1. Purpose

This policy outlines the standards and practices ONI follows to create a safe, supportive environment for young people. It is designed to protect youth, maintain professional boundaries, and reassure parents/guardians that their child’s safety is always our priority.

2. Guiding Principles

  • Safety First: Emotional and physical safety comes before convenience.

  • Transparency: All interactions are observable and accountable.

  • Parent Partnership: Parents/guardians are central to the process and always included in communication and decision-making.

  • Professional Boundaries: Staff maintain clear, professional, age-appropriate relationships.

  • Consistency: These standards apply across all ONI services.

3. Supervision & Environment

  • Consultations and training sessions take place in open, visible spaces.

  • Clinic rooms/private areas are only used if a parent/guardian is present.

  • Parents/guardians attend the first consultation and are welcome to observe training sessions at any time.

  • Sessions occur during regular staffed hours whenever possible.

  • See below for massage related supervision/environment.

4. Communication

  • Parents/guardians are always included in communication outside the gym (texts, calls, emails).

  • Staff do not engage in one-on-one digital messaging with youth clients.

  • Communication is always professional, respectful, and related to training or wellbeing.

5. Boundaries & Conduct

  • Physical contact is limited to what is necessary for safe instruction (see below for massage therapy related physical contact). It is explained in advance and consent is sought where possible.

  • Professional distance is maintained at all times.

  • Staff avoid personal friendships or socialising with youth clients outside of the gym.

  • Staff do not give or accept personal gifts of significant value.

6. Events & Transport

  • Staff do not transport youth clients unless there is written parental consent and another adult is present.

  • Parents/guardians accompany youth to offsite events or competitions unless otherwise agreed in writing.

7. Massage Therapy with Youth Clients

Because massage therapy involves hands on treatment, additional safeguards are in place:

Eligibility

  • ONI offers massage therapy to youth under 18 only with written parental/guardian consent.

  • For clients under 16: a parent/guardian must be present in the treatment room at all times.

  • For clients aged 16 to 17: parents/guardians may decide whether to remain in the room, but written consent is always required.

First Appointment Requirements

  • A signed consent form must be completed before treatment begins.

  • Therapists conduct a pre-session phone call with the parent/guardian to explain what the session will involve and answer questions.

  • Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to attend the first session in person.

During Sessions

  • Therapists explain the process clearly (e.g clothing, draping, what areas will be worked on).

  • Proper draping is maintained at all times; only the area being treated is uncovered.

  • Therapists check in regularly with the youth client to ensure comfort.

  • Professionalism is maintained at all times; treatment remains focused only on agreed therapeutic goals.

Parent/Guardian Role

  • Under 16: parent/guardian must stay in the room.

  • 16 to 17: parent/guardian may remain or wait nearby but must be accessible.

  • Parents/guardians are welcome to observe or ask questions.

Documentation

  • Signed consent forms and session notes are securely stored.

  • Consent must be renewed if treatment changes significantly.

  • Any boundary concerns are reported immediately to ONI management.

8. Accountability

  • All staff receive training in youth safety and professional boundaries.

  • Concerns are reported immediately to ONI management.

  • Breaches of this policy are taken seriously and addressed promptly.

9. Our Commitment to Parents

This policy reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and care. Parents are always welcome to observe sessions or speak with our team about any aspect of their child’s experience.