News & Updates

Athletics NZ has taken another positive step forward in ensuring a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults with the launch of its Community Volunteer Membership.

The Community Volunteer Membership is the latest initiative by Athletics NZ in its goal of further safeguarding participants in the sport, in addition to the established Community Coach Membership and Accredited Coach Membership.

Registration for the freshly-launched Community Volunteer Membership is free and, in line with the other membership types, is managed via the Athletics NZ ClubNet online portal.

As part of the registration process, those applying must read and acknowledge child safety education information in alignment with Sport NZ good practice resources, as well as agreeing to abide by the Athletics NZ Code of Conduct.

Those participating in centre teams will be protected, as the 11 regional centres have confirmed that all team managers and other official roles within a team must have either Community Volunteer Membership, Community Coach Membership or Accredited Coach Membership, all of which include police vetting. Athletics NZ is currently updating its Competition Regulations to reflect the new membership requirement.

Athletics NZ also has in place a Member Protection and Anti-Harassment Regulation, which sets out Athletics NZ’s commitment to ensuring that every person participating in athletics is treated with respect and dignity and is protected from discrimination, harassment and abuse.

“We consider athlete welfare to be one of the most important issues in sport today and are pleased to be launching another initiative to further protect our participants,” Athletics NZ CEO Peter Pfitzinger says.

“But we’re conscious that this is a complex problem, which isn’t entirely solved by policies, vetting and checks alone. Education, awareness and the provision of avenues for athletes and others to report abuse and bullying are also a critical part of combatting unacceptable behaviour,” he adds.

“Together, we must take responsibility for making sport safe for all participants, especially our children.”

Registration for the Athletics NZ Community Volunteer Membership is now live and can be accessed by clicking here

To view the Athletics NZ Member Protection and Anti-Harassment Regulation please click here