...

Anti Bullying Policy

Statement of intent

Barton Rovers Football Club is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all our members so they can participate in football in a relaxed and secure atmosphere.  Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club.  If bullying does occur, all club members or parents should be able to tell and know the 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 the Club Welfare 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 football boots/shin guards, 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 focusing on the issues 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.  Individuals who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving.  The impact upon a child or young person can be devastating and in some cases effect all aspects of their life, in extreme circumstances it can lead to suicide threats or even attempts.This club has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issue of bullying.

Objectives of this policy

All club members, coaches, officials and parent/carers 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/careers 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/carers 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 the 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’ asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay the bully) has unexplained cuts or bruises is frightened to say what is wrong gives improbable excuses for any of the above
In more extreme cases: starts stammeringcries 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 investigated.

Procedures

Report bullying incidents to the Club Welfare Officer (CWO) or a member of the clubs committee or contact the Berks and Bucks FA Child Protection Officer (CPO).In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be referred to the Berks and Bucks FA CPO for advice and possibly to the FA Case Management System.Parents should be informed and will be asked to come to a meeting to discuss the problemif necessary and appropriate, the Police will be consulted.The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quicklyAn attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviourIf mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue the club will initiate disciplinary action under the club constitution.

Recommended club action

If the club decides it is appropriate for them to deal with the situation, they should follow the procedure outlined below. Reconciliation by getting the parties together.  It may be that a genuine apology solves the problem. if this fails/it is not appropriate, a small panel (Three members) (made up from the chairman, CWO, secretary, committee members)should meet with the parent/carer and child alleging bullying to get details of the allegations.  Minutes should be taken for clarity which should be agreed as a true account. The same three members should meet with the alleged bully and parents/carer and put the incident raised to them answer and give their view of the allegation.  Minutes should be taken for clarity which should be agreed as a true account. If bullying has in their view taken place, the individual 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 come cases the parent/carer of the bully or bullied player 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 individuals 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 anyone within the club under 18

The Berks and Bucks FA CPO should always be informed and will advise on action to be taken where appropriate. It is anticipated that in most cases where the allegation is made regarding a team manager, official or coach.  The FA’s Child Protection and Best Practice awareness training may be recommended. More serious cases may be referred to the Police and/or Social Services.
This policy is based upon the guidance for safeguarding children and young people provided by the FA, which was in turn based on guidance provide to schools by KIDSCAPE, which is a voluntary organisation  committed to help prevent child bullying.  KIDSCAPE can be contacted on 0207 730 3300 or you can access their website via www.kidscape.org.ukFor further information designed to provide advice and guidance to parents and children who are faced with dealing with bullying you may wish to access www.bullying.co.uk

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
    Seraphinite AcceleratorOptimized by Seraphinite Accelerator
    Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines.