Momentum Triathlon Academy

Code of Conduct — Adults Working with Children and Young People

Approved by: Committee | Effective: 09 September 2025 | Review cycle: Annual

1. Purpose

This Code sets clear behavioural standards for all adults in Momentum Triathlon Academy (MTA) to keep children and young people safe, respected and included in every activity. It complements MTA’s Child Safe Policy and AusTriathlon/Sport Integrity Australia National Integrity Framework (NIF) policies.

2. Scope

Applies to coaches, officials, ride leaders, team managers, volunteers, committee members, contractors and parents/guardians participating in MTA activities.
Covers all environments, including training, events, travel, social functions and online platforms (messaging apps, social media, video calls).

3. Principles

Child-first: safety and wellbeing come before sport or performance.
Respect and dignity: treat every child fairly; listen to their views and involve families.
Inclusion: create culturally safe, accessible and equitable environments (including Aboriginal children, children with disability, CALD and LGBTIQ+ young people).
Transparency and accountability: clear boundaries, visible interactions, and prompt reporting of concerns.

4. Behavioural Standards (what you must do)

Follow the ‘rule of two’: avoid being alone one-to-one with a child. Interact in open, observable places or include another adult/parent in communications.
Use approved club communication channels. Keep messages group-based and transparent; copy in a parent/guardian when communicating with an individual child.
Be a positive role model: use respectful language; set clear, age-appropriate expectations; recognise effort and learning as well as outcomes.
Obtain and respect consents (participation, media, medical). Check image consent lists before taking or sharing photos/video.
Keep appropriate physical boundaries. Any physical contact must be relevant to coaching/safety, explained first, and done in view of others. Stop immediately if a child says no or looks uncomfortable.
Supervise change rooms and warm-up areas in line with gender-appropriate supervision. Adults do not change or shower with children.
Plan and manage risk: use approved routes, ratios and safety procedures for rides, runs and open-water sessions; carry emergency contacts; do head-counts.
For transport and travel: obtain written parent/guardian consent; use two screened adults where practicable; never share a room with a child; follow rooming and curfew rules.
Promote inclusion and accessibility. Make reasonable adjustments to enable participation and speak up against bullying, harassment or discrimination.
Report concerns promptly (see Section 8). Support whistleblowers and keep information private on a need-to-know basis.

5. Prohibited conduct (what you must not do)

Grooming or any sexualised behaviour (comments, jokes, sharing sexual content, exposing a child to adult conversations or media).
One-to-one private meetings, car trips, messages or calls with a child without another adult/parent present or aware, except in an emergency that is reported as soon as possible.
Bullying, harassment, humiliation, discrimination or abuse of any kind (including online).
Inappropriate physical contact (e.g., massage, tickling, rough play) or invasions of privacy (e.g., photographing in bathrooms/change rooms).
Private social media connections with children (friend/follow requests) or messaging outside approved channels; late-night messages; disappearing messages.
Providing, promoting or consuming alcohol, vaping or illicit drugs at junior activities; giving supplements or medical advice beyond your competence/authority.
Personal gifts, favouritism, or private arrangements with a child or their family (e.g., tutoring, extra rides) without prior approval from a CSO and parent/guardian.
Retaliation or victimisation of anyone who raises a concern or makes a report.

6. Online and Social Media Rules

Use only club-approved platforms (e.g., Team App or designated tools).
No one-to-one direct messaging with a child; add a parent/guardian or a second adult (‘rule of two’).
No private video calls or screen sharing with a child.
Do not post a child’s personal contact details, school, or real-time location. Avoid geotagging training locations.
Share images/video only with recorded consent; do not tag children’s personal accounts without permission; remove content on request.

7. Photography and Filming

Check the club’s media consent list before filming/photographing children.
Use images that are respectful, relevant to participation and appropriately dressed.
Do not take photos/video in bathrooms, change rooms or accommodation areas.
Store and share imagery securely via club channels; do not keep personal collections of children’s images.

8. Reporting Concerns and Incidents

Immediate danger: call 000.
Suspected criminal conduct (e.g., child sexual abuse): report to Police. Legal duties to report may apply.
Integrity matters in triathlon under the National Integrity Framework (safeguarding/discrimination): contact Sport Integrity Australia Safe Sport Hotline 1800 161 361 or online reporting.
Also notify an MTA Child Safety Officer (CSO) as soon as practicable and complete an incident form within 24 hours.
Preserve evidence. Do not investigate yourself. Support the child and keep information private on a need-to-know basis.

9. Managing Breaches

Breaches of this Code may lead to coaching or volunteer restrictions, removal from activities, suspension, termination, and/or referral to Police, Sport Integrity Australia and AusTriathlon as appropriate.
Interim measures may be used to reduce risk while a matter is assessed or investigated.
The Committee (or delegated panel) will ensure procedural fairness and timely communication consistent with relevant policies.

10. Conflicts of Interest, Gifts and Benefits

Declare conflicts that could impact impartiality (e.g., selection decisions).
Do not give personal gifts to children. Any tokens (e.g., end-of-season medals) must be club-approved and given equally.
Do not solicit gifts or favours from families.

11. Clean Sport, Health and Safety

Follow heat, hydration and concussion guidance; adapt training to age and stage of development.
Do not recommend or supply supplements to juniors; refer families to Sport Integrity Australia’s clean sport education and a qualified health professional where needed.
Use only age-appropriate training loads and equipment; perform safety checks before sessions.

12. Acknowledgement

All adults who work or volunteer with MTA must read this Code and agree to follow it as a condition of engagement. Breaches may be managed under club policy, the National Integrity Framework, and applicable law.