Hockey Australia announced on Monday its intent to further protect juniors with an updated range of child safeguarding policies.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The policies, known as the Safe Hockey Framework, are designed to provide greater security for children and young people involved in the sport.
The updated framework builds on the work of the Safe Hockey project, which was launched in July 2019 with the support of all state and territory member associations.
HA president, Melanie Woosnam, expressed her pleasure with the framework.
"A lot of work has been undertaken to get to this point with these more detailed and enhanced policies which will be applicable in every jurisdiction," said Woosnam.
"To have a unified approach with all of our Member Associations on board with this framework is crucial.
"These policies will hold hockey in great stead now and into the future and provides a consistent approach across the sport. We are committed to providing safe environments for children and young people."
The framework provides broad guidance to all administrators, coaches, and other staff essential to hockey in Australia regarding safe people, safe behaviours, safe environments, and much more.
Similarly, it also works to educate young people on their right to feel safe, with more than 40 face-to-face educations sessions having been delivered to over 1,000 players as part of the project.
The initiative has been supported by funding from Sport Australia, and formal adaptation of the Safe Hockey Framework by all member associations is expected to follow shortly.
The Hockey Safe Project is a key component of the integrity pillar in HA's four-year strategic plan from 2019-2022.
Further developments are expected to follow, with work now underway on the next phase of the project. This will see the will see the development of club facing resources and education to support the thousands of hockey volunteer administrators provide the safest environments for children and young people.
For more information, the Safe Hockey Framework can be found here.
While you're with us...
Did you know the Goulburn Post is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up here.
