The Member Protection Officer (MPO) is the first point of contact for individuals with a concern, query or complaint in regards to discrimination, harassment and child protection issues. The MPO provides information and options to AC United members to help deal with matters.

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MEMBER PROTECTION OFFICER INFORMATION

 

AC United is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for members to play football. The MPO is responsible for the welfare of all people belonging to our club, especially our players. The MPO's role is to help protect members from physical, sexual or emotional abuse and all matters will be treated in a sensitive and confidential manner.

 

SO WHAT ARE WE DOING TO PROTECT CLUB MEMBERS 

 

1. Southern District Soccer Football Association has a code of conduct for players, officials and spectators.  The code outlines appropriate behaviour for those involved with the club and can be found on our website.

2. All officials (including coaches and managers) at the club who have direct involvement with children have supplied a Working With Children No , which the officials / coaches / managers undergoes a background check with Kids Guardian / WWC check

3. Every year all club officials are educated about child protection and encouraged to complete “Play by the Rules” online training, a government program to help prevent child abuse.  

4. The club also organises ground officials to supervise games at Powhatan and deal with any abusive incidents.  

5. AC United  has a protocol to deal fairly with any allegations of abuse. If you have an issue please contact the MPO. Contact details are under "about " under Member Protection Officer tab on our website.  The MPO will listen to your concerns and suggest what further action you may wish to take.  This may include  

   1. Discussing ways of managing the issue yourself  

   2. Referring the matter to a club executive. This would involve gathering information about any incidents or concerns so that the executive can decide further action. In order to be fair, anyone who has allegations made against them will usually be approached by the executive for their version of events. However, the club will seek to maintain the confidentiality of all parties involved. The club may also seek advice from Southern District Soccer Football Association or Football NSW.  

   3. In serious cases it may be more appropriate to involve agencies such as DoCS or the police.