A regional football club in Victoria is under scrutiny after allowing a convicted sex offender to volunteer at a junior match. The White Hills Junior Football Club confirmed that Sonny Middleton, who previously served six months in prison for indecent assault, participated as a timekeeper during a game on July 20, 2024. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding child safety protocols within the club.
Middleton, who pleaded guilty in 2024 to assaulting an 18-year-old woman, was spotted by several parents at the match. These parents expressed their alarm to ABC, questioning how a registered sex offender could be involved in a children’s sporting event. Middleton, a former player for the White Hills team, defended his actions, asserting, “I’m a good person. I’m a family man, I’m a businessman.”
While Middleton could not confirm whether he held a valid Working with Children Check, the club did not clarify whether it had verified his status. Under Victoria’s Child Safe Standards, sporting clubs are mandated to ensure all volunteers possess current checks to safeguard children.
Club’s Response and Future Actions
In a statement crafted with input from the AFL, the White Hills Junior Football Club acknowledged a “gap” in its child safety measures. The club emphasized its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children, stating that Middleton’s involvement was an oversight. “The parent filled in when the normal time clock person was unavailable and had no interaction with the playing group on the day,” a spokesperson said.
The club is now reviewing its policies and procedures, pledging to implement any necessary corrective actions. “Our focus remains on ensuring strong safeguards and ongoing compliance to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all players, families, and spectators,” the spokesperson added.
Regulatory Oversight and Responsibilities
The incident has drawn attention to the responsibilities of sporting clubs in Victoria. According to the Victorian Children’s Commissioner, failing to conduct thorough background checks can jeopardize child safety. Lisa Purves, safeguarding director at Sport Integrity Australia, emphasized that all levels of sport, including volunteer-run organizations, must adhere to legislative requirements for checking volunteers’ backgrounds.
Purves stated, “Where they know of a risk, and they know of a person having a conviction, then they do need to take steps to ensure that all members are provided with a safe environment.” She cautioned that neglecting these responsibilities could lead to future harm for children involved in sports.
Despite the challenges faced by volunteer-run clubs, Purves noted the importance of compliance. “It’s not just about turning up to play your sport,” she said, highlighting the need for governing bodies to assist grassroots organizations in better managing volunteer safety.
The White Hills Junior Football Club’s situation serves as a reminder of the critical importance of child safety in sports, particularly in environments where young people are involved. As the club takes steps to address the oversight, the broader community remains vigilant about ensuring the safety of children in all sporting contexts.
