ASC and SIA partner to help community sport build safer environments

Australian Sports Commission logo © Australian Sports Commission

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) have come together to launch a free online safeguarding module to support community sporting clubs to keep their environments safe.

The safeguarding module is available on Game Plan - the ASC's free digital platform that helps community sporting clubs assess their current organisational maturity, identify areas of improvement, develop action plans and provide a suite of tools and resources to support a club's ongoing development.

The new module gives clubs insights into their own safeguarding practices and access to the latest national and state specific resources to help improve safeguarding practices and processes and increase capability of everyone involved.

Minister for Sport The Hon Anika Wells MP said the launch of the safeguarding module is an important step in protecting children and adults from harm in sporting environments.

"I'm delighted to see our leading sport agencies working hand in hand to help the millions of Australians involved in community sport," Minister Wells said.

"We know the wide-ranging physical, social and mental health benefits of being involved in sport and clubs are often the first opportunity for people to create a positive relationship with sport.

"Whether it's as a participant, volunteer, administrator or official, we all have a role to play in ensuring we're keeping children and adults who are engaging in sport safe while promoting their wellbeing."

SIA CEO David Sharpe said the new module builds on the existing library of material available to clubs and organisations.

"The safeguarding module is a welcome new resource and educational tool to safeguard sport in Australia and supports the ongoing work of Sport Integrity Australia to embed a nationally consistent approach to child safeguarding and member protection," Mr Sharpe said.

"We are seeing more and more sporting clubs being proactive with their safeguarding responsibilities and this resource will allow them to self-assess their environment in their bid to provide the best experience possible to their members.

"I encourage clubs and sports of all shapes and sizes to commit to continuous improvement in this crucial area that will have a positive impact on many Australians."

Alongside the safeguarding module, the ASC has also launched a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion module on Game Plan that equips clubs with insights and support to assist them to engage with people from all backgrounds.

ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said the two modules complement each other.

"Sport has a place for all Australians and we must ensure we are providing a welcoming environment for participants and volunteers, no matter their background."

"Reducing and removing barriers to involvement in sport will encourage more Australians to live an active and healthy lifestyle which is critical to the success of our nation.

"The ASC is committed to supporting the sector and the resources available through our free Game Plan platform are giving clubs across the country the tools they need to ensure they're providing the right environment to allow everyone to be the best they can be."

Access the two new modules on Game Plan now.