ASF Australian Speleological Federation

Individual Membership with ASF

An individual member of a Corporate Club or a Provisional Member Club is automatically an individual member of ASF. However, Individual ASF membership outside the club framework, may also be granted by the ASF executive in some circumstances.

While it is difficult in some cases to assess an applicant who is not known to the current executive members, the executive do investigate such applications thoroughly, including consulting referees.

Admission is granted only when the executive are satisfied that the applicant will subscribe to the high standards set out in the Codes & Guidelines of the Federation such as the Minimal Impact Caving Code and the ASF Codes of Ethics & Conservation and Safety.
The ASF Executive will normally first direct an applicant to a nearby Corporate or Provisional Member Caving Club before considering an Individual application outside the club framework. This is because of a number of reasons, those being:

with a club, the member has better access to club training, speleological activities and has better opportunities to share knowledge with other members.
insurance coverage may be limited, especially on activities not conducted by ASF or a member club.

We do however, understand that some people still wish to become an ASF member outside of the club framework for various reasons, such as their geographical location or because their interest is more academic in nature compared to an activity focus. Membership applications are therefore assessed on a case by case basis. Individual Membership applications are often not granted because of the difficulties in assessment and the preference for membership to be managed through member clubs.

Rights of an Individual Member

Individual Members of the Australian Speleological Federation have the right to receive correspondence as received by Corporate and Provisional Members (the clubs).

Individuals receive 4 issues of “Caves Australia” annually, but may choose instead to receive the magazine “Helictite” which is published once or twice annually.

Individual Members are welcome to attend the Federation Annual General Meeting and engage in discussions, but do not have voting rights at these meetings.

Individual Members contribute to the ASF Insurance scheme which includes a contribution to a Public Liability Policy and an Association Policy. Coverage under the policies is dependent on terms and conditions of that policy. In the case of Individual Members engaging in speleological activities not conducted or sanctioned by the ASF or a member club, it is not clear if coverage is provided. Policy certificates, schedules and wordings are available on request.

Individual Members are not able to lead trips under ASF auspices. Leadership structures in ASF are only organized and administered through the club framework.

ASF Individual membership (through a club or through the ASF executive) does not automatically confer rights to cave access on any property or to permit approvals. This is completely the prerogative of the land manager or owner.

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