Reporting Child Safeguarding Concerns

Reporting Child Safeguarding Concerns
Reporting any concerning or upsetting behaviour you have witnessed or heard about, is the most important action you can take, to keep rugby safe for everyone.

Child protection legislation imposes obligations on organisations and their participants in relation to reporting child safety issues.

If you have seen something, or been told about something, that has upset you, that you don’t think is right, or that you want to tell us about, please Speak Up and report it here.

If the person you have concerns about is in immediate danger, please call 000 as soon as possible.

How to share concerns with Rugby Australia:

  • If you have concerns about the behaviour of an individual at your club, speak to someone senior in your club
  • If your club is part of your concern, or you don’t have anyone at the club you can share your concern with, you can report the matter via our Report a Concern page.
  • If you wish to make an anonymous report, you can do so via our independent integrity partners, here: Core Integrity

It is natural to feel nervous about making a report, but it’s important to remember that you’re playing your part in keeping rugby safe. Remember, it is not your responsibility to decide if what has happened is wrong, it is your responsibility to share your concerns.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we all have a duty to keep rugby safe for everyone and uphold the core values of our game: passion, integrity, discipline, respect and teamwork.

You can contact your state’s child protection organisation for advice or to report an allegation of child abuse using the below contact details:

  • ACT – Child and Youth Protection Services: 1300 556 729
  • SA – Child Safe: 131 478
  • NSW – Child Protection: 132 111 (after hours: 131 278)
  • TAS – Child Protection: 1300 737 639
  • NT – Child Protection: 1800 700 250
  • VIC – Child Protection: (03) 9247 6666 (after hours: 131 278)
  • WA – Child Protection: 1800 273 889 (after hours: (08) 9223 1111)
  • QLD – Child Safety: 1800 811 810

You can also contact the Police’s non-emergency number on 131 444.

If someone has shared a concern with you, whether it is about something that has happened to them or someone else, you should:

  • Remain calm
  • If it’s a child who has told you, reassure them that they’re not to blame and this isn’t their fault
  • Do not promise to keep the information confidential, as you may need to tell someone, and don’t promise an outcome
  • Keep any questions you have to a minimum, and try not to interrupt them
  • Make notes, or record your conversation, as soon as you can. If you’re talking to a child, do not take notes while you’re talking with them, give them your full attention.