Anti-Bullying Policy

The Weald Lawn Tennis and Squash Racquets Club strives to ensure that all children (anyone under 18) and adults at risk are safeguarded from abuse and have an enjoyable tennis and squash experience.

Bullying is defined as a range of abusive behaviour that is repeated and intended to hurt someone either physically or emotionally. This document sets out how to help prevent bullying from happening to all children and adults at risk. It also outlines how to make sure bullying is stopped as soon as possible if it occurs, ensuring those involved receive the support they need. This policy provides information to all staff, volunteers, children, and their families about what should be done to prevent and deal with bullying.

Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all staff, coaches, volunteers, and other adults associated with the Club.

We recognise that:

  • Bullying causes real distress. It can affect a person’s health and development and, at the extreme, can cause significant harm.
  • All children and adults at risk, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
  • Everyone has a role to play in preventing all forms of bullying (including online) and putting a stop to it.

We will seek to keep children and adults at risk safe by:

  • Recognising that bullying is closely related to how we respect and value diversity.
  • Acknowledging our duty of care and responsibility towards safeguarding.
  • Promoting and implementing this anti-bullying policy in addition to our safeguarding policy and procedures.
  • Ensuring that bullying behaviour is not tolerated or condoned.
  • Taking action to respond to and deal with any reports of bullying towards children.
  • Encouraging children to play a part in developing and adopting appropriate behaviours.
  • Making sure our response to incidents of bullying considers the needs of:
    • The person being bullied
    • The person displaying bullying behaviour
    • Others who may be affected
    • Our Club as a whole

Expectations of Players, Parents, Coaches, and Staff:

  • Encourage individuals to speak out about bullying behaviour and report incidents to the Club Welfare Officer.
  • Respect every child’s need for, and right to, a safe play environment.
  • Acknowledge the feelings and views of others.
  • Recognise that everyone is important and equal, valuing our differences.
  • Show appreciation of others by acknowledging individual qualities and contributions.
  • Ensure safety by clearly explaining and displaying rules and practices.

Supporting Children:

  • Inform children who they can talk to for support.
  • Foster an “open door” ethos where children feel confident discussing bullying.
  • Acknowledge and address potential barriers to communication.
  • Listen carefully to anyone reporting bullying; take reports seriously.
  • Investigate reported bullying incidents by listening to all involved.
  • Support children experiencing bullying to uphold their right to a safe environment.
  • Encourage those displaying bullying behaviour to develop better relationships.
  • Ensure that any sanctions are fair and proportionate.

Support for Parents/Carers:

  • Discuss experiences of bullying behaviour with the child’s parents or carers.
  • Consult parents on actions to be taken for both the victim and the bully.
  • Provide information and advice on coping with bullying.
  • Offer support to parents, including information from other agencies or support lines.

Related Policies and Procedures: This policy should be read alongside our Club policies and procedures, including:

  • Safeguarding policy.
  • Code of Conduct.
  • Photography and Filming Policy.
  • Online Safety and Communication Policy.
  • Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

Useful Contacts:

All Policies and Rules

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