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Child Safety & Wellbeing

Baulkham Hills Australian Football Club (BHAFC) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all children, young people and members.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY

BHAFC upholds the rights of all children to feel safe, protected, respected and included.


We uphold a zero‑tolerance approach to child abuse, neglect, bullying and discrimination, and we actively work to create an environment where all children can participate confidently in our game.


We welcome and support children and families of all backgrounds, abilities, identities and cultures, and we recognise our responsibility to remove barriers to participation wherever they appear.


Our safeguarding practices are grounded in the NSW Child Safe Standards, the National Integrity Framework (NIF), and our club’s Child Safe Policy and Code of Conduct, which guide how we act, respond and continuously improve.

BHAFC CHILD SAFE CODE OF CONDUCT

I Will

I Won’t

I Won’t

  • Treat all children and young people with respect, fairness and kindness, and value their ideas and opinions. 
  • Act as a positive role model in behaviour, language, attitude and sportsmanship.
  • Prioritise the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of every child at all times.
  • Be vigilant and proactive in identifying and reducing risks to children.
  • Report any concerns, disclosures or breaches to the CPO, a committee member, or relevant authorities without delay.
  • Respect children’s privacy, personal boundaries and cultural backgrounds.
  • Ensure interactions with children are appropriate, observable and in the presence of others wherever possible.
  • Use positive, encouraging and age‑appropriate language.
  • Follow all club policies, including those relating to photography, social media, mobile devices and digital communication.
  • Support children to participate, learn and enjoy the game in a safe and inclusive environment.

I Won’t

I Won’t

I Won’t

  • Engage in any form of abuse, neglect, grooming, intimidation or ill‑treatment of a child.
  • Use inappropriate, offensive, aggressive or discriminatory language or behaviour around children.
  • Engage in unnecessary, intrusive or inappropriate physical contact with a child.
  • Develop or encourage an inappropriate personal relationship with a child, including favouritism or special treatment.
  • Take photos or videos of children on personal devices without the permission of the club and the child’s parent or carer.
  • Use mobile phones, cameras or recording devices in changerooms, bathrooms or other private spaces.
  • Communicate privately with a child via personal social media, text, messaging apps or email (all communication must be through approved club channels).
  • Ignore, minimise or dismiss any concerns about a child’s safety, behaviour or wellbeing.
  • Consume alcohol or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while responsible for children.
  • Behave in any way that brings the club, the AFL, or junior sport into disrepute.

NSW Child Safe standards

Under the Children’s Guardian Act 2019, all organisations in NSW that provide services to children must comply with the 10 Child Safe Standards. BHAFC is committed to meeting these standards:


  1. Child safety is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
  2. Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
  3. Families and communities are informed and involved
  4. Equity is upheld and diverse needs are taken into account
  5. People working with children are suitable and supported
  6. Processes to respond to complaints of child abuse are child-focused
  7. Staff and Volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training
  8. Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur
  9. Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved
  10. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is child safe


Learn more at the Office of the Children’s Guardian.

National Integrity Framework (NIF)

The AFL adopted the National Integrity Framework in June 2023. The NIF is managed by Sport Integrity Australia and applies to all clubs, members, volunteers and participants. It includes the following policies:

  • Child Safeguarding Policy
  • Member Protection Policy
  • Competition Manipulation and Sports Gambling Policy
  • Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy
  • Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy
  • Code of Conduct

Under the NIF, all members are bound by these policies. Complaints can be made to Sport Integrity Australia or through the BHAFC CPO.

REPORTING CONCERNS & COMPLAINTS

If a child is in immediate danger, call 000. 

Who Can Report

Under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, certain professionals (such as doctors, teachers and psychologists) are mandatory reporters and are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. While BHAFC volunteers are not classified as mandatory reporters under this Act, any person who has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is at risk of significant harm can — and should — make a report. 

How to Report

Depending on the nature of the concern, reports can be made to:

  • BHAFC Child Protection Officer (CPO) - for concerns within the club (protection@baulko.org.au)
  • Sport Integrity Australia - online complaint form or phone 1800 161 361
  • NSW Child Protection Helpline - 132 111 (for suspected child abuse or neglect)
  • NSW Police - 131 444 (non-emergency) or 000 (emergency)

What Is Reportable Conduct?

Reportable conduct is a term used to describe certain types of misconduct toward children, including sexual offences, sexual misconduct, ill-treatment, neglect, assault, and behaviour that causes psychological harm. While the NSW Reportable Conduct Scheme applies to specific categories of organisations, BHAFC takes all allegations of such conduct seriously and will ensure they are reported to the appropriate authorities. 

PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEO & ONLINE SAFETY

Photography & Video at Club Events

BHAFC appoints a designated club photographer to capture images at games and events from time to time. All images taken by the club photographer are managed in accordance with our child safety obligations. Images will only be published with appropriate consent, and parents/carers may opt out of their child being photographed at any time by notifying the club. 

Online Safety & Social Media

BHAFC follows the AFL Social Media guidlines for local clubs. All club social media accounts and digital communications must:

  • Only publish images of children with appropriate parental consent
  • Never publish identifying information of children (e.g. surnames combined with images)
  • Not include offensive, misleading or hurtful content
  • Be managed by authorised club volunteers
  • Respect the privacy of all members


Cyber bullying is not tolerated. If your child is experiencing online bullying related to the club, please report it to a committee member or our CPO immediately.

Under-16 Social Media Restrictions

Under the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat, are required to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from holding accounts. Parents and carers of young players should be aware of these restrictions. Visit the eSafety Commissioner for more information.

RESOURCES & FURTHER INFORMATION

  • Sport Integrity      Australia — National Integrity Framework
  • Safeguarding Children      & Young People - Play AFL 
  • NSW      Office of the Children’s Guardian — Child Safe Standards
  • Working      With Children Check (NSW)
  • AFL PlayHQ - How to provide your WWCC details 
  • Child Safe Organisation | The Hills Shire Council 
  • eSafety Commissioner


This page was last reviewed in February 2026. BHAFC is committed to regularly reviewing and updating our child safety practices.

Copyright © 2025 Baulko - All Rights Reserved.

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