EA to Implement Mandatory Working with Children Checks for Officials

As part of Equestrian Australia’s (EA’s) commitment to safeguarding children and young people in the sport of Equestrian, and in line with the EA Child Safeguarding Policy, EA will be implementing mandatory Working with Children Check’s for all EA Officials to take effect from 1 July 2023.

Working with Children Check (WWCC) laws are currently in place in all Australian states and territories and aim to prevent people who pose a risk to children from working with children as paid employees or volunteers.

These laws require individuals involved in areas such as sport and recreation to undertake a check to determine their suitability to work (in a paid or volunteer capacity) with children.

The implementation of mandatory WWCC’s for all EA accredited coaches took place earlier in the year and now we extend this to officials, to assist in complying with the WWCC laws, in addition to implementing a consistent and comprehensive screening process for all coaches and officials to make our sport safer.

EA is committed to protecting our sport, people and horses whilst providing professional, safe, and enjoyable programs and services to children. Therefore, mandatory WWCC’s is an appropriate requirement for coaches and officials.

"This is a positive step forward for equestrian to assist in protecting our children and young people, who are the future of our sport. Child safety is something we want to be a leader in," said Brooke Irvine, EA Integrity Manager.

You can find more information about how to apply in this FAQ booklet. If you already hold a current WWCC or equivalent please email a copy to [email protected]

The mandatory WWCC’s will take effect prior to 1 July 2023 for EA Officials appointed to National Championships held in late 2022 and early 2023 with all other EA Accredited Officials requiring the check by 1 July 2023.

Find all the up-to-date information on the Working with Child Check Page