Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) is encouraging members of the football community to identify their club’s Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) and understand what they do to help make football clubs as safe as possible.
Each club has an officer dedicated to providing information about your rights and responsibilities and options for resolving issues.
Officers also provide options available to you in making a member protection-related complaint in sport.
They do not mediate or investigate complaints but are required to remain impartial and respond to inquiries confidentially.
The NSW Office of Sport developed the role of Member Protection Information Officer in 2017 to improve child safety standards in all sporting organisations.
NNSWF Club Development Officer Phillip Andrews fills the MPIO role for NNSWF.
Andrews said NNSWF took the safety and welfare of participants seriously.
“We have insisted that all clubs nominate an MPIO and will continue working with NSW Office of Sport to arrange training opportunities during the 2020 season,” Andrews said.
“The primary role of the MPIO is to listen to and receive member protection complaints before offering advice over the best course of action to seek a resolution.
“All serious matters, especially child welfare issues, should be reported to NSW Police in the first instance.
“At NNSWF our aim is to create a network of informed, trained MPIOs that are promoted to the members of their football club. We will provide clubs with resources to promote the role and the MPIO contact details.
“These resources will support the A-frame signage already in place in some zones. We ask that clubs post these resources through social media, physical signage at the venue and/or direct emails to members.
“NNSWF will be active in supporting the MPIOs in deciding the best course of action for dealing with a complaint.”
Spectators are reminded if they are present at a match or involved in any activity staged or sanctioned by Football Federation Australia (FFA), NNSWF, Member Zones or clubs they must comply with the spectator code of behaviour.
Anyone who otherwise causes a disturbance may be evicted from a venue and banned from attending future matches.
NNSWF is committed to keeping children safe within our sport. If you have any concerns about your child’s safety or the welfare of another child, inform your club’s MPIO as soon as possible.
If you are concerned a child is being abused or neglected, or is at risk, you must contact the relevant NSW authorities.
NSW Police
Emergency only: 000
Phone: 131 444
Website: police.nsw.gov.au
Department for Family and Community Services
Child Protection Helpline: 132111
Website: facs.nsw.gov.au/families
For more information please contact:
Northern NSW Football
Member Protection Information Officer Phillip Andrews
Phone: 02 4941 7206
Email: mpio@northernnswfootball.com.au
Website: northernnswfootball.com.au
