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Code of Conduct

 

VICTORIAN CURLING ASSOCIATION’S CODE OF CONDUCT 

 

Introduction to the Code of Conduct 

Victorian Curling Association’s Code of Conduct outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and behaviours required to maintain a safe, inclusive, respectful, and empowering environment for all athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, and other participants in the sport of curling. This Code is a fundamental part of Victorian Curling Association’s commitment to safeguarding children and young people and aligns with the National Integrity Framework developed by Sport Integrity Australia, as well as Curling Australia’s Code of Conduct (2024). 

The Code of Conduct applies to all persons involved in Victorian Curling Association’s activities and reflects a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, discrimination, harassment, grooming, bullying, and any behaviour that undermines safety and integrity in sport. It prescribes clear behavioural standards for both children and adults and outlines consequences for non-compliance, including referral to Sport Integrity Australia and other authorities where appropriate. 

This Code must be read alongside Victorian Curling Association’s Child Safety Policy, Safeguarding Policy, and Reporting and Complaints Procedures. Compliance with this Code is a condition of participation in any Victorian Curling Association -sanctioned activity. 

 

2. Definitions: 

For the purposes of this Code of Conduct and related safeguarding policies, the following definitions apply: 

  • Child/Children: A person under the age of 18 years. 

  • Young Person: A child or adolescent aged 12 to 17 years inclusive. 

  • Adult: A person aged 18 years or older. 

  • Participant: Any individual who participates in curling activities, including athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and parents/guardians. 

  • Relevant Organisation: Victorian Curling Association and any affiliated club or association operating under its umbrella. 

  • Safeguarding: The proactive approach to keeping children and young people safe from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 

  • WWCC: Working With Children Check, a legal screening requirement for adults involved in child-related work. 

  • Responsible Adult: A parent, guardian or adult formally authorised to supervise a child during curling activities. 

 

3. Scope of Application: 

  • All participants who are members of Victorian Curling Association or participating in Victorian Curling Association sanctioned activities; 

  • All participants who interact with or participate alongside children and young people; 

  • Coaches, managers, team officials, volunteers, and support personnel engaged in curling activities; 

  • Parents and guardians of children involved in Victorian Curling Association events; 

  • Any individual or organisation operating under or representing Victorian Curling Association; 

  • Contractors, service providers, or visitors who come into contact with children or Victorian Curling Association activities; 

  • All personnel bound by the Curling Australia National Integrity Framework and Curling Australia Code of Conduct (2024). 

All individuals covered by this policy are expected to understand, acknowledge, and comply with its requirements as a condition of participation. 

 

4. Prohibited Conduct 

All individuals covered by this Code of Conduct must not engage in any form of Prohibited Conduct, as defined by Victorian Curling Association, Curling Australia, and Sport Integrity Australia’s National Integrity Framework. Prohibited Conduct includes, but is not limited to: 

  1. Abuse or Harm: Engaging in any physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse of another participant. 

  1. Grooming: Any behaviour intended to establish an emotional connection with another individual (typically a younger / more vulnerable person) to lower their inhibitions and facilitate abuse. 

  1. Bullying and Harassment: Any repeated and deliberate behaviour intended to harm, intimidate or coerce another person, including cyberbullying. 

  1. Discrimination or Vilification: Treating someone unfairly or harassing them on the basis of race, gender, sexuality, ability, age, religion, or cultural background. 

  1. Sexual Misconduct: Any sexualised communication, contact, or activity involving or in the presence of another participant, regardless of the legal age of consent. 

  1. Unlawful or Unsafe Behaviour: Including misuse of alcohol or drugs around children, violence, threatening conduct, or disorderly behaviour towards another participant. 

  1. Breach of Child Safety Responsibilities: Failing to comply with required screening, training, supervision, reporting or consent procedures. 

  1. Improper Use of Social Media or Communications: Sending private, inappropriate, or suggestive messages to another participant (especially a child) or using digital platforms to engage in misconduct. 

  1. Unlawful Photography or Filming: Taking or distributing images of another participant without proper consent or for inappropriate purposes. 

  1. Retaliation or Victimisation: Threatening, intimidating or retaliating against any person who reports a breach or participates in a complaint process. 

Breaches of these standards may result in disciplinary action, including suspension, deregistration, termination of role, and reporting to relevant authorities, including Sport Integrity Australia and law enforcement. 

 

5. Athlete Code of Conduct 

The Victorian Curling Association Athlete Code of Conduct sets out clear expectations for behaviour, boundaries, and responsibilities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants in our sport. It applies to all athletes, including juniors and adults, and to all adults who interact with athletes, such as coaches, staff, volunteers, chaperones, officials, and parents. 

This Code must be acknowledged upon registration and adhered to during all curling-related activities. It complements Victorian Curling Association’s Child Safety Policy and aligns with the Curling Australia Safeguarding Children and Young Person Policy and the Sport Integrity Australia National Integrity Framework. 

 

Appendix A: Junior Athletes (Under 18) 

Junior athlete expected behaviours: 

  1. Respectful Behaviour: Treat teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, and all others with respect, fairness, and kindness. I will not tolerate bullying, intimidation, or discrimination of any kind. 

  1. Sportsmanship: Follow the rules of curling, play fairly, and accept the decisions of officials and coaches without argument or complaint. 

  1. Speaking Up: If I feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or if I see something that doesn't feel right, I will speak up and talk to a trusted adult. 

  1. Online Conduct: Not post or share anything hurtful, offensive or inappropriate about other athletes, coaches, officials, or the sport online or on social media. 

  1. Supervision: Not leave the venue or accommodation without permission and will inform a responsible adult of my whereabouts at all times. 

  1. Privacy and Safety: Respect others’ privacy in change rooms, bathrooms and during team activities. I understand boundaries and the importance of appropriate behaviour. 

  1. Travel and Accommodation: Follow the instructions of my parent, chaperone, or designated responsible adult, especially during travel and overnight stays. 

I understand that I can speak to a trusted adult, team official, or contact Victorian Curling Association or Sport Integrity Australia if I need help, or if I feel something isn’t right. 

 

Appendix B: Adults Interacting with Children and Young People 

Adult expected behaviours and responsibilities as required by the Curling Australia Code of Conduct (2024) and Victorian Curling Association 's child safety standards: 

  1. Act with Integrity and Respect: Demonstrate fairness, inclusivity, and ethical conduct in all my actions and decisions. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person, regardless of their age, race, gender, ability, cultural background, or sexual orientation. Listen with empathy, communicate respectfully, and challenge behaviour that is exclusionary or harmful. 

  1. Protect and Safeguard: Place the safety and wellbeing of children and young people as a priority. This includes proactively identifying risks, taking action to reduce harm, and being alert to signs of grooming, abuse or neglect. I understand that safeguarding is not optional — it is a shared and enforceable responsibility. 

  1. Maintain Professional Boundaries: Act within the scope of my role and avoid conduct that blurs personal and professional boundaries. Not socialise privately with children, transport them without prior consent, give personal gifts, or seek friendships online. Ensure all interactions are appropriate and can be observed by others. 

  1. Supervision and Environment: Ensure children and young people are adequately supervised and protected in every setting — on the ice, at events, during travel and online. Respect their right to privacy while maintaining safe oversight in change rooms, accommodation, and digital communication platforms. 

  1. Responsible Communication: Communicate clearly, respectfully, and transparently. Use official channels for contact and will include parents/guardians where required. Not send private messages or post content that could be considered flirtatious, suggestive, or inappropriate. 

  1. Use of Social Media: Not post or share content that damages Victorian Curling Association or its members. Not use social media to bully, harass, threaten or degrade others, and not engage in public commentary that undermines safety, fairness or the reputation of the sport. 

  1. Prohibited Conduct: Not engage in any form of child abuse, grooming, harassment, bullying, unlawful discrimination, or drug misuse, as defined in the Curling Australia Code of Conduct and National Integrity Framework. I understand that such conduct is grounds for immediate suspension and legal referral. 

  1. Reporting and Accountability: Immediately report concerns of harm or breaches of conduct through the designated Victorian Curling Association or Sport Integrity Australia reporting channels. Actively participate in investigations and support others who speak up in good faith. 

  1. Confidentiality and Privacy: Protect sensitive information and only share what is necessary to uphold safety and fulfil legal obligations. Not use my access to confidential data for personal gain or to cause harm to others. 

  1. Compliance and Role Modelling: Follow all lawful and reasonable instructions issued by Victorian Curling Association, Curling Australia, or event organisers. I understand that my conduct sets an example and will reflect the core values of trust, respect, responsibility, and integrity in every action. 

Breaches of this Code or the Curling Australia Code of Conduct (2024) may result in suspension or removal from Victorian Curling Association activities, and referral to Sport Integrity Australia or external authorities where appropriate. 

 

Acknowledgement and Compliance 

All athletes and adults must agree to comply with this Code of Conduct as part of their registration with Victorian Curling Association. The Code will be: 

  • Provided digitally via the online registration portal; 

  • Communicated at the start of the season; 

  • Referred to in all registration procedures; 

  • Supported by education materials and resources at member briefings. 

By promoting and enforcing this Code of Conduct, Victorian Curling Association fosters a respectful, inclusive and child-safe culture across our sport. 

 

Files available for download

VCA_Code of Conduct_Updated 251123 pdf