Working with Children
In 2006, the Victorian Government introduced the new Working With Children (WWC) Check to help protect children under 18 years of age from physical or sexual harm. The WCC Check contributes to the safety of Victoria’s children when they are being cared for, or participating in a range of activities, by seeking to prevent those who pose a risk to the safety of children from working with them, in either paid or volunteer work. If you work or volunteer with children, and that work includes direct, ongoing and unsupervised contact, you may need to apply for a WCC Check. If you do require a check, you must ensure it is completed by the relevant due date.
WWC Check Roll-Out to Sport
The roll-out of the WCC Check commenced in April 2006, and is progressively being phased in across sectors until 2011. From 30 June 2008, a range of Sporting Clubs and Associations need to start applying for the Check. Due to the size of the sport sector, each year between 2008 and 2011, a selection of sports will be required to apply for the Check. If you work in one of the nominated sports, you must apply for a Check as soon as your sport is listed. Alternatively, any person working with children can apply for a Check at any time, regardless of the sport or activity they are involved in.
As of 1 July 2008, any person who requires a Check who works or volunteers in the following sport or recreational areas must apply for a Check by 30 June 2009:
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Athletics (including Little Athletics)
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Basketball
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Cricket
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Football (Australian Rules)
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Football (Soccer)
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Gymnastics (including Trampolining)
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Martial arts
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Netball
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Swimming (including Lifesaving)
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Tennis
All remaining sporting or recreational activities will be 'phased in' in Year 4 (from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010).
For further information regarding the WWC Check, including check criteria, click on the link below to view the VicSport’s Information Sheet: What the Working With Children Check means for Sport Organisations,
or visit the Department of Justice Website at:
www.justice.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/Working+With+Children/Home/
Protecting our Children
The Working With Children Check is only one option available to help better protect our children. Included below is a range of information that can help your organisation become more child safe.
Click on the links below to view and download documents.