Crocodile Martial Arts Australia – Guidelines for Interacting with Children

Maintain Appropriate Boundaries

Instructors and other personnel in positions of authority should maintain clear:

Physical Boundaries:

• Use exercises and drills to develop fitness, not as a punishment.
• Only use physical contact that is appropriate for the development of a particular skill and has the permission of the student.
• Work within sight of others at all times.

Emotional Boundaries

• Use positive feedback on performance, not negative feedback about the person.
• Be encouraging and avoid put-downs.

Social Boundaries

• Attend club related events and celebrations but do not socialize with Junior members outside club events.
• Do not socialise with junior members via social media.

Minimise Physical Contact

• Do not touch members in ways likely to make them feel uncomfortable.
• Generally, physical contact with students should be to:
  • Develop sports skills.
  • Treat an injury – by designated first aid officers
  • Prevent or respond to an injury
  • Meet the specific requirements of training

All physical contact by an Instructor should fulfil the following criteria:

• Physical contact should be appropriate for the development of a martial art skill.
• Permission from the student should always be sought.
• Students should always be congratulated or comforted in public not in an isolated setting.

Avoid Being Alone with a Child

To protect yourself and the child from risk:

• Do not isolate yourself and a child and avoid being alone with any particular child.
• If a child approaches you and wants to talk to you privately about a matter, do so in an open area and in sight of other adults (e.g. other instructors, staff, or parents/guardians).