MACCABI MPP
MEMBER PROTECTION POLICY
ABOUT THE MACCABI MPP
Maccabi’s Member Protection Policy has been created to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of those who participate in the activities of Maccabi Australia and its clubs in all Australian states.
Maccabi Australia aims to create a safe, fair and inclusive environment and to ensure that every member, its staff volunteers, officials, and coaches who participate in its activities is treated with respect and dignity and protected from unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying and other inappropriate behaviours.
THE MACCABI MPP HANDBOOK
The MPP Handbook sets out details of Maccabi’s Member Protection Policies (“MPP”), including the Maccabi Code of Conduct.
The purpose of the Handbook is to outline Maccabi's vision of a culture that protects all its members, including its children and young and vulnerable people. The Handbook outlines our members' respective rights and responsibilities when participating in any activities run by or associated with Maccabi. It sets out expected standards of behaviour and explains grievance processes that members can follow if they believe that one of those standards has not been met.
THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN, YOUNG AND VULNERABLE PEOPLE
Maccabi is committed to ensuring the safety of children, young people and vulnerable people throughout our organisation, by protecting the safety and wellbeing of all children and young and vulnerable people accessing Maccabi services, events and activities. This commitment is endorsed at the highest level and applies throughout all levels of our organisation.
This policy applies to anyone under the age of 18, or anyone who is over 18 but is or may be unable to take care of themselves, or is unable to protect themselves against harm or exploitation by reason of age, illness, trauma or disability, or any other reason.
INCLUSION
Maccabi recognises that its members come from all backgrounds, abilities and identities. Our goal is:
to enable all members of the Jewish community to participate in sport and active recreation;
to ensure that Maccabi reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live; and
to work towards supporting and developing staff, volunteers, board, clubs, programs and offerings which are inclusive of everyone.
Maccabi acknowledges that it has an opportunity to shape the culture of not only the organisation, but also the wider community, through its commitment to inclusion.
Discrimination, harassment, victimisation and bullying are not tolerated at Maccabi, and any reports will be investigated.
Click here to view Maccabi's Inclusion Statement
Click here to view Maccabi's Anti-Bullying Policy
Click here to view Maccabi's Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
Maccabi is committed to protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved with the organisation. As such, Maccabi has clear policies around alcohol, drugs and smoking for everyone involved in Maccabi activities.
Maccabi also supports the efforts of the Good Sports program, run by the Alcohol and Drug Federation, and Play By The Rules, in working to create safe sporting environments.
Click here to view Maccabi's Drug and Anti-Doping Policy
Click here to view Maccabi's alcohol and smoking policy
Click here to go to the Play By The Rules website
Click here to go to the GoodSports website
FAQ
What is the MPP? Why do I have to agree to it?
Maccabi’s Member Protection Policies (MPP) outline Maccabi’s vision of a culture that protects and respects all of its members, including children and young and vulnerable people. The Handbook includes expected standards of behaviour (including the code of conduct), as well as grievance processes that can be followed. Everyone involved in Maccabi – including athletes, families, coaches, volunteers, staff and boards is expected to abide by the MPP. Additional resources are also provided to clubs to support the implementation of the handbook.
What’s the expectation on me/my child as an athlete?
Everyone in Maccabi is expected to abide by the MPP. This includes:
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being aware of the MPP and acting in accordance with the Codes of Conduct provided in the Handbook;
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acting in accordance with the standards and policies outlined in the handbook;
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cooperating in providing a sporting environment free of child abuse, unlawful discrimination, harassment and bullying;
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being accountable for their behaviour and understanding the possible consequences of failing to act in accordance with the MPP;
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following the procedures outlined in the Handbook if they wish to make a complaint or report a concern about possible child abuse, discrimination, harassment or other inappropriate behaviour; and
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complying with any decisions and/or disciplinary measures imposed by any Tribunal that is set up by Maccabi.
What’s the expectation on me as a parent and/or spectator?
We expect all parents and other spectators associated with Maccabi to:
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observe Maccabi’s guidelines for parents set out below;
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when necessary and appropriate, politely and respectfully remind others of their obligations under these guidelines; and
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if witnessing another person behaving in a manner inconsistent with the MPP Handbook (particularly with respect to child safety), report the matter to a Maccabi official so that appropriate action can be taken.
To create a safe environment, we have developed the following as an overarching guideline for parents:
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always comply with the Codes of Conduct;
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advise Maccabi of any special needs your child may have or develop relating to unique medical, physical, behavioural, and psychological factors that affect his or her development. Including but not limited to gender, health (asthma, physical abilities allergies etc.) and behavioural issues (Trauma, ADHD, self-harming etc.); and
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follow the rules and guidelines as determined by the association conducting the game or event.
What happens if I/my child have an issue with a coach, team manager or other athlete?
In most cases, the club will have a designated Member Protection Officer who will handle the matter. If it is a state/national event, or if the club is unable to handle the matter, a Maccabi Integrity Officer will assist. In these situations we will ensure that we get both sides of the story so we can understand what happened, and work out the appropriate steps to take. We value having all matters treated with impartiality and confidentiality.
Is … an MPP issue?
Just because something “goes wrong”, does not automatically make it an MPP issue. MPP issues are covered by the MPP handbook and additional policies, and includes areas such as:
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Bullying, harassment and discrimination
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Allegations of child abuse
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MPP code of conduct breaches
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Sexual misconduct
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Drug, alcohol and smoking issues
These issues are handled by the club’s Member Protection Officer, or a Maccabi Integrity Officer.
Issues which do not fall under MPP include:
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A medical incident
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A selection issue/complaint
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Insurance claims
These issues should be discussed directly with your coach, team manager, or club committee.
Do I need a Working With Children Check?
The following people have to obtain a Working With Children Check (or state-based equivalent):
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Everyone on a club committee, regardless of the club
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Any coaches or team managers who have 1+ junior (under 18 athlete) on their team*.
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Any personnel (paid or voluntary) who have any regular, direct contact with under 18s*.
i.e. if you are regularly volunteering with a club or activity then you do require a check. If you are doing a non-contact ad hoc role (such as scoring a basketball game for one week), you do not require e a check.
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Anyone aged over 18 in a household that is billeting junior athletes (such as host families for Junior Carnival)
* if someone is under 18 they do not require a check
** If someone has recently moved to Australia, we recommend asking them for an international police check, or to complete a statutory declaration, wherever possible.
Do I have to physically collect my child from training or can they meet me at the car?
Some clubs have raised concerns about parents asking their children to meet them at the car after training. Whilst we understand that you may not see it as a concern, we do ask that you collect your child from the training grounds. The coach is unable to escort kids individually to their parents’ cars, and we cannot be held liable if anything happens to their child once they leave training.
Can I ask the coach to give my child a lift to/from training?
Coaches are not allowed to be in a car alone with a child that is not their own. If it is appropriate (e.g. your child and the coach’s child are friends) then the coach can give the child a lift – if they are comfortable doing so – as long as they are never alone with a child that is not their own. This means that if the coach’s child is sick and won’t be attending training, then the coach is unable to collect your child that day.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS AT IMMINENT RISK,
CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES ON 000
IMMEDIATE HELP
If you or someone you know is in crisis, and you are unsure which service to contact, call Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Both are available from anywhere in Australia 24 hours a day (toll free) and provide generalist crisis counselling, information and referral services.
If you need to report an incident of child abuse or neglect click here for contact details for state-based child protection agencies.
Police Contacts for Non-Emergency Issues
Victorian Police Victorian Police Switchboard - 03 9247 6666 www.police.vic.gov.au
New South Wales Police Non-urgent police assistance - 131 444 www.police.nsw.gov.au
WA Police Non-urgent police assistance - 131 444 www.police.wa.gov.au
South Australian Police Non-urgent police assistance - 131 444 www.police.sa.gov.au
Queensland Police Non-urgent police assistance - 131 444 www.police.qld.gov.au
HOW TO GUIDES
This section contains easy How To guides to help you navigate your compliance requirements.
If you have a suggestion for another guide we should create please contact shari@maccabi.com.au.
Current guides are:
Applying for a Working With Children Check (VIC)