Anti-Bullying Policy

Rationale

At BRFC Youth Section we aim to create a safe and secure learning environment where individuals treat each other with respect and understanding. Bullying will not be tolerated at all in our Club. Bullying will be taken seriously, responded to promptly, and procedures followed to deal with the situation. It is the responsibility of every adult working in rugby union whether professional or volunteer, to ensure that all young people can enjoy the sport in a safe enjoyable environment.

Aims

  • To create a positive ethos within the club based on mutual respect and trust
  • To recognize what bullying is, and to provide effective measures to address bullying issues

What is bullying?

A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Children and Young People have described bullying as:

  • being called names.
  • being teased.
  • being hit, pushed, pulled, pinched, or kicked.
  • having their bag, mobile or other possessions taken.
  • receiving abusive text messages.
  • being forced to hand over money.
  • being forced to do things they do not want to do.
  • being ignored or left out.
  • being victimized or attacked because of religion, gender, sexuality, disability, appearance or ethnic or racial origin.

Bullying is deliberately hurtful behaviour which results in the victim feeling distressed. Bullying occurs when this behaviour is exercised through the use of power rather than an exchange between equals. This power may be due to greater physical or psychological strength of greater numbers.

Establishing a positive Club ethos

The most important aspect of our strategy to combat bullying is the creation of a positive and inclusive Club ethos. This begins with how adults in the Club treat each other, parents, and pupils: with respect and understanding, even in difficult situations. Concerns expressed by pupils and parents are always listened to carefully and taken seriously.

We promote and follow the RFU Code of Conduct:

Everyone involved in rugby in England, whether as a player, coach, referee, administrator, parent or spectator is expected to uphold the Core Values of our sport:

Teamwork – Respect – Enjoyment – Discipline – Sportsmanship

  • Play to win – but not at all cost
  • Win with dignity, lose with grace
  • Observe the Laws and regulations of the game
  • Respect opponents, referees and all participants
  • Reject cheating, racism, violence and drugs
  • Value volunteers and paid officials alike
  • Enjoy the game

We aim to be constantly promoting and reinforcing positive behaviour and developing all children’s self-esteem through celebration of achievement. In this way, by aiming to ‘include’ everyone in the Club community, it is much less likely either those children will become a focus for bullying, or that others may resort to bullying

We encourage children, parents and staff to report any suspected instances of bullying to one of the coaching staff or to the Club Safeguarding Officer. Children in particular need to be assured not to keep worries to themselves, but to tell their parent and/or a Coach. The whole Club community needs to be assured that all instances are taken very seriously, and investigated thoroughly.

It is essential that the first adult involved in the situation reassures the victim and informs the Club Safeguarding Officer.

Parents of all children involved should be informed at the earliest opportunity, so that their support can be encouraged. Parents are encouraged to:

  • Listen carefully to their child, and reassure them that action will be taken
  • Stay calm whatever the concerns
  • Discuss issues with the Club at the earliest opportunity, and review actions regularly
  • Give the Club time to address the issues

In the case of a Looked After Child, it is essential that their Social Worker is involved at the earliest opportunity.

Continuation of Bullying

In the event that any child involved continues to bully others, then it will be necessary to initiate further action. Further parental involvement would be essential. If all of these strategies were tried and failed, then ultimately this can lead to permanent exclusion from the Club.

It is essential that all Committee Members, Coaches, Volunteers, parents and children are aware of this policy.

When the policy is revised, it should be discussed with all Coaches & Volunteers involved with children. New Coaches & Volunteers should be made aware of the policy as part of their Induction process. At the start of each Club year, the key points of the policy should be discussed.

Copies of the policy will be available on request, on the Club website and on the RFU website at the link in the previous section.

Comments from parents are very much welcomed.