Working With Children Checks for Club and Association Members

 

Directed to clubs and their members,

This is a reminder following on from communications back in August 2015 on Working With Children Checks (WWCC) requirements in NSW.

As stated then, the National Child Protection law now requires all adults who work with children either as volunteers or as paid employees to obtain a Working With Children Check number. This includes all people working in our Association and Clubs that have face to face contact with children while delivering programs and activities eg. Jnr Coaches and Managers

Within NSW the Sporting Sector is currently being phased-in to the Working With Children Check system. The phase-in deadline for this sector is 31 March 2016.

The process is very simple, applicants need only make an online application at the following link http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/working-with-children/working-with-children-check via "Start Here" or by making a call to the Office of the Children's Guardian on (02) 9286 7219.

Unless a person applying for a WWCC is a paid employee of the club or association there is no cost in making this application.

As a sporting Club, you are required to register your club an an employer of volunteers and then obtain and record WWCC numbers from relevant individuals for verification of their registration. Many members may already have a WWCC number based on other activities, but if involved with your club in delivering programs and activities to children they will need to be registered with your club.

The deadline that affects those in the following roles within our sport includes:
  1. A coach of an U18’s team (Unless they have a child or close relative in the team).
  2. A manager or assistant manager of an U18’s team (unless they have a child or close relative in the team).
  3. A youth/junior coordinator or member protection officer.
  4. A helper where they are directly assisting in the face to face delivery of programs and or activities for children (unless they have a child or close relative in the team or group).
  5. A board or committee member whose role extends beyond strategic management, administrative or clerical duties e.g. a board or committee member who mentors U18’s or directly assists with face to face delivery of programs and activities for children.
This means that as from 1 April, adult members who wish take on a position that requires a WWCC, must apply and receive their registration number before taking up the role within the club or association.  

All clubs will be responsible for registering their own club and verifying individuals associated with their club.  

The Illawarra South Coast Hockey Association will be responsible for verifying any coaches/manager/officials etc who may be supporting representative teams or game development activities involving children. 
 
The association through its recently appointed Member Protection Information Officer (Katie Corbin) will assist clubs if required, however will not be responsible at club level.
 
Your best source of information and answer to any queries you may have is the Office of Children's Guardian via the following link http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/working-with-children/working-with-children-check or by making a call to the Office of the Children's Guardian on (02) 9286 7219.

Please refer your club members to the Office of the Children's Guardian brochures online which explain in very simple terms how, if required, to make an application for a Working With Children Check number.
 

Kind regards
ISCH Board of Directors