Member Protection

September News

Free Sport Integrity Workshops Coming to the Illawarra

The Office of Sport and Wollongong City Council are inviting community sporting organisations and volunteers to a series of free Sport Integrity workshops in the Illawarra from 10–12 November 2026.

The three workshops are designed around the needs of community sport, providing practical information and strategies to help clubs create safe, inclusive and positive sporting environments.

Introduction to the Child Safe Standards – 10 November
Learn how your club can understand and apply the 10 Child Safe Standards using a strength-based approach.

Child Safe Risk Management – 11 November
Explore key child safety risks in community sport, including changing rooms, overnight tours and WWC Checks.

De-escalation in Sport – 12 November
Develop practical skills to recognise escalating behaviour, manage challenging situations and effectively de-escalate conflict around sporting activities.

You can Register HERE for an individual workshop or attend the full series.

New Online Complaint Handling Course – highly recommended

This free eLearning course through SIA Edge is designed to help presidents, committee members and complaint handlers in community sport to effectively handle complaints as they arise.  For more information or to register – click here

Staying in touch and up-to-date

• Keep up to date with Safeguarding – subscribe to SIA Newsletters – click here
• New Livestreaming Sport Events club guidelines – click here
• New Childsafe Recruitment Processes for sport clubs – click here

Fines issued by NSW OCG for non compliance

Did you know clubs can be fined and reported for non-compliance with the NSW Working with Children Check and the Child Safe Standards? The new OCG Investigations and Enforcement team has already issued fines for non-compliance. Check now that your club is complaint.

• Complete a quick club self-assessment
• How to be Child Safe: Foundational Model e-learning course
• Child Safe Standards – Getting Started
• Working with Children Check Compliance Program

De-Escalation Training Courses

The new De-Escalation training courses are designed specifically for sport to help develop skills in managing challenging behaviours.  For further course dates visit – Sport NSW Upcoming Events 

Sport is for Every BODY – building a body positive sport environment

Sport is for EveryBODY campaign –  Click here 

Member Protection Information Officers (MPIOs)

The MPIO provides information and options to members and is the first point of contact for any member with an enquiry or concern in relation to member protection.

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 appropriate access to support.

MPIOs must be registered in Play Football and hold a current and verified WWC Number.

MPIO contact details must be made available to all members by publishing them on the Club, Association, Branch or Referee Branch website (or an equivalent publicly accessible communication platform) and including them in player and parent and player information, newsletters and other relevant member communications.

The organisation should support the MPIO in carrying out their role independently and without interference.

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 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
• or contact Football NSW on 8814 4400

Emergency Assistance

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