Child and Youth Safe Information

For venue managers and staff

The Hobart Cup

Executive Summary

As venue managers and staff, your role is essential in ensuring that the Hobart Cup Junior and Youth Football Tournament is a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. By adhering to these child and youth safety guidelines, you contribute to creating a secure environment where children and youth can thrive and fully enjoy the tournament.

KEY POINTS TO NOTE:

  • Code of Conduct Behaviours and Prohibited Behaviours (refer to documents in folder)

  • Behaviour of Coaches, Parents, and Spectators (refer to documents in folder)

Thank you for your commitment to child and youth safety. Your efforts help ensure a positive and secure environment for all participants in the Hobart Cup Junior and Youth Football Tournament.

For any questions or comments, please contact:

Tournament Director Victoria Morton on 0417 597 643 or via email at thehobartcup@bigpond.com

Introduction

The Hobart Cup Junior and Youth Football Tournament is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participating children and youth. This information statement is designed to inform venue managers and staff about their roles and responsibilities in protecting children and maintaining a safe environment throughout the tournament.

KEY OBJECTIVES

  • Understand the importance of child and youth safety.

  • Recognise signs of potential abuse or neglect.

  • Learn the appropriate actions to take if concerns arise.

  • Understand the Code of Conduct and reporting procedures.

UNDERSTADING CHILD AND YOUTH SAFETY

What is Child and Youth Safety?

Child and youth safety refers to the measures taken to protect young participants from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and to promote their well-being and development.

IMPORTANCE OF CHILD AND YOUTH SAFETY

  • Ensures the safety and well-being of participants.

  • Promotes a positive and supportive environment.

  • Builds trust among participants, parents, and the community.

KEY PRINCIPLES

  • The best interests of the child and youth are the primary consideration.

  • All children and youth have the right to protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

  • Everyone has a responsibility to safeguard children and youth.

RECOGNISING SIGNS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Types of Abuse

Physical abuse: Intentional use of physical force that can result in injury.

Emotional abuse: Actions that harm a child or youth’s self-esteem or emotional well-being.

Sexual abuse: Any sexual activity with a child or youth.

Neglect: Failure to provide for a child or youth’s basic needs.

INDICATORS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Physical abuse: Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.

Emotional abuse: Excessive withdrawal, fear, or anxiety.

Sexual abuse: Inappropriate sexual behaviour or knowledge.

Neglect: Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or unattended medical needs.

Code of Conduct

BEHAVIOUR EXPECTATIONS

  • Treat all children and youth with respect and dignity.

  • Be a positive role model.

  • Avoid one-on-one situations with children and youth in private settings.

  • Never use physical punishment or inappropriate language.

PROHIBITED BEHAVIOURS

  • Physical or verbal abuse.

  • Inappropriate touching or gestures.

  • Taking photos or videos without consent.

  • Engaging in any form of bullying or harassment.

Behaviour of Coaches, Parents, and Spectators

COACHES

  • Ensure all players participate for fun and learning.

  • Never ridicule or yell at players for making mistakes or losing a game.

  • Be reasonable in your demands on a player’s time, energy, and enthusiasm.

  • Always operate within the rules and spirit of the game and teach your players to do the same.

  • Display control, respect, and professionalism to all involved in the sport.

  • Avoid over-coaching during games, allowing players to play and learn from their own mistakes.

  • Ensure fair play and provide equal game time to all players.

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

  • Do not coach your child during training sessions and games.

  • Do not interfere with training sessions; stay clear of training areas.

  • Cheer on and encourage players at all times, even the opposition, and applaud good football all-around.

  • Remember that children play football for their enjoyment, not yours.

  • Encourage children to participate but do not force them.

  • Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.

  • Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.

  • Respect officials' decisions and teach children to do the same.

  • Promote fair play and a positive environment.

SPECTATORS

  • Respect the decisions of the Match Officials.

  • Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of every person regardless of their race, colour, religion, language, ability, politics, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.

  • Do not engage in the use of violence in any form.

  • Do not engage in discrimination, harassment, or abuse in any form.

  • Do not carry, light, or throw flares or missiles.

  • Do not enter the field of play or its surrounds without lawful authority.

  • Conduct yourself in a manner that enhances the reputation and goodwill of the Hobart Cup, Football Tasmania (FT), Football Australia (FA), and football generally.

  • Support fair play and the enjoyment of the game for all participants.

Venue Safety

Ensuring Physical Safety

  • Conduct regular inspections of the venue to identify and mitigate potential hazards.

  • Ensure all play areas are safe and properly maintained.

Reporting Procedures

How to Report Concerns

Immediate danger: If a child or youth is in immediate danger, call emergency services.

Non-emergency concerns: Report to the Tournament Director, Victoria Morton - 0417 597 643.

Provide detailed information: Include the nature of the concern, the child or youth’s details, and any actions taken.

Confidentiality and support:

  • All reports will be handled confidentially.

  • Support will be provided to those who report concerns.

Summary of Key Points

  • Importance of child and youth safety.

  • Recognising signs of abuse and neglect.

  • Adhering to the Code of Conduct.

  • Properly reporting any concerns.

Contact Information

For any questions or further information, please contact Tournament Director Victoria Morton on 0417 597 643 or via email to thehobartcup@bigpond.com