ANTI BULLYING
Scotland Rugby League acknowledges its responsibility in line with the RFL’s Anti Bullying policy.
SRL is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our members so they can participate in Rugby League in a relaxed and secure atmosphere.
Bullying of any kind is unacceptable.
If bullying does occur, all members, parents, volunteers and coaches should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively.
We are a TELLING organisation.
This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the Scotland Rugby League Welfare Officer or any committee member.
Anti Bullying Policy
This anti-bullying policy sets out how Scotland Rugby League and it’s clubs feel about bullying, what we’ll do to tackle it and how we’ll support children and young people who experience or display bullying behaviour.
Bullying
- all forms of bullying will be acted upon
- everybody in Scotland Rugby League and the clubs have a responsibility to work together to stop bullying
- bullying can include online as well as offline behaviour
- bullying behaviour can include:
- – physically pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching etc.
- – name calling, spreading rumours, persistent teasing and humiliation or the continual ignoring of others
- – posting of derogatory or abusive comments, videos or images on social media
- – racial, homophobic, transphobic or sexist comments, taunts or gestures
- – sexual comments, suggestions or behaviour
- – unwanted physical contact
Scotland Rugby League and it’s clubs will:
- recognise its duty of care and responsibility to safeguard all players from harm
- promote and implement this anti-bullying policy in addition to our safeguarding policy and procedures
- ensure that bullying behaviour is not tolerated or condoned
- require all members and staff to sign up to this policy
- take action to investigate and respond to any reports of bullying from children and young people
- encourage and facilitate children and young people to play an active part in developing and adopting a code of conduct for behaviour
- ensure that coaches and other volunteers are given access to information, guidance and training on bullying.
- Each participant, coach, volunteer or official will:
- encourage individuals to speak out about bullying behaviour
- respect every child’s need for, and right to, a play environment where safety, security, praise, recognition and opportunity for taking responsibility are available
- respect the feelings and views of others
- recognise that everyone is important and equal, and that our differences make each of us special and worthy of being valued
- show appreciation of others by acknowledging individual qualities, contributions and progress
- ensure safety by having rules and practices carefully explained and displayed for all to see
- report incidents of bullying behaviour they see – by doing nothing you are condoning the behaviour
Supporting children
- we’ll let children know who will listen to and support them
- we’ll create an “open door” ethos where children feel confident to talk to an adult about bullying behaviour or any other issue that affects them
- potential barriers to talking (including those associated with a child’s disability or impairment) will be acknowledged and addressed at the outset to enable children to speak out
- we’ll make sure children are aware of who to contact
- anyone who reports an incident of bullying will be listened to carefully and reports will be taken seriously
- any reported experience of bullying behaviour will be investigated and will involve listening carefully to all those involved
- children experiencing bullying behaviour will be supported and helped to uphold their right to play and live in a safe environment
- those who display bullying behaviour will be supported and encouraged to develop better relationships
- we’ll make sure that sanctions are proportionate and fair
Support to the parents/guardians
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- parents or guardians will be advised on Scotland Rugby League’s bullying policy and practice
- any experience of bullying behaviour will be discussed with the child’s parents or guardians
- parents will be consulted on action to be taken (for both victim and bully) and we’ll agree on these actions together
- information and advice on coping with bullying will be made available
- support will be offered to parents, including information from other agencies or support lines
Key Contact in Scotland Rugby League
Victoria Hogg Welfare Manager
07760 265613
Other useful contacts
NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000
Childline 0800 1111 / www.childline.org.uk Kidscape www.kidscape.org.uk
Anti-Bullying Alliance www.antibullyingalliance.org
