Best Practice Guidelines, Policies, Resources, Supporting Documents

You can find a variety of policy templates on the Sport NZ link at the bottom of this page

• Develop and implement a safeguarding policy and specific procedures that are consistent with the TPPP (each NZTE operates differently so will need to consider what procedures are needed)
• Embed the safeguarding policy and procedures/messages into regular communications to all members and casual participants
• Nominate two people (1 male, 1 female) as safeguarding information officers for children or vulnerable people to speak to if they feel the need to disclose any incident where they don’t feel safe
• Display safeguarding posters (below) to ensure all participants are aware of how to report any behaviour they feel is/could put a child or vulnerable person at risk

• Activities should be appropriate for the age and development of children or vulnerable adults that need adapted activities
• Create a safe and open environment that protects children and vulnerable people from harm and provides boundaries and support to staff and volunteers
• Do not send children or vulnerable adults off to train alone and out of sight or supervision
• Ensure that all physical contact with children or vulnerable adults is relevant and appropriate to the activity, with permission sought from the individual before making contact
• Ensure that any filming or photography of children is appropriate, with written permission to be obtained from a parent or guardian if the materials are to be shown publicly
• Do not allow parents, coaches, other children, or spectators to engage in any type of bullying behaviour (this includes cyber/text bullying)

• Use positive and age-appropriate language when talking to, or in the presence of children or vulnerable adults
• Do not engage in any intimate, overfamiliar, or sexual relationships with children or vulnerable adults
• Do not drink alcohol when you are responsible for children or vulnerable adults and do not offer alcohol to children under any circumstances
• Do not engage in communication with a child or vulnerable adult through social media, texting or email, other than for relevant coach/player feedback or administration, and ideally include a parent or guardian as a recipient of all communication
• Avoid private or unobserved situations, including being alone with a child/vulnerable adult in the changing rooms. Have another adult present or at least another player
• When entering changing rooms, ensure that you knock and announce yourself and try to have at least one other adult with you
• Always have another adult present when staying overnight anywhere with children/vulnerable adults; preferably a parent of one of the participants
• Avoid driving a child/vulnerable adult unaccompanied. If this is not practical, have them sit in the back seat
• Do not invite or encourage children/vulnerable adults to visit any private residence
• Do not bully or place unnecessary pressure on children or vulnerable adults

The relationship between those who hold a position of trust and responsibility with children and vulnerable adults must always be professional and appropriate.