Child Safeguarding
Policy
KAND Rowing Club is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where children and young people can develop their rowing skills, pursue their sporting ambitions and thrive.
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We recognise our responsibility to protect all athletes under the age of 18 and promote a culture of respect, integrity and accountability throughout our club.
Our Commitment
At KAND Rowing Club, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people are paramount. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse, neglect, bullying, harassment, discrimination and any behaviour that compromises an athlete's physical or emotional wellbeing.
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We believe every young athlete deserves to feel safe, respected, supported and empowered, regardless of their age, gender, cultural background, ability or level of sporting achievement.
Our commitment extends to all coaching sessions, training camps, competitions, travel arrangements, club activities and online interactions.
Safeguarding
Procedures
KAND Rowing Club is committed to operating in accordance with applicable child protection legislation, the safeguarding requirements of Rowing Australia and the National Integrity Framework.
Our safeguarding approach includes:
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Appropriate recruitment, screening and verification of coaches, staff and volunteers.
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Compliance with Queensland Blue Card requirements for individuals undertaking child-related work.
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Clear behavioural expectations and professional boundaries between coaches and athletes.
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Appropriate supervision during training, competitions, travel and overnight activities.
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Safe and transparent communication with junior athletes and their parents or guardians.
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Identification and management of safeguarding risks across club activities.
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Ongoing education and awareness of child protection responsibilities.
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All individuals involved in the club are expected to uphold these standards and contribute to a positive, child-safe sporting environment.
Code of Conduct
All coaches, staff, volunteers, officials and members of KAND Rowing Club are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and respect when interacting with children and young people.
Adults working with junior athletes must:
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Treat every athlete with dignity, fairness and respect.
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Maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries.
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Provide constructive feedback without intimidation, humiliation or abusive language.
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Avoid inappropriate physical contact or behaviour that could compromise an athlete's safety.
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Never engage in grooming, exploitation, harassment or inappropriate relationships with athletes.
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Ensure interactions with junior athletes remain transparent and accountable.
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Report any suspected misconduct, abuse or safeguarding concerns promptly.
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KAND Rowing Club recognises that positive coaching relationships are built on trust, encouragement and mutual respect.
Athlete Welfare & Supervision
The wellbeing of our athletes extends beyond their performance on the water. KAND Rowing Club promotes a balanced approach to athlete development, recognising the importance of physical health, psychological wellbeing and personal development.
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Coaches and support personnel are expected to provide appropriate supervision, manage training loads responsibly and remain attentive to signs of physical or emotional distress.
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Particular consideration is given to the unique demands of rowing, including early-morning training, on-water safety, strength and conditioning sessions, regatta participation and training camps.
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Athletes must never be subjected to unsafe training practices, excessive pressure, inappropriate disciplinary measures or circumstances that place their wellbeing at unnecessary risk.
Communication & Online Safety
KAND Rowing Club recognises the importance of maintaining safe and appropriate communication between coaches, athletes and families.
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All communication with junior athletes must be professional, relevant to club activities and conducted through appropriate channels.
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Coaches and staff must avoid private or secretive communications with children and young people. Parents, guardians or another authorised club representative should be included in communications in accordance with applicable safeguarding requirements.
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Photographs, videos and other identifying information relating to junior athletes must only be collected, used or published with appropriate consent and in accordance with privacy and safeguarding requirements.
Travel, Training Camps & Competitions
KAND Rowing Club is committed to ensuring that junior athletes are appropriately supervised and supported when participating in regattas, training camps and other club-related travel.
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Travel and accommodation arrangements must be planned with athlete safety as a priority, including suitable adult supervision, appropriate sleeping arrangements and clear communication with parents or guardians.
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Written parental or guardian consent must be obtained where required, and all supervising adults must comply with applicable screening and safeguarding obligations.
Reporting Guidelines
KAND Rowing Club encourages all athletes, parents, guardians, coaches, staff and volunteers to speak up if they witness, experience or suspect inappropriate behaviour, abuse, neglect or any situation that may place a child or young person at risk.
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All safeguarding concerns will be taken seriously, handled sensitively and referred to the appropriate authorities or sporting integrity bodies where required.
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Individuals raising genuine concerns in good faith will be treated respectfully and must not be subjected to retaliation or victimisation.
Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
When a safeguarding concern is raised, KAND Rowing Club will prioritise the immediate safety and wellbeing of the child or young person involved.
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Reports will be documented appropriately, treated with sensitivity and managed in accordance with applicable legal obligations and sporting integrity procedures.
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The club will not attempt to independently investigate suspected criminal conduct. Such matters will be referred to the relevant authorities.
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Information will be shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know, subject to reporting obligations and the protection of those involved.
Our Ongoing Responsibility
Child safeguarding is a shared responsibility across the entire KAND Rowing Club community.
We are committed to continually reviewing our safeguarding practices, promoting awareness and maintaining an environment where young athletes feel confident, protected and supported.
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By working collaboratively with athletes, families, coaches and sporting authorities, we aim to ensure that KAND Rowing Club remains a place where young people can pursue excellence in rowing within a culture of safety, respect and integrity.
Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
When a safeguarding concern is raised, KAND Rowing Club will prioritise the immediate safety and wellbeing of the child or young person involved.
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Reports will be documented appropriately, treated with sensitivity and managed in accordance with applicable legal obligations and sporting integrity procedures.
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The club will not attempt to independently investigate suspected criminal conduct. Such matters will be referred to the relevant authorities.
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Information will be shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know, subject to reporting obligations and the protection of those involved.
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
KAND Rowing Club encourages all athletes, parents, guardians, coaches and members to speak up if they have any concerns regarding the safety, welfare or treatment of a child or young person.
All concerns will be taken seriously, treated sensitively and managed with appropriate confidentiality and care.
Contact KAND Rowing Club
Safeguarding concerns can be raised directly with either of our club representatives by phone, text message or email.
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Hayley
Call or Text: 0426 379 790
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Tom
Call or Text: 0438 736 767
Email: info@kandrowingclub.com.au
Independent
Reporting
Concerns may also be reported through Rowing Australia's official Integrity Complaints process, where the matter falls within its jurisdiction.
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Rowing Australia – Integrity Complaints
https://rowingaustralia.com.au/integrity-complaints
Emergency
Assistance
If a child is in immediate danger, please contact Police on 000.
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For non-emergency police assistance, contact 131 444.
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KAND Rowing Club is committed to ensuring that every concern is heard, every athlete is respected and the safety and wellbeing of children and young people remain our highest priority.