The Ark is committed to upholding the safeguarding standards established by Tennis Australia and Tennis NSW. We recognise that every child has the right to feel safe, valued and respected while participating in tennis, fitness and recreational activities.
At The Ark, the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of children and young people is our highest priority.
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where children can participate in tennis, fitness and recreational activities free from abuse, harm, bullying, discrimination or neglect.
The Ark has zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to acting in the best interests of children at all times.
We actively work to:
- Promote the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.
- Listen to and respect the views of children.
- Create an environment where children feel safe, valued and included.
- Encourage children and families to raise concerns.
- Recruit, screen and train staff appropriately.
- Respond promptly and appropriately to concerns or allegations.
- Meet our obligations under the NSW Child Safe Standards.
The Ark supports and adopts the safeguarding principles and policies of Tennis Australia and Tennis NSW.
Child Safe Environment
The Ark is committed to creating a child safe culture across all programs including:
- Junior coaching programs
- Hot Shots Tennis
- Squad training
- High Performance programs
- Competitions and match play
- School holiday camps
- Pickleball programs involving juniors
- Fitness and wellbeing programs involving children and young people
All staff, coaches, contractors and volunteers are expected to uphold our child safe practices and place the wellbeing of children above all other considerations.
Child Safe Standards
The Ark is committed to implementing the NSW Child Safe Standards by:
- Embedding a culture of child safety and wellbeing.
- Empowering children to participate and have a voice.
- Involving families and communities.
- Managing risks to children in physical and online environments.
- Maintaining clear reporting and complaint processes.
- Providing ongoing education and training to staff and coaches.
- Continuously reviewing and improving child safe practices.
Recruitment and Screening
All coaches, staff and volunteers who work with children are required to:
- Hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) where required.
- Complete relevant safeguarding and child safety training.
- Comply with The Ark Child Safe Code of Conduct.
- Follow Tennis Australia and Tennis NSW safeguarding requirements.
Child Safe Code of Conduct
Everyone at The Ark has a responsibility to help create a safe environment.
Our Coaches and Staff Will:
- Treat all children with dignity and respect.
- Act as positive role models.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
- Use positive and age-appropriate communication.
- Conduct activities in open and observable environments where possible.
- Encourage children to speak up if they feel unsafe.
- Report any concerns relating to child safety.
Coaches and Staff Will Not:
- Engage in inappropriate relationships with children.
- Use abusive, intimidating or discriminatory behaviour.
- Communicate with children through personal social media accounts.
- Be alone with a child in an inappropriate or isolated setting.
- Ignore or fail to report child safety concerns.
Parents and Spectators Are Expected To:
- Treat all children, coaches and officials respectfully.
- Promote positive sportsmanship.
- Support a safe and inclusive environment.
- Follow The Ark’s complaints and reporting processes.
Players Are Expected To:
- Treat others with respect.
- Follow instructions from coaches and staff.
- Speak up if something makes them feel unsafe.
- Help create a welcoming environment for all participants.
Online Safety
The Ark recognises that child safety extends beyond the physical environment.
To minimise online risks:
- Communication with junior participants will occur through approved channels.
- Parents or guardians may be copied into communications where appropriate.
- Personal social media connections between coaches and junior participants are not permitted.
- Images and videos of children will only be used in accordance with consent provided by parents or guardians.
How to Raise a Concern
We encourage children, parents, carers and members of our community to speak up if something does not feel right.
Concerns may relate to:
- Child safety or wellbeing
- Bullying or harassment
- Inappropriate behaviour
- Breaches of our Code of Conduct
- Concerns about a staff member, coach, volunteer or participant
What To Do
- Speak to a coach, staff member or venue manager.
- Submit your concern in writing via email to info@thearkcitywest.com.au
All concerns will be taken seriously and handled respectfully and confidentially.
Anonymous reports will also be considered where sufficient information is provided.
Responding to Concerns
When a concern is raised, The Ark will:
- Take all concerns seriously.
- Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the child.
- Assess the information provided.
- Follow appropriate reporting requirements.
- Escalate matters to external authorities where required.
- Apply procedural fairness throughout the process.
Where there is an immediate risk to a child, please contact emergency services on 000.
Continuous Improvement
The Ark regularly reviews its safeguarding practices, policies and procedures to ensure they remain effective and aligned with current child safety requirements.
We are committed to ongoing education, training and continuous improvement to ensure all children can participate in our programs safely and confidently.
Policy Owner: The Ark (Haberfield Tennis)
Review Date: June 2027
For further information regarding child safety, please contact The Ark management team.
