Child Safety Officers to play critical role in community cricket

Everyone has a role to play in providing a safe and supportive environment for children and young people, with Child Safety Officers undertaking a key role within community clubs. To acknowledge the importance of Child Safety Officers and the role they play in Clubs, a few were offered the opportunity to complete a lap around the hallowed turf of the MCG on Days 2 and 3 of the 2018 Boxing Day Test.

Volunteer Dave Treweek, who had the opportunity to walk on the MCG, is a big advocate for the role.

“I’m the Colac District Cricket Association League Secretary and also a secondary school teacher, so it is really important to me that we keep up to date with the new Child Safety Standards” he said

“It is also a very rewarding experience, as you get to work closely with kids & families to ensure their enjoyment of playing the game remains high.”

Cricket Victoria’s expectation is that all clubs and associations endorse and adopt Australian Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children & Young People.

Your first action is to go to the Cricket Australia website to view a series of short instructional videos and download the Looking After Our Kids Action Plan which guides you in the adoption of the Australian Cricket Policy for Safeguarding Children & Young People

The Action Plan Explanation takes you through five easy steps including how to embed the policy within your club and association, letting others know you’re on board and appointing a Child Safe Officer along with resources to upskill members of your club.