ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
Statement of Intent
We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our members so they can participate in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all athletes or parents should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a TELLING club. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell a club Child Protection officer or any committee member.
What Is Bullying?Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim.
Bullying can be:
Emotional being unfriendly, excluding (emotionally and physically) sending hurtful text messages, tormenting, (e.g. hiding spikes/clothing, threatening gestures)
Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
Racist racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
Sexual unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
Homophobic because of, or focussing on the issue of sexuality
Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing
Why is it Important to Respond to Bullying?
Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. Athletes who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving.
This club have a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying.
Objectives of this Policy
All committee members, coaches, athletes, parents, carers and club members should have an understanding of what bullying is.
All committee members and coaching staff should know what the club policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.
All athletes and parents should know what the club policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises.
As a club we take bullying seriously. Athletes and parents should be assured that they would be supported when bullying is reported.
Bullying will not be tolerated.
Signs and Symptoms
A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible signs and that they should investigate if a child:
says he/she is being bullied
is unwilling to go to club sessions
becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
feels ill before training sessions
comes home with clothes torn or athletics equipment damaged
has possessions go "missing"
asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay bully)
has unexplained cuts or bruises
is frightened to say what's wrong
gives improbable excuses for any of the above
In more extreme cases
starts stammering
cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
is bullying other children or siblings
stops eating
attempts or threatens suicide or runs away
These signs and behaviours may indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated
Procedures
Report bullying incidents to the club welfare officer or a member of the committee.
In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be referred to UK:A for advice
Parents should be informed and will be asked to come in to a meeting to discuss the problem
If necessary and appropriate, police will be consulted
The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly
An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour
If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue the club will initiate disciplinary action under the club constitution.
Recommended action
If the club decides it is appropriate for them to deal with the situation they will follow the procedure outlined below.
Reconciliation by getting the parties together. It may be a genuine apology solves the problem.
If this fails or is not appropriate a small panel of 3 persons (made up from chairman, Child Protection Officer, Secretary, committee members) should meet with the parent and child alleging bullying to get details of the allegation. Minutes should be taken for clarity, which should be agreed by all as a true account.
The same 3 persons should meet with the alleged bully and parent/s and put the incident raised to them to answer and give their view of the allegation. Minutes should again be taken and agreed.
If bullying has in their view taken place the athletes should be warned and put on notice of further action i.e. temporary or permanent suspension if the bullying continues. Consideration should be given as to whether a reconciliation meeting between parties is appropriate at this time.
In some cases the parent of the bully or bullied athletes can be asked to attend training sessions, if they are able to do so, and if appropriate. The club committee should monitor the situation for a given period to ensure the bullying is not being repeated.
All coaches involved with both athletes should be made aware of the concerns and outcome of the process i.e. the warning.
In the case of adults reported to be bullying athletes under 18
UK:A should always be informed and will advice on action to be taken
It is anticipated that in most cases where the allegation is made regarding a coach, child protection awareness training may be recommended.
More serious cases may be referred to the police, social services or judicial complaints procedure.
Prevention
:The club has a written constitution, which includes what is acceptable and proper behaviour for all members of which the anti bullying policy is one part.
All athletes and parents agree to accept the constitution upon joining the club.
The club’s Child Protection Officers will raise awareness about bullying and why it matters, and if issues of bullying arise in the club, will consider meeting with athletes to discuss the issue openly and constructively