Ringwood Swimming Club is fully committed to the protection of children, young people and our members. Our goal is to ensure that swimming is fun, safe and enjoyable for all.

The new Victorian Child Safe Standards and Swimming Australia’s Child Safeguarding Policy confirm the responsibility everyone from the swimming community has in actively promoting and upholding a culture of child safety.

Ringwood Swimming Club has adopted Swimming Australia’s National Integrity Framework (NIF), which seek to address risks to child safety and establish a child safe culture and practices. The NIF, which commenced on June 15, 2022, includes the following 2 documents:

1. Child Safeguarding Policy
   defines prohibited conduct which includes child abuse, grooming and other
   misconduct with a child. It also outlines reporting requirements in relation to
   allegations of child abuse and other requirements relating to child safe practices,
   including recruitment and screening practices. Importantly, it complies with the
   National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. Includes a Child Safe Commitment Statement and Child Safe Practices for all involved in our sport.
2. Member Protection Policy
   o details prohibited conduct in relation to abuse, bullying, harassment, sexual
   misconduct, unlawful discrimination, victimisation, and vilification.

These policies can be accessed above and can also be found on Swimming Australia’s Safe Sport Framework page National Integrity Framework | Swimming Australia

Ringwood Swimming Club members are required, at all times, to comply with any child safety
policies, procedures and/or codes of conduct that the club may adopt.

In accordance with Swimming Australia’s Child Safeguarding Policy, the recruitment process of RSC employees is subject to extensive screening and background checks.
All employees, committee members, volunteers, officials who could potentially have direct contact with children (including physical, phone, written contact, email/electronic contact) require a valid Working With Children Check. Click here for more information on Who Needs A Working With Children Check.

If any swimmer, parent, coach or official feel they have been treated in a way that does not meet the criteria outlined in the policies above they are encouraged to get in contact. The Ringwood Swimming Club has 2 points of contact:

1. Lesley Strong at ringwoodswimmingclub@gmail.com (any child safety or member welfare
   concerns)
2. Jorgen Romijn at ringwoodswimmingclub@gmail.com (any other complaints or grievances)

More Safe Sport Resources:
Ringwood Swimming Club Expectation and Commitment Statement
Responding and Reporting to a Breach of the Child Safeguarding Policy
Who Needs a Working With Children Check

In addition to the Safe Sport Framework, the following websites may assist families and individuals:
Beyond Blue   www.beyondblue.org.au
Head Space for young people  https://headspace.org.au/young-people/life-issues/
Kids Helpline https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Kids Helpline, Social Media Safety https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/social-
media-and-safety