MEMBER PROTECTION POLICY

Transcription

1 Martial Arts Industry Assciatin Inc. August 2004 MEMBER PROTECTION POLICY POLICY STATEMENT The Martial Arts Industry Assciatin Inc (MAIA) member rganisatins and affiliated clubs, branches and states, is cmmitted t the health, safety and well-being f all its members and is dedicated t prviding a safe envirnment fr participating in martial arts activities. Abuse is defined as anything which individuals r rganisatins d, r fail t d, that directly r indirectly harms peple r damages their prspects f a safe and healthy develpment. This includes physical abuse, emtinal abuse, inapprpriate training, inapprpriate tuching, Sexual abuse and neglect. (Natinal Assciatin fr the Preventin f Child Abuse and Neglect, 2000) This Member Prtectin Plicy cnveys a message t all MAIA members, and prspective members, respnsible fr martial arts activities, particularly thse invlving members under 18 years f age, abut minimising risk expsure f these members. All MAIA members, particularly age managers, caches, fficials, caches, trainers and management persnnel, have a respnsibility t prvide safeguards dedicated t the well-being f ther members. The abuse f yuth members, by ther members r external surce, is nt acceptable. MAIA encurages all incidents f such abuse, as described in this plicy, t be reprted immediately t the apprpriate authrities. MAIA supprts the designatin f such authrities by the respective state, branch and club affiliates f MAIA in a prtective prcedure fr handling inapprpriate behaviur by an MAIA member r external influence. The MAIA Equity Plicy als shuld be referred t when addressing issues relating t harassment f a member by anther member r utside surce. MAIA's Natinal Executive (Bard) cntinues its supprt f the develpment f specific prcedures and prcesses fr addressing member prtectin in each state, in accrdance with MAIA Plicies and the laws f that state. Walt Missingham President KEY POLICY FEATURES: MAIA Member Prtectin Plicy Statement, MAIA Cde f Cnduct, Prtective Measures fr MAIA Caches, Rights and Respnsibilities, Prcedures fr Addressing Prtectin Breaches. Member Prtectin Plicy Released August 2004

2 Member Prtectin Plicy August 2004 MAIA CODE OF CONDUCT MAIA endrses the fllwing Cde f Cnduct fr MAIA members, particularly thse respnsible fr activities invlving members under the age f 18, and/r similar statements as endrsed by MAIA state centres: As an MAIA member, yu shuld meet the fllwing requirements cncerning yur cnduct during any MAIA sanctined activity. Respect the rights, dignity and wrth f thers. Be fair, cnsiderate and hnest in all dealings with thers. Be prfessinal in, and accept respnsibility fr, yur actins. Make a cmmitment t prviding quality service. Be aware f, and maintain an uncmprmising adhesin t, MAIA standards, rules, regulatins and plicies. Operate within the rules f martial arts including natinal and internatinal guidelines that gvern MAIA. The Martial Arts Industry Assciatin Inc. expects all members, supprters, advisrs and assciates t MAIA t abide by a Cde f Cnduct which uphlds the principles and values f the rganisatin and this Member Prtectin Plicy. Members shuld recgnise that at all times they have a respnsibility t a duty f care t all MAIA members. Specifically: Understand the pssible cnsequences if yu breach MAIA's Member Prtectin Plicy r Cde f Cnduct. Immediately reprt any breaches f the MAIA Member Prtectin Plicy r Cde f Cnduct t the apprpriate authrity. Refrain frm any frm f abuse twards thers. Refrain frm any frm f harassment twards thers. Prvide a safe envirnment fr the cnduct f the activity in accrdance with relevant MAIA plicy. Shw cncern and cautin twards thers that may be sick r injured. a Be a psitive rle mdel. An MAIA Team Manager/Instructr will: agree t abide by the cde f cnduct. be respnsible fr the verall welfare and well-being f team members and fficials when travelling with a team. maintain a 'duty f care' twards team members and an accuntability fr the management f the team. have a sund knwledge f MAIA plicies, respnsibilities and cmpetitin rules, and ensure that the cnduct f the affairs f the team is in accrdance with these plicies and guidelines. fster a cllabrative apprach t the management f the team. Page 2

3 Member Prtectin Plicy August 2004 An MAIA Cach r Official will: agree t abide by the cde f cnduct. be respnsible fr matters cncerning the caching, training and develpment f surf lifesavers. maintain a 'duty f care' twards thers and an accuntability fr matters relating t training and cmpetitin. have a sund wrking knwledge f MAIA plicies, rules and regulatins and caching techniques. ensure that any physical cntact with thers is; i) apprpriate t the situatin ii) necessary fr the persns skill develpment prvide a safe envirnment fr training and cmpetitin. be a psitive rle mdel fr surf lifesavers and MAIA. An MAIA Administratr/Directr/Officer will: agree t abide by the cde f cnduct. be fair, cnsiderate and hnest with thers. perate within the rules f MAIA. be prfessinal in yur actins. Yur language, presentatin, manner and punctuality shuld reflect high standards. reslve cnflicts fairly and prmptly thrugh established prcedures. maintain strict impartiality. maintain a safe envirnment fr thers. shw cncern and cautin twards thers. be a psitive rle mdel fr thers. Page 3

4 Member Prtectin Plicy August 2004 PROTECTIVE MEASURES FOR MAIA COACHES/OFFICIALS MAIA caches/fficials are thse members wh undertake the delivery r supervisin f martial arts activities in their capacity as team managers, caches, fficials, administratrs, and like psitins. These are respnsible psitins in the rganisatin and each cach/fficial must adpt these risk minimisatin measures t prtect themselves frm miscnceptins abut their behaviur in perfrming their designated rles. Risk Minimisatin Measures Fr the purpses f this plicy, the wrd 'yuth' refers t a member r persn up until the age f 18 years. D nt engage, r allw thers t engage, in any f the fllwing: - abusive initiatin ceremnies - inapprpriate undressing/ dressing in frnt f yuths - invading the privacy f yuths while shwering r tileting - phtgraphing yuths while undressing/ dressing, shwering r tileting - sleeping in clsed quarters with yuths withut a secnd adult representative, parent etc. - aggressive, physically distressing r sexually prvcative activities - sexually suggestive cmments abut r t a yuth - inapprpriate r intrusive tuching f a yuth - jking, ridiculing, rejecting, islating, r taking the 'mickey' ut f a yuth. While many f the abve pints may nt be legally actinable, they are against the principles and value f MAIA and guarded against in the Cde f Cnduct. Caches shuld maintain an pen dr plicy when cnducting briefings, meetings and assemblies f members. Invite all yuths, parents, friends and ther caches t participate, particularly when perfrming interviews, transprting yuth members and cnducting excursins. Male and female adults, caches r parents must accmpany yuths when undertaking martial arts activities away frm hme and especially vernight. Treat all members with respect and dignity. Be mindful f yur language, tne f vice and bdy language. Address the prblem nt the persn. Let yuth members knw that when they are difficult it is their behaviur that is 'nt OK' and the yuth 'is OK'. Fster teamwrk and grup chesin between caches allwing fr the ability t pint ut inapprpriate attitudes and behaviur by members f the team. D nt tlerate abusive r inapprpriate behaviur - deal with it immediately. Encurage yuth members - dn't pressure them. Be mindful f each yuth's individual capacities fr martial arts activities and prtect them frm pressure t participate. Respect yuth member's privacy. Expect them t respect yurs.

5 Member Prtectin Plicy August 2004 D nt becme invlved in excessive attentin seeking behaviur, physically r sexually, by a yuth. Be mindful f the very needy yuth and redirect their attentin t martial arts activities. Maintain yur status as a ROLE MODEL t yuths and ther adults. Be friendly, curteus and kind. Dn't abuse yur psitin. Always set a gd example in dress, behaviur, language etc. Mixed teams f caches supervising martial arts activities prvides fr a healthier envirnment fr caches and yuths. Remember - the inapprpriate behaviur f ne cach reflects n all f MAIA's caches. UNDERSTAND MAIA POLICIES n member prtectin and grievances, and respect them. Fr mre infrmatin n risk management infrmatin in yur state, cntact yur respective state centre ffice. The Cde f Practise fr Martial Arts Instructrs and Centres (Cmplaints Prcedures) are an excellent resurce fr a basic understanding f hw t deal with Cmplaints issues within the MAIA. This list f risk minimisatin strategies is nt exhaustive but is designed t be a guide fr MAIA caches t uphld the values and principles f the Martial Arts Industry Assciatin Inc. CHECKLIST FOR MAIA COACHES WHERE ABUSE IS SUSPECTED Use the fllwing guidelines shuld yu r any ther member suspect abuse: 1 Yu have suspicin n reasnable grunds: - When a yuth tells yu they have been abused. - When smene else tells yu a yuth has been abused. - A yuth tells yu they knw smene wh has been abused (ften they are referring t themselves). - Yu bserve a yuth member's behaviur and/r injuries etc, and yur knwledge f yuth members, leads yu t suspect abuse. - Yu bserve a member's abuse f anther member. 2 If yu suspect a yuth member has been abused fllw these prcedures: Ensure the yuth is safe (if they are in yur care). Maintain the safety f ther yuth members in accrdance with MAIA Regulatins and the Cde f Cnduct. Obtain and dcument the fllwing infrmatin t prvide t the state appinted MAIA representative designated as liaisn n member prtectin issues: the yuth's name, age and address; yur reasn fr suspecting abuse (ie. bservatin, injury, infrmatin); yur assessment f danger psed t the yuth including infrmatin pertaining t the alleged perpetratr; what arrangements, if any, exist fr the immediate prtectin f the yuth; what invlvement, if any, ther agencies have in dealing with the suspected member prtectin issues.

6 Member Prtectin Plicy August 2004 Make direct and cnfidential cntact with the Administratr in yur state martial arts ffice. The Administratr in yur state martial arts ffice is tasked with advising yu n such issues as parental invlvement, plice invlvement, medical treatment, MAIA's psitin, and the state authrity's rle. Remember, if in dubt, seek immediate advice. In the event that yu suspect abuse by smene wh is nt an MAIA member (eg. family member, club visitr) advise the state Administratr in yur state MAIA ffice r Natinal ffice t seek apprpriate advice. PROCEDURE FOR ADDRESSING SUSPECTED INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR 1. Ensure all members are aware f the MAIA Member Prtectin Plicy, the Cde f Practise fr Martial Arts Instructrs and Centres and MAIA Cde f Cnduct when jining a martial arts club Any persn suspected f breaching any f the MAIA Member Prtectin Plicy and Cde f Cnduct is t be reprted t the Administratr at yur state martial arts ffice. All knwn facts and suspicins are t be cnfided in that fficer. 4. Annymus claims f abuse r breaches f the abve Cde and plicies are t be taken seriusly and immediately reprted t the Administratr at yur state martial arts ffice fr investigatin. 5. If the issue invlves suspected abuse then: I. The persn reprting the suspected breach will advise the state Administratr immediately n being made suspicius and declare all available details. II. III. IV. The Administratr shall ntify the relevant state prtectin authrity and receive advice abut the ensuing curse f actin fr addressing the reprted breach f MAIA's Member Prtectin Plicy. The Administratr will ntify the suspected member in writing cunter-signed by the state president delivered t the suspected member, when it will be advised that an inquiry will be instigated. The suspected member shall be affrded rights f natural justice during the curse f the investigatin where the state Administratr shall enact apprpriate mnitring and mdificatin f the suspected member's activities in martial arts. V. The suspected member will be given the pprtunity t respnd t the cmplaint. This shuld be carried ut at a meeting where tw members, appinted by the state Administratr, will carry ut an interview. VI. The parents/guardians f any member identified as a suspected victim f abuse will be encuraged t cntact the state Administratr fr advice n prfessinal supprt services.

7 Member Prtectin Plicy August 2004 OPTIONS FOR ACTION IN EACH STATE Individual state centres are cmmitted t investigating means fr implementing member prtectin specific t their state peratins. The tls fr implementing member prtectin vary accrding t state legislatin and guidelines set by gvernment agencies and prtectin authrities. An example f a member prtectin vehicle is plice screening f MAIA caches as part f recruitment fr a variety f martial arts rles. The fllwing guidelines may be used as a measure by MAIA state centres fr addressing member prtectin issues: Reprt the matter t the relevant state department f welfare services, children's services r child prtectin. Reprt the matter t the plice and preferably, the child prtectin units, as apprpriate in yur state. The suspected victim and ther family members shall be asked t apprach their lcal GP t btain a referral t prfessinal supprt services and medical specialists. The GP can cntact the state Administratr fr advice f the name f an apprpriate specialist knwn t MAIA. Raise the suspensin and/r cancel the perpetratr's membership. Infrm all ther states and Surf Life Saving Australia f such actin t guard against future applicatin fr membership. Check peridically t ensure the frmer member is having n further cntact with members f MAIA. Peridically fllw up n the victim's prgress after initial cunselling and that they have access t available care. ACTION ON ABUSE REPORTED DIRECTLY TO MAIA In the event that suspected abuse f an MAIA member is reprted in the first instance t MAIA then the fllwing actins are t ccur: The MAIA Grievance Officer/ Harassment Cntact Officer is t cnduct a preliminary investigatin and reprt cnfidentially t the MAIA ADMINISTRATOR as t whether abuse is suspected. If abuse is suspected the MAIA ADMINISTRATOR will reprt the matter immediately and cnfidentially t the respective state centre respnsible fr investigating the matter in accrdance with this plicy and prcedures.

8 Member Prtectin Plicy August 2004 MAIA RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES MATRIX RIGHTS RESPONSIBILITIES YOUTH Yuth Members have the right t: t be safe; t be listened t; t be respected; t privacy; t take calculated risks in a prtective envirnment; t an inclusive envirnment; t be referred t prfessinal help if needed; t be prtected frm abuse by ther members r utside surces. Yuth members are respnsible fr: shwing respect t ther yuth members and MAIA caches; keeping themselves safe; accurately reprting inapprpriate behaviur r risky situatins fr yuth members MAIA COACHES MAIA MAIA caches have the right t: access t nging training and infrmatin n all aspects f leading/managing martial arts activities fr yuths, particularly member prtectin; supprt in the reprting f suspected abuse; access t prfessinal supprt services; fair and equitable treatment by MAIA accrding t MAIA Regulatins and Plicies; be prtected frm abuse by yuths, ther adult members and parents. MAIA has the right t: expect all caches t cmply with its Cde f Cnduct; expect all yuth members t maintain standards f reasnable behaviur; take apprpriate actin if members breach the Cde f Cnduct r an MAIA Plicy. expect all members t undertake apprpriate training when advised t; that caches will nt abuse members physically, emtinally r sexually; take apprpriate actin in the event f accusatins; acquire plice checks relating t cnvictins in relevant areas. MAIA caches are respnsible fr: fstering team wrk t ensure the safety f yuth members in their care; using apprpriate team management behaviur; respnding t yuth members' statements cncerns abut alleged abuse; ensuring the rights and respnsibilities f yuth members are enfrced; reprting suspected abuse t the apprpriate MAIA authrity; nt abusing members physically, emtinally r sexually; maintaining cnfidentiality abut sensitive infrmatin as designated by the apprpriate MAIA authrity. MAIA is respnsible fr: prviding a safe envirnment fr members; prviding nging training and infrmatin fr MAIA caches; wide prmtin this plicy and prcedures; designating a cntact in each state fr liaisn relating t member prtectin issues; facilitating pen discussin n member prtectin issues; insisting states prvide supprt t members wh reprt accusatins f abuse; prviding apprpriate referrals fr members reprting accusatins f abuse; treating suspected abuse infrmatin cnfidentially; taking apprpriate actin if members breach standards f reasnable behaviur r MAIA plicies and Regulatins.

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