Rules, regulations and rights

To find out what rules and regulations govern your sport, contact the state sport organisation.

On this page:

• Abuse or bullying
• Risk management
• Safety standards at sport clubs and recreation areas
• Sun safety
• Outdoor safety
• Food and drink
• Immunisation
• Injuries
• General safety

Abuse or bullying

• Read information about bullying for players, coaches, parents and administrators.
• Learn how to report abuse.
• Get support for children and young people experiencing bullying.
• The Queensland Human Rights Commission deal with discrimination complaints in Queensland and can explain types of unfair treatment and the complaints process.
• Call Kids Helpline (24-hour, 7-days-a-week counselling service for kids) on 1800 55 1800 at any time for any reason.

Risk management

Risk management is the process of identifying potential risks and acting to reduce, eliminate or avoid them.

Risk management consists of a series of steps including:

• identifying risks or potential risks
• evaluating the impact the risks may have
• risk treatment to manage risk
• implementing and reviewing your strategy.

Providing a safe environment for sport and recreational pursuits is a major challenge for many local governments and sport and recreation organisations.

Whether you're a volunteer, a paid administrator, an official, coach, instructor or just someone taking part in sport and recreational activities, it pays to play it safe.

Safety standards at sport clubs and recreation areas

Each sport or recreational activity has its own risks. Whether you are an activity organiser or participant, know the safety standards for your activity so that everyone can have fun.

Read the guidelines for outdoor leaders and providers to conduct outdoor recreation activities.

Sun safety

Sporting organisations have a duty of care to provide a safe and healthy environment for their members. One aspect of being healthy and safe is through sun safety and protection from the sun’s ultra-violet radiation (UVR).

Queensland sport clubs may be part of a larger association which has an overarching policy for all member clubs, or it may be the responsibility of your club to have its own sun protection policy.

The Cancer Council Queensland offers a range of programs and resources to assist in reducing sun cancer risk

Tips for being sun safe when participating in sport and recreation:

• install and improving shade areas in environments where people are active both through structured activities such as sport and recreation and where people engage in incidental physical activity such as playground equipment
• schedule training and game/activity times for the early morning or late afternoon and where possible conduct sport training in shade covered environments
• encourage uniforms and hats that offer maximum sun protection
• encourage the wearing of sunglasses while off-field
• encourage the use of sunscreen and where possible, make available through the sporting or recreation organisation.

Outdoor safety

• Recreational safety, including safety in parks, forests and on the water.
• Sun safety and skin cancer prevention advice when playing or watching sport outdoors.

Food and drink

• Food safety for not-for-profit organisations—find out about your food safety obligations for your club.
• Food safety matters—information on how to handle food safely.
• Food safety tips for consumers from Safe Food Queensland.
• Food safety guidelines.
• Good Sports is a three level accreditation program that helps clubs set standards around the key health issues of alcohol, smoking, obesity and mental health.

Serving alcohol

• Find out what liquor licensing your club needs.
• Read about reducing alcohol-related problems to boost club membership.

Immunisation

If you are involved in a sport or recreational activity that requires physical contact (such as wrestling), having the right immunisation can help you reduce your risk of getting sick. If you are already vaccinated, check with your doctor that your vaccine is still active.

Read about what immunisation is available in Queensland.

Injuries

• General sport safety and sport injuries information from Smartplay—a sport safety and injury prevention program.
• Information about injuries and injury prevention from Queensland Health.
• Sports Medicine Australia resources and advice for active people to help prevent injury and help you recover from injury.

General safety

• Workplace health and safety for recreation and sport, what law applies and ways in which you can manage your risks.
• Information and advice on safety—how to stay safe and protected in your community.