Statement of Intent

We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all our children so they can trainand play in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, al children should be able to tell, and know, incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a TELLING club. This means anyone who knows bullying is happening is expected to tell someone who can do something about it.

What is bullying?

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

Bullying can take many forms:

• Emotional: being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (for example: hiding kit, or making threatening gestures).

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

• Racist: racial taunts, graffiti and/or gestures.

• Sexual: unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments.

• Homophobic: because of, or focusing on, the issue of sexuality.

• Verbal: name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours and teasing.

• Cyber: bullying behaviour online or via electronic communication (email and text, social media etc). Misuse of associated technology, such as camera and video facilities.

Why is it important to respond to bullying?

Bullying hurts. No one should be a victim of bullying. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect. Children wo are bullying also need to learn different ways of behaving.

Stoke Bishop Cricket Club has a responsibility to respond promptly, and effectively, to issues of bullying.

Objectives of this policy

• All adults and children at the club should have understanding of what bullying is.

• All officials. Coaching and non-coaching staff should know what the club policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.

• All children and parents should know what the club policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises.

• As a club, we take bullying seriously. Children and parents should be assured they will be supported when bullying is reported.

• Bullying will not be tolerated.

In cases of adults reported to be bullying cricketers under 18, the ECB must always be informed.