Youth Safety Policies & Procedures

1. Purpose

Hijra Fitness provides structured boxing, calisthenics, and mentoring sessions for young people. Our goal is to promote discipline, confidence, physical health, and positive decision-making through training and mentorship. The safety, wellbeing, and protection of young participants is our highest priority. Hijra Fitness is committed to operating in line with the Victorian Child Safe Standards, which require organisations working with young people to actively prevent harm and promote safe environments.

2. Commitment to Youth Safety

Hijra Fitness is committed to ensuring young people:
• feel safe and respected
• are supported physically and emotionally
• can speak up if they feel uncomfortable
• train in a structured and supervised environment

All coaches and mentors must:
• hold a valid Working With Children Check
• act respectfully and professionally
• maintain appropriate boundaries with participants
• prioritise the wellbeing of all young people

3. Alignment with the Victorian Child Safe Standards

Hijra Fitness supports and follows the 11 Victorian Child Safe Standards to ensure the safety and wellbeing of young participants.

Standard 1 – Cultural Safety

Hijra Fitness respects and values the cultural identity of all young people, including Aboriginal and multicultural participants. Discrimination or racism is not tolerated.

Standard 2 – Leadership and Commitment to Safety

Youth safety is embedded in the leadership and culture of Hijra Fitness. All coaches and mentors are responsible for maintaining safe environments.

Standard 3 – Youth Participation

Participants are encouraged to share feedback, ask questions, and express concerns. Young people are treated with respect and their voices are taken seriously.

Standard 4 – Family and Community Involvement

Parents, guardians, and community members are encouraged to support and engage with the program to promote safe participation.

Standard 5 – Equity and Inclusion

Hijra Fitness welcomes participants from diverse cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. Everyone is treated equally and respectfully.

Standard 6 – Suitable Staff and Volunteers

All coaches and volunteers must meet safety screening requirements and demonstrate appropriate behaviour when working with young people.

Standard 7 – Complaints and Concerns

Young people and families are encouraged to report concerns. Complaints will be taken seriously and handled respectfully and confidentially.

Standard 8 – Staff Knowledge and Awareness

Coaches and mentors are expected to understand youth safety responsibilities and appropriate conduct.

Standard 9 – Safe Physical and Online Environments

Training sessions are supervised, equipment is used safely, and online communication with participants remains professional.

Standard 10 – Continuous Review

Hijra Fitness regularly reviews policies and practices to ensure safety standards are maintained and improved.

Standard 11 – Documented Safety Policies

Hijra Fitness maintains written policies and procedures to ensure clear expectations around youth safety and protection.

4. Transport Safety Policy

Transport may be provided to allow young people to attend training sessions when access is limited.

Safety requirements include:
• drivers must hold a valid driver’s licence
• vehicles must be registered and roadworthy
• seatbelts must be worn at all times
• drivers must follow road safety laws

Transport will only be provided for Hijra Fitness activities, and participants will travel in groups where possible. Parents or guardians may be informed when transport is arranged.

5. Protection from Harm and Abuse

Hijra Fitness has zero tolerance for abuse, harassment, bullying, or unsafe behaviour.

Unacceptable behaviour includes:
• physical or verbal abuse
• bullying or intimidation
• discrimination or racism
• inappropriate contact with participants

Any concerns will be taken seriously and handled appropriately.

6. Privacy and Personal Information

Hijra Fitness respects the privacy of all participants and families.

Information collected may include:
• name
• emergency contact details
• relevant medical information

This information will be:
• kept secure
• used only for program purposes
• not shared without consent

Photos or videos of participants will only be used with parent or guardian permission.

7. Safe Training Environment

All Hijra Fitness sessions prioritise participant safety.

Safety practices include:
• supervised training sessions
• structured warm-ups and cooldowns
• safe equipment use
• hydration during training
• basic first aid availability

Participants are encouraged to support one another and maintain a respectful environment.

8. Reporting Concerns

Participants, families, or community members who have safety concerns are encouraged to raise them.

All concerns will be:
• listened to respectfully
• handled confidentially
• investigated appropriately

If required, appropriate authorities may be contacted.

9. Website Privacy

Hijra Fitness respects the privacy of individuals who visit our website or contact us online.

This website does not collect personal information automatically. Individuals may choose to contact Hijra Fitness using the email address provided on the website.

When an individual sends an email, information such as their email address, name, and message content may be received. This information is used only to respond to enquiries or provide information about Hijra Fitness programs or activities.

Hijra Fitness does not sell, share, or distribute personal information to third parties.

Individuals who have questions about privacy may contact Hijra Fitness using the contact details listed on the website.