What do members need to be protected from?

Any form of abuse, including bullying, harassment and discrimination.

What is a Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO)?

It is a requirement of the TA Member Protection By-law  that every member of the Triathlon community has access to a Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO).  Triathlon SA currently has 2 qualfied MPIOs, Shirley Armstrong and Karen O’Brien, available to support its members.

What does an MPIO do?

An MPIO is the first point of call in a club or association for any enquiries, concerns or complaints about harassment, discrimination and/or abuse. The officer provides confidential information and moral support to the person with the concern or who is alleging harassment. Member protection officers do not investigate or resolve conflicts.

In summary, the member protection officer role involves:
• Listening
• Providing support (but not taking over or counseling)
• Providing information and options about what a person might do (but not advice)
• Supporting the complainant in taking the matter further if that is what the complainant wants and the officer feels able to do it
• Keeping up-to-date with information on harassment, discrimination and other forms of inappropriate behaviour
• Understanding their sport's policies and procedures in relation to harassment and discrimination
• Being accessible, approachable and able to maintain confidentiality

Please do not hesitate to contact the office of Triathlon SA  (email admin@triathlonsa.org.au or phone 8232 6174) to make an appointment to talk with an MPIO if you have a concern or complaint.
“Triathlon SA believes everyone who participates in triathlons has the right to be treated with respect and dignity”

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TA Member Protection / Child Protection 

"This By-law has been made under TA's Constitution and provides guidance for the protection of the health, safety and well being of all of TA's members and those who participate in the activities of TA and its STTAs and affiliated clubs. It sets out the procedures to be followed in dealing with harassment and other forms of inappropriate behaviour in an effective and timely way, and provides a procedure for the informal and formal resolution of complaints."

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Some useful resources on other sites:

Harassment Free Sport - ASC Information Sheets

Play By The Rules - Resources