Cyprus Rugby Union - North Cyprus Pumas RFC

Pumas Academy - Anti Bully Policy

PRINCIPLES

 Bullying of any kind is not acceptable within PUMAS RUGBY CLUB.The club is a ‘telling’ culture and anyone who knows that bullying is happening, is be expected to tell a coach, volunteer or the ClubWelfare Officer.

It is the responsibility of every adult working within rugby unionwhether professional or voluntary, to ensure that all young people canenjoy the sport in a safe enjoyable environment. 

WHAT IS BULLYING? 

Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting anotherperson. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim. 

Bullying can be:

• Emotional – being unfriendly, excluding (emotionally andphysically), tormenting (e.g. hiding rugby kit, threateninggestures which includes sending threatening text messages,emails, bulletin boards and web pages (e.g. my space, facebook).
• Physical – pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence.
• Racist – racial taunts, graffiti or gestures.
• Sexual – unwanted physical contact or sexually explicit orabusive comments.
• Homophobic – because of, or focusing on the issue ofsexuality.
• Verbal – name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, taunting orteasing.  

 

OBJECTIVES OF THE POLICY 

• To give all club members, coaches, volunteers and parents an understanding of what bullying is.
• All club members, coaches, volunteers have to know or be told what the Pumas policy is on bullying, and to follow it when bullying is reported. A copy of Pumas policy will be made available to anybody on request.
• Anyone can come in strictest confidence and report bullying to any ofthe coaches, volunteers or the Club Welfare Officer.We will always keep any information provided confidential.
• Players and parents will be supported and reassured of our continuoussupport when bullying is reported.
• Bullying of any kind WILL NOT be tolerated and will be dealt with.  

 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

 A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he / she is being bullied.

Children and Young People have described bullying as:

• · being called names.
• · being teased.
• · being hit, pushed, pulled, pinched or kicked.
• · having their bag, mobile or other possessions taken.
• · receiving abusive text messages.
• · being forced to hand over money.
• · being forced to do things they do not want to do.
• · being ignored or left out.
• · being attacked because of religion, gender, sexuality, disability,appearance or ethnic or racial origin.  

 OTHER SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

A child:

• · doesn’t want to attend training or club activities.
• · changes their usual routine.
• · begins being disruptive during sessions.
• · becomes withdrawn anxious or lacking in confidence.
• · has possessions going missing.
• · becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable.
• · starts stammering
• · has unexplained cuts or bruises
• · starts or is bullying other children.
• · stops eating or changes eating habits
• · is frightened to say what’s wrong

These signs and behaviours may not constitute bullying and besymptoms of other problems. 
 coaches, volunteers, members must be aware of these possiblesigns and report any concerns.             

 

PROCEDURES AND MANAGEMENT OF THE BULLYING

 All coaches, volunteers and members should follow thefollowing procedures:

• · Report bullying incidents to the Welfare Officer.
• · Record it using the Pumas Incident Record Form.
• · If the incident is an adult bullying a young person, the Welfare Officer will report the incident to the Child Protection Officer.
• · If the incident is a young person bullying a young person, then a Pumas Academy Officer will deal with this, and seek any advice / support from the Welfare Officer.
• · Parents may be informed and asked to attend a meeting with thePumas Academy Officer and if required the Welfare Officer to discuss the problem.
• · If necessary and appropriate, police will be consulted.

· If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue the Pumas can initiate disciplinary action under the relevant constitution.  

 

IMPLEMENTING THE ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

     The Youth Development Officer will implement the following:

• · All coaches and volunteers must read the policy and query anyparts they do not understand (if any) with the Youth DevelopmentOfficer.
• · All coaches, volunteers will have to sign and date the Anti-BullyingPolicy Statement to state they have read and understood the policyfully.
• · Ensure that all young people know and understand that they cancome and talk to someone in confidence if they are worried at anytime.
• · Ensure that all young people within Pumas rugby club know and understand that their worries / concerns / problems will always be treated seriously, compassionately, respectfully and confidentially.
• · Adopt the policy within the club constitution.
• · Put up Anti-bullying posters on notice boards, in changing roomsand around the club house.
• · Ensure players and members are provided with a copy of the Antibullying Policy upon request.
• · Ensure parents are provided with a copy of the Anti-bullying Policyupon request.
• · Ensure that the Code of Conduct Policy clearly states thatbehaviour which constitutes bullying will not be accepted.
• · Ensure all reports are reported immediately and there is anIncident Report Form completed.
• · Ensure all Incident Report Forms are forwarded / given to theWelfare Officer as soon as possible.
• · Set up a working party / committee to ensure the ongoingdevelopment and implementation of the policy.
• · Identify any training / mentoring needs within the club and contactthe Welfare Officer for support and opportunities / training in this area.