Hayes Cricket Club - Anti Bullying Policy
Statement of Intent
Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be treated
with respect.
At Hayes Cricket Club, we take bullying seriously. We are committed to providing a caring,
friendly and safe environment for all of our children, so they can train and play in a relaxed,
safe and secure atmosphere. We are also committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe
environment for all our members and adult cricketers, so they can play cricket in a relaxed and
secure atmosphere.
Bullying of any kind is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at our club. If bullying does occur,
all children and adults should be able to tell, and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly
and effectively. We are a Telling club. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is
happening is expected to tell the coaches/managers and club officials.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is anything done with the intention of hurting, intimidating, frightening or upsetting
another person usually repeated over a period of time towards children, young people or adults.
Bullying can be:
• Emotional: being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding kit, threatening gestures)
• Physical: pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
• Racist: racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
• Sexual: unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
• Homophobic: because of, or focusing on the issue of sexuality
• Verbal: offensive remarks, often in relation to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation,
disability or anyone considered ‘different’ usually involving teasing, threats or abusive
language.
• Cyber: All areas of the internet, such as email and internet chat room misuse. Mobile
threats by text messaging and calls. Misuse of associated technology i.e. camera and
video facilities
• Indirect : spreading nasty stories/rumours about someone, intimidation, exclusion from
social groups
• Banter- Banter can be a way of having fun with others in the sport and a great way to
include in ice breaker activities. However, this can sometimes be used as an excuse for
bullying. Although the elements of bullying are intentional, hurtful, repetitive and imbalance
of power and banter does not constitute to all these elements, it does not make it
acceptable. All offensive, violent and abusive language and behaviour is always
unacceptable.
Signs and Symptoms
A child or vulnerable adult may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied.
These may include:
• Saying they are being bullied
• Changing their usual routine
• Unwilling to go to the club
• Becoming withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
• Having possessions which are damaged or “go missing”
• Having unexplained cuts or bruises
• Being frightened to say what is wrong
• Giving improbable excuses for any of the above
These signs and behaviours could indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a
possibility and should be investigated.
Procedures
1. Report bullying incidents to the Club Safeguarding Officer
2. In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be reported to the ECB Child Protection
3. Team for advice via the County Safeguarding Officer
4. Parents / carers will be informed and will be asked to come in to a meeting to discuss
the problem
5. If necessary and appropriate, police will be consulted
6. Bullying behaviour or threats of bullying will be investigated and the bullying
stopped quickly
7. An attempt will be made to help the bully to change their behaviour
8. If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue, Hayes Cricket Club will initiate
disciplinary action under the Club constitution.
In cases of adults reported to be bullying cricketers under the age of 18, the ECB will be
informed and will advise on action to be taken.
Preventions
• We will use ‘Kidscape’ recommended methods to help children prevent bullying.
These may include:
• Developing a children’s code of conduct (see guidance in ‘Safe hands’ )
• Agreeing behaviour contracts
• Having discussions about bullying and why it matters
If the person bullying is a Coach or other adult in a position of trust.
If the person bullying is the Club Safeguarding Officer, concerns should be reported to a Club
Safeguarding Officer or Hayes Cricket Club Chairman.
• The Hayes Cricket Club committee must always be informed
• Where applicable, the case will follow the Hayes Cricket Club procedures
• The case may be referred to the committee and/or the police
Objectives of this Policy:
• All committee members, Coaches/Instructors, Officials, volunteers, parents, and young
people should understand what bullying is.
• All committee members, Coaches/Instructors, Officials and volunteers should know what
the Club policy is on bullying; and follow it when bullying is reported.
• All parents and young people should know what the Club policy is on bullying; and what
they should do if bullying occurs.
As a Club we take bullying seriously. Members, parents and young people should be assured
that they will be supported when bullying is reported.
Bullying will not be tolerated at Hayes Cricket Club