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ockey Australia has announced the launch of a new and updated suite of child safeguarding policies, the ‘Safe Hockey Framework’.

The framework aims to provide safety for children and young people, and have been endorsed by the Hockey Australia board, with all member associations set to formally adopt the framework.

Hockey Australia president, Melanie Woosnam, said she is proud to see the framework implemented to extend further on the Safe Hockey project that was launched in July 2019 as part of Hockey Australia’s four-year strategic plan through to 2022.

“A lot of work has been undertaken to get to this point with these more detailed and enhanced policies which will be applicable in every jurisdiction,” Woosnam said.

“To have a unified approach with all of our member association on board with this framework is crucial.

“These policies will hold hockey in great stead now and into the future and provides a consistent approach across the sport.

“We are committed to providing safe environments for children and young people,” she said.

The Safe Hockey project is supported by all state and territory member associations and has received funding from Sport Australia, already allowing more than 40 face-to-face education sessions be delivered to over 1,000 individuals.

This has meant participants at under-age national championship events have been provided key important information on their right to feel safe as part of the purpose to enable and deliver targeted education on how to identify and respond to child safety issues.

The next phase of the Safe Hockey project includes the development of club-facing resources and education to support the thousands of hockey volunteer administrators provide the safest environments possible for children and young people.