Member Protection

Surf Life Saving South Australia is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of all members and are dedicated to providing a safe environment for those participating in Surf Lifesaving. SLS SA wants Surf Lifesaving to be fun, enjoyable and safe for all.

As part of the community, each individual makes a commitment to actively encourage behaviours that promote a supportive and nurturing environment and contribute to SLS SA’s mission of saving lives, creating great South Australians and building better communities.

Surf Life Saving South Australia adopts and enforces the SLSA Member Protection Policy. The policy aims to assist SLSA to uphold its core values and create a safe, fair and inclusive environment for everyone associated with Surf Lifesaving. It sets out Surf Lifesaving’s commitment to ensure that every person involved in Surf Lifesaving is treated with respect and dignity and protected from Bullying, Discrimination, Harassment and Abuse. It also seeks to ensure that everyone involved in Surf Lifesaving is aware of their legal and ethical rights and responsibilities, as well as the standards of behaviour that are expected of them.

A Club Toolkit has been developed to assist Clubs be able to deal effectively with member protection issues:
SLSSA Member Protection and Child Safe Toolkit for Clubs

The kit is intended for use alongside the following SLSA policies:

• SLSA Member Protection Policy 6.05

• SLSA Child Safe Policy 6.04 and SA Addendum

• SLSA Complaints Resolution Policy 6.06 and SLSA Complaints Handling Guideline

Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO)

An important role within community and sporting organisations is that of the Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO). They provide information and guidance on complaints procedures and are the first point of call in the club for any enquiries, concerns or complaints about harassment, abuse or other inappropriate behaviour. The MPIO provides information about possible ways to resolve the issue and offers moral support to the person who raises the concern or the person who is the subject of the alleged behaviour. The MPIO will treat all information as strictly confidential. They are impartial and do not investigate or mediate complaints.

How to become an MPIO:

1. Complete the free online training course via Sport Integrity Australia (you can use your existing Play by the Rules log in or register without cost for an account; the course will take several hours & covers topics such as MPIO role, the law, complaints management, child protection & ethics). You MUST do the online training before attending the MPIO workshop as it forms the basis for all discussion.

2. Complete the MPIO Workshop via Sport SA ($44 fee applies)

3. Register as an MPIO on the National Database (you can only register AFTER you have completed both steps above then use both your online & workshop certification numbers)

Member Protection Documents

• SLSA Privacy Policy 6.02

• WWCC and NPC procedure for Clubs

• National Police Clearance Application Form

Child Safe

Surf Life Saving has formally committed to keeping children and young people safe and so this becomes an integral part of SLS culture and operations. You can read the SLSA Child Safe Commitment

Related documents

• SLSA Child Safe Commitment 6.04A and Club Commitment Statement

• Child Safe Guideline

• Child Safe Code of Conduct

• Child Safe Checklists - Club or Executive | Member or Volunteer

Complaints Handling

Whilst SLSSA and Clubs strive to provide the best possible delivery of SLS activities, programs, services and events, it is recognised that, from time to time, issues may arise that require assistance or support to resolve. Everyone involved in SLS is encouraged to voice concerns that they may have at any point regarding the safety, health, welfare, behaviour or conduct of Members and associated persons or organisations. Complaints Management is governed by the SLSA Complaints Resolution Policy and the SLSA Complaints Handling Guideline.

Complaints Handling Process

Before a formal complaint is lodged:

• Has there been an attempt to speak to and resolve your grievance with the Respondent?

• Has the Complainant discussed the matter with the MPIO?

If NO, these steps are encouraged to be undertaken BEFORE lodging a complaint.

If YES, and there has not been resolution, then you can lodge a complaint.

Complaints from SLS members should be lodged via the SLS Reporting System

Online Safety

The eSafety Sport hub provides advice on how to prevent and manage online harm.  

eSafety Sport features ready-to-use resources and practical examples to help organisations spread the word about online safety in sport.