WSV Club Policies

Westside Volleyball Club Policy

Westside Volleyball Club is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and high-performance environment for all athletes across South West Sydney. Our focus is on developing skills, character, and a strong sense of community through volleyball.

1. Code of Conduct

All players, coaches, parents, and members must:

• Show respect to teammates, coaches, referees, and opponents
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times
• Follow all club rules and competition regulations
• Represent Westside Volleyball Club with pride on and off the court
• Refrain from abusive language, bullying, or unsportsmanlike behaviour

2. Player Expectations

Players are expected to:

• Attend training sessions and games consistently and on time
• Wear appropriate training gear and uniform
• Actively participate and give full effort
• Be coachable and open to feedback
• Support teammates and contribute to a positive team culture

3. Parent & Guardian Responsibilities

Parents/guardians must:

• Encourage and support all players positively
• Respect coaches’ decisions and game officials
• Avoid sideline coaching or negative behaviour
• Ensure players arrive on time and are collected promptly
• Communicate respectfully with club officials

4. Coaching Standards

Coaches at Westside Volleyball Club will:

• Provide a safe, structured, and inclusive training environment
• Focus on skill development, teamwork, and player wellbeing
• Treat all athletes fairly and with respect
• Promote discipline, effort, and accountability
• Maintain professionalism at all times

5. Safety & Wellbeing

• Player safety is a top priority at all times
• Injuries must be reported immediately to coaches
• Appropriate warm-up and cool-down practices are required
• Any concerns regarding welfare or behaviour should be reported to club management

6. Discipline & Breaches

Failure to follow club policies may result in:

• Verbal warning
• Written warning
• Suspension from training or matches
• Removal from the club (in serious cases)

7.  Fees & Commitment

• All training and competition fees must be paid on time
• Players are expected to commit to the full season once registered
• Any financial concerns should be communicated early with the club

8. Communication

• All official communication will be through club channels (email, team apps, or social media)
• Players and parents are expected to stay informed of updates, schedules, and changes.

9. Child Safe & Safeguarding Policy

Westside Volleyball Club is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and child-friendly environment for all participants under 18. We align with the Child Safe Standards in New South Wales and promote the wellbeing of every child involved in our programs.

9.1 Commitment to Child Safety

We are dedicated to:

• Protecting children from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation
• Creating a safe, inclusive, and positive environment
• Listening to and valuing children’s voices
• Acting in the best interests of the child at all times

 9.2 Working With Children Checks (WWCC)

• All coaches, volunteers, and officials working with juniors must hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC)
• WWCC details must be provided to the club prior to involvement
• The club will verify all WWCC numbers in accordance with NSW requirements

9.3 Appropriate Behaviour with Children

All staff, coaches, and volunteers must:

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times
• Avoid being alone with a child where possible (use open/public spaces)
• Use respectful and appropriate language
• Not engage in any form of physical, emotional, or sexual misconduct

9.4 Reporting Concerns

Any concerns, incidents, or disclosures regarding child safety must be taken seriously.

• Report immediately to a designated club Child Safety Officer or committee member
• If a child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services (000)
• Follow reporting obligations in line with NSW child protection guidelines
• All reports will be handled confidentially and appropriately

9.5 Education & Awareness

Westside Volleyball Club will:

• Promote awareness of child safety policies to players, parents, and staff
• Encourage open communication and reporting of concerns
• Provide guidance to coaches and volunteers on appropriate conduct

9.6 Parent & Guardian Involvement

• Parents/guardians are encouraged to be involved and present where possible
• Open communication between parents and coaches is supported
• Concerns should be raised respectfully through appropriate channels

9.7 Photography & Social Media

• Consent must be obtained before taking or sharing images of children
• Images must be appropriate and not identify personal details (e.g. full name, school)
• No unauthorised posting of junior players on personal accounts

9.8 Breaches of Child Safety Policy

Any breach of this policy will be treated seriously and may result in:

• Immediate suspension
• Removal from club duties
• Referral to relevant authorities if required

Westside Commitment

“At Westside, the safety and wellbeing of our young athletes comes first—always.”

 

**Child Safety Officer (CSO) Role**

Westside Volleyball Club will appoint at least one Child Safety Officer.

🔹 Responsibilities:

• First point of contact for child safety concerns
• Ensure WWCC compliance across the club
• Handle and document incident reports
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Escalate serious matters to authorities when required

🔹 Skills/Requirements:

• Valid WWCC
• Trusted, approachable, and responsible
• Good communication and confidentiality skills

Reporting Process (Simple Flow)

 If a concern arises:

Step 1:
Ensure the child is safe immediately

Step 2:
Report to the Child Safety Officer or Club Committee

Step 3:
Document the concern (what happened, when, who was involved)

Step 4:
CSO assesses and determines next action

Step 5:
If serious → Report to authorities / relevant NSW bodies

📞 Emergency: Call 000 immediately

Incident Report Template

Use this for any concern or incident:

• Date & Time:
• Location:
• Person(s) Involved:
• Description of Incident:
• Action Taken:
• Reported By:
• Signature:

Communication & Visibility

To stay compliant and transparent:

• Display “Child Safe Commitment” at training venues
• Provide policies to all members upon registration
• Include safeguarding reminders in team communications
• Encourage a “speak up” culture for players and parents

Club Commitment Statement

“Westside Volleyball Club is committed to the safety, wellbeing, and empowerment of all children. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are dedicated to providing a safe environment where every young athlete can grow, develop, and thrive.”