1. Purpose

Melbourne Grappling Academy (MGA) is committed to creating an environment where children and young people are safe, respected, and able to participate fully in training and community activities. This policy sets out our responsibilities and procedures for protecting children from abuse, harm, and neglect.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff, coaches, contractors, volunteers, and visitors to MGA

• All members under the age of 18

• All in‑person and online interactions involving children in the context of MGA activities

3. Our Commitment to Children

We will:

• Comply with the Victorian Child Safe Standards and relevant legislation

• Take all allegations and concerns about child safety seriously

• Ensure all staff and volunteers who work with children hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) before starting

• Educate staff on recognising, preventing, and responding to abuse

• Promote an inclusive environment where children feel safe, respected, and able to speak up

4. Definitions

• Child: Any person under 18 years of age

• Child Abuse includes:

• Physical abuse: Non‑accidental injury or harm

• Sexual abuse: Any sexual activity with a child

• Emotional abuse: Behaviours that harm a child’s emotional wellbeing

• Neglect: Failure to meet a child’s basic needs

• Grooming: Building a relationship to exploit or abuse a child

5. Prevention Measures

• Staff to maintain professional boundaries at all times

• Physical contact must be necessary for instruction, explained beforehand, and carried out respectfully

• No staff member will be alone with a child in a closed space unless unavoidable for safety reasons (e.g., first aid)

• Communication with children outside of training to go through their parent/guardian

• Coaches to actively manage class pairings to ensure safety, especially in mixed‑age or size situations

• No photographing or filming children without prior consent from their parent/guardian

6. Recognising Signs of Abuse

Staff and volunteers should be alert to indicators such as:

• Unexplained injuries

• Sudden changes in behaviour or performance

• Reluctance to be around certain people

• Unexplained absence from training

• Inappropriate sexual behaviour or knowledge for age

7. Reporting Concerns – Step‑by‑Step

If you believe a child is at risk of harm or has been harmed:

Step 1:

• If the child is in immediate danger, call 000

Step 2:

• Report your concern to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) – Tim Trevail – as soon as possible

Step 3:

• Complete the MGA Incident Report Form, providing details of the concern, dates, times, and any witnesses

Step 4:

• The DSO will decide whether to escalate the matter to:

• Child Protection (Department of Families, Fairness and Housing – Victoria)

• Victoria Police

• Other relevant agencies

Step 5:

• The DSO will maintain confidential written records of all reports and actions taken.

8. Responding to Allegations Against Staff or Members

• Allegations will be taken seriously and investigated promptly

• Where required, the DSO will involve external authorities

• The staff member or member concerned may be suspended from duties or training during the investigation

• Outcomes will be documented, and actions taken to ensure the safety of all children

9. Supporting Children

• Provide children with age‑appropriate information about their rights and how to speak up if they feel unsafe

• Ensure a trusted adult is available for children to approach at the gym

• Actively listen to children’s concerns and take them seriously

10. Confidentiality

All reports will be handled sensitively, and information will be shared only with those who need to know to ensure a child’s safety.

11. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if laws or best practice change.