Child Safeguarding​​​​​​​

At  NSN, the safety and wellbeing of every child and young person involved in Netball is our highest priority. Guided by Netball New Zealand’s commitment to safeguarding, we recognise our responsibility to ensure Netball remains a fun, safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all tamariki and rangatahi.

Our Safeguarding statement Northern Suburbs:

Netball is committed to keeping children and young people healthy and safe. We may share information with appropriate agencies (such as health and education providers or other agencies involved with your child’s life) if sharing that information may/is likely to protect or improve the safety, health or well-being of the child. Our agency can always legally share information with Oranga Tamariki and the Police. For more information refer to the information on th netball NZ site: https://www.netballnz.co.nz/netball-nz/community/safeguarding.html

Child Safety Officer:

 To support our community our dedicated Child Safety Officer is Anouk Kelling: childsafeguarding@nsnetball.co.nz

 Photography and Safeguarding

In alignment with Netball NZ’s Safeguarding Policy, we require parental consent regarding the photography of players by spectators and parents.

The Current Situation

A number of parents within our community have indicated that they do not consent to their child being photographed. To respect their privacy and ensure player safety, we are implementing the following protocol:

• Notification: Team Managers and Coaches will be privately notified if a player in their team does not have photography consent.
• Game Day Action: It is the responsibility of the Team Manager or Coach to briefly notify the opposition’s staff prior to the start of the game.
• On-Sidelines Management: We ask that Coaches and Managers from both teams work together to ensure their respective groups of parents and spectators respect this requirement.

Why is this policy in place?

The heart of this policy is Protection and Presence.

1. Safety First: We have a duty of care to protect the privacy of all children. In some instances, there are sensitive legal or safety reasons why a child’s image cannot be shared publicly.
2. Focus on the Game: Netball NZ encourages parents to be fully present in the moment. By limiting general photography, we ensure the focus remains on supporting the players and enjoying the sport, rather than viewing the game through a lens.
3. Respecting Boundaries: Every family has different comfort levels with digital footprints. This policy ensures our courts remain a safe, inclusive space for everyone.

Does this mean we can never take photos?

Not at all! We know these memories are precious. If you would like a team photo, you may coordinate with the parents at the start or end of the game. This allows parents to opt-in or opt-out in real-time, ensuring everyone on the sideline is comfortable and respected.