Football Victoria is committed to providing a fair, transparent, and timely complaints process.
In the first instance, concerns should be raised directly with the relevant club to allow an opportunity for local resolution. Where a matter cannot be resolved at club level, or is serious in nature, it may be escalated to Football Victoria through the CorePlus Complaints Management Portal. Matters that fall within the jurisdiction of Football Australia may be managed in accordance with Football Australia's Complaints Management Framework and National Integrity Framework.
Football Victoria encourages concerns and complaints to be raised and resolved at the lowest appropriate level wherever possible.
STEP 1 Club-Level Resolution
If you have a concern or complaint, you should first raise the matter directly with the relevant club. Most issues can be resolved quickly and effectively through the club's complaints handling process.
STEP 2 Escalation to Football Victoria
If the matter cannot be resolved at club level, or if the complaint is of a serious nature, it may be escalated to Football Victoria through the CorePlus Complaints Management Portal.
Football Victoria will assess the complaint and determine the appropriate next steps in accordance with Football Victoria and Football Australia policies.
STEP 3 Football Australia Complaints Process
Where a complaint falls within the jurisdiction of Football Australia, the matter may be referred and managed under the Football Australia Complaints Management Framework, including the National Integrity Framework where applicable.
Lodge a Complaint
To submit a complaint to Football Victoria, please access the CorePlus Complaints Management Portal below.
Complaints under the Football Australia Member Protection Framework
CATEGORY 1
Safeguarding
These involve actual or suspected harm to a child or young person and require immediate action and escalation.
Examples
- Child abuse or neglect allegations
- Grooming concerns
- Sexual misconduct involving a child
- Serious bullying, harassment, or intimidation of a child
- Child safety breaches by coaches, officials, volunteers, or spectators
- Any matter requiring reporting to Police, Child Protection, or the Football Australia/Football Victoria Safeguarding Manager
Required Action
Immediate risk assessment, ensuring child safety, fulfilling mandatory reporting obligations, and escalation to Football Victoria.
CATEGORY 2
Complaints involving inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, harassment, or other member protection concerns.
Examples
- Discrimination
- Harassment
- Sexual harassment
- Victimisation
- Bullying involving adult participants
- Abuse of power
- Inappropriate behaviour by coaches, officials, players, or parents
- Inclusion and diversity concerns
Required Action
Manage under the Member Protection Policy and complaints handling procedures, with investigation or informal resolution where appropriate.
CATEGORY 3
Out of Scope
General club-level issues and conduct matters that do not fall within safeguarding or member protection complaint processes.
Examples
- Poor sportsmanship
- Verbal disagreements between members
- Parent behaviour concerns
- Team selection disputes
- Competition administration issues
- Breaches of club codes of conduct
- Minor misconduct not involving discrimination, abuse, or safeguarding concerns
- Registration fee disputes
- Club refunds
Required Action
Handle at club level through the club complaints process, education, mediation, or disciplinary action where required.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCE
Breaches of Conduct Poster
Sport Integrity Australia
Resources
RESOURCE
Complaints Handling Guide for Clubs
Football Victoria
RESOURCE
Dispute Resolution Tips for Clubs
Football Victoria
RESOURCE
Complaints Handling Procedure
Football Australia
RESOURCE
Investigation of Complaints Guideline
Sport Integrity Australia
RESOURCE
Respectful complaint processes in sport and how to manage unreasonable conduct
Sport Integrity Australia
RESOURCE
Club Level Internal Incident Report Document
Football Victoria
RESOURCE
Club Level Internal Complaints Handling Investigation Notes
Football Victoria