Blue Card Policy

Background

Queensland Little Athletics has a member protection policy and regulations that are aimed at fostering growth and development of athletes in the organisation in a safe and nurturing environment. This policy is compliant with QLAA policies and State Government Legislation. The State Government Legislation [“Children and Young People Act (2000)] stipulates that all members of an organisation who are in contact with children, should have a “Blue Card”.

All Centres are required to appoint a Volunteer Co-ordinator who is responsible for verifying details and signing off on their volunteer’s applications.

The “Blue Card”, which is issued by the Queensland Government, is evidence that a “Working with Children” Suitability Check has been undertaken by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian.

Any volunteers who do not have children registered and participating in the Centre activities must provide proof of their current Blue Card prior to, being allowed to volunteer their services to the Centre, Region and Association.

LAQ is primarily concerned with the protection of its members - principally children in this case. This Policy is not meant in any way to imply that those individuals who do not have a “Blue Card” must have a “Blue Card”. This Policy is designed as a reasonable and responsible response to regular questions from LAQ Centres on who should have a “Blue Card”.

Policy

The Association and the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian advises that all Centre Management Committee members must have a Blue Card.

The Association strongly recommends that Canteen Convenors, Chief Officials and Team Managers should hold a Blue Card. The Association requires that all Region Committees, Competition Referees, Chiefs, Key Officials, Coaches, Course Presenters, CAPS Coordinators and State Team Personnel must provide evidence of their current Blue Card when applying for a position with the Association. No person will be appointed to such a position if this evidence is not provided.

As of 1st September 2004, all Centre Team Managers when signing on at Association competitions may be asked to provide evidence of their current Blue Card.