Child Protection Policy

Australian Warrior Fitness– 34 Glennie St W, Gosford NSW 2250

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Child Protection Policy is to ensure the safety, welfare, and well-being of all children and young people (under 18 years of age) participating in activities at Australian Warrior Fitness Ninja Warrior Gym. We are committed to creating a child-safe environment, preventing harm, and responding effectively to any concerns or incidents of child abuse or neglect. This policy outlines our obligations, procedures, and responsibilities in line with New South Wales child protection laws and standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All staff, including full-time, part-time, casual, and contract employees.

All volunteers, coaches, and instructors.

All contractors, visitors, and third-party providers engaged by the gym.

All children and young people under 18 years of age participating in gym activities, including classes, holiday programs, birthday parties, and casual sessions.

Parents, guardians, and carers of children attending the gym.

3. Definitions

Child or Young Person: A person under the age of 18 years.

Child Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, or exposure to family violence.

Mandatory Reporter: A person required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect, as outlined in the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998.

Working with Children Check (WWCC): A legal requirement under the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 for individuals working or volunteering in child-related roles in NSW.

4. Our Commitment to Child Safety

Australian Warrior Fitness Ninja Warrior is committed to:

Providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all children.

Taking proactive steps to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Ensuring all staff, volunteers, and contractors are appropriately screened, trained, and supervised.

Responding promptly and appropriately to any concerns, allegations, or disclosures of child abuse or harm.

Promoting the rights of children to participate in activities free from harm, discrimination, or exploitation.

Empowering children to voice concerns and ensuring their views are respected.

5. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

We comply with all relevant NSW laws and regulations, including but not limited to:

Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 – Mandating reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect.

Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 – Requiring WWCC for all staff and volunteers in child-related roles.

Ombudsman Act 1974 – Reporting serious misconduct involving children to the NSW Ombudsman.

Child Safe Standards – Recommended by the Office of the Children’s Guardian to promote child-safe organisations.

6. Recruitment and Screening

To ensure a child-safe environment, Australian Warrior Fitness will:

Require all staff, volunteers, and contractors in child-related roles to hold a valid WWCC, verified through the Office of the Children’s Guardian.

Conduct thorough reference checks for all staff and volunteers, including questions related to their suitability to work with children.

Include child safety expectations in all job descriptions, contracts, and volunteer agreements.

Maintain a register of WWCC clearances, including verification dates and expiry dates, for all relevant personnel.

7. Training and Education

All staff, volunteers, and contractors will:

Complete mandatory child protection training upon induction and annually thereafter, covering:

Identifying signs of child abuse and neglect.

Mandatory reporting obligations.

Procedures for responding to disclosures or concerns.

Code of Conduct for interacting with children.

Be provided with ongoing education on child safety, including updates to laws, policies, and best practices.

Be trained in creating a child-friendly environment, including how to communicate effectively with children and respond to their needs.

8. Code of Conduct

All staff, volunteers, and contractors must adhere to the following Code of Conduct when interacting with children:

Treat all children with respect, dignity, and fairness, regardless of their background, ability, or circumstances.

Maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries at all times.

Avoid any behaviour that could be perceived as exploitative, abusive, or inappropriate, including:

Physical contact beyond what is necessary for safety or instruction (e.g., spotting during activities).

Engaging in personal or private communication with children outside of gym activities (e.g., via social media, text, or email).

Taking photographs or videos of children without explicit parental consent.

Use positive, age-appropriate language and avoid any comments or actions that could be interpreted as bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

Report any concerns, disclosures, or allegations of child abuse or inappropriate behaviour immediately, as outlined in Section 10.

Ensure that children are supervised by authorised personnel at all times during gym activities.

9. Risk Management

Australian Warrior Fitness will implement risk management strategies to prevent harm to children, including:

Conducting regular risk assessments of gym facilities, equipment, and activities to identify and mitigate potential hazards.

Ensuring all activities are age-appropriate and supervised by trained staff.

Maintaining a staff-to-child ratio that ensures adequate supervision, particularly during high-risk activities (e.g., obstacle courses).

Providing clear safety instructions to children and parents before activities commence.

Ensuring first aid kits are readily available and staff are trained in first aid, including CPR.

Establishing procedures for managing lost children, medical emergencies, and other incidents.

10. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

10.1 Mandatory Reporting

All staff and volunteers are mandatory reporters under NSW law and must report any reasonable suspicion of significant harm to a child, including abuse or neglect, to the NSW Child Protection Helpline (13 21 11).

Reports must be made as soon as practicable after forming a suspicion, and staff must document the details of their concerns.

10.2 Internal Reporting

Any concerns, disclosures, or allegations of child abuse, harm, or inappropriate behaviour must be reported immediately to the Child Safety Officer (CSO) or Gym Manager.

The CSO or Gym Manager will:

Ensure the immediate safety of the child.

Document the concern using an Incident Report Form.

Notify the NSW Child Protection Helpline, police, or other authorities as required.

Inform the Office of the Children’s Guardian or NSW Ombudsman if the allegation involves a staff member, volunteer, or contractor.

10.3 Responding to Disclosures

If a child discloses abuse or harm, staff must:

Listen calmly and attentively without judgement.

Reassure the child that they have done the right thing by speaking up.

Avoid asking leading questions or pressing for details.

Document the disclosure accurately, using the child’s own words where possible.

Report the disclosure immediately to the CSO or Gym Manager.

10.4 Confidentiality

All reports and disclosures will be treated confidentially, with information shared only on a need-to-know basis to protect the child and comply with legal obligations.

Personal information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.

10.5 Support for Children and Families

Australian Warrior Fitness will provide support to children, parents, and carers affected by child protection concerns, including referrals to counselling or support services where appropriate.

11. Incident Management

All child protection incidents, including allegations, disclosures, or concerns, will be documented using an Incident Report Form.

Incidents will be investigated promptly, fairly, and impartially, with the safety of the child as the priority.

If an allegation involves a staff member, volunteer, or contractor, they will be suspended from child-related duties pending the outcome of the investigation, in line with procedural fairness.

Outcomes of investigations will be communicated to relevant parties, including parents/guardians, while maintaining confidentiality.

12. Communication with Parents and Carers

Australian Warrior Fitness will:

Provide parents and carers with a copy of this Child Protection Policy and make it available on our website and at the gym.

Encourage open communication and invite parents to raise any concerns about their child’s safety or well-being.

Obtain written parental consent for children’s participation in activities, including photography or video recording.

Notify parents immediately in the event of an incident, injury, or child protection concern involving their child.

13. Child Participation and Empowerment

We will:

Encourage children to express their views, concerns, or feedback about their experiences at the gym.

Provide age-appropriate information about their rights, including how to stay safe and report concerns.

Ensure activities are designed to be inclusive, fun, and empowering, fostering confidence and resilience.

14. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant incident, legislative change, or update to best practices.

Feedback from staff, volunteers, children, and parents will be sought to inform policy updates.

Compliance with this policy will be monitored through regular audits, staff training records, and incident reports.

15. Key Contacts

Child Safety Officer (CSO): Tallon Kalischer – Responsible for overseeing child protection matters and receiving internal reports.

Gym Manager: Julie Goodman info@auswf.com.au – Responsible for overall gym operations and child safety compliance.

NSW Child Protection Helpline: 13 21 11 – For mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect.

Police: 000 – For emergencies or immediate risk of harm.

Office of the Children’s Guardian: 02 8219 3600 – For WWCC verification and reporting serious misconduct.

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 – For children seeking support or advice.

16. Policy Approval

This policy was approved by Australian Warrior Fitness Management on 25/11/2025 and is effective immediately.

Australian Warrior Fitness- Work Health and Safety Policy

Policy Statement:

At Australian Warrior Fitness, we are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all members, staff, visitors, and contractors. Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses by fostering a culture of safety that permeates every aspect of our operations.

Objectives:

To ensure compliance with applicable WHS laws and regulations.

To manage and control health and safety risks associated with Ninja Warrior activities.

To provide a systematic approach to hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control.

To promote health and safety awareness among all gym users.

To continuously improve our safety performance through regular reviews and updates of safety practices.

Responsibilities:

Management:

Lead by example in promoting a safety culture.

Ensure adequate resources for safety measures.

Regularly review and update the WHS policy.

Provide training, resources, and support for safety implementation.

Employees and Coaches:

Follow all safety procedures and guidelines.

Report any unsafe conditions or near-misses immediately.

Participate in safety training sessions.

Assist in maintaining a safe environment by ensuring equipment is used correctly.

Members and Participants:

Adhere to safety instructions provided by staff.

Use equipment as intended and follow all posted safety signs.

Report any observed hazards or accidents to gym staff.

Contractors and Visitors:

Comply with our safety policies and practices while on the premises.

Inform staff of any safety concerns or incidents.

Key WHS Activities:

Risk Management:

Regular risk assessments of all training areas, equipment, and activities.

Development and maintenance of a risk register.

Implementation of control measures to mitigate identified risks.

Safety Training:

Orientation for new members on safety procedures.

Ongoing training for staff on first aid, emergency procedures, and specific safety practices related to Ninja Warrior obstacles.

Regular safety briefings for all users.

Equipment Safety:

Scheduled maintenance and inspection of all gym equipment and obstacles.

Immediate repair or removal of faulty equipment.

Use of safety gear where necessary (e.g., harnesses for high obstacles).

Emergency Preparedness:

Clear signage for emergency exits and procedures.

Regular drills for evacuation, fire, and medical emergencies.

Availability of first aid kits and trained first aiders.

Incident Reporting and Investigation:

Immediate reporting of all incidents, including near-misses.

Detailed investigation to determine causes and prevent recurrence.

Record keeping in compliance with legal requirements.

Health Monitoring:

Advice on physical readiness for Ninja Warrior activities.

Encouragement of warm-up and cool-down routines.

Promotion of hydration and nutrition for performance and recovery.

Communication:

Safety notices and reminders displayed throughout the gym.

Open forums for discussing safety concerns.

Review and Improvement:

This policy will be reviewed annually or after significant incidents to ensure it remains effective and relevant.

Feedback from all stakeholders will be actively sought and used to improve safety measures.

Conclusion:

Safety is everyone's responsibility at Ninja Warrior Gym. We believe that through collective vigilance, education, and proactive management, we can achieve an injury-free environment where everyone can enjoy and excel in the Ninja Warrior challenge.

Inclusion Policy for Australian Warrior Fitness,Ninja Warrior Gym, NSW, Australia

1. Vision Statement:

At [Gym Name], we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of age, ability, gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation, feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to participate in the Ninja Warrior experience.

2. Accessibility:

Physical Access: Ensure the facility is accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes ramps, accessible restrooms, and equipment adjustments where possible.

Programmatic Access: Offer modified versions of courses or obstacles for different skill levels and physical capabilities, ensuring everyone can participate safely.

3. Diversity and Equity:

Non-Discrimination: We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristics. All members and guests are treated equally.

Cultural Sensitivity: Training for staff on cultural awareness to better serve a diverse clientele, ensuring all cultural practices are respected.

Gender Inclusivity: Facilities and changing areas designed to be gender-neutral, providing comfort and privacy for all.

4. Safety and Health:

Safety Protocols: Clear safety briefings and risk assessments tailored to individual needs. Staff trained in first aid, with particular attention to conditions like asthma, allergies, etc.

Health Considerations: Offer sessions like "Quiet Ninja Time" for those sensitive to noise or crowds. Medical information forms are used to customize participant experiences based on health needs.

5. Participation and Programs:

Adapted Programs: Develop programs specifically for different groups, such as:

Kids' classes with varying skill levels.

Classes for seniors focusing on balance and coordination.

Adaptive Ninja sessions for those with disabilities.

Inclusive Competitions: Events where rules or obstacles might be adjusted to ensure everyone can compete, promoting community and camaraderie.

6. Community Engagement:

Outreach Programs: Collaborate with local schools, disability support groups, and community organizations to broaden participation.

Feedback Mechanism: Regularly gather feedback from participants to continuously improve inclusivity practices.

7. Staff Training:

Ongoing training for all employees on inclusivity, diversity, and sensitivity to ensure they can support all members adequately.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation:

Regular Reviews: Annually review this policy with staff and community members to ensure it meets current needs and societal changes.

Inclusion Metrics: Track participation rates across different demographics to assess the effectiveness of inclusivity measures.

9. Communication:

Clearly communicate this policy to all members, potential members, staff, and on all marketing materials to set expectations and invite diversity.

10. Grievance Procedure:

A clear, accessible process for anyone to report concerns regarding inclusivity or discrimination, ensuring prompt and fair handling of complaints.

Commitment:

By signing below, Australian Warrior Fitness pledges to uphold these principles of inclusivity, ensuring that the Ninja Warrior experience is accessible and beneficial to all members of our community.