MACCABI VICTORIA BASKETBALL CLUB

Purpose

 

At Maccabi Basketball Victoria (MBV), player safety and wellbeing are our highest priorities. The Parent on Duty (POD) role is a critical part of ensuring a safe, supervised, and well-managed training environment for all players.

This policy outlines the expectations and requirements for Parent on Duty at all training sessions.

 

General Requirement

 

​● Every team is required to nominate a Parent on Duty for each training session.

● The Parent on Duty must be a responsible adult who remains present and actively engaged for the full duration of the session.

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Under 8 & Under 10 Teams (MANDATORY – NO SHARING)

​For U8 and U10 teams, the following applies:

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● Each team must have its own dedicated Parent on Duty.

● Parent on Duty responsibilities cannot be shared with another team, even if  training on the same court.

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Why this is non-negotiable

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● Younger players require closer supervision and support.

● Coaches must be able to:

   ○ Focus on running the session

   ○ Continue training safely if a child needs assistance (e.g. injury, toilet break)

● One adult supervising up to 16 young children is not considered safe or appropriate.

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Under 12 and Above (SHARED OPTION PERMITTED)

 

For U12 and older teams, MBV allows shared Parent on Duty arrangements, subject to the following:

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● A single Parent on Duty may cover two teams sharing a court.

● This arrangement has been reviewed with CSG and is permitted only in indoor,

controlled environments.

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Shared Parent on Duty – Expectations

 

Role Responsibilty

● The Parent on Duty is responsible for:

  ○ Supporting Player Safety

  ○ Assisting with incidents of injuries

  ○ Acting as an additional adult presence alongside the coach.

  ○ Extra set of eyes and ears at the venue.

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Before Training

● Arrive early (minimum 10 minutes prior).

● Conduct a visual safety check, including:

  ○ Entry/exit points

  ○ Surrounding areas

  ○ Any unusual or concerning activity

 

During Training

The Parent on Duty must:

● Remain courtside and fully attentive at all times

● Not engage in work, phone use, or distractions

● Actively:

  ○ Monitor who enters and exits the space

  ○ Keep eyes on doors and surrounding areas

  ○ Be available immediately if a player requires assistance

 

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Venue-Specific Considerations

​Supervision expectations may vary slightly depending on venue conditions:

​● Bialik College Gringlas Sports Centre

  ○ On-site security is present

  ○ Parent vigilance remains important but is supported by security staff

● Wesley College Elsternwick Campus & Orrong Romanis Recreation Centre

  ○ No dedicated security present

  ○ Parent on Duty plays a critical role as the primary safety observer

 

Non-Compliance

● Teams that do not provide a Parent on Duty may have training impacted or paused.

● Repeated non-compliance may be escalated to the MBV Committee.

 

Key Principle

This policy is not administrative—it is about child safety, supervision, and duty of care.

​We rely on our parent community to help create a safe and supportive environment for all players.