Child Safety Code of Conduct

Melbourne Cricket Academy (MCA) considers that the safety and wellbeing of people under the age of 18 years of age (Children or Child) is of paramount importance. We want all Children participating in MCA activities and services to thrive in an inclusive, safe and nurturing environment, which includes the coaching clinics and services run by MCA’s partner, Khelomore (the Program).
This Code of Conduct for Working with Children outlines the expectations and required standards of behaviour and practice by all coaches who are likely to have direct contact with Children as part of the Program (Participants).
We ask that every Participant commits to the standards of behaviour and conduct as outlined below, prior to participating in the Program.


1. Commitments from each participant:

2. I will

a) Behave respectfully, courteously and ethically towards Children and their families throughout my participation in the Program.
b) Listen and respond to the views and concerns of Children with sensitivity.
c) Demonstrate appropriate personal and professional boundaries towards Children.
d) Consider and respect the diverse backgrounds and needs of Children, particularly of those Children who are vulnerable.
e) Create an environment that promotes and enables Children participation and is welcoming, culturally safe and inclusive for all Children and their families.
f) Identify and mitigate risks to the safety and wellbeing of Children, as required.
g) Appropriately respond to any concerns or complaints about any reasonable belief of actual or potential risk to the safety and wellbeing of Children in the Program.
h) Adopt appropriate methods of communicating with Children, which includes:
i. Using positive language and guidance to encourage Children;
ii. Considering the age and backgrounds of Children;
iii. Ensuring that communication is kept to appropriate, Program-related topics (i.e., it is not personal in nature);
iv. Ensuring that communication is at very least, within sight of others, but preferably in the presence of others; and
v. Only having physical contact with Children that is appropriate to the delivery of the Program (e.g., asking Children if it’s OK to show them a bowling or batting technique which might involve placing your hand on their hand(s) or arm(s)).
i) Keeping records and sharing information appropriately regarding the safety and wellbeing of Children.
j) Disclose to Khelomore any criminal charges and/or convictions or any allegations of misconduct against me prior to and during my employment or engagement with the Program.
k) Complying with all relevant local laws and policies in place regarding the welfare and wellbeing of Children in place from time to time.


3. I will not

l) Engage in any unlawful and/or unauthorised activity with or in relation to Children.
m) Engage in any activity that is reasonably likely to put Children at risk of actual or suspected physical, sexual or emotional harm.
n) Unlawfully discriminate against Children or their family members.
o) Be alone with any Child unnecessarily. Wherever possible, I understand that Kids and Youth requiring medical treatment should be accompanied by at least one medical or first aid officer/professional and another adult.
p) Arrange personal and unsupervised contact or relationships – including physical and online or electronic contact – with Children I am working with.
q) Disclose personal or sensitive information about Children, including (but not limited to) images and/or digital footage of Children, unless either their parent or legal guardian consents to do so or unless I am required to do so by legal authorities.
r) Use inappropriate language in the presence of Children, or show or provide Children with access to inappropriate images or material.
s) Take personal photographs or video of Children using any device unless with the prior, written consent of their parent or legal guardian.
t) Provide Children associated with the Program with gifts or presents from me personally.
u) Transport a single Child alone without prior permission from their parent, carer or guardian.
v) Participate in the Program whilst under the influence of alcohol and/or prohibited drugs.
w) Ignore or disregard any actual, suspected or disclosed harm or abuse to Children.


4. If I think this MCA Code of Conduct for Working with Children has been breached by another Participant, I will:

x) Act to prioritise the best interests of Children.
y) Take actions promptly to ensure that Children are safe.
z) Promptly and discretely report any concerns to Khelomore.
aa) Follow MCA’s policies and procedures for receiving and responding to concerns involving Children, including respecting the confidentiality of all people and/or Children involved.
bb) Comply with legislative requirements on reporting concerns involving Children if relevant.