Our policies

Hatherleigh is committed to being a safe, welcoming club for every child and young person, on and off the field and court.

• We do not tolerate abuse, bullying, harassment or discrimination of any kind.
• Every child is welcome regardless of ability, gender, background or culture.
• Coaches, team managers and volunteers working with juniors must hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) and provide it to the club before the season starts.
• Adults avoid being alone and unobserved with a child, keep communication with juniors open (include a parent or another adult in messages), and don't give personal care children can manage themselves.
• The committee appoints a Child Safe Officer to support volunteers and families and to receive concerns.
• Anyone who suspects a child is at risk must report it: call 000 in an emergency or the Child Abuse Report Line on 13 14 78, then tell the Child Safe Officer or President. Mandated notifiers must report as required by law.
• The club follows the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 (SA) and the SANFL, AFL and Netball SA child safeguarding requirements.

Everyone at Hatherleigh (players, parents, supporters, coaches, umpires, volunteers and committee) is expected to play fair, show respect and represent the blue and gold with pride.

Concerns are taken seriously, handled confidentially and resolved as quickly and fairly as possible.

• Start with the right person: most on-field or team matters can be resolved with the coach or team manager.
• If that doesn't resolve it, or it's serious, contact the President or Secretary in writing (the website contact form or email).
• The committee will acknowledge the complaint, hear from the people involved and respond with an outcome.
• Child safety concerns always go straight to the Child Safe Officer or President, and to the authorities if a child may be at risk.
• If a matter can't be resolved at club level, it can be referred to the MSEFL, MSE Netball, the SANFL or Netball SA.

Breaches of club policies or the Code of Behaviour may lead to action by the committee.

• Examples include abuse or threats toward any person, violence, discrimination, damage to club property, and conduct that brings the club into disrepute.
• Depending on seriousness, outcomes can include a warning, an apology, suspension from games or club activities, or cancellation of membership.
• The person involved will be told what is alleged and given a fair chance to respond before any decision.
• Fines issued to the club by a league because of a member's or supporter's behaviour may be passed on to that person.

Teams are selected fairly by the coaches, with a focus on development and enjoyment in junior grades.

• Players must be registered on PlayHQ (and fees paid or arranged) before they take the field.
• Senior teams are selected by the coach and selection panel each week.
• Where teams are over-subscribed, returning players, siblings and players who regularly attend training are given priority.
• Every team must have an appointed coach before it's entered in a competition.

Registrations and fees keep the club running, from insurance and uniforms to umpires and grounds.

• All players register through PlayHQ, which includes league insurance.
• Fees should be paid before the season starts, or a payment arrangement made with the Treasurer.
• Families finding fees difficult can speak to the Treasurer in confidence. Nobody should miss out because of cost.
• Refunds for players who withdraw are considered by the committee case by case.

If in doubt, sit them out.

• Any player with a suspected concussion must be removed from play immediately and must not return that day.
• Players must follow the AFL Community Football or Netball Australia concussion guidelines, including a medical clearance, before returning to training or games.
• Trainers and first aid volunteers manage injuries on game day. Serious injuries are reported to the committee and the league as required.
• Report any hazard at the grounds or courts to a committee member straight away.

A safe, family-friendly environment at every game and function.

• The clubrooms bar follows responsible service of alcohol laws. No alcohol is served to minors or intoxicated people.
• Juniors' events and junior game days are alcohol-free around the playing areas.
• No smoking or vaping in the clubrooms, change rooms, courts, playing areas, spectator seating or near children.
• Players and officials don't drink alcohol before or during a game.

We love sharing club photos and news, but we share them responsibly.

• Club members don't post content online that abuses, bullies or embarrasses players, officials, opponents or the club.
• Parents who prefer their child isn't photographed or shown online can let the committee know at any time, and we will remove images on request.
• Only committee-approved people post on behalf of the club.