Chipstead FC are committed to providing a caring, friendly and
safe environment for all of our members so they can
participate in football in a relaxed and
secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is
unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur,
all club members or parents 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 club welfare officer or any
committee member.

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 be:

• Emotional being unfriendly, excluding
(emotionally and physically), sending hurtful
text messages and tormenting, (e.g. hiding
football boots/shin guards, 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 focussing on the
issue of sexuality
• Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading
rumours, teasing.

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.
Individuals who are bullying need to learn different ways
of behaving. This club has a responsibility to respond
promptly and effectively to issues of bullying.

OBJECTIVES OF THIS POLICY

• All club members, coaches, offIcials and parents
should have an understanding of what bullying is
• All club members, officials and coaching staff
should know what the club policy is on bullying,
and follow it when bullying is reported
• All players 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. Players
and parents should be assured that they
would be supported when bullying is reported
• Bullying will not be tolerated.

SIGNS AND INDICATORS

A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she
is being bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible
signs and that they should investigate if a child:

• says he or she is being bullied
• is unwilling to go to club sessions
• becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking
in confidence
• feels ill before training sessions
• comes home with clothes torn or training
equipment damaged
• has possessions go “missing”
• asks for money or starts stealing money
(to pay the bully)
• has unexplained cuts or bruises
• is frightened to say what’s wrong
• gives improbable excuses for any of the above.

IN MORE EXTREME CASES

• starts stammering
• cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
• becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
• is bullying other children or siblings
• stops eating
• attempts or threatens suicide or runs away.
These signs and behaviours may indicate other
problems, but bullying should be considered a
possibility and should be investigated.

PROCEDURES

1. Report bullying incidents to the Club Welfare Officer (Heather Armstrong or Susie Sargent) or a member of the clubs committee or contact the
County FA Welfare Officer.
2. In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be
referred to the County FA Welfare Officer for advice
and possibly to The FA Case Management Team.
3. Parents should be informed and will be asked to
come in to a meeting to discuss the problem.
4. If necessary and appropriate, the police will
be consulted.
5. The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must
be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly
6. An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies)
change their behaviour.
7. If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue
the club will initiate disciplinary action under the
club constitution.
1. The County FA Welfare Officer should always be
informed and will advise on action to be taken where
appropriate.
2. It is anticipated that in most cases where the
allegation is made regarding a team manager, official
or coach, The FA’s Safeguarding Children Education
Programme may be recommended.
3. More serious cases may be referred to the Police
and/or Children’s Services.

PREVENTION

1. The club will have a written constitution, which
includes what is acceptable and proper behaviour for
all members of which the anti-bullying policy is
one part.
2. All club members and parents will sign to accept the
constitution upon joining the club.
3. The Club Welfare Officer will raise awareness about
bullying and why it matters, and if issues of bullying
arise in the club, will consider meeting with members
to discuss the issue openly and constructively.
by getting the parties together.
It may be that a genuine apology solves the
problem.
4. If bullying has in their view taken place the
individual should be warned and put on
notice of further action i.e. temporary or
permanent suspension if the bullying continues.
Consideration should be given as to whether
a reconciliation meeting between parties is
appropriate at this time.
5. In some cases the parent of the bully or bullied
player can be asked to attend training sessions,
if they are able to do so, and if appropriate. The
club committee should monitor the situation for
a given period to ensure the bullying is not being
repeated.
6. All coaches involved with both individuals should
be made aware of the concerns and outcome of
the process i.e. the warning.

RECOMMENDED CLUB ACTION

If the club decides it is appropriate for them to deal
with the situation they should follow the procedure
outlined below

1. Reconciliation by getting the parties together.
It may be that a genuine apology solves the
problem.
2. If this fails/not appropriate a small panel
(made up from Chairman, Club Welfare Officer,
Secretary,,Committee members) should meet
with the parent and child alleging bullying to get
details of the allegation. Minutes should be taken
for clarity, which should be agreed by all as a
true account.
3. The same three persons should meet with the
alleged bully and parent/s and put the incident
raised to them to answer and give their view of
the allegation. Minutes should again be taken
and agreed.
4. If bullying has in their view taken place the
individual should be warned and put on
notice of further action i.e. temporary or
permanent suspension if the bullying continues.
Consideration should be given as to whether
a reconciliation meeting between parties is
appropriate at this time.
5. In some cases the parent of the bully or bullied
player can be asked to attend training sessions,
if they are able to do so, and if appropriate. The
club committee should monitor the situation for
a given period to ensure the bullying is not being
repeated.
6. All coaches involved with both individuals should
be made aware of the concerns and outcome of
the process i.e. the warning.

June 2022