John Coates, President of the AOC, said he has introduced the policy "to protect all members of our Olympic teams and create a child safe environment" after being concerned by revelations at the Royal Commission into child sexual abuse.

The move also comes after allegations of inappropriate language and behaviour towards a junior female swimmer were made against senior Olympic swim team official Greg Hodge, who last night retired from his role as head coach of the West Coast Swimming Club, while Australia's Sunday Telegraph also revealed that Olympic coach Michael Palfrey is facing "serious allegations" of inappropriate behaviour towards teenage girls on pool deck.

Swimming Western Australia chief executive Darren Beazley has, however, insisted that the accusations made against Palfrey are "unsubstantiated".

"In order to properly safeguard our athletes and uphold the behavioural standards required of an Australian Olympic team member, Working with Children checks are mandatory," International Olympic Committee vice-president Coates added.

Australian swimming coach Greg Hodge is being investigated over claims of inappropriate conduct towards a young female athlete ©Getty Images


The nation's sporting federations must now ensure that all sport officials nominated for selection for Rio 2016, and all subsequent Olympic teams, have undertaken the check.

The same condition also applies to all headquarters officials and anyone that has not gone through the vetting system will not be eligible for selection.

The AOC revealed that Coates has been consulting the United States Olympic Committee and the British Olympic Association on the matter, as well as Chair of the Royal Commission, The Hon Justice Peter McClellan.

"We have been working with the US Olympic Committee and British Olympic Association who have vigorous policies in regard to the safety of children," Coates said.

"We will be introducing similar policies in our team agreement to protect all members of our team.

"It has been suggested to me that this is a bigger problem in American sport than doping.

"It is our job to show leadership.

"Just like what we are trying in our fight against doping in sport, I want us to try and set the highest standard possible here, in protecting athletes, it's my job."

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