Anti-Bullying Policy

 

Oxford Sports LTC anti-bullying policy sets out how we feel about bullying as a club, what we will do to tackle it and how we will support children and young people who experience or display bullying behaviour.

Bullying

  • All forms of bullying will be acted upon
  • Everybody in the club has a responsibility to work together to stop bullying
  • Bullying can include online as well as offline behaviour and can include:

– Physically pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching etc.

– Name calling, spreading rumours, persistent teasing and humiliation or the continual ignoring of others

– Posting of derogatory or abusive comments, videos or images on social media

– Racial, homophobic, transphobic or sexist comments, taunts or gestures

– Sexual comments, suggestions or behaviour and unwanted physical contact

Oxford Sports LTC will:

  • Recognise its duty of care and responsibility to safeguard all players from harm
  • Promote and implement this anti-bullying policy in addition to our safeguarding policy and procedures
  • Ensure that bullying behaviour is not tolerated or condoned
  • Require all members of the club to sign up to this policy
  • Take action to investigate and respond to any reports of bullying from children and young people
  • Ensure that coaches are given access to information, guidance and training on bullying

 

Each member, player, parent, coach, volunteer or official will:

  • Encourage individuals to speak out about bullying behaviour
  • Respect every child’s need for, and right to, a play environment where safety, security, praise, recognition and opportunity for taking responsibility are available
  • Respect the feelings and views of others
  • Recognise that everyone is important and equal, and that our differences make each of us special and worthy of being valued
  • Show appreciation of others by acknowledging individual qualities, contributions and progress
  • Ensure safety by having rules and practices carefully explained and displayed for all to see
  • Report incidents of bullying behaviour they see – by doing nothing you are condoning the behaviour

Supporting Children

  • We will let children know who will listen and support them
  • We will create an “open door” ethos where children feel confident to talk to an adult about bullying behaviour or any other issue that affects them
  • Potential barriers to talking (including those associated with a child’s disability or impairment) will be acknowledged and addressed at the outset to enable children to speak out
  • We will make sure children are aware of helpline numbers
  • Anyone who reports an incident of bullying will be listened to carefully and reports will be taken seriously
  • Any reported experience of bullying behaviour will be investigated
  • Children experiencing bullying behaviour will be supported and helped to uphold their right to play and live in a safe environment
  • Those who display bullying behaviour will be supported and encouraged to develop better relationships
  • We will make sure that sanctions are proportionate and fair

Support to the Parents / Guardians

  • Parents or guardians will be advised on the club bullying policy and practice
  • Any experience of bullying behaviour will be discussed with the child’s parents or guardians
  • Parents will be consulted on action to be taken (both victim and bully) and we’ll agree on these actions together
  • Information and advice on coping with bullying will be made available
  • Support will be offered to parents, including information from other agencies or support lines

Useful contacts:

[Oxford Sports Safeguarding Officer / Sarah Whatley / 07974 984304]  [NSPCC Helpline / 0808 800 5000]

[Childline / 0800 1111 / www.childline.org.uk]  [Anti-Bullying Alliance / www.antibullyingalliance.org]

Policy Updated: October 2020

Next Update: October 2022