MEMBER PROTECTION

Football Victoria is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone involved in football.

As part of this commitment, Football Victoria adopts and operates under the Football Australia Member Protection Framework, which aims to ensure that all participants are treated with respect and dignity and are protected from abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination and other inappropriate behaviour.

Football Australia Member Protection Framework

Computer Screen displaying the Member Protection Framework page on Football Australia's Website

The Framework establishes clear standards of behaviour, safeguards for children and adults at risk, anti-discrimination principles, complaint handling processes, and the XI Standards of Respect that underpin positive conduct across the game. It applies to all members of the football community, including players, coaches, referees, volunteers, administrators, spectators and club officials.

The Framework supports Football Victoria's ongoing commitment to safeguarding children and young people, promoting respectful behaviours, fostering inclusive environments, and ensuring that concerns or complaints are addressed fairly, consistently and transparently.

Participants who experience or witness behaviour that may breach the Member Protection Framework are encouraged to report their concerns through the appropriate channels. Football Victoria and its affiliated clubs work together to uphold these standards and help ensure that football remains a safe, positive and enjoyable experience for all.

View the Football Australia Member Protection Framework here

Member Protection Information Officers

Member Protection Information Officers (MPIOs) play an important role in creating safe, inclusive and respectful football environments. They are trained volunteers or officials who provide information and support to members who may have concerns about inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, bullying, harassment, child safety, or other member protection issues.

MPIOs help participants understand their rights, responsibilities and options under the Football Australia Member Protection Framework. They can explain complaint processes, provide guidance on available support services, and assist individuals in deciding the most appropriate course of action.

While MPIOs provide information and support, they do not investigate complaints, determine outcomes, act as advocates, or make decisions on behalf of any party involved. Their role is to offer independent, confidential guidance and help individuals navigate the appropriate pathways for resolving concerns.

By supporting clubs, participants and volunteers, MPIOs contribute to a positive football culture where concerns can be raised safely, respectfully and in accordance with established member protection and safeguarding requirements.

View the Play by the Rules MPIO Guide

Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) Requirements

To become a Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO), individuals should:

Be committed to promoting safe, inclusive and respectful environments within football and be capable of providing impartial information and support to members.

Complete approved MPIO training and maintain an understanding of the Football Australia Member Protection Framework, safeguarding requirements and complaint processes.

Demonstrate strong communication, listening and interpersonal skills.

Act with integrity, impartiality and confidentiality when supporting individuals raising concerns.

Have a sound understanding of respectful behaviours, inclusion, child safety and member protection principles.

Be able to provide information about available options and complaint pathways without investigating, advocating for, or determining the outcome of complaints.

Hold a valid Working with Children Check where required by state legislation and the role involves child-related activities.

Club Responsibilities for Member Protection Information Officers (MPIOs)

To support an effective member protection framework, clubs should appoint and support at least one Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) who can act as a trusted point of contact for members seeking information or support regarding member protection concerns.

Clubs should:

Appoint a suitable and respected individual to undertake the MPIO role.

Ensure the MPIO completes approved MPIO training and remains familiar with the Football Australia Member Protection Framework, safeguarding requirements and complaint processes.

Promote the MPIO's contact details to players, parents, coaches, volunteers and officials so members know where to seek information and support.

Support the MPIO to perform their role independently, impartially and confidentially.

Ensure the MPIO has access to current member protection resources, policies and reporting pathways.

Encourage a club culture where concerns can be raised safely and respectfully without fear of victimisation or retaliation.

Ensure the MPIO holds a valid Working with Children Check where required by legislation or club responsibilities.

Review MPIO appointments regularly and ensure suitable succession planning is in place.

By appointing and supporting trained MPIOs, clubs demonstrate their commitment to creating safe, inclusive and respectful environments and ensuring members have access to appropriate guidance when concerns arise.

Resources

These resources have been created by our partner Play by the Rules, who are an an independent platform focused solely on community sport. You can find out more about Play by the Rules here.

Position Description Template for a MPIO

MPIO Club Poster – Promoting your MPIO

Play by the Rules – MPIO Club Promotion Toolkit

Play by the Rules – What is an MPIO Presentation

Upskill your MPIO – Training

Member Protection Video – MPIO Role