School Policies

Cultural Safety

We are committed to creating an environment that is culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. We actively work to ensure that diversity is welcomed, valued and respected, and that the cultural identity of our students is celebrated. We will prevent and address any form of racism or discrimination.

Our Principles

All children have the right to feel safe and be safe. The welfare of the child is paramount. We will listen to children and take their views seriously. We will promote fairness and equity for all children, respecting their diverse backgrounds and needs. We will ensure all people working with children are suitable and supported.

All Adults Must

Treat every child with respect and dignity. Listen to children and value their input. Provide positive guidance and encouragement. Maintain professional boundaries. Ensure physical contact is appropriate, brief, and for safety or instruction only. Report any concerns about a child's safety to the Child Safety Officer immediately. Hold a current valid Blue Card linked to our organisation.

Adults Must NOT

Use any form of physical punishment or humiliating language. Develop "special" relationships with children that could be seen as favouritism or grooming. Engage in rough physical play. Take photos or videos of children without parental consent. Communicate with children via private social media or messaging apps.

Children Are Encouraged To

Treat classmates, coaches, arbiters and volunteers with respect. Speak up if they feel unsafe or worried. Play fairly and follow the rules of chess. Act friendly — no bullying, no bad words. Stay focused during lessons. Keep quiet when playing chess and analysing games. Help keep the campus clean and tidy.

Parents and Carers Are Expected To

Respect the Code of Conduct. Supervise their children before and after lessons and competitions. Supervise children under 12 on site during competitions. Communicate respectfully with coaches, arbiters, volunteers, and other parents. Support their child's positive participation.

What to Report

Any disclosure of harm by a child. Suspicion of harm or risk of harm to a child. Any breach of the Code of Conduct by an adult or child. Any inappropriate behaviour, even if it seems minor.

How to Make a Complaint

1. Listen and Stay Calm — if a child discloses something, listen carefully and reassure them. 2. Report Immediately — all concerns must be reported to the Child Safety Officer on the same day. If the concern involves the Child Safety Officer, report to the Club President. 3. Document — the Child Safety Officer will make a confidential written record.

Our Response Process

We will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 48 hours. The Child Safety Officer will assess urgency and risk. The club will manage the complaint according to its nature — this may involve internal investigation, suspension pending investigation, or referral to external authorities. Serious matters involving immediate risk or sexual abuse must be reported to Police (000) immediately.

Wellbeing Support

Making a complaint can be stressful. Support resources: Lifeline 13 11 14 · Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 · Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 · 13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander) 13 9276.

Supervision of Children

We sometimes provide play areas for younger children at our events. These areas are not childcare services. Parents and guardians must supervise their children at all times. Our staff and arbiters are focused on running the chess tournament and cannot supervise children outside the playing venue.

Tournament Behaviour

We expect everyone to show respect to other players, parents, arbiters, officials, volunteers, and staff. Unacceptable behaviour includes harassment, threatening language (spoken, written, or online), bullying, and discrimination. If someone engages in unacceptable behaviour, our arbiters or staff may issue a warning, forfeit a game, or remove the person from the event.

Illness at Tournaments

If a player shows significant signs of illness (such as fever, persistent coughing, or visible distress), we may ask them to stop playing and leave the venue. This decision is made to protect the ill player and all other participants.

Appeals

All players must follow policies published on our website, rules announced at the beginning of each tournament, and FIDE rules for anything not covered by our policies. For tournaments approved by the Chess Association of Queensland (CAQ), appeals for chess rule decisions may be directed to CAQ.

Attendance & Makeup Lessons

Once enrolled, students are expected to attend all lessons. A maximum credit for two missed lessons can be given in one term, except where prior written agreement has been made. Lessons missed through non-attendance or insufficient notice will be charged.

Student Behaviour

We expect all children to treat coaches, volunteers, and other players with respect, follow instructions, use kind words, and help create a calm and focused learning environment. If behaviour becomes a concern, we will communicate with parents and work together on a support plan. In serious cases, a temporary or longer break from the program may be required.

Refunds

If a child is removed from the program due to ongoing behaviour concerns or a serious incident, a refund may not be provided. We will always explain our decision and discuss any concerns.

Lesson Cancellations

If lessons are cancelled due to force majeure (e.g. teacher strikes, extreme weather), we will issue a credit to students for use in the next term.