Blue Cards

Mazda

Endless hours of time has been wasted arguing that we need Blue Cards for coaching. Qld policy is that it is not needed if you are not coaching children. We have this policy because we are trying to keep volunteering as simple as possible. The other part of the story is that Qld Government has recently refused to issue a Blue Card to one of our coaches because they are not involved in coaching children.

CroquetWade

Qld Government has recently refused to issue a Blue Card to one of our coaches because they are not involved in coaching children.

what? did they say 'we wont give you one because you dont need it?'

Mazda

CroquetWade yes

pennyv

CroquetWade I was told that the message from Blue Card Services (the govt body responsible) was that the applicant didn’t need a Blue Card for coaching adults. The card was issued in any case. They did not refuse to do so.

CroquetWade

Mazda Ok. So the system is made so anyone coaching in any activity u18 is checked. if a croquet coach wants to take u18 sessions then they need a blue card.

the amount of u18 sessions is how many a year in Qld at the moment?

if that number is small, is the cost of applying an edge case to everyone worth it?

Mazda

That’s the point.

Kylie

Volunteer Blue Card would only be denied if they (a) failed background check, or (b) did not meet the eligibility requirement. Even if you primarily coach adults, the presence of junior players (under 18) on your team—even occasionally—classifies your role as "child-related work" under the Act. Also - Executive Members: Even if they don't coach, committee members who make decisions about junior activities or services are often required to hold a card.

From 1 April 2026, all Queensland sports clubs must demonstrate they are implementing the 10 Child Safe Standards. https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/standards Does it apply to the Croquet Clubs, or CAQ, or CA? YES! It is MANDATORY. (Especially if you want government funding.)
The National Principles for Child Safe Organisations are legislated in QLD through the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 ( https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/asmade/act-2024-049 ) and apply to ANY Sport & Recreation Club or Organisation that offers ANY of the following:
• Junior Memberships: Offers any membership category for people under 18.
• Facilitates Junior Play: Allows junior players to participate in any fixtures, even if they are from other clubs.
• Youth Activities: Runs specific "come and try" days or coaching clinics targeted at children.
• Specifically Provided Spaces: Maintains facilities designated for child use (e.g., a junior court or equipment set).
Croquet Clubs and Associations ARE required to comply, and are legally mandated to implement the 10 Child Safe Standards through their governance and operational frameworks. Use the QFCC Self-Assessment Tool ( https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/standards ) to determine the club's status and see if they need to formalise any policies.
Exceptions: If the club is strictly an adult-only association where children are only incidental visitors (e.g., attending with a parent or grandparent), it might not be legally mandated to implement the 10 Child Safe Standards. However, even if the club is not legally required to comply, the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) strongly encourages all organisations to voluntarily implement the standards. This helps manage risk and ensures the club is a safe environment for those occasional visiting families.
Key Deadlines for Sport & Recreation
• 1 April 2026: Mandatory implementation of the 10 Child Safe Standards. (https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/standards )
You must be aware of the following updated requirements:

Blue Card Requirements
• Mandatory Status: Since junior players may be under your supervision, you must hold a valid Blue Card.
• Linking to Club: Ensure your Blue Card is officially "linked" to your sports club via the Blue Card Services Organisation Portal. This ensures the club is notified if your card status changes.
Compliance with 10 Child Safe Standards
From 1 April 2026, all Queensland sports clubs must demonstrate they are implementing the 10 Child Safe Standards. In your executive roles, this practically means:
• Safe Environments (Standard 8): You are responsible for ensuring the adult environment remains safe for juniors. This includes monitoring locker room safety and ensuring appropriate social interactions between adult and junior teammates.
• Risk Management: Your club should have a Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy. (https://www.qld.gov.au/law/laws-regulated-industries-and-accountability/queensland-laws-and-regulations/regulated-industries-and-licensing/blue-card/organisations/risk-management-strategies ) You must understand how this applies to "mixed-age" teams, such as specific protocols for travel or late-night fixtures.

Practical (and FREE) tools to help organisations implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations can be found at the Australian Human Rights Commission. https://humanrights.gov.au/resource-hub/resources-for-organisations-businesses/child-safe-organisations

pennyv

Thanks Kylie -- our first response was to comply ... does no harm and takes little effort. But some of our members have been specifically told by Blue Card Services that our coaches do not need to undergo a WWCC because they do not mainly deliver child-related services or activities. This was also asked at an information session run by the state department, and the presenters were very reluctant to provide an opinion, always referring us (and the bowls contingent) to the "child-related services" clause. The final responsibility rests with individual clubs, especially if they embark on delivering coaching, etc to juniors (wouldn't that be wonderful!) In the meantime, CAQ will continue to support volunteers who apply for Blue Cards.

AJB

A Blue Card is required when the Club provides activities specifically directed at children.
A Blue Card is not required when children attend mixed‑age activities that are not specifically
directed at children.
A Club must maintain a compliant Child & Youth Risk‑Management Strategy under
Queensland law when activities are specifically directed at children in addition to having a Blue Card.

pennyv

Discussion continues ...