How about:
1. we do not regard caving clubs which are primarily organised for adults over 18 as providing a suitable environment for children under 14, unless accompanied by their parent(s), legal guardian(s) or duly authorised close relative, teacher or instructor, who should be a full member of the club concerned and must take full responsibility for the child's wellbeing at all times;
[/quote]
This seems to be a sensible statement. My daughter has been caving since the age of 2 and has been coming on club trips (as a paid up, insured member) since she was 5. I have never had anything but a positive response from any of the club members who we have caved with. However, I wouldn't expect her to be allowed on a trip without either myself of her dad being there. No matter how much I trust her and trust the people I cave with, the fact remains that she's my responsibility and will remain so until she is much older. As a parent, I use common sense to decide which aspects of the club are suitable for her to participate in. Caving trips where she can keep up with everyone else with the minimum assistance are fine, as are daytime social events. However, I have the insight to realise that there are a lot of club antics that an 8 year old should not be involved in. I think that most other parents would realise that too, without a blanket statement from the nanny state.