Officiating development

An official needs to be aware of the requirements of the sports’ youth policy that is in place and local state or Territory laws. The youth sport policy may refer to different rules or laws for youth participants in the sport, different procedures relating to safety for youth participants and other aspects about the inclusion of youth participants.

Tips for working with children

There are actions an official can take to ensure children feel safe and protected when participating in sport. These include;

• Use positive and acceptable language when talking about or to a child.
• Develop a calm behaviour-management style.
• Avoid any physical contact with children.
• Avoid situations in which an adult may be alone with a child.
• When children need to be transported, ensure there is more than one child (and , if possible, more than one adult) in the vehicle.
• Manage allegations (disclosures) of child abuse through established processes and reporting lines to ensure there is due process and natural justice.
• Document all incidents involving physical restraint of children or violence involving children.
• Document all incidents that seem to be unusual or ‘out of the ordinary’.
• Encourage children to be a ‘good sport’, to recognize that they have a right to feel safe, and know what they can do if they do not feel safe (if they are abused, harassed or discriminated against).

Child Protection

Reporting Child Abuse

OCHRE Card

You must by law apply for a working with children clearance, also called an Ochre Card, to work or volunteer with children in the Northern Territory.

Online applications are fast and easy to complete.

For more information, please follow the link below:

Working with Children

To apply for a new card or renewal card, go here;

Ochre Card Application/Renewal