Protecting children and young people is a shared responsibility and the highest priority of the Collingwood Basketball Association.
Every child and young person who participates in our programs has the right to feel safe, respected and supported. That commitment underpins how we recruit, engage and support our staff, coaches, officials and volunteers, and how we deliver basketball across our community.
Our commitment to child safety
The Collingwood Basketball Association is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all children and young people.
To support this commitment we have:
- A comprehensive Child Safety Policy and Child Safety Procedure that guide how we prevent, identify and respond to child safety concerns.
- Clear reporting procedures that outline the steps to take if there is any concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person.
- Working with Children Check requirements for staff, coaches, officials and volunteers where required by legislation and our policies.
- A commitment to complying with the Victorian Child Safe Standards and continuously reviewing our practices to strengthen child safety across the organisation.
- A culture that encourages respectful behaviour, accountability and speaking up when something does not seem right.
Our Child Safety Policy, Child Safety Procedure and Reporting Suspected Child Abuse Guide are available on our website and are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain current and effective.
Child safety is everyone’s responsibility
Policies and screening processes are important, but creating a safe environment depends on everyone playing their part. Parents, carers, participants, coaches, volunteers and staff all contribute to a culture where children feel safe, valued and heard. If you observe behaviour that concerns you, or if a child or young person shares something that makes you uncomfortable, we encourage you to report it promptly. Every concern will be treated seriously and managed in accordance with our Child Safety Procedure.
Support and reporting
If you have any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person, we encourage you to report it immediately. You do not need to be certain that abuse or harm has occurred before making a report. If something does not seem right, or you are unsure whether a situation should be reported, we encourage you to speak up. It is always appropriate to raise a genuine concern. The Collingwood Basketball Association will assess the information, determine the appropriate response and, where required, refer the matter to the relevant authorities.
Reports can be made to:
The Collingwood Basketball Association Child Safety Officer
Name: Shaun McEachin
Email: wwc@collingwoodbasketball.com.au
Phone: 03 9000 5632
All reports will be treated seriously, handled confidentially where possible, and managed in accordance with the Collingwood Basketball Association Child Safety Procedure and Reporting Suspected Child Abuse Procedure.
If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call Victoria Police on 000.
Independent support is also available through:
- Basketball Australia’s confidential STOPline, 1300 304 550
- 1800RESPECT, 1800 737 732
- Lifeline, 13 11 14
We recognise that families place significant trust in our organisation every time they participate in our programs. We do not take that responsibility lightly.
Creating a safe environment for children and young people requires vigilance, openness and a willingness to act when concerns are raised. By working together, we can ensure the Collingwood Basketball Association remains a safe, inclusive and positive place for every child and young person.