1. Purpose

Melbourne Grappling Academy (MGA) is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all members.

We recognise that Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu and other grappling arts involve close physical contact, and we are committed to ensuring that such contact always occurs in a safe, respectful, and professional manner.

This policy outlines our approach to preventing harm, addressing inappropriate behaviour, and responding to concerns in a timely and appropriate way.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

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

• All members, both adults and children

• All training sessions, events, competitions, and activities organised by or on behalf of MGA

• Both in‑person and online interactions involving MGA members

3. Our Commitment

We will:

• Place the safety and wellbeing of members above all other considerations

• Maintain a respectful, inclusive training environment for all genders, ages, and backgrounds

• Ensure all staff and volunteers working with children hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC)

• Maintain clear reporting and response procedures for concerns about safety or behaviour

• Comply with Victorian Child Safe Standards, Victorian law, and Australian law

• Encourage a culture where any member can raise concerns without fear of retaliation

4. Definitions

• Safeguarding: Protecting people from harm, abuse, harassment, neglect, or exploitation

• Inappropriate Behaviour: Any physical, verbal, or non‑verbal conduct that makes another person feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or disrespected

• Child / Young Person: Any individual under the age of 18

5. Roles and Responsibilities

• Owner & Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Tim Trevail – Primary contact for all safeguarding matters. Responsible for record‑keeping, escalation, and liaising with external agencies.

• All Staff and Volunteers: Duty to act on concerns, follow procedures, and uphold the safeguarding code of conduct.

• Members and Parents: Expected to follow the club’s codes of conduct and report concerns.

6. Recruitment and Training

• All staff and volunteers working with children must have a valid WWCC prior to starting

• Safeguarding induction provided before any contact with members

• Refresher safeguarding training required at least every two years

7. Behaviour and Boundaries

• Physical contact must always be necessary for coaching or training purposes, explained beforehand, and carried out respectfully

• Consent is critical, if a member expresses discomfort with a training partner or drill, their wishes must be respected without question

• Coaches will monitor partner pairings to ensure safety and comfort, particularly in mixed‑gender or adult‑child pairings

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

• Communication between coaches and junior members outside of training must go through parents/guardians

• Bullying, harassment, intimidation, or sexualised behaviour will not be tolerated

8. Reporting Concerns (STEP-BY-STEP)

If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of yourself, a child, or another member:

Step 1:

• If anyone is in immediate danger or at risk of significant harm, call 000 immediately

Step 2:

• Report your concern to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) – Tim Treveil – as soon as possible, in person, by phone (+61 404 980 990), or via email at tim@melbournegrappling.com.au

Step 3:

• Complete the MGA Incident Report Form (available at reception or from the DSO). Include details of the concern, dates, times, and anyone involved

Step 4:

• The DSO will assess the situation and decide on next steps, which may include contacting:

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

• Victoria Police

• Other relevant agencies

Step 5:

• The DSO will keep written records of all reports and actions taken, stored securely in accordance with privacy laws

9. Responding to Allegations

• All allegations against staff or members will be taken seriously and investigated promptly

• If a safeguarding complaint or concern is made against a staff member, MGA will stand the staff member down from all duties on paid leave for the duration of the investigation. This stand-down is a neutral act and does not imply wrongdoing

• The DSO will liaise with Victoria Police, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, or other agencies as required

• Members under investigation may be temporarily suspended if necessary to ensure safety

10. Confidentiality

All safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively, and information shared only on a need‑to‑know basis with relevant authorities

11. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if legislation or best practice changes.