VIC Can a club ban a Registered Sex Offender from watching their child play sport

[Osew]

Hello,

Can a sports club ban a registered sex offender from attending to watch their child play?
Parent is on the register for life, jailed for sex offences against a child.
My view is child safety is paramount and he should be banned for attending games as a spectator.
Would a club be liable for any legal action if they took this course of action?

Regards,

 

[Tim W]

Are you on the committee?
Or are you the Registered Person?

 

[Osew]

I’m a member at the club.

 

[Tim W]

You're the banned person?

 

[Tim W]

Have a read of this

 

[Osew]

No, I’ve asked the question. Why would I come on here asking for legal advice if I was a bloody register sex offender!
I’m seeking advice in relation to wanting to ban an RSO from attending a club where his kids play.

 

[Tim W]

Why would I come on here asking for legal advice if I was a bloody register sex offender!

Because, literally, one did.
And, separately, because a member of a LARP club,
with more or less the same question as you, once did.

Short answer is this - depends quite a lot on the venue.

Can they ban him from a venue they own, or of which they have exclusive use
(such as an indoor basketball stadium, or an enclosed, access-controlled footy field, or a private school's playing field)?
Yes

Can they ban him from an event they are running in a public place
(like a public playing field)?
Yes, but it's more complex to enforce.

Further - no, there is no human rights argument, and no basis for a discrimination claim.
And no, any Orders from the Family Court do not create
any kind of rights for him to go somewhere where he isn't welcome,
or where the safety of other children must be a consideration.
And if that means that his kids can't play, then too bad.

If you want the hammer, then get legal advice
about either an amicus or intervenor application
to vary any parole conditions he might have.

 

[Osew]

Thank you!