Football Queensland (FQ) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding children by reinforcing measures in place across the state through a range of member protection initiatives.

A ‘No Badge, No Bench, No Ref Room’ policy will be mandated across all state-wide competitions in 2021, ensuring a consistent approach to coach identification and registrations across Queensland.

“As the largest club-based participation sport, we have a responsibility to protect the thousands of children who play our game across the state, and the introduction of the ‘No Badge, No Bench, No Ref Room’ policy will be crucial in supporting the safeguarding children measures currently in place in Queensland,” FQ President Ben Richardson said.

“Football Queensland is committed to delivering high-quality participation experiences for all involved in our game as outlined in our Strategic Plan, and this state-wide initiative will be key to ensuring all coaches at every level of the game are registered and hold a current blue card.”

“Football Queensland is proud to support our zones and clubs across the state as we implement a range of new member protection processes this year,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said.

“In 2021, all registered coaches in Queensland will be required to display an ‘official’ identification pass with their blue card and Football Australia numbers, with zones continuing to manage the coach registration and identification pass process this year.

“In line with our Strategic Plan which outlines a focus on streamlining administrative processes to improve efficiencies, from 2022 Football Queensland will implement and administer a consistent coach identification process across all zones.

“I can’t emphasise enough the importance of these measures. The ‘No Badge, No Bench, No Ref Room’ policy will provide increased visibility and reassurance for parents and participants by clearly identifying registered coaches and will give them surety in knowing that the individual possesses a valid blue card.

“Reflecting our commitment to providing increased support for our clubs across the state, Football Queensland has also developed a number of club support resources including a Working with Children Club Guide to assist clubs in managing and monitoring blue card checks for club coaches.”

FQ’s Working with Children Club Guide will be published in the coming weeks in conjunction with Football Australia’s updated Member Protection Framework.