Safeguarding the Future of the AFL:
A Holistic Approach to Player Wellbeing
Because safeguarding kids doesn't just happen.
At Safeguarding You, we’re committed to making AFL a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for every participant – on and off the field. From grassroots clubs to elite pathways, safeguarding isn’t just about compliance; it’s about creating a culture of care that ensures every player, coach, volunteer, and supporter thrives.
Our tailored programs for grassroots AFL leagues and clubs cover Child Safety, Concussion Management, and Mental Health Support – all seamlessly integrated into one easy to use and affordable solution.
Changing the Game of AFL Sport Safeguarding:
Take The First Step
How It Works
Programs Include
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Smart Self Assessment
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Risk Report: High-Med-Low
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Action Management Module
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Incident Management
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Digital Library of Resources
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24/7 Access: Mobile & TV
Program Modules
Child Safety
Awareness is crucial in managing safeguarding responsibilities, particularly for organisations working with minors. It involves understanding legal obligations, recognising potential abuse signs, and knowing the correct responses. Such awareness ensures proactive protection of vulnerable individuals, creating a vigilant and responsible culture that minimises harm and promotes a safe environment.
Leadership plays a pivotal role in safeguarding, setting the tone for an organisation’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals. Effective leaders model best practices, establish clear policies, and foster an environment where safety is prioritised. Their proactive approach and dedication to creating a secure environment are essential for embedding safeguarding into the organisation’s culture, ensuring that protection measures are not only implemented but also continuously improved.
Rules are the backbone of safeguarding within any organisation, providing a clear framework for behavior and procedures that protect vulnerable individuals. They establish concrete guidelines and boundaries, ensuring everyone knows their responsibilities and the actions required to maintain a safe environment. Implementing and adhering to these rules is crucial for a systematic approach to prevention and response, creating a structured and secure setting for all participants.
People are at the heart of safeguarding efforts, embodying the principles and actions that protect the vulnerable. Their awareness, vigilance, and commitment to following established rules and guidelines bring safeguarding policies to life. By actively participating in training, reporting concerns, and fostering a culture of safety, individuals within an organisation ensure a protective and supportive environment, demonstrating that safeguarding is not just a policy but a collective responsibility.
Education is a critical component of safeguarding, empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to identify, prevent, and respond to potential risks. Through ongoing training and awareness programs, everyone within an organisation becomes equipped to recognise signs of abuse or neglect and understand their role in the safeguarding process. This continuous learning environment not only strengthens the protective measures in place but also fosters a culture of vigilance and proactive care, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.
Environments play a key role in safeguarding, requiring careful design and management to ensure they are safe and nurturing for all. By prioritising security measures, accessibility, and a culture of respect and inclusivity, organisations can create spaces that inherently minimise risks of harm. Effective environmental safeguarding involves regular risk assessments, clear signage, and protocols that everyone understands and follows, ensuring that the physical and emotional well-being of vulnerable individuals is protected.
Concussion
Club governance frameworks ensure that you prioritise player safety by implementing and enforcing rigorous concussion management policies. This includes the appointment of a dedicated Concussion Officer, regular training for all stakeholders, and the maintenance of detailed records to track compliance and ensure best practices are followed consistently.
On the day of injury, appropriate protocols ensure immediate and effective management of suspected concussions. This involves removing the player from play, conducting an initial assessment using standardised tools, and providing a quiet, safe environment for further evaluation, ensuring no player returns to the game until medically cleared.
Return to play protocols are designed to prioritise the health and recovery of players. These protocols require a step-by-step, individualised approach, ensuring players are symptom-free and have received medical clearance before resuming full contact activities, thus preventing premature returns and minimising the risk of further injury.
For players experiencing prolonged symptoms or multiple concussions, a robust management system in essential. This includes comprehensive medical evaluations, tailored recovery plans, and ongoing monitoring by healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective recovery before returning to play.
Reduce the risk of concussion and head impacts by emphasising proper training techniques, enforcing the use of protective equipment, and staying up-to-date with rule changes that promote safer play. A proactive approach aims to minimise the frequency and severity of head injuries in players.
Utilise comprehensive diagnosis techniques to accurately assess and manage concussions. This includes the use of tools like the SCAT6, regular medical evaluations, and incorporating input from parents and teachers to ensure a holistic understanding of the player’s condition.
Recognising the unique needs of children and adolescents includes age-appropriate concussion management strategies. Ensure that young athletes are fully recovered and have returned to normal school activities before resuming sports, with continuous monitoring and communication between parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals.
Clear roles and responsibilities are defined to ensure effective implementation. From the Concussion Officer to coaches, medical staff, parents, and players, everyone has a specific role in recognising, managing, and preventing concussions, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for player safety.
Mental Health
Implementing a comprehensive anti-bullying policy, training, and a clear reporting system helps prevent bullying, fostering a respectful and safe environment.
Identifying risks and implementing preventative measures, along with clear protocols for incident reporting and management, are crucial in addressing violence and aggression.
Regular assessments of participant workloads, coupled with feedback systems and adjustments, prevent overwork and stress, contributing to satisfaction and productivity.
Addressing the emotional aspects of participation through support systems and access to mental health resources helps manage the psychological impact on stakeholders.
Designing schedules that promote “work-life” balance and prevent fatigue or frustration, supports participants enjoymnent, health and productivity.
Enhancing participants’ autonomy over their tasks and environment boosts engagement and satisfaction by fostering a sense of ownership and influence.
Managing the psychological impacts of organisational changes through clear communication, involvement, and support minimises stress and promotes adaptability among participants.
Ensuring participants have clear role descriptions and understand their responsibilities reduces ambiguity, improving efficiency and performance satisfaction.
Implementing appropriate and transparent reward and recognition programs motivates participants and reinforces positive contributions to the organisation.
Leaders promoting a supportive and positive culture contribute significantly to a psychologically safe environment, enhancing participant well-being.
Effective conflict resolution processes, emphasising fairness and confidentiality, are vital in maintaining a harmonious environment and positive team dynamics.
Providing support and resources for participants exposed to traumatic events, including training and a trauma-informed culture, aids in their psychological recovery and resilience.
Optional Extras... Review & Certify
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AFL Safeguarding Survival Guide
Tailored for club CSO’s, this guide cuts through the noise to deliver actionable strategies in Child Safeguarding.
More than just advice – it’s a blueprint for success. Avoid pitfalls, make smart decisions, and drive your organisation towards safer standards and sustainable growth. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to turn information into power.
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Disclaimer 🤚
We’ve put our heart and soul into building something to help millions of Startups & SMEs around the world.
We’ve done a lot right and made mistakes along the way, cause no one ever said #RegTech or startup risk management was easy.
Rest assured we are leveraging the brightest minds, deepest resources, connected partnerships and hunger for growth to develop a better product every day for you.
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