It’s time to Start to Talk.

Play by the Rules is a unique collaboration between Sport Integrity Australia, Sport Australia, the Australian Human Rights Commission, all state and territory departments of sport and recreation, all state and territory anti-discrimination and human rights agencies, the Office of the Children’s Guardian (NSW) and the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW. These partners promote Play by the Rules through their networks, along with their own child safety, anti-discrimination and inclusion programs.

Play by the Rules provides information, resources, tools and free online training to increase the capacity and capability of administrators, coaches, officials, players, parents and spectators to assist them in preventing and dealing with discrimination, harassment, child safety, inclusion and integrity issues in sport.

Gungahlin United Football Club is committed to safe sport with a key focus on child safety, to which we are currently building our suite of policies in collaboration with Play by the Rules in this space.

Play by the Rules recently launched their “Start to talk” national campaign.

The campaign reminds us that we ask a lot of questions when our kids get involved in sport: What fees need to be paid? How often is training?

One question we can forget to ask is “What does the club have in place to keep my child safe?”

Play by the Rules wants parents to #StartToTalk to clubs and feel confident in knowing what child safety policies are in place and what action is being taken to prevent harm against kids in sport.

There are resources available on their website that provide prompts for parents and carers, and reminders for clubs on how to better support children and young people.

For more information, visit the Start to Talk webpage.

Are you interested in volunteering with the GUFC Integrity Team? If so, email volunteers@gufc.org.au and let us know where you can assist to help the club in this space.