Anti-Bullying Policy

Bullying of any kind is not acceptable with the Junior Section of LFRFC. The RFU is a "telling" culture where bullying is concerned. LFRFC Junior Section has adopted this culture in line with the guide lines laid down by the RFU on Bullying.

LFRFC Junior Section expects anyone be they adult or young person who knows that bullying is happening to report it to the LFRFC Junior Section Welfare Officer. The LFRFC Welfare Officer will comply with the guidance contained within this policy.

Reports of bullying will be taken seriously and responded to promptly. It is the responsibility of all adults within the Junior Section of LFRFC to ensure that all young people within the club are able to enjoy the sport of rugby in a safe enjoyable environment.

What is Bullying?
In order that instances of bullying can be identified and promptly reported the term "Bullying" must be clearly defined so all know what is and is not acceptable.

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 a persons rugby kit, threatening gestures including the sending of threatening text messages).

Physical - pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence.

Racist - racial taunts graffiti or gestures.

Sexual - unwanted physically contact or sexually abusive comments.

Homophobic - because of or focusing on the issue of sexuality.

Verbal - name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumors or teasing.

The LFRFC Anti Bullying Policy is to be brought to the attention of all coaches, administrative staff, parents/guardians and all young players. The meaning of the term "Bullying" should also be explained clearly to everyone connected with LFRFC Junior Section.

Everyone connected with LFRFC Junior Section are to be made aware of the RFU Policy and that the LFRFC Anti Bullying Policy is based on this document. Where a case of bullying is reported action will be instigated in accordance with this document.

All parents/guardians and young players should be assured that the committee of LFRFC Junior Section will give them their support when bullying is reported.

LFRFC Junior Section will not tolerate bullying.

Signs and symptoms
A child may indicate by signs and symptoms or behavior that they are being bullied. Children and young people have previously 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 to another child.
Being forced to do things that they do not want to do
Being ignored or left out
Being attacked because of religion, gender, sexuality, isability, appearance or ethnic or racial origin

Other signs and symptoms
A child or young person:
Does not want to attend training or other club activities
Changes their usual routine
Begins to be disruptive during sessions
Becomes withdrawn, anxious or appears to lack confidence
Becomes aggressive towards others, disruptive or unreasonable
Has possessions going missing
Starts to stammer
Has unexplained cuts or bruises
Start to bully other children
Stops eating
Is frightened to say what is wrong
Whilst these signs and symptoms may constitute bullying they may be symptoms of other problems. All members of LFRFC Junior Committee should also be aware of these signs and symptoms and if they are concerned must report the fact to the Welfare Officer.

Procedures and management of bullying
Any incidents of bullying are to be reported to the LFRFC Welfare Officer. Details of the report are to be recorded on the LFRFC Incident Report Form. If the incident is an adult bullying a young person the LFRFC Welfare Officer is to immediately report the incident to the County Welfare Manager and request that the incident is reported to the RFU Child Protection Officer. If the incident involves a young person bullying another young person then LFRFC are permitted by the RFU to investigate the incident themselves. Assistance and guidance are available from the County Welfare Manager and the RFU Child Protection Manager at any stage of the investigation.

Parents/Guardians may be informed and invited to attend a meeting to discuss this problem.

If necessary and appropriate the police and Social Services will be consulted.

If attempts at mediation fail to resolve the situation and the bullying is seen to continue LFRFC will initiate disciplinary action under the guidance of the County Welfare Officer and/or RFU Child Protection Officer.

It is important that this Anti Bullying Policy is implemented and all who are connected with the Junior Section of LFRFC are made aware of its existence and content. Awareness of this policy will be included within the club development plan to ensure that not only current members are aware that this policy is to be enforced by LFRFC Junior Section, but any future members are also made aware.

LFRFC Junior Section will not tolerate bullying.