Statement of Intent
We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all our members so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all members 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 the staff.

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. hiding books, 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
Cyber - All areas of internet ,such as email & 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. Members who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving.
Clubs have a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying.

Objectives of this Policy
All managers, coaches, players, officials, members and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is.
All managers, coaches and officials should know what the club policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.
All members 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. Members and parents should be assured that they will 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:
changes their usual routine
is unwilling or does not want to go to club
becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
starts stammering
feels ill before training sessions
begins to do poorly in club work
comes home with clothes torn or training equipment damaged
has possessions which are damaged or " go missing"
asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay bully)
has unexplained cuts or bruises
becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
is bullying other children or siblings
is frightened to say what's wrong
gives improbable excuses for any of the above

These signs and behaviours could indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated
Procedures
1. Report bullying incidents to clubs committee or welfare officer
2. In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be recorded by the committee/welfare officer and County Football Association Child Protection Officer
3. In serious cases parents should be informed and will be 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

Outcomes

1) The bully (bullies) may be asked to genuinely apologise. Other consequences may take place.
2) In serious cases, suspension or even exclusion will be considered
3) If possible, the members will be reconciled
4) After the incident / incidents have been investigated and dealt with, each case will be monitored to ensure repeated bullying does not take place.

This policy is based on Kidscapes Anti Bully Policy for schools. Visit the Kidscape website www.kidscape.org.uk for further support, links and advice.

HELP ORGANISATIONS:
Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) 0808 800 5793
Children's Legal Centre 0845 345 4345
KIDSCAPE Parents Helpline (Mon-Fri, 10-4)0845 1 205 204
Parentline Plus 0808 800 2222
Youth Access 020 8772 9900
Bullying Online www.bullying.co.uk