Virginia United FC - Volunteer Policy

This policy applies to all volunteers at Virginia United FC, including but not limited to:

• Coaches and assistant coaches
• Team managers
• Committee members and sub-committee members
• Canteen and event volunteers
• Ground officials and match-day volunteers
• Club referees
• Program helpers (holiday camps, clinics, etc.)

The Queensland Government's "No Card, No Start" policy applies at Virginia United FC.

Under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld), any person aged 18 or over who volunteers in a role that involves working with children must hold a current, valid Queensland Blue Card before commencing that role.

This applies to all coaches, assistant coaches, team managers, and any other volunteers whose role involves regular contact with players under 18.

Key points:

• Blue Cards are free for volunteers - apply via the Blue Card Services website (www.bluecard.qld.gov.au)
• Your Blue Card application must be linked to Virginia United FC as your organisation
• You must not commence in a child-related volunteer role until your Blue Card has been issued - there are no exceptions
• You must notify the Club immediately if your Blue Card is suspended, cancelled or if you are charged with a disqualifying offence
• The Club will maintain a register of all volunteer Blue Cards and expiry dates, and will contact you prior to expiry to ensure renewal

Parental volunteer exemption: A parent who volunteers only at activities where their own child participates (e.g. a parent assisting at their child's training session) may be exempt from the Blue Card requirement. Contact the Club to confirm whether this exemption applies to your situation.

All volunteers must complete the Club's annual volunteer registration process via the Majestri platform. This ensures we have your current contact details, Blue Card number, relevant qualifications, and emergency contact information on file.

Coaches and technical staff must also hold current Football Australia coaching accreditations appropriate to their role. Please provide copies of relevant certificates as part of your registration.

Virginia United FC is committed to:

• Providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all volunteers
• Clearly communicating the responsibilities and expectations of each volunteer role
• Providing appropriate induction, training and support
• Recognising and celebrating the contribution of our volunteers
• Treating volunteers with respect and in accordance with our Code of Conduct
• Maintaining appropriate insurance coverage for volunteers through Football Queensland's insurer

In taking up a volunteer role at VUFC, you agree to:

• Comply with all Club policies, including the Member Protection, Child Safety and Code of Conduct, Social Media Policy, Photography & Media Policy and this Volunteer Policy
• Maintain the required Blue Card and any other relevant certifications for your role
• Act in the best interests of players and the Club at all times
• Treat all players, parents, officials and other volunteers with dignity and respect
• Report any concerns about child safety or welfare to the Club's Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) immediately: MPIO@vufc.com.au
• Not place yourself in situations that could lead to allegations of inappropriate conduct with children or young people - one-on-one situations with a child should be avoided where possible
• Notify the Club promptly if you are unable to fulfil your volunteer commitment so alternative arrangements can be made

The safety and wellbeing of children is VUFC's highest priority. All volunteers working with children must:

• Have read and understood the Club's Member Protection, Child Safety and Code of Conduct
• Complete Football Australia's mandatory child protection training - under the updated Football Australia Member Protection Framework, child protection training is mandatory for all coaches and team managers working with children. This training must be completed before commencing in role and renewed as required. Details are available from Club administration or via footballaustralia.com.au/member-protection/safeguarding
• Complete any additional child safety training required by Football Queensland or the Club
• Never be alone with a child in a private or enclosed space
• Ensure communication with players under 18 is conducted through official channels (e.g. team group chats) and includes a parent/guardian or another Club official

Any volunteer who fails to meet child safety obligations, or against whom a child safety concern is raised, will be stood down from their role pending investigation in accordance with our Member Protection policy.

If you have concerns about your volunteer experience - including the way you have been treated, a safety issue, or a policy matter - please contact:

• Club Administration: admin@virginiaunitedfc.com.au
• MPIO (member protection matters): MPIO@vufc.com.au

The Club is committed to addressing volunteer concerns promptly and fairly.

This policy should be read alongside:

• Member Protection, Child Safety and Code of Conduct
• Social Media Policy
• Photography & Media Policy
• Football Queensland Volunteer resources (footballqueensland.com.au/volunteers)

Virginia United Football Club - Volunteer Policy, Version 1.0, June 2026.