Anti-Bullying Policy

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 - physically) sending hurtful text messages, tormenting, (hiding football boots/shin guards, threatening gestures).

Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence.

Sexual unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments.

Discrimination comments, jokes about disabled people, sexist comments.

Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing.

Cyberbullying

This is when a person uses technology i.e. mobile phones or the internet (social networking sites, chat rooms, instant messenger, tweets), to deliberately upset someone. Bullies often feel anonymous and ‘distanced’ from the incident when it takes place online and ‘bystanders’ can easily become bullies themselves by forwarding the information on. There is a growing trend for bullying to occur online or via texts – bullies no longer rely on being physically near to the young person.

Trolling

This is the name given to posting deliberately offensive comments on people's social media pages aimed at causing upset and distress. This type of behaviour could result in legal action. 

Our Commitment

This club commits to ensure our website websites and/ or social networking pages are being used appropriately and any online bullying will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately in line with procedures detailed in this policy. 

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.

Individuals who are bullying need to learn ways of behaving.

This club has a responsibility to respond promptly and  effectively to issues of bullying.

Objectives of this Policy

•      All club members, coaches, officials and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is.

•      All club members, officials and coaching staff should know what the club policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.

•      All players 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. Players and parents should be assured that they would be supported when bullying is reported.

•      Bullying will not be tolerated.

Signs and Indicators

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 or 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 training equipment damaged

•      has possessions go “missing”

Procedures

1. Report bullying to the welfare officer or a member of the clubs committee
2. In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be referred to the FA welfare officer and possibly to The FA Case Management Team
3. Parents should be informed and will be asked to come in to a meeting to discuss the problem
4. If necessary and appropriate, the police will be consulted
5. The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly
6. An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour
7. If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue the club will initiate disciplinary action under the club constitution.