Policies | MRP Football Club

MRP FC RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY

Risks are inherent in all aspects of Football and MRP FC acknowledges the role of risk management as critical to the safe and controlled provision of the sport to players, officials and spectators.

The Football Club is committed to managing risk in accordance with the process described in Australian/New Zealand Standard 4360:1999 Risk Management. The standard requires the Football Club’s risk management strategy is a systematic hierarchical driven process to identify, analyse, assess, communicate and treat risks that can adversely impact on the performance and standing of the organisation

The range of risks that the Football Club needs to be prepared to deal with will include:

• Public & Professional Liability responsibilities

• Occupational Health & Safety responsibilities

• Financial Management

• Organisational Management and Operational practices

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework for the elimination or control of all risks associated with MRP FC’s activities.

SCOPE

The successful implementation of the Risk management Policy requires a consistent and systematic approach to risk management at all levels of the Football Club’s operation. In order to manage risk in accordance with best practice, the Football Club will comply with the requirements of A/NZ Standard 4360:1999 risk Management as well as the Club’s established ethical standards and values.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the policy are:

Identify, report and analyse the Club’s liability associated with its range of risks
Encourage the ongoing identification and reporting of potential risks
Determine the magnitude of risks
Develop a risk register
Develop, prioritise and implement ongoing plans and strategies to address risks
Promote and support risk management practices throughout the Club
Gain organisational support for risk management undertakings
Educate members on good risk management practices
Minimise the cost of insurance claims and premiums
Protect the Club’s corporate image as a professional, responsible and ethical organisation.

The risk management system will be reviewed annually at the Annual General Meeting of the Football Club to ensure the actions remain appropriate and effective.

RISK MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGY

ESTABLISH A RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

A Club Risk management Committee comprising the Club’s Risk Management Officer, two Committee Members and two player representatives, with a developed understanding of a football club’s risk issues to be formed to instigate a comprehensive risk management review of all of the Club’s activities.

RISK IDENTIFICATION

The risk management committee shall be responsible for the establishment of a Risk Register and the setting of plans and strategic timeframes for treatment of risk.

RISK ASSESMENTS

The risk assessment analyses the exposures identified, quantifies the likelihood of certain events occurring and determines the consequences, both financial and operational. The following are provided as a guide:

Player Safety

The playing surface, fences and goal/behind posts
Sufficient qualified trainers & coaches
Medical checks on players
Team hygiene practices
Player change-room facilities
Emergency medical equipment
Availability / accessibility to emergency services

Official Safety

Secure umpire rooms
Competent umpire escorts

Recreation Reserve - Operational

Public viewing areas
Scoreboard / timekeeper facilities
Vehicular movement and parking areas
Public conveniences
Crowd control
Food/beverage handling and selling areas

Recreation Reserve - Operational

Money handling
Player / Official valuables security
Building security

OBJECTIVES

The Risk Management Committee will prepare safe operating procedures for all areas identified as presenting any risk to the organisation; other aspects that may be included are: Emergency planning; Contractor management and Visiting Club management.

MONITORING & REVIEW

It is incumbent on the Football Club’s Risk Management Committee to review the performance of the risk management systems and changes which might affect it on an annual basis. Records are to be maintained for the following:

Hazard identification
Risk assessments
Accident / incidents
Player health monitoring

MRP FC ANTI BULLYING POLICY

1. Purpose
At MRP FC, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators. Bullying in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This policy outlines our commitment to addressing and preventing bullying and provides guidelines for managing incidents effectively.

2. Scope
This policy applies to all members, participants, and visitors involved in any activities conducted by or associated with MRPFC, including training sessions, games, events, and online communications.

3. Definitions

Bullying is defined as repeated, unreasonable, or inappropriate behavior directed towards an individual or group that causes distress, harm, or fear. Bullying can be:

Verbal: Name-calling, insults, teasing, or threatening language.

Physical: Hitting, pushing, tripping, or other physical intimidation.

Social: Exclusion, spreading rumors, or encouraging others to exclude someone.

Cyberbullying: Sending harmful messages, sharing private information without consent, or other inappropriate online behavior.

4. Responsibilities

Club Management is responsible for:

Promoting awareness of this policy.
Providing training and resources to prevent bullying.
Investigating and addressing complaints promptly and confidentially

Coaches and Officials are responsible for:

Setting a positive example and fostering an inclusive team culture.
Identifying and addressing bullying behavior early.

Members and Participants are responsible for:

Treating others with respect and dignity.
Reporting bullying incidents to club officials.

5. Reporting and Responding to Bullying

Reporting:

Any member, parent, or participant can report bullying incidents to a coach, team manager, or club official.
Reports can be made verbally or in writing and will be treated with confidentiality.

Investigation:

The club will investigate all reports promptly and impartially.
The investigation may involve interviews with the parties involved and witnesses.

Resolution:

If bullying is confirmed, appropriate action will be taken, which may include:
Education and counseling for the offender.
Mediation between parties.
Disciplinary measures, including suspension or expulsion from the club.

Support:

The club will provide support to those affected by bullying and ensure their safety and well-being.

6. Prevention Measures

Regular training sessions and workshops to educate members about bullying and respectful behavior.
Clear communication of club values and this policy to all members.
Encouraging team-building activities that promote inclusion and respect.

7. Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. Feedback from members and stakeholders is encouraged to improve our approach to bullying prevention.

8. Contact Information
For any concerns or questions about this policy, please contact:

Club President: team@mrpfc.com.au

9. Declaration
By being a part of MRPFC, all members, participants, and visitors agree to uphold the principles outlined in this policy and work together to maintain a safe and respectful environment.

MRP FC CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

MRP FC currently operates adult teams teams (18+) and does not have junior teams. However, there may be instances where minors are present early in the season before they turn 18 later in the year. Therefore, it is essential for us to maintain robust child protection policies

MRP FC are a Working With Children Check registered employer:

Working With Children Check ID - REG0070971

MRPFC is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for children and young people. This policy outlines the club’s approach to safeguarding the welfare of all children involved in our activities and ensuring compliance with child protection legislation.

This policy applies to all members, staff, volunteers, coaches, officials, parents, and anyone involved in MRP FC activities, including games, training sessions, and events.

Definitions

Child: Any person under the age of 18.

Child Abuse: Includes physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect, and exploitation that causes harm or poses a risk to a child’s health, development, or dignity.

Child Protection: The safeguarding of children from abuse, harm, or exploitation.

Principles MRP FC is committed to:

Prioritising the safety and welfare of children in all activities.
Promoting a culture of openness, respect, and accountability.
Ensuring compliance with relevant child protection laws and guidelines.
Educating staff, volunteers, and members about their responsibilities under this policy.

Responsibilities

Club Management is responsible for:

Developing and implementing child protection policies and procedures.
Ensuring all staff, volunteers, and members are aware of and comply with this policy.
Conducting regular reviews of the policy.

Coaches and Volunteers are responsible for:

Ensuring activities are safe, inclusive, and appropriate for children.
Reporting any concerns or suspicions of child abuse immediately.

Parents and Guardians are encouraged to:

Support the club’s commitment to child safety.
Communicate any concerns about their child’s welfare.

Code of Conduct All individuals involved with MRPFC must:

Treat children with respect and dignity at all times.
Avoid behaviors that could be misinterpreted as inappropriate or harmful.
Never engage in physical punishment, bullying, or abusive language.
Maintain appropriate boundaries and avoid one-on-one situations with children where possible.

Recruitment and Screening MRPFC will:

Require Working with Children Checks (WWCC) or equivalent for all staff, volunteers, and coaches who work with children.
Conduct thorough reference checks for new recruits.
Provide training on child protection policies and procedures.

Reporting and Responding to Child Abuse

Reporting:

Any concerns, suspicions, or disclosures of child abuse must be reported immediately to a senior club official.
If a child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services (000).

Responding:

The official will document the concern and ensure it is handled in accordance with legal obligations.
Reports will be treated with confidentiality and sensitivity.
The club will cooperate fully with law enforcement and child protection authorities during investigations.

Education and Training

The club will provide regular training sessions on child protection for all staff, volunteers, and members.
Educational resources will be made available to promote awareness of child safety practices.

Prevention Measures

Ensuring safe physical environments for all club activities.
Promoting positive relationships and behaviors through team-building activities.
Encouraging open communication where children feel comfortable to speak up.

This policy will be reviewed annually or as required to ensure it remains effective and aligns with current legislation and best practices. Feedback from members and stakeholders is welcomed to improve our child protection measures.

Contact Information For concerns or inquiries regarding this policy, please contact:

Child Protection Officer: team@mrpfc.com.au

Declaration By participating in MRPFC activities, all members, staff, and visitors agree to abide by this policy and support the club’s commitment to safeguarding children.

Resources

MRP FC Club Governance Report