Wickers Anti Bullying Policy

Wickers Anti Bullying Policy
Coaches Procedure

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is repeated behaviour which makes children, young people and others feel uncomfortable or threatened whether this is intended or not.

There are different sorts of bullying, but the three main types are:
Physical hitting, kicking, taking or hiding belongings including money

Verbal name calling, teasing, insulting, writing unkind notes

Emotional being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting, spreading rumours, looks

It is not always possible to tell if someone is hurt or upset because people react in different ways and sometimes adults eg coaches are unaware of the effect their behaviour has on others. An over zealous coach or one who resorts to aggressive physical or verbal behaviour; tormenting, humiliating or ignoring a person may be accused of bullying

Aims

The aim of Wickers Gymnastics Club anti bullying policy is to clarify for our members - gymnasts and coaches, that bullying is always unacceptable. We wish to encourage an environment where independence is celebrated and individuals can flourish without fear. Every gymnast and coach has the right to be safe and happy at Wickers and to be protected when he/she is feeling uncomfortable.

Possible signs of bullying

Gymnasts who are being bullied may show changes in behaviour, such as becoming shy and nervous, feigning illness or clinging to parents and/or coaches. They may show changes in their work patterns, may lack concentration or may even start to show poor attendance.

Coaches - what to do

Supporting the Victim of Bullying
If you think that bullying is happening within your training group or within another group at the Club, or a gymnast tells you that they are, please talk to them and ask them what has been happening.

Either ask the gymnast to write down what has happened or write it down yourself, as accurate records need to be kept of what has happened along with the names of those involved. Please reassure the gymnast that you will help them and we can be trusted. You will need to tell the gymnasts that you will have to pass the statement onto someone else, and explain who they are. It should either be the Head Coach or the Welfare Officer.

Confronting the Bully(ies)
The bully(ies) needs to be made aware of the consequences of their actions and an apology should be sought from the bully to the victim.

The parents of the victim and of the bully should be informed and sanctions imposed if necessary.

Again all incidents and actions taken, must be reported and support should be provided for the victim and their coach(es) by the Head Coach and/or Welfare Officer.

The Head Coach and Welfare Officer should also work with the bully to encourage them to change their behaviour