Blue cards for churches, clubs and associations

You need a blue card if you are working or volunteering within a church, club or association or similar entity and:

• providing services directed mainly towards children.
• conducting activities mainly involving children.
• engaging in decision-making in relation to children as a member of an executive committee, such as a committee leadership group.

Examples

You need a blue card if you:

• work in a Sunday school or youth group at a church
• volunteer to coach children at a sporting club
• are a Scout or Girl Guides leader leading an excursion for children
• are an adjudicator of a child sporting competition
• are involved in orienteering for children
• are a surf lifesaver running a nipper’s program
• are an executive committee member of a church, club or association who makes decisions about activities or services provided mainly for children
• work as a paid sports referee, including those aged under 18 years.

You don’t need a blue card if you:

• work in a canteen, kitchen, or tuck shop
• are a cleaner at the facility
• are a parent volunteering in your own child’s activities, unless a restricted person
• participate in a mixed team – such as playing in a team that includes a 16-year old player
• are a registered health practitioner providing health services – such as an occupational therapist treating injured athletes
• are a child volunteering as a referee.

For services that relate to sports or fitness that are not part of a club, please refer to the sport, active recreation, gyms and play facilities and/or private, coaching and tutoring categories.

More information

• Executive officers and board or committee members
• Understand linking requirements for organisations.
• Check when you don’t need a blue card.
• Check who cannot apply for or hold a blue card.
• Learn how to apply for a blue or exemption card.