Statement of intent
We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our children so they can train, and play, in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all children should be able to tell, and know, incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively.
We are a TELLING club. This means anyone who knows bullying is happening is expected to tell staff and officials.
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 take many forms some of which we’ve listed below:
- Emotional: being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (for example: hiding kit, or making threatening gestures)
- Physical: pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
- Racist: racial taunts, graffiti and/or gestures
- Sexual: unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
- Homophobic: because of, or focusing on, the issue of sexuality
- Verbal: name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours and teasing
- Cyber: All areas of the internet, such as email and internet chatrooms. Mobile threats by text message and/or calls.
- Misuse of associated technology, such as camera and video facilities
Why is it important to respond to bullying?
Bullying hurts. No one should be a victim of bullying. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect. Children who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving. Cricket clubs have a responsibility to respond promptly, and effectively, to issues of bullying.
Objectives of this policy:
- All officials, coaching and non-coaching staff, children and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is.
- All officials, coaching and non-coaching staff should know what the club policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.
- All children 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. Children and parents should be assured they will be supported when bullying is reported.
- Bullying will not be tolerated.
Procedures
- Report bullying incidents to the Club Welfare Officer
- In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be reported to the ECB Child Protection Team for advice via the County Welfare Officer
- Parents should be informed and will be asked to come to a meeting to discuss the problem.
- If necessary, and appropriate, police will be consulted
- The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly.
- An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour In cases of adults reported to be bullying cricketers under 18, the ECB must always be informed and will advise on action to be taken.
Prevention
We will use KIDSCAPE methods to help children prevent bullying. As and when appropriate, these may include:
- Writing a set of club rules
- Signing a behaviour contract
- Having discussions about bullying and why it matters
