MALDON SHARKS SWIMMING CLUB
ANTI BULYING POLICY
Maldon Sharks Swimming Club follow the guidelines of the ASA Protection Policy on bullying procedures
Maldon Sharks Swimming Club want all members to feel they are in a friendly club which make them feel safe and cared for so they can swim and train in a relaxed and secure atmosphere.
We are a TELLING club which means that anyone who knows that BULLYING IS OCCURING WE TELL THE CLUB WELFARE OFFICER, COACH OR ANY COMMITTEE MEMBER so they can deal with it.
What is bullying?
Bullying is deliberately hurtful behaviour, usually repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those bullied to defend themselves. Bullying can be:
- Verbal – Name calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing.
- Emotional – Being unfriendly – sending hurtful text messages, cyber bullying, tormenting (e.g. hiding goggles/floats, using threatening gestures), asking for money.
- Physical – Pushing, kicking, hitting, punching, and throwing equipment or any use of violence.
- Racist – Racial taunts, graffiti, gestures.
- Sexual – Unwanted physical contact or any comments which make you feel uncomfortable in a sexual way including homophobic comments.
- Homophobic – because of, or focusing on the issue of sexuality
- Cyber – all areas of the internet, such as email and internet chat room misuse. Mobile threats by text message and calls. Misuse of associated technology ie. camera and video facilities
Why is it important to respond to bullying?
Bullying hurts and no one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everyone should be treated with respect. Swimmers who are bullying need to learn different way of behaving.
MALDON SHARKS SWIMMING CLUB WILL RESPOND TO BULLYING PROMPTLY AND EFFECTIVELY
Object of this policy
- To ensure that all committee members, coaches, members, swimmers and parents have an understanding of what bullying is.
- To ensure all committee members and coaching staff know what the club policy is on bullying and follow it when bullying is reported.
- All members, swimmers and parents know what the club policy is on bullying and what they should do if bullying arises
- As a club we take bullying seriously. Members, swimmers and parents will be supported when bullying is reported and all reports will be treated in a confidential manner.
- BULLYING MUST NOT AND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED
Signs and symptoms:
A child may show they are being bullied by physical signs or by behaviour. Adults should be aware of the possible signs and investigate if a child:
- Says the are being bullied
- Is unwilling to go the club sessions
- Becomes withdrawn, anxious, or lacking in confidence
- Falls ill before training sessions
- Comes home with cloths torn or swimming equipment damaged
- Has possessions go “missing”
- Asks for money or starts stealing money ( to pay bully)
- Has unexplained cuts or bruises
- Is afraid to use the internet or mobile phone
- Is nervous and jumpy when a cyber-message is received
- Gives improbable excuses for any of the above
More extreme cases:
- Starts stammering
- Cries themselves to sleep at night or has night mares
- Becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
- Is bullying other children or siblings
- Stops eating
- Attempts or threatens suicide or runs away
These signs may indicate other problems but bullying should be considered as a possibility and should be investigated.
Procedures
If you are being bullied or suspect that someone else is being bullied you must report the incident to the club welfare officer or by ringing Swim Lines – (0808 100 4001) alternatively you can tell your coach or any committee member.
Action Taken
Outcome
- The bully (bullies) may be asked to genuinely apologise
- In serious cases suspension or even exclusion may be considered
- If possible the pupils will be reconciled
- After the incident/incidents have been investigated, dealt with and recorded each case will be monitored to ensure repeated bullying does not take place.
If the reported case involves adults bullying swimmers under 18 then:
- The ASA will be informed and advice taken on possible action
- Child protection awareness training will be recommended if appropriate
- Serious cases will be referred to the police, social services or judicial complaints procedure
Prevention
We will use KIDSCAPE methods for helping children to prevent bullying. As and when appropriate these may include:
- Writing a set of club rules
- Signing a behaviour contract; and or
- Having discussions about bullying and why it matters
Help Organisations
Swimline - 0808 100 4001
KIDSCAPE Parents Helpline 0845 1 205 204 - (Mon-Fri, 10am - 4pm)
Childline - 0800 1111
Child Power Leaflet available from jenni.dearman@swimming.org
Child Power online via the ASA website www.swimming.org
Parentline Plus - 0808 800 2222
Youth Access - 020 8772 9900
Bullying Online - www.bullying.co.uk
Visit the Kidscape website www.kidscape.org.uk for further support, links and advice including downloads
✦ Advice for parents
✦ Advise for teachers/professionals
✦ Children who bully
✦ Stop bullying
✦ You can beat bullying
✦ Preventing bullying
✦ Preventing racist bullying
And details of the ZAP training scheme – a free course to young people who have been affected by bullying.