What is the MPP? Why do I have to agree to it?
Maccabi’s Member Protection Policies (MPP) outline Maccabi’s vision of a culture that protects and respects all of its members, including children and young and vulnerable people. The Handbook includes expected standards of behaviour (including the code of conduct), as well as grievance processes that can be followed. Everyone involved in Maccabi – including athletes, families, coaches, volunteers, staff and boards is expected to abide by the MPP. Additional resources are also provided to clubs to support the implementation of the handbook.
What’s the expectation on me/my child as an athlete?
Everyone in Maccabi is expected to abide by the MPP. This includes:
What’s the expectation on me as a parent and/or spectator?
We expect all parents and other spectators associated with Maccabi to:
To create a safe environment, we have developed the following as an overarching guideline for parents:
What happens if I/my child have an issue with a coach, team manager or other athlete?
In most cases, the club will have a designated Member Protection Officer who will handle the matter. If it is a state/national event, or if the club is unable to handle the matter, a Maccabi Integrity Officer will assist. In these situations we will ensure that we get both sides of the story so we can understand what happened, and work out the appropriate steps to take. We value having all matters treated with impartiality and confidentiality.
Is … an MPP issue?
Just because something “goes wrong”, does not automatically make it an MPP issue. MPP issues are covered by the MPP handbook and additional policies, and includes areas such as:
These issues are handled by the club’s Member Protection Officer, or a Maccabi Integrity Officer.
Issues which do not fall under MPP include:
These issues should be discussed directly with your coach, team manager, or club committee.
Do I need a Working With Children Check?
The following people have to obtain a Working With Children Check (or state-based equivalent):
i.e. if you are regularly volunteering with a club or activity then you do require a check. If you are doing a non-contact ad hoc role (such as scoring a basketball game for one week), you do not require e a check.
* if someone is under 18 they do not require a check
** If someone has recently moved to Australia, we recommend asking them for an international police check, or to complete a statutory declaration, wherever possible.
Do I have to physically collect my child from training or can they meet me at the car?
Some clubs have raised concerns about parents asking their children to meet them at the car after training. Whilst we understand that you may not see it as a concern, we do ask that you collect your child from the training grounds. The coach is unable to escort kids individually to their parents’ cars, and we cannot be held liable if anything happens to their child once they leave training.
Can I ask the coach to give my child a lift to/from training?
Coaches are not allowed to be in a car alone with a child that is not their own. If it is appropriate (e.g. your child and the coach’s child are friends) then the coach can give the child a lift – if they are comfortable doing so – as long as they are never alone with a child that is not their own. This means that if the coach’s child is sick and won’t be attending training, then the coach is unable to collect your child that day.