Harassment, Abuse & Safeguarding Policy

Purpose

Urban Rec is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all participants, staff, volunteers, contractors, venue partners and guests.
This policy outlines Urban Rec's approach to preventing, identifying and responding to harassment, abuse, bullying, discrimination and other conduct that may negatively impact the safety, wellbeing or dignity of members of our community.

Scope

This policy applies to all Urban Rec participants, staff, volunteers, contractors and representatives.
It applies to conduct occurring:

• During games, leagues, tournaments and events.
• At Urban Rec venues and facilities during event times.
• During event times of Urban Rec social activities.
• Through email, messaging, social media or other online platforms where the conduct relates to Urban Rec.

Urban Rec recognises that participants often form friendships and social connections through our leagues. However, Urban Rec is generally not responsible for managing private disputes, personal relationships or events that occur independently of Urban Rec.

Urban Rec will generally only investigate conduct occurring outside of its activities where it reasonably believes the behaviour may impact the safety, wellbeing or participation of members of the Urban Rec community.

Our Commitment

Everyone has the right to participate in Urban Rec without fear of harassment, abuse, bullying, discrimination, intimidation or victimisation.
Urban Rec has zero tolerance for conduct that undermines the safety, wellbeing or dignity of others.

We are committed to:

• Creating safe and inclusive environments.
• Taking concerns seriously.
• Responding fairly and consistently.
• Protecting the wellbeing of participants and staff.
• Promoting a culture of respect and accountability.

Unacceptable Conduct

The following behaviour is not acceptable within the Urban Rec community:

Harassment
Unwelcome behaviour that offends, humiliates, intimidates or creates an uncomfortable environment for another person.

Bullying
Repeated unreasonable behaviour directed towards an individual or group that creates a risk to health, safety or wellbeing.

Discrimination
Treating someone unfairly because of their background, identity or other protected characteristic.

Abuse
Behaviour that causes physical, emotional, psychological or verbal harm to another person.

Threatening or Intimidating Behaviour
Conduct that causes another person to feel unsafe, threatened or fearful.

Victimisation
Treating someone unfairly because they have made, supported or participated in a complaint or investigation.

Professional & Personal Boundaries

Urban Rec representatives are expected to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with participants.

Examples of inappropriate conduct may include:

• Abuse of a position of trust or authority.
• Persistent unwanted contact.
• Inappropriate personal communications.
• Behaviour that creates discomfort, pressure or intimidation.
• Conduct that could reasonably be perceived as exploitative or coercive.

Reporting Concerns

Anyone who experiences, witnesses or becomes aware of conduct that may breach this policy is encouraged to report the matter.
Reports can be made by emailing:

📧 [email protected]

Where there is an immediate risk to safety, emergency services should be contacted before notifying Urban Rec.

How Concerns Are Managed

Concerns raised under this policy will be managed in accordance with the Complaints Management Policy and, where appropriate, the Disciplinary Policy.
Depending on the circumstances, Urban Rec may:

• Gather information from those involved.
• Review available evidence.
• Conduct a formal investigation.
• Take immediate protective action where required.
• Refer the matter to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Outcomes

Where a breach of this policy is substantiated, Urban Rec may take action including:

• Education or coaching.
• Formal warnings.
• Probation.
• Suspension from games, leagues or events.
• Removal from a league, competition or event.
• Suspension or cancellation of membership.

Serious matters may result in immediate removal from Urban Rec activities.

Protection From Retaliation

Urban Rec supports participants who raise concerns in good faith.
Retaliation, victimisation or attempts to disadvantage a person because they have made or participated in a complaint may itself be treated as a breach of this policy.

Confidentiality

Urban Rec will manage reports and safeguarding concerns as confidentially as resonably possible and will only share information where necessary to assess, investigate or resolve a matter.

To ensure a fair process, Urban Rec may need to contact individuals who are the subject of a report and provide them with sufficient informaton to understand and respond to the concerns raised.

While Urban Rec will take reasonable steps to protect the privacy of those involved, anonymity cannot always be guaranteed where it would prevent a fair investigation or response.

Urban Rec will not unnecessarily disclose the identity of a person making a report and will only share information that is reasonably required to protect participant safety or resolve a matter.

Urban Rec may also disclose information where required by law or where it reasonably believes there is a serious risk to the safety or wellbeing of a participant or another person.

Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Inclusion Policy
• Fun First Policy
• Code of Conduct
• Complaints Management Policy
• Disciplinary Policy

Review

Approved By: Urban Rec Management Team
Last Updated: June 2026
Next Review Date: June 2027