Health and Safety Policy - Zero Gravity Cheerleading

At Zero Gravity Cheerleading, the health, safety, and wellbeing of our athletes, staff, and families are our top priority. We are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment that aligns with New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act (2015). We ask that all athletes and their caregivers follow the guidelines below to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

1. Athlete Attire and Personal Items

Athletes must wear fitted, non-restrictive clothing suitable for cheerleading (e.g., shorts, bike pants, leggings, t-shirts). Clothing must not have zippers, buttons, or other hard components that could cause injury or damage to equipment. Hair must be neatly tied back away from the face.

No jewellery is permitted during training (stud earrings are allowed).

Cheer-specific footwear or clean indoor-only sneakers must be worn. No outdoor shoes are allowed on the gym floor to maintain hygiene and protect equipment.

All personal belongings must be placed in the designated cubby holes.

Athlete cell phones are not permitted in the gym space during training sessions.

2. Supervision and Facility Conduct

Parents/caregivers are responsible for supervising their children in the car park, viewing area, waiting room, and toy corner at all times.

Athletes are not permitted to leave the building unless accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Athletes may only use equipment under direct supervision of a qualified coach.

Non-enrolled children must remain off the gym floor and equipment at all times and are encouraged to stay seated or in the waiting room area.

Coaches will manage the gym space and equipment to minimise risk; however, all athletes and parents must adhere to our health and safety protocols.

Chewing gum is not permitted in the gym.

Athletes are encouraged to use the bathroom before class. If needed during training, they must inform a coach before leaving the gym floor.

3. Behaviour and Discipline

If an athlete is required to take a break from training due to inappropriate behaviour, they will be seated in a safe area within view of a coach.

In such cases, the parent/caregiver will be contacted and asked to attend a meeting to discuss the behaviour and next steps.

4. Injury Management and First Aid

Cheerleading is a physically demanding and high-risk sport. While our coaches are trained to manage safety and reduce risk, injuries may still occur.

For minor injuries, our coaches will assess the situation and administer appropriate First Aid. After a short rest, the athlete may return to class or be collected by their caregiver.

For serious injuries or medical emergencies, our staff will provide immediate First Aid and contact emergency services if required.

Parents/caregivers will be contacted using the emergency contact information provided. We will follow your instructions from that point onward.

If we are unable to reach a parent/caregiver, a staff member will accompany the athlete to the nearest medical centre and stay with them until the caregiver arrives and is fully briefed.

5. Earthquakes or Natural Disasters

In the event of an earthquake or natural disaster, Zero Gravity Cheerleading follows established emergency procedures to ensure the safety of all athletes and staff. During an earthquake, athletes will be instructed to “Drop, Cover, and Hold” until the shaking stops.

Once safe, we will evacuate the building and move to our designated assembly point (on the footpath outside the building complex), where staff will account for all children.

Parents will be contacted as soon as it is safe to do so using the emergency details provided. We kindly ask that parents do not attempt to enter the facility or surrounding area during an active emergency unless directed by emergency services or staff. This helps ensure clear access for first responders and allows us to focus on keeping all athletes safe and calm.

In the case of other natural disasters, such as severe weather or flooding, we will follow our emergency protocols with the same priority on safety and communication.

6. Camera Monitoring

For the safety and security of our athletes, staff, visitors, and facilities, cameras operate within designated areas of the Zero Gravity Cheerleading gym.

The cameras are used to assist with:

• monitoring and supporting health and safety within the gym;
• investigating accidents, incidents, or injuries;
• identifying potential hazards or unsafe behaviour; and
• supporting the security of our facilities and equipment.

Cameras are positioned within the gym space and are not located in areas where individuals would reasonably expect privacy, such as toilets or changing areas.

Access to live camera feeds and recorded footage is strictly restricted to the owners of Zero Gravity Cheerleading. Coaches, staff, athletes, parents, visitors, and other third parties do not have routine access to camera footage.

Recorded footage is securely held and managed through Benson & Co Security and is retained for one month, after which it is automatically deleted or overwritten, unless footage needs to be retained for a specific incident, investigation, or other lawful purpose.

Appropriate signage is displayed within the premises to make people aware that cameras are in operation.

7. Commitment to Ongoing Safety

All staff, athletes, and families are expected to contribute to a culture of safety. We regularly review our policies and procedures in line with WorkSafe NZ guidance and best practices for youth sports environments.

By participating in our programmes, you agree to abide by this Health and Safety Policy.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact info@zgcheer.co.nz.