Anti-bullying policy - Lewes Athletic Club

Statement of intent

Lewes Athletic is committed to providing a caring, friendly, and safe environment for all of our members so they can participate in an inclusive sport where everyone belongs and can flourish.

Bullying occurs when someone repeatedly behaves in a way that intentionally harms another person, either emotionally or physically, often targeting individuals based on their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, appearance, disability, or other characteristics.

This statement relates to both online and face-to-face bullying. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable. Bullying takes many forms, but ultimately, it is the perception of the victim that determines whether or not they are being bullied rather than the intention of the bully.

We expect all volunteers to work together to prevent and reduce bullying.

If bullying does occur, everyone should be able to speak up and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We expect anyone who knows bullying is happening to tell the club welfare officer, committee member, competition provider or England Athletics.

What is bullying?

Physical bullying, hitting, slapping, or pushing someone.
Verbal: name-calling, gossiping, or threatening someone.
Non–verbal abuse: hand signs or text messages
Emotional abuse: threatening, intimidating, or humiliating someone.
Undermining, constant criticism or spreading rumours.
Controlling or manipulating someone
Making silent, hoax or abuse calls

The following types of bullying are also hate crimes:

Racial, sexual, homophobic or transphobic bullying.
Bullying someone because they have a disability.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying occurs when individuals use the internet or social media to harass, intimidate, or harm others. For example:

A peer who intimidates using a social networking website.
A coach who sends negative feedback about a participant via personal text message.
A club member who posts negative comments about a fellow member on a club forum.

Cyberbullying may also include threats, sexual remarks and hate speech.

E-bullies may publish the personal contact information of their victims on websites. They may attempt to act as the victim by publishing material in their name that would defame or ridicule them.

Cyberbullying is particularly serious due to the nature in which the abuse occurs. It can be very personal and take place in a closed, private format where the victim may feel isolated, and parents, friends or siblings will not view the content.

Alternatively, it could take place in a public format. It may lead to the victim rereading material in private, perhaps leading to feelings of paranoia, depression, or loneliness.

Procedures

Report bullying incidents to the Club Welfare Officer or a member of the Club’s Committee.
In cases of severe bullying, the Club will refer the incidents to the UK Athletics Safeguarding team for advice.
The Club will inform parents/carers and may ask them to attend a meeting to discuss the problem.
If necessary and appropriate, the Club may consult the police.

The Club will investigate bullying behaviour or threats to stop bullying quickly.

The Club will attempt to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour.

If mediation fails and the bullying continues, the Club will initiate disciplinary action under the club constitution.

How Lewes Athletic Club Acts on Reports of Bullying

If the Club decides it is appropriate for us to deal with the situation, we will follow the procedure outlined below:

Child-to-Child Bullying

First off, we will attempt reconciliation. We will get the parties together. A genuine apology may solve the problem.

If an apology fails/is not appropriate, the Welfare Officer or appropriate Committee Member will meet with the parent/carer and child alleging bullying to get details of the allegation. We will take minutes for clarity, which all should agree to be an accurate account.

The same person will meet with the alleged bully and parent/carer and raise the incident to them to answer and give their view of the allegation. Again, the Lewes Athletic Club representative will take minutes, which all should agree to be an accurate account.

Suppose bullying has, in their view, taken place. In that case, the Club will warn the individual and put them on notice of further action, i.e. temporary or permanent suspension if the bullying continues.

The Club will consider whether a reconciliation meeting between parties is appropriate.
The Club Committee will monitor the situation for a given period to ensure no repetition of the bullying.
The Club will make all coaches involved with both individuals aware of the concerns and process outcomes, i.e. the warning.

Adult-to-Child bullying

Adult-to-child bullying is a safeguarding matter. The Club will inform UK Athletics and follow their advice on how to take action where appropriate. Alternatively, the UK Athletics Safeguarding Team may act on our behalf.

Adult-to-child bullying breaches the Code of Conduct as per the Club Disciplinary Policy.
The Club may refer more serious cases to the Police and/or Children’s Social Care.

Adult-to-Adult bullying

The Club treats adult-to-adult bullying as an internal complaint of misconduct.

Victims should notify the Club Secretary of their complaint in writing. The alleged bully will be asked for a written response if the complaint is valid.

Mediation and an early resolution with an agreement to cease the behaviour may be possible.
If mediation fails or is inappropriate, the Club will investigate the complaint as a breach of the Code of Conduct under the Club’s Disciplinary Policy.
The Club will refer more serious cases to England Athletics/Police.

Prevention

The Club has a written constitution, which includes 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 and the relevant code of conduct upon joining the Club.

The Club Welfare Officer will raise awareness about bullying and why it matters. If bullying issues arise in the Club, we will consider meeting with members to discuss the issue openly and constructively.

Related policies and procedures

Useful contacts

Lewes Athletic Club Welfare Officer: Kate Seymour
UKA 07920 532552/ safeguarding@uka.org.uk
EA welfare@englandathletics.org
NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000
Childline 0800 1111 / www.childline.org.uk
Kidscape www.kidscape.org.uk
Anti-Bullying Alliance www.antibullyingalliance.org