The Member Protection Policy (MPP) is a core policy document for sports clubs and associations. It aims to assist your organisation to uphold its core values and create a safe, fair and inclusive environment for everyone associated with your sport.
While many clubs and associations 'default' their MPP to their State or National body policy, (or be required to adopt it as part of the incorporation agreement), some clubs may to develop their own MPP to reflect their particular situation and circumstances.
Check out the MPP’s of your club's State or National sporting organisations to get ideas.
Visit the
Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries website to download the Sport Safe template.
Policies and procedures regarding behaviour, ensures a high level of behaviour standards within your club. Setting ground rules gives direction and a point of reference when dealing with and evaluating conflict.
Your club should have a Code of Conduct for the following members:
- Administrators
- Coaches
- Players
- Parents
- Officials.
Check with your National &/or State Sporting body to see if they have templates to model your Code of Conduct off or establish your own.
It is important for a club to display their Codes of Conduct to get your message across:
- Attach Code of Conducts with registration forms
- Display Code of Conducts inside your clubroom
- Include Code of Conducts on your website
- Remind members throughout the season by featuring your Code of Conducts in your communication channels e.g. newsletters, social media.
Other policies to consider
- Social media policy
- Communications policy
- Inclusion policy
- Spectator behaviour policy
- Team selection / grading policy.
Your sporting club is the perfect location to educate the local community on healthy active living. It is also important that your club is a safe inclusive environment for all players and their families.
Why develop a 'Healthy club' policy?
- To reinforce your club’s commitment to the promotion of health
- To state your procedures for dealing with any behaviour that breaches the health objectives that you are trying to achieve
- To set guidelines for your club members regarding what to expect from the club and outline what is considered unacceptable behaviour by members and officials
- To clarify the roles and responsibilities of all club members.
A Healthy club policy addresses the following health issues:
- Smoking
- Sun protection
- Injury prevention
- Alcohol and other drugs
- Healthy eating.
10 tips for a healthier canteen
- Offer fruit – with your leftover fruit, freeze it and make smoothies the following week
- Reduce the size of your chip serves to only a small
- Reduce the number of soft drinks or sport drinks available – you don’t need five flavours of each
- Got a club burger – feature three pieces of salad and use wholemeal bread
- Display your healthy option on the counter
- Remove lollies from the menu
- During winter months offer a Soup of the day or a slow cooked stew
- Pre-make protein balls or muffins and freeze for game days
- Portion control is key
- Promote your healthy options using the clubs communication tools.