Child Safeguarding

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)

Club Contacts

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.