Poulton Anti Bullying Policy

Statement of intent

We are committed to providing a caring, friendly  and  safe environment  for all  of our children so they can train, and play, in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all children should be able to tell, and know, incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a  TELLING  club. This means  anyone  who knows bullying is happening is expected to tell someone who can do something about it.

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 take many forms :

•  Emotional:  being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (for example: hiding kit, or making threatening gestures)
•  Physical:  pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence • Racist:  racial taunts, graffiti and/or 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 and teasing
• Cyber:  bullying behaviour online or via electronic communication (email and text, social media etc) Misuse of associated technology,  such  as  camera and  video facilities

Why is it important to respond to bullying?

Bullying hurts. No one should be a victim  of bullying. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect. Children who are bullying also need to learn different ways of behaving. Cricket  clubs  have  a  responsibility  to  respond promptly, and effectively, to issues of bullying.

Objectives of this policy

• All adults and children at the club should have an understanding of what bullying is
• All officials, coaching and non-coaching staff should know  what  the club  policy  is on bullying,  and  follow it  when bullying  is reported
• All children and parents  should know what the  club policy is on  bullying,  and what they should do if bullying arises
• As a club, we take bullying seriously. Children and parents should be assured they will be supported when bullying is reported
• Bullying will not be tolerated In  cases  of  adults  reported  to  be  bullying cricketers  under  18,  the  ECB  must  always be informed  

Signs and symptoms

A child may  indicate,  by  signs  or behaviour, that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of signs and investigate if a child:

• Says they are being bullied
• Changes their usual routine
• Is unwilling to go to the club
• Becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
• Comes home with clothes torn or belongings damaged
• Has  possessions  which  are damaged  or go missing
• Asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay the bully)
• Has unexplained cuts or bruises
• Is frightened to say what’s wrong
• Gives improbable excuses for any of the above

In more extreme cases, the child:

• Starts stammering
• Cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
• Becomes  aggressive, disruptive  or unreasonable
• Is bullying other children or siblings
• Stops eating
• Attempts or threatens suicide or runs away

These signs and behaviours could indicate other problems, but bullying is a possibility and should be investigated.

Procedures

• Report  any  concerns  about  bullying bullying  incidents in complete confidence  to  the  Club Welfare  Officer using the email PoultonWelfare@gmail.com
• In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be reported to the ECB Safeguarding Team for advice via the County Welfare Officer
• Parents should  be informed and invited to a  meeting to discuss the problem
• If  necessary,  and  appropriate,  police should  be  consulted  -  for  example  if there  has  been  assault,  harrassment  or theft
• The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be  investigated and the bullying stopped quickly An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour. In  cases of adults reported to be bullying cricketers  under  18, the ECB must always be informed

Prevention

We  will  use  ‘Kidscape’  recommended methods  to help children prevent  bullying. These may include:

•  Developing a  children’s  code  of  conduct
• Agreeing behaviour contracts
• Having discussions  about  bullying  and why it matters