Purpose

Quarkmine is committed to providing a safe, positive, and respectful environment for all participants in its programs and activities. This Youth Protection Policy establishes clear expectations and safeguards to protect minors, define appropriate boundaries, and ensure accountability for all adults involved.

Scope

This policy applies to all Quarkmine-affiliated programs, events, competitions, platforms, and activities, including but not limited to the Student Robotics League (SRL). It applies to all coaches, volunteers, staff, partners, and representatives interacting with Quarkmine programs.

Core Requirements

1. Coach Eligibility and Screening

  • All Quarkmine-affiliated coaches must be 18 years of age or older.

  • Coaches must be background checked by the school, district, organization, or institution they represent.

  • Quarkmine relies on partner organizations to verify coach eligibility and screening and does not independently conduct background checks.

2. Coach-Only Communication Channels

  • Quarkmine’s protected website areas, portals, and official contact channels are intended for coaches and adult representatives only.

  • Access credentials must not be shared with students or minors.

3. No Direct Electronic Communication With Minors

  • Quarkmine staff do not directly communicate with minors via electronic means, including but not limited to:

    • Email

    • Text messages

    • Direct messages

    • Social media platforms

    • Online chat systems

  • All official communication is conducted through adult coaches or organizational representatives.

  • The use of automated educational software and AI-assisted tools provided by Quarkmine is subject to Quarkmine’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Additional Youth Protection Standards

4.Two-Deep Leadership & Visibility

 

  • Whenever possible, student activities should occur in group settings or with multiple adults present.

  • One-on-one, unsupervised interactions between an adult and a minor in Quarkmine contexts should be avoided.

5. Appropriate Conduct & Boundaries

 

  • All adults must maintain professional, age-appropriate behavior at all times.

  • Physical contact should be limited, appropriate, and never coercive, secretive, or disciplinary in nature.

  • Abusive, discriminatory, humiliating, or sexualized behavior is strictly prohibited.

6. Digital Media & Photography

 

  • Schools and organizations grant Quarkmine permission to capture and use photos or videos from events, activities, and competitions as part of program registration or participation agreements.

  • Media may be used by Quarkmine for promotional, educational, or informational purposes, including websites, social media, and printed materials.

  • Quarkmine does not directly request or solicit media submissions from minors.

  • Parents or guardians who wish to request removal of specific images or media featuring their child may do so by submitting a request through the official Contact Form on Quarkmine’s website.

  • Quarkmine will make reasonable efforts to honor verified removal requests in a timely manner, in coordination with the hosting school or organization.

7. Reporting & Escalation

 

  • Any concerns, incidents, or suspected violations involving youth safety should be reported immediately to:

    • The appropriate school or organizational authority

    • Quarkmine leadership, when applicable

  • Quarkmine will cooperate fully with schools, organizations, and authorities as required.

8. Training & Awareness

 

  • Coaches are expected to follow their school’s or organization’s youth protection, safeguarding, and mandated reporter policies.

  • Quarkmine defers to the school, district, or organization regarding mandated reporter status, training, and reporting obligations.

  • Quarkmine may provide supplemental guidance or reminders but does not replace local or institutional training requirements.

9. Enforcement

 

  • Violations of this policy may result in suspension or removal from Quarkmine programs, at Quarkmine’s discretion.

  • Serious violations may be referred to the appropriate authorities or partner organizations.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with best practices, legal standards, and the evolving needs of Quarkmine programs.

Quarkmine prioritizes safety, transparency, and trust in all youth-facing activities.