Member Protection
The Sunshine Coast Paddlesports Club is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all members, participants, coaches, volunteers and visitors.
As a member club of Paddle Queensland and Paddle Australia, we support and operate within the National Integrity Framework. The National Integrity Framework provides a consistent approach to protecting participants and addressing issues such as abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, misconduct and other inappropriate behaviour in Australian sport.
Further information about the National Integrity Framework, including the relevant policies and procedures, can be found on the Paddle Australia website:
Paddle Australia – Sport Integrity
Everyone involved with the club has the right to participate in paddlesports free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, abuse or other inappropriate behaviour. We expect all members and representatives of the club to treat others with respect and to follow the club’s Code of Behaviour and relevant Paddle Australia and Paddle Queensland policies.
Raising a Concern or Making a Complaint
We encourage members to speak up if they have a concern about inappropriate behaviour, safety, misconduct or anything else that may affect the wellbeing of members or the proper operation of the club.
Concerns and complaints can be raised with an appropriate club committee member. Where appropriate, matters will be handled confidentially and in accordance with the club’s complaints and grievance procedures and any applicable Paddle Australia or Paddle Queensland policies.
You do not need to be directly involved in an incident to raise a concern. If you see or become aware of behaviour that you believe is inappropriate or unsafe, we encourage you to report it.
Member Protection
The club takes the protection and wellbeing of its members seriously. This includes providing appropriate safeguards for children and young people, maintaining appropriate boundaries between coaches, volunteers and participants, and ensuring that concerns are taken seriously and dealt with appropriately.
All coaches, officials and volunteers are expected to understand and comply with the requirements that apply to their role, including relevant screening, training and child-safety requirements.
Code of Behaviour
Everyone participating in club activities is expected to:
- Treat other members, coaches, officials, volunteers and visitors with respect.
- Behave in a safe, responsible and sportsmanlike manner.
- Follow reasonable directions from coaches, officials and club representatives.
- Respect personal boundaries and the privacy and dignity of others.
- Not engage in bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation or abusive behaviour.
- Not engage in behaviour that brings the club or paddlesport into disrepute.
- Follow applicable club, Paddle Australia and Paddle Queensland rules and policies.
The club recognises that raising a concern can sometimes be difficult. Our aim is to make the process straightforward and ensure that concerns are listened to and dealt with fairly.
If you have a concern, please speak with a member of the club committee or contact the club directly.