Safe Sport

Everyone has the right to feel safe and welcome in swimming.

GSSC is committed to an environment where children and young people are respected, listened to and supported, and where swimmers, families, coaches and volunteers understand the standards expected of them.

Our By-Laws require members to behave respectfully and support a safe, inclusive and positive Club environment, and GSSC operates within Swimming Australia’s National Integrity Framework and safeguarding requirements. 

I am a Swimmer

You should be treated with respect, be able to participate without bullying or discrimination, and feel comfortable asking questions or speaking up.

If something happens that makes you feel unsafe, uncomfortable or worried, talk to a parent/carer or another trusted adult, coach, Committee member or our MPIO.

I am a Parent or Caregiver

Parents and carers play an important role in creating a safe sporting environment.

Stay interested in your child’s experience, not only their performance. Encourage them to speak openly about training and competition, understand the Club’s child-safe practices and raise concerns if something doesn’t feel right.

Parents are asked to prioritise safety and wellbeing, support children to speak up and stay informed about child-safe practices. 

I am a Coach or Volunteer

Appropriate boundaries, respectful communication, suitable supervision, compliant photography and communication practices, and relevant WWCC requirements all form part of providing a safe environment.

GSSC coaches are also required to provide safe, age-appropriate and developmentally suitable coaching and maintain appropriate boundaries with children. 

Want to raise a concern?

You don’t need to work out the correct policy before speaking up.

Depending on the issue, concerns may be raised with:

GSSC Committee

for Club matters and general concerns

CONTACT EMMA

GSSC MPIO — Emma Rogers

for information about member protection, complaint options and available pathways

What does our MPIO do?

Relevant integrity body

where a matter falls within the Swimming Australia National Integrity Framework.

Our MPIO provides information about member protection concerns, complaint options and the processes available.

The MPIO does not investigate a complaint or decide who is right or wrong. Their role is to help people understand their options and identify the appropriate pathway.

EMMA ROGERS - Member Protection Information Officer

Our Safeguarding Standards

  • Sets the behaviour expected of swimmers, parents/carers, coaches, Committee members and volunteers.

  • Explains GSSC’s commitment and procedures for keeping children and young people safe.

  • Provides the national safeguarding, member protection and integrity framework applying across swimming.

  • Certain GSSC roles and activities require a current WWCC in accordance with legislation and swimming requirements. 

  • Explains the pathways available when concerns arise.