It is the policy of Downunder Spirit to ensure that all appropriate persons are screened in relation to Working with Children in terms of the applicable legislation. Any enquiries in regard to screening or suitability cards should be referred to the Program Manager at info@zooathletics.com.

Child Protection Policy

Rights of Children and Young People

Australia has agreed to uphold the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This Convention establishes 'minimum' rights to which children and young people are entitled. Downunder Spirit aims to uphold these rights.

Under the Convention, children and young people have the right to:

feel safe
be listened to
be involved in decisions that affect them
have their cultural values respected
not be unjustly discriminated against on the basis of their status, activities, expressed opinions or beliefs
of their parents or carers, and
have their best interests considered.

Expectations of Children and Young People

Children and young people involved in teams within Downunder Spirit should comply with the Athletes Expectations at all times.

Children and young people attending club activities should at all times:

show respect for other children, young people and adults
keep themselves safe, and
report inappropriate behaviour, unsafe situations or harm.

Rights and Responsibilities of Parents and Caregivers

Parents and carers trust Downunder Spirit to provide appropriate services and activities for their children. In an environment friendly to children and young people, parents and carers should:

be welcome visitors at our club
take part, where appropriate, in the planning, management, development and delivery of activities
have their cultural, religious, disability and language requirements respected and catered for
be told about our programmes, services and activities
have opportunities to give regular feedback to our organisation
receive feedback from staff and/or management about their child's involvement in activities
have access to our ZOO Athletic's policies
know how and who to voice their concerns to, expect to be listened to and have their views considered, and
have any personal information treated confidentially and their privacy respected.

Expectations of Parents and Carers

If a parent considers excessive demands are being placed on them, they should feel comfortable in approaching any member of Downunder Spirit management to discuss the situation and possible solutions.

Generally, parents and carers should expect to:

work with Downunder Spirit to support its CHILD PROTECTION POLICY and CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
provide their children with required support, for example, clothes, food, equipment and travel as needed
to participate in reasonable club activities
inform the club of any situations of bullying, intimidation or harassment experienced by their child, and any suspicion that children or young people in our club are being harmed
give positive and negative feedback on our club's policies and procedures, and
be involved in our club, but not be judged for little or no involvement.