There have been changes to the blue card system started on 31 August 2020. These changes came about following the Royal Commission into Child Abuse, and affect applicants, current card holders and organisation’s.
A No Card, No Start Law now applies.
A volunteer member of a board/committee for a community organisation which provides regulated activities for children e.g. president, treasurer or secretary.
A regulated activity is a membership, team, competition or coaching.
Regarding committee members being elected or appointed without Blue Cards, Blue Card Services have advised the following.
- The person cannot take up their position on the board/committee until they have obtained a Blue Card.
- The person may attend board/committee meetings as an observer and should not take part in the meeting.
No doubt, this will affect many golf clubs, and will mean that future board/committee applications will require a valid Blue Card.