Willoughby Dalleys FC is committed to the safety, welfare, and well-being of all children and young people participating so that children can enjoy football and feel safe, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

While both member protection and safeguarding are essential components of a safe sporting environment, they have distinct focuses:

Member protection typically refers to policies and procedures designed to protect members of a sporting organisation from various forms of harassment, abuse, discrimination, and other harmful behaviours. It often includes:

• Codes of Conduct: Establishing expected behaviour standards for players, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators. Refer to the WDFC Code of Conduct.
• Complaint Handling: Processes for reporting, investigating, and resolving misconduct complaints.
• Training and Education: Providing education and training to members on recognising and preventing inappropriate behaviour.
• Policies and Procedures: Developing and implementing policies to prevent and address issues such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

Safeguarding focuses more broadly on protecting individuals' health, well-being, and human rights, particularly children and vulnerable adults, within a sporting context. It involves:

• Child Protection: Ensuring that children are safe from abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
• Safe Environments: Creating and maintaining safe physical and emotional environments for all participants.
• Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating risks to participants' safety and well-being.
• Welfare Officers (MPIOs): Appointing designated individuals responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices and responding to concerns.
• Legislative Compliance: Adhering to local, national, and international laws and guidelines regarding child protection and welfare.

• NSW Office of Sport: Sport should be an enjoyable and positive experience for all, including participants, workers, volunteers and supporters.
• Sport Integrity Australia: Our focus is policy development, intelligence, investigations and education, outreach & capability building.
• Play By The Rules: An interactive education and information website on discrimination, harassment, and child protection is a sport.
• WDFC Member Protection Policy: Our Club's policy informs everyone involved in our club of his or her legal and ethical rights and responsibilities and the expected standards of behaviour. It also covers:
  • the care and protection of children participating in our club’s activities;
  • discrimination, harassment & bullying; &
  • complaints handling procedures.