Anti-Bullying Policy for Football Clubs

The Football Associations Recommended Guidelines

Trolling
Statement of Intent
This is the name given to posting deliberately
We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe
offensive comments on people's social media
environment for all of our members so they can participate
in football in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of pages aimed at causing upset and distress. This
any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, type of behaviour could result in legal action.
all club members or parents should be able to tell and Our Commitment
know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and This club commits to ensure our website websites and/
or social networking pages are being used appropriately
anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected and any online bullying will be dealt with swiftly and
appropriately in line with procedures detailed in this policy.
This club is committed to playing its part to teach players
to treat each other with respect. Why is it Important to Respond to Bullying?
Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying.
Everybody has the right to be treated with respect.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of of behaving.
hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and This club has a responsibility to respond promptly and
distress to the victim.

Bullying can be: Objectives of this Policy

Emotional being unfriendly, excluding (emotionally and
physically) sending hurtful text messages, tormenting, have an understanding of what bullying is.
(e.g. hiding football boots/shin guards, threatening gestures)
Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use what the club policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying
of violence is reported.
Sexual unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive All players and parents should know what the club policy is
comments on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises.
Discrimination As a club we take bullying seriously. Players and parents
comments, jokes about disabled people, sexist comments, should be assured that they would be supported when
bullying is reported.
Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing
Bullying will not be tolerated.
Cyberbullying Signs and Indicators
This is when a person uses technology i.e. mobile phones A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she
or the internet (social networking sites, chat rooms, is being bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible
instant messenger, tweets), to deliberately upset some- signs and that they should investigate if a child:
one. Bullies often feel anonymous and distanced from the says he or she is being bullied
incident when it takes place online and bystanders can is unwilling to go to club sessions
easily become bullies themselves by forwarding the becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
information on. There is a growing trend for bullying to
feels ill before training sessions
occur online or via texts bullies no longer rely on being
physically near to the young person. comes home with clothes torn or training equipment
damaged
has possessions go missing

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 Anti-Bullying Policy for Football Clubs

asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay the bully) Discrimination is often driven by a lack of understanding
has unexplained cuts or bruises which only serves to strengthen stereotypes and can
potentially lead to actions that may cause women, ethnic
is frightened to say whats wrong
minorities, disabled people, lesbian, gay, bisexual or
gives improbable excuses for any of the above. transgender people, or people who follow specific religions
or beliefs, to feel excluded, isolated or undervalued. Ensure
In more extreme cases: that club members know that discriminatory language and
starts stammering behaviour will not be tolerated in this club.
cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable If an incident occurs, members should be informed that
is bullying other children or siblings tolerated. If a member continues to make discriminatory
stops eating
attempts or threatens suicide or runs away. and bullying has on people. If it is a young person making
These signs and behaviours may indicate other problems, the remarks their parents should be informed just as in any
but bullying should be considered a possibility and should breach of the clubs Code of Conduct and this Anti-Bullying
be investigated. policy.
If a member makes persistent remarks, they should be
Bullying as a result of any form of discrimination removed from the training setting in line with managing
Bullying because of discrimination occurs when bullying
is motivated by a prejudice against certain people or
groups of people. This may be because of their gender, comments are unacceptable.
age, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual If the problem persists, the member should be made to
orientation, gender reassignment, disability or ability. understand the sanctions that will apply if they continue
to use discriminatory language or behaviour.
Generally, these forms of bullying look like other sorts of Consider inviting the parents/carers to the club to discuss
bullying, but in particular it can include: the attitudes of the youth member in line with the
procedures detailed in this policy.
Verbal abuse derogatory remarks about girls or women,
suggesting girls and women are inferior to boys and men, Procedures
or that black, Asian and ethnic minority people are not as 1.
capable as white people; spreading rumours that someone member of the clubs committee
is gay, suggesting that something or someone is inferior and
so they are gay for example, youre such a gay boy! or 2. In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be referred
those trainers are so gay! Ridiculing someone because of
a disability or mental health related issue, or because they The FA Case Management Team
have a physical, mental or emotional developmental delay. 3. Parents should be informed and will be asked to come in
Referring to someone by the colour of their skin, rather than to a meeting to discuss the problem
their name; using nicknames that have racial connotations; 4. If necessary and appropriate, the police will be consulted
isolating someone because they come from another 5. The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be
country or social background etc. investigated and the bullying stopped quickly
Physical abuse including hitting, punching, kicking, 6. An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change
sexual assault, and threatening behaviour. their behaviour
Cyberbullying using online spaces to spread rumours 7. If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue the club
about someone or exclude them. It can also include text will initiate disciplinary action under the club constitution.
messaging, including video and picture messaging.

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 Anti-Bullying Policy for Football Clubs

Recommended club action Prevention:

If the club decides it is appropriate for them to deal with The club will have a written constitution, which includes
the situation they should follow the procedure outlined what is acceptable and proper behaviour for all members
below: of which the anti bullying policy is one part.
1. Reconciliation by getting the parties together. It may be All club members and parents will sign to accept the
that a genuine apology solves the problem. constitution upon joining the club.
2. If this fails/not appropriate a small panel (made up from

bullying and why it matters, and if issues of bullying arise
members) should meet with the parent and child alleging
in the club, will consider meeting with members to discuss
bullying to get details of the allegation. Minutes should be
the issue openly and constructively.
taken for clarity, which should be agreed by all as a
true account.
3. The same 3 persons should meet with the alleged bully
and parent/s and put the incident raised to them to answer This policy is based on guidance provided to schools
and give their view of the allegation. Minutes should again by KIDSCAPE. KIDSCAPE is a voluntary organisation
be taken and agreed. committed to help prevent child bullying. KIDSCAPE can
4. If bullying has in their view taken place the individual be contacted on 0207 730 3300 or you can access their
should be warned and put on notice of further action website via www.kidscape.org.uk
i.e. temporary or permanent suspension if the bullying
continues. Consideration should be given as to whether a You may also wish to access any of the following
reconciliation meeting between parties is appropriate at websites designed to give advice and guidance to
this time. parents and children who are faced with dealing
5. In some cases the parent of the bully or bullied player can with bullying:
be asked to attend training sessions, if they are able to do
so, and if appropriate. The club committee should monitor Guidance for parents/carers
the situation for a given period to ensure the bullying is not www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/
being repeated. www.stonewall.org.uk
6. All coaches involved with both individuals should be made www.bullying.co.uk
aware of the concerns and outcome of the process i.e.
the warning. Guidance for young people
www.youngstonewall.org.uk/
In the case of adults reported to be bullying anyone www.childline.org.uk
within the club under 18
1. We would like to thank the ASA who have shared
and will advise on action to be taken where appropriate, their Anti Bullying Policy for Clubs and to Stonewalls
this may include action by The FA Safeguarding Team. guidance from which this recommended FA Club Anti
2. It is anticipated that in most cases where the allegation Bullying Policy has been developed.

FAs Safeguarding Children Education Programme may

be recommended.
3. More serious cases may be referred to the Police and/or
Childrens Social Care.

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