MINOR PARTICIPATION & GUARDIAN AUTHORITY POLICY
Issued by MTB Detour Pty Ltd (ACN 693 200 289)
Version 1.0 — Effective 1 January 2026
1. Purpose
1.1 This Minor Participation & Guardian Authority Policy (“Policy”) establishes the conditions, responsibilities, and safety obligations governing the participation of individuals under 18 years of age (“Minors”) in tours, coaching sessions, races, events, and related mountain biking activities (“Activities”) delivered by MTB Detour Pty Ltd (“the Operator”).
1.2 The Policy ensures compliance with:
(a) Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld);
(b) Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld);
(c) Youth Justice Act 1992 (Qld);
(d) relevant Adventure Activity Standards (AAS);
(e) duty of care obligations and common-law principles.
1.3 This Policy must be read together with all other Operator Policies, including the Child Safety & Protection Policy.
2. Scope
2.1 This Policy applies to:
(a) all Minors participating in Activities;
(b) all Guardians providing consent;
(c) all Operator staff, Guides, coaches, contractors, and volunteers;
(d) all Activities conducted in Queensland, interstate, or internationally.
3. Definitions
3.1 “Minor” means a person under 18 years.
3.2 “Guardian” means the lawful parent or legal guardian authorised to provide consent.
3.3 “Guide” means authorised Operators supervising the Activity.
3.4 “Unaccompanied Minor Program” means any Activity where a Minor participates without a Guardian present.
4. Eligibility for Minor Participation
4.1 A Minor may participate only where:
(a) the Guardian provides complete, truthful consent and disclosures;
(b) the Minor meets fitness and skill requirements;
(c) the Minor agrees to follow safety and behavioural instructions;
(d) the Operator approves their participation.
4.2 The Operator may refuse or withdraw approval if safety concerns arise.
5. Guardian Responsibilities & Legal Warranties
5.1 By consenting, the Guardian warrants that they:
(a) are the lawful parent or guardian;
(b) understand and accept all Operator Policies;
(c) have disclosed all medical, behavioural, or psychological information relevant to the Minor’s safety;
(d) confirm the Minor understands safety expectations;
(e) consent to emergency treatment and evacuation procedures.
5.2 The Guardian accepts full liability for:
(a) damage caused by the Minor;
(b) behavioural breaches;
(c) medical or equipment costs;
(d) evacuation expenses.
6. Operator Competency & Child Safety Standards
6.1 All staff supervising Minors must:
(a) hold a valid Working With Children Blue Card;
(b) undergo National Police Criminal History checks;
(c) hold current First Aid and CPR certification;
(d) possess guiding or coaching competency;
(e) undertake child safety and mandatory reporting training.
6.2 The Operator maintains a Child Risk Management Strategy as required by law.
7. Supervision Ratios
7.1 Minimum supervision ratios apply:
(a) 1:6 — standard minor group rides;
(b) 1:4 — technical terrain or advanced coaching;
(c) 1:3 — remote-area or high-consequence terrain;
(d) 1:2 — minors with medical or behavioural considerations.
7.2 Ratios may be increased based on environmental or group-specific risks.
8. Behavioural Requirements for Minors
8.1 Minors must:
(a) follow all Guide instructions immediately;
(b) remain within designated group boundaries;
(c) avoid dangerous behaviour or horseplay;
(d) treat peers, staff, and environment with respect.
8.2 Major breaches include:
(a) refusal to follow safety instructions;
(b) aggression or harassment;
(c) leaving the group without permission;
(d) tampering with equipment.
8.3 Breaches may result in removal from the Activity.
9. Unaccompanied Minors
9.1 Minors may participate without a Guardian present only when:
(a) the Activity explicitly permits unaccompanied minors;
(b) all medical and behavioural disclosures are complete;
(c) the Minor demonstrates adequate maturity and skill.
9.2 Guardians acknowledge that:
(a) communication during the Activity may be limited;
(b) emergency decisions may occur without prior notification;
(c) separation may be required during incidents.
10. Emergency Procedures & Guardian Authority
10.1 Guardians expressly consent to:
(a) first aid;
(b) emergency treatment;
(c) ambulance or helicopter evacuation;
(d) separation of the Minor from the group if required.
10.2 Emergency services may be contacted before the Guardian if delay increases risk.
11. Photography & Media of Minors
11.1 Minors will not be photographed or filmed without explicit Guardian consent.
11.2 Images of Minors will not include identifying details or sensitive contexts.
11.3 Use of images follows the Photography, Media & Digital Content Policy.
12. Liability for Damage Caused by Minors
12.1 Guardians accept full responsibility for:
(a) damage to equipment;
(b) loss or theft caused by the Minor;
(c) environmental or cultural harm resulting from misconduct.
13. Removal of Minors from Activities
13.1 A Minor may be removed if:
(a) safety is compromised;
(b) behavioural expectations are breached;
(c) medical issues arise;
(d) conditions deteriorate.
13.2 No refunds apply for removals due to misconduct or non-disclosure.
14. Jurisdiction
14.1 This Policy is governed by the laws of Queensland.
14.2 Local laws additionally apply for Activities outside Queensland.
15. Acceptance Statement
“By authorising my child’s participation in activities delivered by MTB Detour Pty Ltd (ACN 693 200 289), I confirm that I am the lawful parent or guardian and that I have read, understood, and agree to comply with the Minor Participation & Guardian Authority Policy.”