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Anti-bullying Policy

St Ives Bowling Club

Anti-bullying Policy

Within bowls there is a commitment to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all bowlers so they can take part in a relaxed and secure atmosphere regardless of their age or background.    

Quite simply, bullying of any kind is unacceptable in bowls.

If bullying does occur, all members should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively.  This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the Club Welfare / Safeguarding Officer as soon as they have concerns. 

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, tormenting (e.g. 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  

Sexist – belittling someone because of their gender 

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

Cyber -    Any issues relating to the internet, such as email, social media & internet chat room misuse.  

Mobile threats by text messaging & calls  Misuse of associated technology, i.e. camera &video facilities 

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. 

The sport has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying. 

Objectives of this Policy  

All members, coaches, volunteers and parents should understand what bullying is 

All members, coaches and volunteers should know what the policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported 

All players and parents should know what the policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises

As a sport, we take bullying seriously.  Anyone involved in bowls should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported 

Very simply - Bullying will not be tolerated.

Procedures  

1. Report bullying incidents to the Club Welfare / Safeguarding Officer, member of the club committee or an adult you can trust or the County Welfare Officer. 2. In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be referred to the relevant NGB Safeguarding Officer. 3. In serious cases parents, should be informed and asked to come in to a meeting to discuss the problem.  4. If necessary and appropriate, 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 continues further disciplinary action will be taken.  

Recommended Club Action  

If the club decides it is appropriate for them to deal with the situation they should follow the procedure outlined below:  

1. Reconciliation by getting the parties together.  It may be that a genuine apology solves the problem 

2. If this fails or is not appropriate, a small panel of club officers should meet with the parent and child making the allegation to obtain more information. This panel will normally include the Welfare Officer. Minutes should be taken for clarity, which should be agreed by all as a true account 

3. The same panel should meet with the alleged bully and parent/s, detail the allegation and allow them an opportunity of reply.  Minutes should again be taken and agreed 

4. If it is considered that bullying has taken place, the individual should be warned and put on notice of further action if the bullying continues, i.e. temporary or permanent suspension. 

Consideration should be given as to whether a reconciliation meeting between parties is appropriate at this time. 

The club committee should monitor the situation for a given period to ensure the bullying is not repeated. 

All appropriate coaches, volunteers or team managers involved with both individuals should be made aware of the concerns and outcome of the process i.e. the warning 

Outcomes  

1. The bully/bullies may be asked to apologise 

2. In serious cases, suspension or exclusion will be considered 

3. If possible, the people concerned will be reconciled  

4. Monitoring should be put in place to ensure repeated bullying does not take place. 

Prevention  

1. 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 

2. All club members and parents of young bowlers should sign a code of conduct on an annual basis. The code of conduct should include reference to bullying 

3. The Club Welfare Officer will raise awareness about bullying and why it matters 

Further Information 

See Guideline 10 Useful External Support contact List 

Safeguarding Bowls – January 2017

Guidelines  Page 37