse against that person, has commenced.
A list of Rowing Australia Member Protection Information Officers can be found on the Australian Sports Commission website — click here —
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