Member Protection
& Child Safety.

Refs Inc is committed to providing a safe, fair, and inclusive environment for everyone involved in the sport, and to protecting the welfare of children and young people at every event we run. This policy sets out that commitment and how it is upheld. It applies to committee members, referees, officials, volunteers, coaches, players, and anyone else acting on behalf of Refs Inc.

Our commitment

• Everyone has the right to take part in the sport free from abuse, harassment, discrimination, and intimidation.
• The safety and welfare of children and young people is a priority in everything we do.
• We respond to every concern seriously, promptly, and fairly.

Child safety

Children and young people take part in paintball, and their safety is treated as paramount. Refs Inc supports the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. In practice this means:

• Adults working directly with children in a Refs Inc role hold a current Working With Children Check for their state, where required by law. The roles this applies to, and the checking process, to be confirmed for each state we operate in.
• Any concern about the safety or welfare of a child is acted on immediately and, where required, reported to the relevant authorities.
• Safety rules that protect younger players, such as the requirement for chin straps for players under 18, are enforced without exception.

Zero tolerance for abuse and harassment

Abuse, harassment, bullying, discrimination, and victimisation have no place at a Refs Inc event, whether in person or online. This includes conduct based on age, race, sex, gender identity, sexuality, disability, religion, or any other attribute. Breaches are dealt with under this policy and the code of conduct, up to and including removal and suspension.

The Member Protection Information Officer

Refs Inc will appoint a Member Protection Information Officer as the first point of contact for any welfare or protection concern. This person listens, explains the options, and helps a person decide what to do next, without taking over the decision. Officer to be appointed and named here.

Raising a concern

Anyone with a concern about the safety or welfare of a person at a Refs Inc event can raise it with a referee or official on the day, or contact us directly at hello@refsinc.com.au. Concerns are handled confidentially and through the complaints and disputes process. Where a child is at immediate risk, contact emergency services first.