Southpac Strength is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, inclusive and child-focused environment for all members, guests, staff and volunteers.

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This Code of Conduct applies to:

• Directors

• Employees

• Contractors

• Volunteer Coaches

• Parent Volunteers (in assisting roles)

• Guest Coaches and Presenters

• Members and visitors

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All persons entering or participating in Southpac Strength activities must comply with this Code.

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This Code operates in conjunction with the Southpac Strength Child & Youth Risk Management Strategy.

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1. Commitment to Child Safety

Southpac Strength has zero tolerance for:

• Child abuse

• Grooming behaviours

• Bullying

• Harassment

• Exploitation

• Neglect

• Inappropriate physical or emotional conduct

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All personnel share responsibility for safeguarding children and must act in the best interests of children at all times.

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2. Professional Behaviour Standards (Staff & Volunteers)

Personnel must:

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with children.

• Avoid favouritism or exclusive relationships with minors.

• Never communicate privately with a minor outside approved channels.

• Not exchange personal contact details with minors.

• Not engage with minors via personal social media accounts.

• Avoid any conduct that could be interpreted as grooming.

• Use respectful and age-appropriate language at all times.

• Immediately report concerns regarding child safety.

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Physical contact must:

• Be instructional and necessary.

• Be appropriate to the activity.

• Respect personal boundaries.

• Cease immediately if a child expresses discomfort.

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Personnel must not:

• Be alone with a minor in a closed or isolated space.

• Transport a minor without prior parental consent and organisational approval.

• Engage in any romantic, sexual or inappropriate behaviour with a minor (this will result in immediate termination and referral to authorities).

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3. Respect for Others (All Participants)

All members, guests and staff must:

• Treat others with respect, kindness and courtesy.

• Engage in positive, supportive interactions.

• Respect personal space and boundaries.

• Encourage a positive, team-driven training environment.

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Harassment, discrimination, bullying, abuse or intimidation (verbal, physical or online) may result in immediate suspension or termination of membership or engagement.

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4. Child Supervision Requirements

• Children must be actively engaged in approved classes.

• Children must not be left unsupervised in training areas.

• Parents/guardians must remain onsite during junior classes.

• Children must not access restricted areas (weights area under 13, Recovery Area for minors).

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5. Personal Hygiene & Facility Standards

All participants must:

• Maintain good personal hygiene.

• Wear clean and appropriate training attire.

• Wipe down equipment after use.

• Spray and clean slippers after toilet use.

• Respect shared training spaces.

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6. Safety & Use of Facilities

All participants must:

• Follow all safety protocols and staff instructions.

• Use equipment properly.

• Return equipment to designated areas.

• Avoid reckless or dangerous conduct.

• Comply with posted signage and area restrictions.

• Smoking, vaping, alcohol and drug use are strictly prohibited.

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7. Photography & Privacy

• No photography or recording of minors without parental consent.

• Images must not be published without permission.

• Staff must not store images of minors on personal devices unless authorised.

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8. Health & Wellbeing

Participants must:

• Not attend if unwell or contagious.

• Inform management of infectious conditions (including Staph).

• Exercise within personal limits.

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9. Reporting Concerns

If you witness or experience conduct that breaches this Code or places a child at risk:

• Report immediately to management.

• Reports will be taken seriously.

• Confidentiality will be respected where possible.

• No person will suffer retaliation for making a report in good faith.

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10. Managing Breaches

Breaches of this Code may result in:

• Verbal warning

• Written warning

• Suspension

• Termination of membership or engagement

• Immediate removal from duties

• Notification to authorities where required

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Where the breach relates to child safety, immediate protective action will be taken.

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11. Acknowledgement

By participating in Southpac Strength activities or entering the premises, you agree to comply with this Code of Conduct.

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Personnel (staff, volunteers, contractors) must sign an acknowledgement confirming they have read and understood this Code.