Purpose
To provide a safe, fair, and inclusive environment for everyone involved in Tag League—players, parents/guardians, captains, referees, volunteers, staff, contractors, and spectators.
Scope
Applies to all Tag League competitions, trainings, tournaments, events, and online spaces (app, website, social media).
1) Our Commitments
- Safety & Respect: Every participant is entitled to an environment free from harassment, abuse, bullying, discrimination, and retaliation.
- Inclusion: We welcome participants of all backgrounds and identities, and make reasonable adjustments for disability, culture, and faith.
- Fair Play: We champion honesty, good sportsmanship, and integrity on and off the field.
- Freedom to Participate: Members are free to play in other competitions or sports with no detriment to their involvement or selection in Tag League.
- Good Governance: We align with Sport Australia governance principles and the member protection/child safeguarding guidance of Sport Integrity Australia (SIA).
2) Standards of Behaviour
Prohibited conduct includes (but is not limited to):
- Bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment), vilification, discrimination.
- Abuse (physical, verbal, psychological), intimidation, threats.
- Grooming, child-safety breaches, hazing/initiation rituals.
- Doxxing or online abuse, offensive social media posts, sharing private images without consent.
- Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern or makes a complaint.
Expected behaviours:
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
- Play fair; accept referee decisions without abuse.
- Use appropriate language; no swearing, slurs, or taunts.
- Follow venue and safety instructions from Game Day Managers (GDMs) and officials.
- Report concerns quickly and truthfully.
3) Child & Vulnerable-Participant Safety
- Screening: All child-facing staff/volunteers must hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) (NSW) or relevant state equivalent and complete induction.
- Two-adult rule: Interactions with juniors occur in open, observable environments.
- Medical/Access Needs: We confidentially record disclosed conditions and agree reasonable adjustments where safe to do so.
- Photography/Media: Parental/guardian consent required for identifiable images of juniors; opt-out is respected.
4) Complaints & Reporting (Fair Process)
We encourage speaking up. You can report concerns about safety, behaviour, discrimination, or integrity issues.
How to report
- On the night (if safe): Speak to the Referee or GDM.
- Within 24–48 hrs: Email admin@tagleague.com.au
- Serious matters: We may escalate to Sport Integrity Australia, police, or child-safety authorities as required.
What happens next
- Acknowledgement: within 2 business days.
- Assessment & action: initial findings/next steps within 10 business days (complex cases may take longer; we’ll keep you updated).
- Natural justice: all parties are heard; conflicts of interest are managed; records are confidentially maintained.
Possible outcomes
- Mediation or apology, education/training, formal warning, suspension, removal from venue/competition, referral to external authorities.
No victimisation: You will not be penalised for making a complaint in good faith.
5) Game Day Management & Enforcement
- GDMs and Referees can stop play, direct individuals to leave, or suspend a match where safety or conduct is at risk.
- Non-compliance with this policy or the Code of Conduct may result in immediate removal and further disciplinary action.
6) Social Media & Communications
- Keep it respectful—on all Tag League channels and public platforms.
- No abuse, harassment, or sharing of private information/content without consent.
- Breaches may lead to sanctions as above.
7) Education & Awareness
- Seasonal Captains’ brief covers safety expectations, reporting options, and key rules.
- Induction for all staff/officials includes child safeguarding and incident response.
8) Review & Contacts
- This policy is reviewed annually or after any significant incident.
- Contacts:
- On-night: Referee / GDM at the venue
- Operations: admin@tagleague.com.au
- External: Sport Integrity Australia (as applicable)
Quick Rights & Responsibilities
You have the right to:
- Participate free from harassment, abuse, and discrimination.
- A fair, timely process when raising concerns.
- Reasonable adjustments for disclosed needs, where safe.
You are responsible for:
- Treating others with dignity and respect.
- Following safety directions and venue rules.
- Reporting unsafe behaviour or risks promptly.
Effective: 01/09/2025
Owner: Tag League Operations
Related: Code of Conduct • Child Safety Guidelines • Social Media Policy • Incident & Complaints Procedure
