Safeguarding children and young people at our club

Child safeguarding at St Mary’s Sporting Club

At St Mary’s Sporting Club, we want every child and young person to be safe, feel safe and play safe.

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and friendly environment for all children and young people, and we have zero tolerance for mistreatment, harm or abuse. Our club expects all members, players, coaches, volunteers and families to uphold our Statement of commitment to child and young people protection, Player, Parent, Coach Code of Conduct, and AFL Barwon Safeguarding Policy, and to model safe behaviours both online and in person.

Our commitment

At SMSC, we:

  • promote a safe, inclusive and friendly environment for all children and young people
  • have zero tolerance for mistreatment and abuse
  • require all members to follow our Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct
  • encourage safe behaviours online and in person
  • use positive reinforcement to support children and young people
  • encourage children and young people to have a say at our club

These commitments align with Victorian child-safe requirements, AFL safeguarding principles, and Netball Victoria’s child safeguarding resources. Safe sporting environments for children are required under Victoria’s Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005, and child safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Child Safeguarding Officer

Our Child Safeguarding Officer is a key contact for children, young people, parents, carers, coaches, volunteers and members who have a child safety concern.

Damian McKeegan
Child Safeguarding Officer
Mobile: 0423 021 258

If you see something, please say something. We will respond promptly to concerns and ensure they are handled appropriately.

Raising a concern

You can raise a concern if something does not feel right, if you are worried about a child or young person, or if you have seen or experienced behaviour that is unsafe, inappropriate or concerning.

You can speak with a trusted club person, such as a coach, team manager, club official or the Child Safeguarding Officer. The AFL also provides safeguarding resources and reporting pathways for children, families and clubs. If someone is in immediate danger, contact police on 000.

External reporting and support pathways

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person, there are a number of trusted organisations you can contact directly. You do not need proof — if something doesn’t feel right, it is important to speak up.

Immediate danger or emergency

  • Victoria Police (Emergency) – Call 000
    For any immediate risk, danger or urgent situation.
  • Police Assistance Line – Call 131 444
    For non-urgent police matters or to report concerns.

Child protection and reporting (Victoria)

  • Child Protection (Department of Families, Fairness and Housing) – Call 13 12 78
    Report concerns where a child may be at risk of significant harm due to abuse or neglect.
  • Victorian Child Protection Service
    Supports children and young people where parents are unable to protect them.
  • Commission for Children and Young People (Victoria)
    Oversight body for child safety, including reportable conduct in organisations.

National reporting and child safety support

  • National Office for Child Safety
    Provides guidance and pathways for reporting concerns and improving child safety across Australia.
  • eSafety Commissioner
    Report online abuse, cyberbullying or exploitation of children.
  • Crime Stoppers – Call 1800 333 000
    Anonymous reporting of suspicious or concerning behaviour.

Support and helplines for children and families

  • Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) – Call 1800 55 1800
    24/7 free counselling and support
  • Lifeline – Call 13 11 14
    24/7 crisis support
  • 1800RESPECT – Call 1800 737 732
    Support for family violence, sexual assault and abuse

Local and community-based support (Geelong region)

  • Barwon Child, Youth and Family (BCYF)
    Local family support, counselling and early intervention services
  • headspace Geelong
    Mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 12–25
  • The Orange Door (Barwon region)
    Family violence and child wellbeing intake and support service

Important to know

  • You do not need to be certain — a reasonable concern is enough to report
  • Reports can be made in good faith and are treated confidentially
  • It is always better to raise a concern than to remain silent

Our approach at St Mary’s

We encourage all players, families and members to:

  • Speak up if something does not feel right
  • Seek support early
  • Use trusted internal or external pathways
  • Help create a safe environment for all children and young people

If you are unsure where to start, you can always contact our Child Safeguarding Officer, who can support you to take the next step.