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Radley Youth F.C
Anti-Bullying Policy
Statement of Intent
We are 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/carers should be able to 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 the Club Welfare Officer or any Committee Member.
What Is Bullying?
Bullying is the use of aggresion 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 (eg. 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 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. Individuals who are bullying need to learn different way 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/careers should have an understading of what bullying is.
All Club memebers, officials and coaching staff should know what the Club's 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 will be supported when bullying is reported.
Bullying will not be tolerated.
All Club members, coaches, officials and parents/carers should have an appreciation of the signs and indicators of bullying.
A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible signs and 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Becomes withdrawn, anxious or lacking in confidence.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 posessions that go 'missing'.
Has unexplained cuts or bruises.
Asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay the bully).
Is frightened to say what's wrong.
Gives improbable excuses for any of the above.
Or, in more extreme cases if a child:
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 Club's committee or contact the County Football Association Child Protection Officer (CFA CPO).
In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be referred to the CFA CPO for advice and possibly to the FA Case Management System.
Parents/carers should be informed and will be asked to come in for a meeting to discuss the problem.
If necessary and appropriate, the Police will be consulted.
The bullying behavious or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly.
An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) to change their behaviour.
If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue, the Club will initiate an investigation and possible disciplinary action under the Club constitution.
In some cases the parent/carers 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 outcomes of the process.
In the Case of Adults REported to tbe Bullying Anyone Within the Club Under 18
The CFA CPO should always be informed and will advise on action to be taken where appropriate. This may include initiating an investigation and possible disciplinary action under the Club consitution.
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 bve referred to the Police and/or Social Services.
Prevention
The Club will have a written Constitution, which includes what is acceptable and proper behaviour for all members, of which the Anti-Bullying Policy is one part.
All Club members and parents/carers will sign to accept the Constitution upon joining the Club.
The Club Welfare Officer will raise awareness about bullying and why it matters and, if issues of bullying arise in the Club, will consider meeting with members to discuss the issue openly and constructively.
This policy is based on guidance provided to schools by KIDSCAPE
KIDSCAPE 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.uk.
You may also wish to access www.bullying.co.uk - another website designed to give advice and guidance to parents and children who are faced with dealing with bullying.
We would like to thank the ASA who have shared their Anti-Bullying Policy for Clubs, on which this recommended FA Club Anti-Bullying Policy has been developed.
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