Policy Number XXX Member Protection Policy -Part D -Pregnancy Policy

POLICY –egHuman Resources

Policy Number XXX–Member Protection Policy -Part D -Pregnancy Policy

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Approval

Delegation required for approval: President

Approving officer:

Name: ______Position: ______

Signature: ______Date: ______

Purpose and Background

Womenareincreasingly seekingtocontinueparticipation insports,suchasnetball,throughout their pregnancy.There are many positive outcomes from continuing physical activity during and after pregnancy, howeverasmaternalandfoetalresponsestoexercisecanvarywithpre-gestational maternalfitness levels, co-existing medical conditions and/orpregnancy complications allwomenareencouraged to seekindividualmedicaladvicebeforeparticipating.

Insert Association Nameiscommittedtoprovidinganinclusivesportingenvironmentforpregnantwomeninvolved innetball.Insert Association NameexpectseveryonewhoisboundbythisPolicytotreatpregnantwomenwith dignity and respect and to remove any unreasonable barriers to participation in our sport that disadvantage them. Insert Association Namewillnottolerateanyunlawfuldiscrimination orharassment against pregnantwomenorwomenwhomaybecomepregnant.

Insert Association Namewilltakereasonablecaretoensurethesafety,healthandwellbeingofpregnantwomen andtheirunbornchildren.Insert Association Namewilladvisepregnantwomenthattheremayberisksinvolved, andencouragethemto obtainmedicaladviceaboutthoserisks.Pregnantwomenshouldbeawarethat theirownhealthandwellbeing, andthatoftheirunborn children, areofutmost importance intheir decisionmakingabouttheextentand mannerinwhichtheyparticipateinnetball.

Furtherinformation, The Australian Sports Commission, Pregnancy in Sport, Guidelines for the Australian Sporting Industry

TheInsert Association NamePregnancyPolicyformsonepartoftheInsert Association NameMemberProtectionPolicy,and assuch,shouldbereadinconjunctionwiththeMemberProtectionPolicy.

Policy Statement

Insert Association Nameis committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all its members, including pregnant players. Insert Association Name encourages all pregnant players to discuss their decision to continue playing during their pregnancy with their medical practitioner.

Applicability

This policy applies to Insert Association Nameand persons identified in Member Protection Policy Clause 3.

Definitions

Descriptionsofsomeof thetypesofbehaviourthatcouldberegardedas pregnancydiscriminationor harassmentareprovidedin theDefinitionssectionat (Clause 20)of theInsert Association NameMemberProtection Policy.

Legislative Requirements

InAustralia, Commonwealth, StateandTerritory legislation existsinrelationtodiscrimination. This anti-discrimination legislation makes it unlawful to discriminate against a female on the basis of pregnancy,subjecttospecificexemptions.

Thereareanumberoflegalissuestobeconsidered regardingtheparticipation ofpregnant players includingprovidingreasonablysafeplayingenvironments,privacyof the pregnantparticipantand responsibilityofthepregnantplayerforinherentandobviousrisks.

Procedure

Ifanypersonfeelstheyarebeingharassedordiscriminatedagainstby anotherpersonororganisation boundbythisPolicy,pleaserefertothecomplaintsprocedureoutlinedintheInsert Association NameMember Protection Policy-Part G(ComplaintHandlingPolicy).

ThiswillexplainwhattodoaboutthebehaviourandhowInsert Association Namewilldealwiththeproblem.

Weencourageallpregnantwomentoconsultwiththeirmedicaladvisers,makethemselvesawareof thefactsaboutpregnancyin sport,andensurethattheymakeinformeddecisionsaboutparticipationin particularsportingactivities.Womenwillnotberequiredtoundertakeapregnancytest.

ThefollowingguidelinesmayassistRegion/ Associations/Clubswhenapregnantplayerisinvolved:

3.1 APregnantPlayershould:

3.1.1 Beaware that herown health, andthewellbeing ofher unborn child, isofutmost importanceinherdecisionaboutwhethertocontinueplayingsport.

3.12 Obtain expert medical advice as to the risks associated with playing sport when pregnant. She shouldensure she understands this advice and where necessary questiontheadviceuntilsheissuresheunderstands theriskstakeninparticipatingin netball.

3.1.3 Haveregularantenatalreviewswithherdoctor,includingongoingreviewofherexercise participation.

3.1.4 Take intoaccount herchanged physical condition, usecommon sense and nottake unnecessaryrisks.

3.1.5 Rememberthattheultimatedecisiontoparticipateinnetballwillalwaysbehers,whilst havingregardtoallthecircumstances.

3.2 Insert Association Nameshould:

3.2.1 Evaluate the precautions she/he can take to avoid harm to allplayers,including pregnantplayers.

3.2.2 BeawareofCommonwealth, StateandTerritory anti-discrimination legislation andits application in netball and review the rules, regulations andconstitutionofInsert Association Namewithrespecttotherelevantanti-discriminationlegislation.

3.2.3 Seekprofessionaladvice,(includingmedicaland/orlegal,)ifasituationariseswhereitis notclearwhatstepsshouldbetakeninagivencircumstance.

3.2.4 Ensure that the organisation’s insurance (including public liability and player injury insurance)isuptodateandthatitprovidesappropriatecover.

3.2.5 Promoteadherencetotherulesofthegame.

3.2.6 Createaplayingenvironmentthatisreasonablysafeforallplayers.

3.3 A Coach should:

3.3.1 Furtherinformation, The Australian Sports Commission, Pregnancy in Sport, Guidelines for the Australian Sporting Industry

3.3.2 takereasonablemeasurestoensurethatallathletesareawareoftheissuesrelatedto participationinnetballduringpregnancy.

3.3.3 respect andsupport theplayer’sright tomake herowndecisions inrelation toher participationornonparticipationinnetballwhilstpregnant.

3.3.4 withtheagreement oftheplayer, advise thepertinent team/club/association/member organisationofficialsthatyouarecoachingapregnantplayer.

NOTE: Coaches,trainersandotherswho givepregnantathletesadviceonhowtotrainduring their pregnancymust be very carefulthatthey are not placingthemselvesin the positionofmedicalexperts. They shouldnot speak outsidetheirscope ofknowledge astheycouldfacelegalactionfor negligentadvice. Aconsultativeapproachbetween athlete,coach andmedicalexpert isrecommended.

3.4 TheMatchOfficialsshould:

3.4.1 Applytherulesgoverningthesportequallyandfairlytoallparticipants.

3.5 OtherPlayersshould:

3.5.1 Respect and support apregnant athlete inthe same way as they would any other participant.

Related Document

Insert Association Name Member Protection Policy

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Member Protection Policy -Part D -Pregnancy Policy