FAQ

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:

• being aware of the MPP and acting in accordance with the Codes of Conduct provided in the Handbook;
• acting in accordance with the standards and policies outlined in the handbook;
• cooperating in providing a sporting environment free of child abuse, unlawful discrimination, harassment and bullying;
• being accountable for their behaviour and understanding the possible consequences of failing to act in accordance with the  MPP;
• following the procedures outlined in the Handbook if they wish to make a complaint or report a concern about possible child abuse, discrimination, harassment or other inappropriate behaviour; and
• complying with any decisions and/or disciplinary measures imposed by any Tribunal that is set up by Maccabi.

What’s the expectation on me as a parent and/or spectator?

 We expect all parents and other spectators associated with Maccabi to:

• observe Maccabi’s guidelines for parents set out below;
• when necessary and appropriate, politely and respectfully remind others of their obligations under these guidelines; and
• if witnessing another person behaving in a manner inconsistent with the MPP Handbook (particularly with respect to child safety), report the matter to a Maccabi official so that appropriate action can be taken.

To create a safe environment, we have developed the following as an overarching guideline for parents:

• always comply with the Codes of Conduct;
• advise Maccabi of any special needs your child may have or develop relating to unique medical, physical, behavioural, and psychological factors that affect his or her development. Including but not limited to gender, health (asthma, physical abilities allergies etc.) and behavioural issues (Trauma, ADHD, self-harming etc.); and
• follow the rules and guidelines as determined by the association conducting the game or event.

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:

• Bullying, harassment and discrimination
• Allegations of child abuse
• MPP code of conduct breaches
• Sexual misconduct
• Drug, alcohol and smoking issues

These issues are handled by the club’s Member Protection Officer, or a Maccabi Integrity Officer.

Issues which do not fall under MPP include:

• A medical incident
• A selection issue/complaint
• Insurance claims

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):

• Everyone on a club committee, regardless of the club
• Any coaches or team managers who have 1+ junior (under 18 athlete) on their team*.
• Any personnel (paid or voluntary) who have any regular, direct contact with under 18s*.

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.

• Anyone aged over 18 in a household that is billeting junior athletes (such as host families for Junior Carnival)

* 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.