Running a Safe Club
Supporting your club's member protection obligations
This page is for club administrators, committee members and anyone taking on a welfare role within an SLSNT affiliated club. It covers the recommended member protection team structure, key roles and responsibilities, and links to the policies and resources you need.
Member protection team structure
SLSNT recommends each club establish a Member Protection Team with the member at the centre, supported by three key roles.
Member Protection Information Officer
The Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) is the first point of contact for any member with a concern, complaint or enquiry about harassment, abuse or inappropriate behaviour. MPIOs provide information on complaints procedures, offer moral support, and treat all matters with strict confidentiality.
To become an MPIO, participants must complete three steps:
01. Complete the free online training course.
via Sports Integrity Australia. You can use an existing Play by the Rules login or register for free. Search for "MPIO" under Find Courses. The course covers the MPIO role, the law, complaints management, child protection and ethics, and takes several hours to complete. This must be done before attending the workshop.
02. Attend an interactive webinar.
Training in the NT is coordinated by the NT Government and delivered by Sport SA. Topics include roles and responsibilities, listening and responding effectively, conflict of interest, and communication. All courses are currently free. Find the next session and register via the NT Government website.
03. Register as an MPIO on the national database.
You will need both your online and workshop certification numbers. Details are provided on completion of the workshop.
Complaints Manager
The Complaints Manager assesses, investigates and acts on formal complaints in line with the SLSA Complaints Resolution Policy 6.06. The role is separate from the MPIO and operates independently of the board, consulting with the Club President and Directors where appropriate.
Complaints Managers are required to have completed the Sports Integrity Complaints Handler course and have a thorough understanding of the SLSA Complaints Resolution Policy 6.06. They are responsible for recording all complaint correspondence in the SLSA Complaints Portal and appointing investigators and judiciary if required.
Child Safe Coordinator
The Child Safe Coordinator is the main point of contact for all child safety matters within the club. They are responsible for ensuring Working with Children Check requirements are met, that the SLSA Child Safe Policy 6.04 and relevant codes of conduct are adhered to, and that the club management team actively maintains a child safe environment. Board members can carry out this role if appropriate.
Child Safe Coordinators must complete the SLS Child Safe Awareness module in the members portal.
Member protection toolkit
The Member Protection Toolkit assists MPIOs, Complaints Managers, Child Safe Coordinators and club committees to structure a team equipped to handle member protection issues effectively.
The toolkit is intended for use alongside the following SLSA policies:
Online complaints system user guide
The
Online Complaints System User Guide is a guide for Complaints Managers
Lodging a complaint
Please ensure that you have familiarised yourself with the Complaints Resolution Policy and Flowchart prior to lodging your complaint or grievance.
NT Sport Integrity resources
Sport, Recreation and Strategic Infrastructure (SRSI) invests in and facilitates the development of sport and active recreation across the Northern Territory (NT). This is done through a range of activities involving the provision of information, advice, services, programs and funding. SRSI is also responsible for representing the Territory’s interests in policy and decision making forums regarding sport and active recreation development and delivery at a national level.
The Sport Integrity Toolkit contains important information, resources and links to assist athletes, coaches, parents, officials, administrators, clubs, regional sporting associations and NT Peak Sporting Bodies (PSBs).
