Member Protection
The Australian Fencing Federation Ltd (AFF) is committed to providing a safe, fair and inclusive environment for all members and participants engaged in AFF activities.
It is a fundamental right of our members and participants to be treated with respect and dignity, and to be safe and protected from discrimination, harassment and abuse while participating in our sport.
The AFF Member Protection Policy (Policy) aims to ensure that all people engaging in fencing activities behave responsibly, fostering a positive environment for all people to enjoy the sport.
Our policy informs our stakeholders of their legal and ethical rights and responsibilities and the standards of behaviour that are expected. It includes policies on:
- Child protection
- Taking images of children
- Prohibition against discrimination and harassment
- Intimate relationships
- Pregnancy
- Gender identity
- Bullying and cyber safety
- Social media
Australian Fencing observes strict codes of conduct which are to be followed at all times. In addition to a General Code of Conduct, there are specific expectations in relation to:
- Coaches
- Officials
- Athletes
- Officeholders
- Parents/guardians
- Spectators
Making a complaint
The AFF aims to provide a simple procedure for complaints based on the principles of procedural fairness (natural justice). Any person (a complainant) may report a complaint about a person/s or body (a respondent) bound by this policy if there has been a breach of this policy. A complaint should be reported to a Member Protection Information Officer or the AFF President. In all cases, the lowest level at which a matter can be dealt with shall always be preferred (eg if a club can deal with the complaint, then it should; if not, then if the Member Association can deal with the complaint, then it should). Therefore, if a complaint relates to behaviour or an incident that occurred at:
- state level, or involves people operating at the state level, then the complaint should be reported to and handled by the relevant Member Association in the first instance; or
- club level, or involves people operating at the club level, then the complaint should be reported to and handled by the relevant club in the first instance. Only matters that relate to or occur at the national level and the most serious cases from other levels should be referred to and handled by the AFF.
Links to member states MPP information
National matters
Matters arising at a national level can be discussed with a Member Protection Information Officer before being referred to the AFF President, who will advise the AFF Board that a complaint has been received. All complaints will be dealt with promptly, seriously and sensitively, and in accordance with the complaint procedures outlined in the Policy. To speak to an AFF Member Protection Information Officer, follow the email links or complete the form on this page.