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CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICY

1. Purpose

Mana Rugby is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive environments where children and young people are protected from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This Child Safeguarding Policy outlines how Mana Rugby puts its Child Safeguarding & Child Safety Framework into practice.This policy applies across all Mana Rugby activities in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally, and must be read in conjunction with the Child Safeguarding & Child Safety Framework.

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2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All children and young people participating in Mana Rugby programmes

  • All staff, coaches, volunteers, contractors, officials, and Board members

  • All Mana Rugby activities including training, camps, tours, travel, accommodation, events, and online environments.

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3. Legislative & Regulatory Alignment

This policy aligns with the following legislation, standards, and sporting body requirements:

Australia / NSW

  • NSW Child Safe Standards

  • Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW)

  • Working With Children Check (WWCC) requirements

  • National Principles for Child Safe Organisations

  • Rugby Australia and relevant State Union Member Protection requirements

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New Zealand

  • Oranga Tamariki Act 1989Children’s Act 2014

  • NZ Police Vetting requirements

  • New Zealand Rugby safeguarding and integrity expectations

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Where obligations differ, Mana Rugby applies the highest applicable safeguarding standard.

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4. Safeguarding Principles

Mana Rugby’s safeguarding approach is guided by the following principles:

  • The safety and wellbeing of the child is the highest priority

  • Children have the right to feel safe, respected, and heard

  • Safeguarding is a shared responsibility

  • Concerns are reported, not investigated by staff

  • Children and whānau are supported throughout any process

  • Cultural respect, inclusion, and dignity are upheld

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5. Roles & Responsibilities

Kaitiakitanga – Governance & Compliance

  • Owns safeguarding governance and oversight

  • Ensures policies and procedures remain compliant

  • Oversees reporting, escalation, and record keeping

  • Monitors safeguarding risks and incidents

 

Manaakitanga – Welfare & Support

  • Provides day-to-day welfare and pastoral careSupports children who raise concerns

  • Communicates with whānauEscalates safeguarding concerns

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Kotahitanga – Rugby Delivery

  • Maintains safe coaching practices

  • Ensures appropriate supervision

  • Reinforces behaviour expectationsIdentifies and reports safeguarding risks

 

Whanaungatanga – Culture & Relationships

  • Promotes respectful behaviour

  • Encourages open communication

  • Supports inclusive, safe environments

  • Reinforces positive relationship standards

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6. Code of Behaviour

All adults involved with Mana Rugby must:

  • Treat children with respect and dignity

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries

  • Use positive, non-discriminatory language

  • Avoid favouritism or inappropriate relationships

  • Follow supervision and communication guidelines

  • Unacceptable behaviour includes:Any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitationBullying, harassment, or discrimination

  • Inappropriate physical contact

  • Inappropriate online communication

  • Being alone with a child without authorisation

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7. Recruitment, Screening & Suitability

Mana Rugby ensures all people working with children are suitable by:

  • Requiring a valid WWCC (Australia) or NZ Police Vetting (New Zealand)

  • Verifying identity and role suitability

  • Recording screening details in a secure register

  • Not permitting unscreened individuals to work with childrenScreening is ongoing and reviewed regularly.

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8. Supervision & Safe Environments

Mana Rugby is committed to maintaining safe environments by:

  • Ensuring appropriate supervision ratios

  • Avoiding one-on-one situations where possible

  • Managing change rooms and accommodation safely

  • Applying safeguarding controls during travel and tours

  • Maintaining safe online communication practices

 

9. Reporting Concerns & Disclosures

All safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately.

If a child is in immediate danger:

  • Contact emergency services

All other concerns:

  • Report to the designated Safeguarding Lead

  • Record the concern accurately and promptly

  • Do not investigate or promise confidentiality

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Mana Rugby recognises that mandatory reporting obligations differ between NSW and New Zealand. All personnel must comply with the mandatory reporting requirements applicable in the jurisdiction where the concern arises.

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10. Responding to Concerns

Mana Rugby will:

  • Act promptly and proportionately

  • Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the child

  • Report to statutory authorities where required

  • Support the child and whānau

  • Maintain confidentiality and procedural fairness

 

11. Training & Awareness

Mana Rugby ensures that:

  • All staff and volunteers understand safeguarding expectations

  • Safeguarding awareness is included in inductions

  • Key safeguarding information is accessible

 

12. Record Keeping & Privacy

Safeguarding records are:

  • Stored securely

  • Accessed only by authorised personnel

  • Managed in accordance with privacy laws

 

13. Review & Continuous Improvement

This policy will be:

  • Reviewed annually

  • Updated following legislative changes

  • Reviewed after any safeguarding incident

 

14. Related Documents

  • Child Safeguarding & Child Safety Framework

  • Code of Conduct

  • Incident Reporting Procedure

  • Screening & Vetting Register

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Mana Rugby is committed to creating environments where children and young people are safe, respected, and supported.

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