Bullying is defined as deliberately hurtful behaviour, repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those being bullied to defend themselves. The three main types of bullying are;
•physical (hitting, kicking, theft),
•verbal (name calling, racist remarks),
•indirect (spreading rumours, excluding someone from social groups)

Players who are being bullied may show changes in behaviour, such as becoming shy and nervous, feigning illness, missing training, practice and/or games.

PLAYERS MUST BE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT BULLYING TO TEAM MANAGERS/COACHES OR THE CLUB SAFEGUARDING OFFICER

The following steps will be taken when dealing with incidents of bullying. If bullying is suspected or reported, the incident will be dealt with immediately by the team Manager/Captain/Coach.

A clear account of the incident will be recorded and, if not resolved by the team Manager/Captain/Coach, will be dealt with by the Club’s Management Committee.
Punitive measures will be used as appropriate and in consultation with all parties concerned.

Players who have been bullied will be supported by;
•offering an immediate opportunity to discuss the experience with the team Manager/captain,
•reassuring the player,
•offering continuous support,
•restoring self-esteem,

Players who have bullied will be helped by;
•discussing what happened,
•discovering why the player became involved,
•establishing the wrongdoing and need to change,
•Informing the parents/carers to help change the attitude of the player.

The following disciplinary steps can be taken;
•official warnings to cease offending,
•exclusion from certain club activities,
•Permanent exclusion from the club.

Monitoring, evaluation and review

Tupton Rugby Union Football Club will review this policy annually and assess its implementation and effectiveness. The policy will be promoted and implemented throughout the club.