Member Protection

October News

Free Illawarra Sport Integrity Workshops – November 10,11,12

Register Now for these free Sport Integrity workshops in the Illawarra from 10–12 November 2026.  Designed to provide practical information and strategies to help community clubs create safe, inclusive and positive sporting environments.

• 10 November – Introduction to the Child Safe Standards 
  Learn how your club can easily implement the 10 Child Safe Standards.
• 11 November – Child Safe Risk Management 
  Explore key child safety risks in community sport.
• 12 November – De-escalation in Sport 
  A fantastic opportunity to develop practical skills in managing challenging situations in sport.

REGISTER HERE NOW for an individual workshop or attend the full series.

What’s New in Member Protection

• New Livestreaming Sport Events club guidelines – click here
• New Childsafe Recruitment Processes for sport clubs – click here
• New Online Complaint Handling Course for community clubs – click here
• Subscribe now to receive SIA Newsletters – click here

Time to Review your Club’s Child Safe Compliance

The new OCG Investigations and Enforcement team is responsible for ensuring sport clubs are complying with the Working with Children Check and the Child Safe Standards.

Use these tools and resources to check that your club is complaint:

• Complete a quick club self-assessment
• Complete the How to be Child Safe e-learning course
• Get started with the Child Safe Standards 
• Find out more about the WWCC Compliance Program

De-Escalation Training Courses

This course is designed specifically to help club officials and volunteers develop skills in identifying and managing challenging behaviours.  Ideal for Ground Marshalls and Venue Managers. Upcoming course dates – Sport NSW Upcoming Events 

Member Protection Information Officers (MPIOs)

Football is committed to the welfare and wellbeing of all participants and is dedicated to providing a safe and positive sport environment.  MPIOs provide information and options to members and are the first point of contact for any member with an enquiry or concern in relation to child safeguarding and member protection.  The following information is provided for MPIOs, Clubs, Associations, Branches, Referee Branches and their respective Executive and Management Committees.

MPIO Appointment, Registration and Contact Requirements

Football NSW requires every Club, Association, Branch and Referee Branch to have at least one registered Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO). Larger Clubs and Associations often have multiple MPIOs to ensure members have various support options.

MPIOs are required to:

• be registered as an MPIO in Play Football
• register their WWC Number in Play Football
• provide their WWC Number to their club for verification
• complete appropriate MPIO related training
• fulfil their role with impartiality, integrity, empathy and to the best of their ability

Clubs, Associations, Branches and Referee Branches must:

• ensure the MPIO’s name and contact details (phone and/or club email):
  • are available to all members by publishing them on the relevant Club, Association, Branch website
  • are included in player and parent information, newsletters and other relevant member communications.
• ensure the MPIO is registered in Play Football
• require the MPIO to provide their WWC Number to their club/association/branch to verify online
• require the MPIO to complete appropriate training for their role
• assist the MPIO by understanding their role and how it will benefit the club/association/branch and members
• ensure the MPIO is able to carry out their role independently and without interference
• support the MPIO in carrying out their role
• ensure that the MPIO is not required or expected to investigate complaints. MPIOs are a sounding board and the first point of contact at a club for concerns or complaints and refers complaints to the appropriate person if a complaint is received.
• ensure that the Committee and members understand that MPIOs:
  • can be contacted if a member has a concern or complaint
  • can assist the Committee in clarifying policies, processes, WWCC and member protection information
  • can assist members in understanding club policies and processes
  • can help members with their concerns and refer any complaints received
  • advise members who to contact if they have a complaint or where to lodge a complaint.
  • provide support to members where necessary
  • can (if required) be responsible for the WWCC and/or Child Safe Standards, although the responsibility for ensuring compliance is that of the Club Management Committee.

Role of the MPIO

As the primary point of contact for member protection enquiries, the MPIO should demonstrate approachability, strong communication skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the club’s structure, committee, policies, complaint process, child safe practices, and the Working with Children Check (WWCC).

MPIOs often manage the club’s WWCC requirements as this is the first step in keeping children safe.

The MPIO provides impartial information, options and guidance to members about concerns or complaints, and explains the available complaint options and process.  In instances where a conflict of interest arises, the organisation may refer the matter to another MPIO or appointed person who is impartial to the matter.

MPIOs can refer matters to the appropriate Club, Association or Branch, or consult with FNSW or external authorities.

MPIOs maintain appropriate confidentiality, except where disclosure is required by law or under the sport’s policies.

MPIOs do not investigate complaints or determine outcomes, and they do not advocate for either party. The responsibility for managing complaints lies with the appointed person responsible for managing complaints at the relevant club, association, branch or referee branch.  Further information is available at FNSW Complaint Handling.

The MPIO Role – video 1

The MPIO Role – video 2

Support for MPIOs

The MPIO holds a vital role within every club and is frequently called upon to provide information, options and support to members. It is essential that MPIOs are afforded the necessary training and support to enable them to do their role effectively.

Football NSW places the well-being of its MPIOs as a top priority.  If you are an MPIO and need support or assistance, please refer to the following:

• FNSW Mental Health & Wellbeing information
• Mental Health Support Services
• Support Services Guide for MPIOS
• Call Football NSW on 8814 4400 and ask for MPIO support

Emergency Assistance

• NSW Police – In an emergency dial Triple Zero – 000
• NSW Police assistance line – 131 444