CODE OF CONDUCT

SURFSKATE NOOSA

Safeguarding Children, Sports Integrity & Participant Welfare

Our Commitment

Surfskate Noosa is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants — especially children and young people. We have zero tolerance for any behaviour that places the wellbeing of a child or young person at risk.

This Code of Conduct applies to Ryan Mayne (Head Coach and Owner) and any coaches, assistants, contractors, or volunteers engaged by Surfskate Noosa.

 

1. Screening and credentials

Surfskate Noosa maintains the following current credentials as required by Queensland law and best practice:

  • Blue Card (Queensland Working with Children Check) — held by the Head Coach under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld). This confirms suitability to work with children in a paid coaching capacity.
  • Yellow Card (NDIS Worker Screening Check) — held by the Head Coach, confirming clearance to deliver coaching services to participants with disability under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
  • Safeguarding Young People in Sport Induction — completed through Sport Integrity Australia (SIA), as part of the National Integrity Framework.
  • ISA Adaptive Surf Coaching Certification — held by the Head Coach, reflecting specific training in coaching participants with disability in surf environments.

No card, no start: In accordance with Queensland law, no person will be engaged by Surfskate Noosa in a child-related coaching role without first holding a valid Blue Card (or equivalent clearance). This is non-negotiable.

All credentials are maintained current and renewed before expiry. Copies are available to parents or guardians on request.

2. Child safety and safeguarding

The safety, wellbeing, and dignity of every child and young person is our highest priority.

2a. Child-safe practices

All coaches and representatives of Surfskate Noosa will:

  1. Treat every child with respect, dignity, and care at all times
  2. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries in all interactions
  3. Avoid being alone with a single child in an isolated, unsupervised location — one-on-one coaching occurs in visible environments
  4. Use age-appropriate language at all times
  5. Never use physical discipline, humiliation, or intimidation
  6. Respect a child’s right to privacy
  7. Involve a parent or guardian in communications wherever appropriate
  8. Never transport a child alone without prior written consent

2b. Electronic communication

When communicating electronically with children or young people:

  1. Communications will be professional and coaching-related
  2. Parents or guardians will be included or informed where possible
  3. No social media contact via personal accounts
  4. Media of children only with prior consent

2c. Overnight, travel and remote activities

Surfskate Noosa does not currently conduct overnight programs. Future activities will include separate consent and risk procedures.

2d. Recognising and responding to abuse

All representatives will be alert to signs of abuse, neglect, or harm.

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 000.

If you have concerns, contact:

If a child discloses abuse:

  1. Listen calmly and without judgment
  2. Do not promise confidentiality
  3. Do not investigate beyond what is shared
  4. Document accurately
  5. Report as soon as practicable

3. Prohibited conduct

The following conduct is strictly prohibited for all coaches and representatives of Surfskate Noosa. This reflects the Sport Integrity Australia National Integrity Framework.

3a. Abuse, harassment and discrimination

No person associated with Surfskate Noosa will engage in:

  1. Physical abuse — any act causing harm
  2. Emotional or psychological abuse
  3. Sexual abuse or misconduct
  4. Bullying
  5. Harassment
  6. Unlawful discrimination
  7. Victimisation

3b. Drugs and alcohol

  1. No alcohol or non-prescribed drugs before or during sessions
  2. No supplying substances to participants
  3. No illicit drug use in any Surfskate Noosa activity

3c. Competition manipulation and gambling

  1. No manipulation of outcomes or selections
  2. No gambling on Surfskate Noosa activities

3d. Conflicts of interest and exploitation

  1. No exploitation of position for personal gain
  2. Conflicts must be disclosed
  3. Financial dealings must be transparent

4. Adaptive coaching and NDIS participants

Surfskate Noosa provides coaching services to participants with disability, including through NDIS-funded arrangements. The following additional standards apply:

  1. Respect dignity, autonomy, and rights at all times
  2. Involve participants in decisions wherever possible
  3. Provide support only with informed consent
  4. Maintain clear and respectful communication
  5. Report safety concerns appropriately

NDIS reportable incidents: Any incident involving harm or risk will be reported as required.

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Phone: 1800 035 544
Website: www.ndiscommission.gov.au

5. Professional standards

Surfskate Noosa coaches commit to the following professional standards in all interactions:

5a. Coaching practice

  1. Use evidence-informed and appropriate coaching methods
  2. Adapt to individual needs and goals
  3. Prioritise safety and wellbeing
  4. Communicate openly with participants and families
  5. Maintain up-to-date knowledge

5b. Relationships and boundaries

  1. Maintain clear professional boundaries
  2. Avoid favouritism or inappropriate relationships
  3. Disclose conflicts of interest
  4. Do not accept significant gifts

5c. Confidentiality

  1. Keep participant information confidential
  2. Prioritise safety over confidentiality where required by law

6. Photography, video, and social media

Surfskate Noosa may capture images and footage of participants during sessions for coaching feedback, promotional, and marketing purposes. The following standards apply:

  1. Obtain parental consent for child participants
  2. Use media only for agreed purposes
  3. Ensure appropriate imagery at all times
  4. Allow withdrawal of consent
  5. No posting on personal accounts without consent
  6. No recording in private spaces

7. Parents, guardians and spectators

Parents, guardians, and spectators attending Surfskate Noosa sessions are also expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the spirit of this Code. In particular:

  1. Show respect at all times
  2. Avoid undue pressure on participants
  3. Use formal complaint channels
  4. Support a positive environment

Surfskate Noosa may remove any person whose behaviour is disruptive or unsafe.

8. Complaints and reporting

8a. How to raise a concern

Ryan Mayne, Head Coach — Surfskate Noosa
Email: surfskatenoosa@gmail.com
Phone: +61 433 267 804

8b. External reporting

Sport Integrity Australia: 1300 027 232
Queensland Child Safety Services: 1800 177 135
NDIS Commission: 1800 035 544
Emergency: 000

8c. Protections for reporters

All good faith reports are protected from retaliation.

9. Breaches of this code

A breach of this Code may result in one or more of the following outcomes:

  1. Warning
  2. Suspension
  3. Termination
  4. Referral to authorities

Serious breaches will be referred immediately.

10. Review of this code

This Code will be reviewed annually or when required.

Acknowledgement

All coaches, assistants, and contractors engaged by Surfskate Noosa are required to read and sign this Code of Conduct before commencing any activities with participants.