Judo fun for

Child Safety & Member Protection

Protecting Our Community

Our Commitment

SouthWest Judo Academy is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where every child and vulnerable member is protected through clear policies, proactive training, and transparent reporting.

Zero Tolerance

Any abuse or neglect is absolutely not tolerated.

Safe Envirionment

We maintain strict safeguards on and off the mats.

Scope and Definitions

The Judo Australia grading system is designed to recognize each student’s progress in skills, knowledge, and time commitment. We hold gradings four times per year (approximately every 3 months), inviting eligible members to demonstrate their skills and earn their next belt. Below, you’ll find the details on grading requirements and progression for juniors, seniors, and adaptive judo members.

All individuals involved in our club community, including:

  • Coaches & Staff: Everyone delivering instruction or support.

  • Volunteers: Assistants, helpers, or event marshals.

  • Parents & Guardians: Adults responsible for our junior members.

  • Members & Participants: Children, teens, and vulnerable adults enrolled in our programs.

  • Child: Any person under 18 years of age.

  • Vulnerable Member: A person at increased risk of harm—this may include young people with a disability or other factors affecting their ability to protect themselves.

  • Reportable Conduct: Any suspected or alleged physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, harassment, or bullying occurring within our club environment.

Protecting every member isn’t just best practice—it’s our duty. Clear scope and definitions ensure that:

  • No One Is Overlooked: We know exactly who falls under our safeguarding policies.

  • Consistent Standards: Everyone understands what behaviour is unacceptable.

  • Swift Action: Well-defined terms let us respond quickly and appropriately when concerns arise.

 
 
 

Screening & Training

We ensure that everyone entrusted with our members has been properly vetted and approved.

  • Working with Children Checks
    Every coach and volunteer holds a current WWC card and renews it as required by WA law.

  • Good Standing with Judo WA (Inc.)
    All instructors are active, accredited members of Judo Western Australia and comply with its Member Protection Policy.

  • Reference & Background Checks
    We conduct verbal and written referee checks for all new staff and volunteers before they step onto the mats.

We equip our team and members with the skills they need to keep everyone safe and supported.

  • In-House Coach Development
    Regular workshops and mentorship sessions led by our senior coaches reinforce best-practice safeguarding and child-friendly pedagogy.

  • First Aid Certification
    We strongly encourage all coaches (and aspiring coaches) to obtain and maintain a valid first aid certificate.

  • Official Coaching Accreditation
    Support to complete Judo WA’s coaching accreditation pathway, from introductory courses through to advanced instructor levels.

  • Continuous Professional Learning
    Access to external seminars, online courses, and conferences on topics such as child protection, sports psychology, and inclusive coaching.

 

Reporting Procedures

Speak with Us First

Email: hello@southwestjudoacademy.com.au Phone: 0419 958 593 Our Club Child Safety Officer will acknowledge your concern within 24 hours, handle it confidentially, and work with you on next steps.

Escalating Beyond the Club

If you believe a matter requires independent review or further investigation, you’re encouraged to contact Judo Western Australia’s Member Protection team: Safeguarding & Member Protection: https://www.judowa.org.au/about/safeguarding/ No matter the pathway, you will be treated with respect, your privacy will be protected, and there will be no retaliation for speaking up.