The protection of members of Triathlon Queensland (TQ) and participants to the sport of triathlon is an essential concern. TQ aims at providing members and participants with a safe environment for the practice of triathlon.
Content of this module:
- Explain what member protection is
- Examine what the by-law is
- Present what Triathlon Australias principles are
- Consider the structure of the by-law, where to refer to for matters dealing with chlid protection and harrassment policies, as well as complaint handling procedures
What is member protection?
Member protection is a legal requirement; in fact Australian law compels sports organisations to establish procedures to deal with harrassment and inappropriate behaviours. Triathlon Australia (TA) states that the protection of our members and the participants in our sport, whether they are competitors, volunteers, technical officials, race directors or committee members, is of paramount importance to TA (Triathlon Australia Member Protection By-law 2007). You can refer to the Triathlon Australia Ltd Membership protection By-law to find policies of membership protection.
What is a By-law, what purpose?
By-laws are made under Triathlon Australias constitution and apply to Triathlon Queensland and provide a legal framework of guidance for the protection of health, safety and well-being of members and participants to triathlon activities, so that they can benefit from safe, quality and enjoyable sporting opportunities. The By-law aims at making sure that every one involved in triathlon activities in Australia is informed of their legal and ethical rights and responsibilities. It establishes efficient and effective procedures to follow (formal as well as informal) when confronted to cases of harrassment, child abuse, or other form of inappropriate behaviour. The By-law also deals with reporting a complaint, tribunal hearings and appeals process.
The founding principles of Triathlon Australia
According to the TA membership protection By-law, individuals and organisations should:
- be ethical, fair and honest in all their dealings with other people and Triathlon Australia;
- treat all persons with respect and courtesy and have proper regard for their dignity, rights and obligations;
- operate within the rules and spirit of the sport;
- comply with all relevant Australian laws (federal, state and territory), particularly anti-discrimination and child protection laws.
Membership protection policies are oriented towards preventing child and sexual abuse, discrimination and harrassment. By-laws are to ensure that Triathlon Queensland values, good reputation and positive behaviour are present at practice and during competitions, and accompany athletes towards performance and the achievment of personal goals.
TA ensures that every person involved in triathlon throughout Australia is treated with respect and dignity, and is safe and protected from abuse in the triathlon context. Not only does Triathlon Australia make sure that every person who is involved in triathlon has a behaviour complying with law, but it also promotes the ethical conduct of members through shared values and respectful, positive and responsible behaviour. TA Membership protection By-law document reiterates those values: the quality of our services, the developpment of our athletes potential through quality support and assistance, our culture of performance and sportsmanship.
Triathlon Queensland and Triathlon Australia stand by the same values that have been making Australian sportsmen and women performant: fairness, respect, responsibility and safety. By all means the code of conduct presented by TA Ltd Membership protection establishes responsibilities (be they organisational or individual) of individuals and entites involved in triathlon so as to provide legal and time efficient frameworks for action. Should child abuse, harrassment, or discrimination cases happen in the context of the practice of triathlon, a legal framework exists in the membership protection policy to detect such practices and report them by the means of confidential and easy to use procedures.
Construction of the By-law
- Part A: Triathlon Australia member protection By-law
- Part B: Attachments: child protection requirements
- Part C: Attachments: harrassment legislation
- Part D: Attachments: complaint handling procedures
- Part E: Attachments: role-specific codes of conduct
- Part F: Attachments: reporting documents / forms
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