blue card for coaches + team officials

The official version:

"From 17 January 2005, all volunteers (unless exempt) must have a Working with children Check and hold a blue card before they start volunteering in any area of regulated employment, regardless of how often they come into contact with children and young people. However, volunteers (unless exempt) who started work and applied for blue cards before 17 January 2005 can continue to work until whichever of the following happens first:

• one year has passed since the requirement commenced (ie. up to 16 January 2006)
• a negative notice is issued, or;
• the volunteer's application is withdrawn.

Failure of the employer to comply with this obligation is an offence and may result in Fines or imprisonment.

Is anyone exempt from the check?

Yes. The following people do not need a blue card:

• Children Under 18 who are volunteers (except students required to work in regulated employment as part of their studies)
• parents* who volunteer their services or conduct activities at a school at which their child is attending, as long as the child is under 18, and
• parents* who volunteer their services or conduct activities through a church, club or association, or are involved in sport and active recreation, where their child is involved in the same or similar activity.

* A 'parent' is the child's mother, father or another adult who has parental responsibility for the child

However, as a junior soccer club we believe we have a responsibility to ensure the protection of children in every way possible, and so we will be requesting all managers and coaches to complete the forms and attain their blue card.

And to answer a couple of frequent questions:

• The club simply receives a notification of 'yes' or 'no'.  No details of your history comes back to us.
• Only child related offences are relevant.  A negative (ie. unsuitable) notice will be issued if a person has been convicted of a serious offence, unless the Commissioner is satisfied the offence does not pose any risk to the interests of children.
• As a volunteer, the $40 fee is waived.  The blue card you receive is valid for two years and can be used by you for paid employment if you work professionally with children.

For more information, refer to http://www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au/employment/