The main objective of our Member Protection Policy (“policy”) is to maintain responsible behaviour and the making of informed decisions by members and other participants in this club. It outlines our commitment to a person’s right to be treated with respect and dignity, and to be safe and protected from discrimination, harassment and abuse.

Read our policy and the role of the Member Protection Information Officer here.

Our policy informs everyone involved in our club of his or her legal and ethical rights and responsibilities and the standards of behaviour that are expected of them. It also covers the care and protection of children participating in our club’s activities.

Member Protection Information Officer

Member Protection Information Officers (MPIO’s), play an important role in sport. They provide information and guidance on complaints procedures – they are the ‘go-to’ person if you want to discuss problems at that have arisen at the club, particularly if you are considering making a formal complaint under the Member Protection Policy.

The MPO’s role is to help ensure that people understand the complaint-handling process. They do not handle the complaint.

Member Protection Information Officers

Are trained to be the first point of contact for any person considering making a complaint under the club’s Member Protection Policy

• Provide confidential, impartial and timely information and support
• They act as a sounding board and provide information about the local complaint resolution options available to address the member’s concerns.
• MPOs are not advocates but they may elect to accompany complainants, if requested, to talk with someone else.

What MPIOs do:

• Listen and offer support
• Explain what constitutes inappropriate behaviour
• Explain rights under policy and the law
• Explain the complaint resolution process
• Assist others in determining the best option/s for themselves
• Provide referral information
• Monitor and follow-up

What MPIOs DON’T do:

• Advocate
• Take sides or judge
• Give advice (legal or otherwise, although they do need to inform the complainant of their rights)
• Provide counselling
• Intervene
• Investigate
• Breach confidentiality

Adelaide Swords Clubs MPIO is Alison Wotherspoon. Alison can be contacted at:

Email:    alison.wotherspoon@fencingsa.org.au