Griffith University Colleges Knights Rugby Club is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all children and young people participating in our programs and activities. Child safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Our Commitment
In accordance with Rugby Australia’s Safeguarding Framework, GU Knights formally endorses and adheres to the Rugby Australia Child and Young Person Safeguarding Policy. Our Child Safety Commitment Statement has been adopted by the Club Committee and is reviewed annually.
- Every child and young person has the right to be safe and protected from harm.
- Children and young people are empowered to speak up about their concerns.
- All children and young people are treated with respect and dignity.
- The Club maintains a designated Child Safety Officer and Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO).
Working With Children Checks (Blue Cards)
No Card, No Start. Under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld) and Rugby Australia policy, all committee members, coaches, team managers, regular volunteers, and paid staff in child-related roles must hold a valid Queensland Blue Card linked to the club before commencing. Blue Cards are free for volunteers — apply or link your card at bluecard.qld.gov.au. The Club maintains a Blue Card Register managed by the Secretary.
Reporting a Concern
In an emergency, call 000 immediately. Do not delay.
1. Talk to someone at the club
If you have concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, or the behaviour of any individual at the club, speak to the Child Safety Officer, MPIO, President or Secretary. It is not your responsibility to decide if what has happened is wrong — it is your responsibility to share your concerns.
2. Report via Rugby Australia
- General safeguarding concerns: lodge via Rugby Australia’s Report a Concern page — select Queensland Rugby and your competition.
- Concerns involving children or young people: report through Rugby AU’s independent Speak Up platform, managed independently by Core Integrity. You can remain completely anonymous.
3. Contact authorities directly (any time — no club permission needed)
| Authority | Contact |
|---|---|
| Emergency (police, ambulance, fire) | 000 |
| Queensland Child Safety Services (24 hours) | 1800 811 810 |
| Queensland Police (non-emergency) | 131 444 (Policelink) |
Club Contacts
| Role | Contact |
|---|---|
| Child Safety Officer | Andrew Couper — secretary@guknights.com.au |
| Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) | Andrew Couper — secretary@guknights.com.au |
| Club Secretary | Andrew Couper — secretary@guknights.com.au |
Andrew Couper currently holds the Child Safety Officer and MPIO roles alongside the Club Secretary position for the remainder of the 2026 season. The Committee will appoint permanent officers to both roles ahead of the 2027 season, and welcomes expressions of interest from our club community.
If you would rather raise a concern with someone else, that is entirely your right. You can speak to the Club President, or use any of the external reporting pathways above — including Rugby AU’s Speak Up platform, where you can report anonymously and without involving the Club at all.
Our Policies & Documents
- Child Safety Commitment Statement (PDF)
- Child Safety Policy (PDF)
- MPIO Position Description (PDF)
- Rugby Australia Child & Young Person Safeguarding Policy
- Queensland Blue Card Services
This page and our child safeguarding documents are reviewed annually by the GU Knights Committee. Last updated July 2026.