Basketball Victoria is committed to support associations and clubs to provide safe and supportive environments for children and young people to participate in.
Basketball Victoria's Child Safety Officer, Sarah Wolokh, who has extensive experience in social work and protecting children, has recently been appointed to ensure that young people have a safe and supportive space to grow, develop skills, and build lasting friendships within our basketball community. As part of her role, Sarah is excited to introduce initiatives led by Basketball Victoria to promote child safety, foster a sense of community, and provide enriching experiences for young athletes.
A Strong Sense of Community
Basketball is more than just a sport; it's a community where families, coaches, volunteers, and players come together to celebrate the joy of teamwork and competition. With many coaches and volunteers being family members of young athletes, the sense of community is further bolstered. To ensure the positive community environment is strengthened, Sarah has been working with our stakeholders to bring together consistent messaging and a suite of resources.
Sarah is a basketball mum who has a young child involved with a local basketball association and loves witnessing the community in action.
“As I watch my own child play basketball, I'm overwhelmed by the passion and enthusiasm that emanates from families and spectators. In my short time at Basketball Victoria, I've witnessed the dedication that goes into creating an energetic and safe atmosphere during games. The focus is not only on the excitement of the game but also on nurturing the self-esteem and growth of our children and young athletes.”
A Passion for Protecting Young Lives
With a career spanning almost two decades in the not-for-profit sector, Sarah has had the privilege of working with young people who have faced challenging circumstances, many of who have experienced childhood abuse. This experience has reinforced the importance of safeguarding and protecting the well-being of children and young people. Now, as a member of the Basketball Victoria family, she brings this passion and dedication to creating an environment where every child can flourish.
Basketball, as a team sport, offers children and young people more than just physical activity; it provides a sense of belonging, a connection to a wider community, and opportunities to develop new skills. She is deeply committed to ensuring that basketball becomes a safe haven for young athletes, allowing them to be themselves, fostering their sense of belonging, self-esteem, and confidence.
Collaboration for a Safer Future
At Basketball Victoria, the collaboration between associations and clubs plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children and young people participating in the sport. A part of Sarah’s role is to work closely with these entities to ensure that we not only meet but exceed the Victorian Child Safety Standards. We are focussing on creating safe environments through appropriate personnel selection, regular policy reviews, codes of conduct, and comprehensive training programs.
We understand that coaches and other influential adults in sporting clubs can shape the lives of children positively, leaving a lasting impact that extends beyond the court. Establishing strong, safe, and positive relationships is essential for child safeguarding and abuse prevention.
Supporting and Empowering Associations and Clubs
A significant aspect of Sarah’s role involves providing support to associations and clubs when addressing concerns and complaints. By adhering to best practices and the Child Safe Standards, we ensure that every child's voice is heard, their concerns are addressed, and their safety is upheld.
We are committed to providing resources and information for young people and families to foster awareness about safety in basketball.
A Fun and Enriching Experience
Ultimately, basketball is about providing children and young people with opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun. It's about being a part of a team, developing new skills, and creating lasting memories. It is the commitment of Basketball Victoria to create a safe, positive, and enriching environment for children and young people is unwavering. Together, we are working to shape a future where every young athlete can thrive, learn, and enjoy the wonderful world of basketball.
On our website, you'll find valuable resources on child safety in sports, as well as information about promoting inclusion and equity within the sport.
If you ever have concerns or questions about your child's participation in basketball, remember that we are here to support you.
You can reach Sarah directly at child.safety@basketballvictoria.com.au or 9837 8000.
Additionally, your club or association's Child Safety Officer is always available to assist.
