If a child is in danger
If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call 000.
In NSW, report concerns about a child's safety to the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111. In other states and territories, contact your local child protection service.
Our commitment
AWPR is committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of every child and young person involved with us, including junior and provisional referees under 18. We have zero tolerance for abuse, harassment and neglect, and we take every concern seriously.
How we keep young people safe
- Members under 18 need a parent or guardian's permission to join, and before we collect their details.
- Committee members, mentors and volunteers who work with under 18s must hold a valid Working With Children Check for their state.
- Mentoring of under 18s happens in open, observable settings, with parents or guardians kept informed.
- Communication with young people goes through appropriate channels, with a parent or guardian included where practical. No private one-to-one messaging.
- Photos and personal details of under 18s are only used with parent or guardian consent.
How this fits with the federations
Water Polo Australia and Water Polo NSW operate under the National Integrity Framework, which includes a policy on safeguarding children and young people. Federation policies apply to registered participants, and AWPR follows the same standards in everything we run. See our Code of Conduct.
Raising a concern
Anyone can raise a concern: a young person, a parent, a club or a referee. You do not need proof. Contact our confidential support inbox at support@auswaterpoloreferees.com, or use our support page.
We will treat your concern confidentially, act promptly, and refer it to the relevant federation, police or child protection authority where required.