Member Protection

Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO)

MPIOs are the point of contact at Clubs, Associations and Referee Branches for participants, volunteers or parents with member protection enquiries or concerns.  In many clubs, it is also the MPIO who manages the club’s Working with Children Check responsiblities.

Football NSW requires all Clubs, Associations and Referee Branches to have an MPIO.   All MPIOs must be registered with their club in Play Football or the relevant online registration platform for insurance purposes.

Role of the MPIO

As the main point of contact for enquiries and concerns relating to member protection, the MPIO should be approachable and have good listening and communication skills.  The MPIO should have a sound knowledge of the club and the club committee structure as well as club policies, processes and child safe practices, including the Working with Children Check (WWCC).

In some clubs, managing the club’s WWCC responsibilities also forms part of the role, as WWCC compliance is the first step in safeguarding children in sport.

Some clubs have more than one MPIO as this provides a greater level of support to their members and allows MPIO responsibilities to be shared.  The role of MPIO is usually a voluntary position.

MPIO’s are impartial and do not mediate or investigate complaints.  Complaints are managed by the club, or a suitable person or third party appointed by the Club. Where conflict of interest occurs, the Club President or Committee can appoint an independent person or third party to manage the complaint.

The MPIO Role – video 1

The MPIO Role – video 2

MPIO Contact Details

Members should be able to contact the club MPIO.  The MPIO contact details should be made available to any person requesting it and listed on the club website and included in player and parent newsletters.

MPIO Support

Due to the nature of the role, it is also important that MPIOs are provided with support and have access to support resources.

For anyone requiring counselling or mental health support, visit your GP or nearest medical centre.

Other support services:

• Lifeline 24/7 telephone support – 13 11 14
• Lifeline online Crisis Chat
• Lifeline website
• Beyond Blue 24/7 telephone support – 1300 224 636
• NSW Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511

Government Contacts

• NSW Police – In an emergency dial Triple Zero – 000
• NSW Police assistance line – 131 444
• Department of Communities & Justice – Child Protection Helpline – 132 111
• NSW OCG – Working with Children Check – 02 8219 3777