Member protection and discipline policies overhauled

Australian Fencing’s member protection and disciplinary procedures have been streamlined and simplified with a suite of new policies developed by the AFF Board and adopted at its most recent meeting.
The changes are the result of a broad ranging review announced by then incoming President Vince Elias to member states at the 2019 Annual General Meeting.
These policies will be effective from 1 February 2020 but are available for viewing now at the following links:

> National Member Protection Policy
> Disciplinary Policy
> Codes of Conduct
> Tribunal Appointments and Procedure Policy

In particular, the following changes will take effect:

• The AFF's Codes of Conduct are published in a standalone document.
• The Policies create a mandatory reporting mechanism for complaints received by a Member State or a Registered or Affiliated Club.
• Tribunal appointments are standardised.
• The Policies are binding on Member States which must follow the processes set out in these policies.

This review was supported by a Sports Australia grant of $15,000 and underpinned by the expertise of Mr Darrell Jardine and his team at HopgoodGanim Lawyers.