Member Information
& Resources

Member Screening is a strategy adopted by SLSWA to enhance the positive participatory environment for its nipper and youth (18 years and under) members. The SLSWA Member Screening Policy (adopted 2018) is designed to align with current state-based legislation and ensure a best-practice approach to safeguarding children and young people in sporting environments.

Members are encouraged to please make themselves familiar with the following policies, available in the SLS Hub:

• 6.04 – Child Safe Policy
• 6.04A – Child Safe Commitment
• Child Safe Code of Conduct
• Child Safe Guideline – Handbook for Clubs

Members of SLS clubs may be asked by their club to obtain a Working With Children Check as per the SLSWA Member Screening Policy.

The Working With Children Check (WWCC) aims to increase the safety of children in our community by helping to prevent people who have a criminal history that indicates they may harm children. Checks cost $11.00 for volunteers and $87.00 for employees. WWC forms need to be collected from either your club or Australia Post. The applicant submits their form at their local POST office.

The purpose of the policy is to offset some of the losses a member may suffer as a result of being injured. Losses can be medical costs relating to treatment and rehabilitation, or loss of income as a result of not being able to complete occupational duties for an extended period of time. However, not unlike private health insurance SLSWA Personal Accident Policy does not provide members with 100% coverage on the potential losses and SLSWA and Clubs are unable to cover these gaps on behalf of members. Federal legislation prevents this type of payment or intervention.

As an organisation, we have a strong partnership and are generously funded by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) but are not an agency of them. As a result, we are not afforded the opportunity to be covered by Risk Cover in the same way that other volunteer member emergency service organisations, who are agencies of DFES.

The Personal Accident Policy maintained on behalf of SLSWA members is the best SLSWA can purchase on the open market. SLSWA highly recommends that members take out private health insurance and consider their personal situation, such as additional insurances, like income protection prior to undertaking authorised activities with the Club or SLSWA.

The following documents can be downloaded in the SLS Hub:

• 6.06 – Complaint Resolution Policy
• Personal Accident
• Personal Accident Claim Form
• General and Product Liability
• Member Insurance Brochure

Any matter relating to the abuse or suspected abuse of children and young people (CYP), under the age of 18, must be reported. If you believe there has been a breach of the Child Safe Policy (6.04), please report and submit details of the alleged breach in the SLS Reporting System. If criminal activity has occurred or if you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm or danger, contact the Police (call 000) to report the matter prior to submitting a report through the SLS Reporting System.

Members are encouraged to please make themselves familiar with the following policy, available in the SLS Hub:

• 6.06 – Complaint Resolution Policy

For other grievances or complaints, members should seek out their club Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO). Your MPIO will provide you with information about your rights, responsibilities and options. If after discussing the issue with your Club MPIO you wish to lodge a formal complaint this must be done through the SLS Reporting System.

An important role within community and sporting organisations is that of Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO). An MPIO is responsible for the provision of information about a person’s rights, responsibilities, and options when an individual is making a complaint or airing a concern. MPIOs are impartial, they do not mediate or investigate complaints, they simply provide information regarding the complaints process. The MPIO will treat all information as strictly confidential.

Members are encouraged to please make themselves familiar with the following policy, available in the SLS Hub:

• 6.05 – Member Protection Policy

For further information on all Member Protection enquiries, or if you are interested in becoming an MPIO, please contact the SLSWA Sport & Development Manager.