Principles

Bullying of any kind is not acceptable within Cosby RFC who provide playing opportunities for children and young people.
Cosby RFC have a 'telling' culture and anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell their Club Child Protection Officer. 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.
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 be:
Emotional - being unfriendly, excluding (emotionally and physically), tormenting (e.g. hiding rugby kit, threatening gestures including sending threatening texts messages).
Physical - pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence.
Racist - racial taunts, graffiti, 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, teasing.
Objectives of the policy:
All Club members, coaches, volunteers and parents should have anÃ¼ understanding of what bullying is.
All Club members, coaches and volunteers should know what Cosby RFC policy on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.
All players and parents should know what the Cosby RFC policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises.
Players and parents should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported.
Bullying will not be tolerated.