Blue Cards

In May 2001, the Queensland Government was the first state in Australia to pass legislation requiring volunteers working with children to pass a criminal history check. To work with children and young people, volunteers in Queensland must be able to present a blue suitability card indicating they have passed the Commission for Children and Young People’s Working with Children Check.

The legislation provides an exemption that volunteer parents do not have to be screened if ‘their child is involved in the same or similar activity as the one in which they are involved’. This means the majority of our team officials are not required to comply with the act and do not have to undergo the check.

However, as a junior soccer club we believe we have a responsibility to ensure the protection of children in every way possible, and so request 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 come back to us.
• Only child related offences are relevant. A negative, i.e. 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 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 and to a copy of Frequently Asked Questions

While this may provide some inconvenience for Team Officials, we hope you appreciate we are doing this in the interests of all players. Team Officials may apply for one by completing the application form and submitting this to the Club Registrar. We will need to sight your Drivers Licence or Passport, and one other form of ID such as Medicare card or credit card. You must also sign a declaration in front of the Club Registrar.