Sport can provide children with many positive experiences.
Research has shown that young people who have positive sporting experiences are healthier and fitter; more coordinated and physically competent; often develop good social skills; develop leadership, teamwork and cooperation skills; work well and enjoy other people’s company; and study and concentrate better It is vitally important that we safeguard and enhance these values for kids Junior sport will be a major focus under the Federal Government’s new policy, with ongoing support for the Active Australia Schools Network, the development of the Olympic Youth Program in conjunction with the Australian Olympic Committee and the Australian Paralympic Council and the development of new or significantly enhanced junior sport programs.
Australia is recognised as a world leader in developing sporting opportunities for children with the Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) Aussie Sport programs, products and resources having a significant impact in Australia and overseas.
The Australian Sports Commission is providing further leadership in children’s sport by implementing new and revitalised Aussie Sport programs under the sport policy.
One initiative is the recently launched Protecting Children from Abuse in Sport guidelines.
The child protection guidelines form part of an Active Australia initiative to address harassment in sport. They are a risk management tool aimed at protecting organisations and their members.
Sport is a particularly vulnerable area because it often involves close relationships between adults and children, and usually these adults are in positions of trust and authority.
The information in the Harassment Free Sport Strategy covers risk minimisation, the law and police records screening, and the handling of allegations of child abuse.
By following the guidelines and participating in the Harassment Free Sport Strategy, organisations will be able to minimise the occurrences of child abuse and be able to respond effectively and appropriately should abuse occur.
It is essential reading for all local Councils wanting to ensure children have a positive, healthy and safe sporting environment.
For more information contact Darryl Durham at the Australian Sports Commission darryl.durham@ausport.gov.au, telephone (02) 6214 1949, fax (02) 62141640 or visit www.activeaustralia.org.
