Bullying Policy
At Holywell Swimming Club, we believe that every member deserves to train and compete in a safe, supportive, and respectful environment. Bullying of any kind goes against our club’s values and will not be tolerated. We are committed to promoting inclusivity, kindness, and teamwork, ensuring that all swimmers feel comfortable and confident in their training. This policy outlines our stance on bullying, how to recognize it, and the steps to take if it occurs. By working together, we can create a positive atmosphere where every swimmer can thrive.
Statement Of Intent
Holywell Swimming Club is committed to fostering a caring, friendly, and safe environment where all members can train and compete free from fear of bullying. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, swimmers and parents should feel confident in reporting it, knowing that all concerns will be handled promptly and effectively.
We are a TELLING club, meaning that anyone who is aware of bullying—whether they experience it firsthand or witness it—must report it to the Club Welfare Officer, a committee member, or a coach.
We are a TELLING club, meaning that anyone who is aware of bullying—whether they experience it firsthand or witness it—must report it to the Club Welfare Officer, a committee member, or a coach.
What is Bullying?
Bullying involves aggressive behavior with the intention of causing harm, leading to pain and distress for the victim. It can take various forms, including:
Emotional: Exclusion, spreading rumors, tormenting, or sending hurtful messages.
Physical: Pushing, kicking, hitting, or any act of violence.
Racist: Racial slurs, graffiti, or offensive gestures.
Sexual: Unwanted physical contact or inappropriate comments.
Verbal: Name-calling, sarcasm, teasing, or spreading false information.
Emotional: Exclusion, spreading rumors, tormenting, or sending hurtful messages.
Physical: Pushing, kicking, hitting, or any act of violence.
Racist: Racial slurs, graffiti, or offensive gestures.
Sexual: Unwanted physical contact or inappropriate comments.
Verbal: Name-calling, sarcasm, teasing, or spreading false information.
Why Is It Important To Respond To Bullying?
Bullying is harmful and unacceptable. Every individual has the right to be treated with respect. If you are experiencing bullying, speak with your parents and then approach your squad coach or a committee member.
Objectives Of This Policy
Ensure all committee members, coaches, teachers, swimmers, and parents understand what bullying is.
Provide clear guidelines on how to report and handle bullying incidents.
Assure swimmers and parents that any reported bullying will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.
Emphasise that bullying will not be tolerated in any form.
Provide clear guidelines on how to report and handle bullying incidents.
Assure swimmers and parents that any reported bullying will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.
Emphasise that bullying will not be tolerated in any form.
Signs And Symptoms
A child experiencing bullying may show the following signs:
Reluctance to attend training sessions.
Withdrawal, anxiety, or a sudden loss of confidence.
Frequent complaints of feeling unwell before training.
Damaged swimming gear or missing possessions.
Unexplained injuries or bruises.
Avoidance of social interactions or changes in behavior.
Changes in eating habits or disrupted sleep patterns.
Sudden aggression or disruptive behavior.
Mentions of self-harm, running away, or suicidal thoughts.
While these signs may indicate other issues, bullying should always be considered a possibility and investigated accordingly.
Reluctance to attend training sessions.
Withdrawal, anxiety, or a sudden loss of confidence.
Frequent complaints of feeling unwell before training.
Damaged swimming gear or missing possessions.
Unexplained injuries or bruises.
Avoidance of social interactions or changes in behavior.
Changes in eating habits or disrupted sleep patterns.
Sudden aggression or disruptive behavior.
Mentions of self-harm, running away, or suicidal thoughts.
While these signs may indicate other issues, bullying should always be considered a possibility and investigated accordingly.
Procedures
Report any bullying incidents to the Club Welfare Officer, a committee member, or call Swim Wales’ “Swimline” service.
In serious cases, incidents may be referred to Swim Wales for further guidance.
Parents will be informed and asked to attend a meeting to discuss the issue.
If necessary, the police or other authorities may be contacted.
The bullying behavior will be investigated, and necessary action will be taken to stop it.
Support will be provided to the victim, and efforts will be made to help the bully change their behavior.
If the issue persists despite intervention, disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the club’s constitution.
In serious cases, incidents may be referred to Swim Wales for further guidance.
Parents will be informed and asked to attend a meeting to discuss the issue.
If necessary, the police or other authorities may be contacted.
The bullying behavior will be investigated, and necessary action will be taken to stop it.
Support will be provided to the victim, and efforts will be made to help the bully change their behavior.
If the issue persists despite intervention, disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the club’s constitution.
Recommended Club Action
If the club determines that internal resolution is appropriate, the following steps will be taken:
Reconciliation: A meeting may be held between both parties to facilitate an apology and resolution.
Formal Investigation: A panel (consisting of the Chairperson, Welfare Officer, and Secretary) will meet separately with both the victim and the alleged bully to gather information. Minutes will be recorded and agreed upon.
Warnings & Further Actions: If bullying is confirmed:
A formal warning will be issued to the bully.
Further incidents may lead to temporary or permanent suspension.
The committee may require a parent to attend training sessions with their child.
Coaches will be informed to monitor the situation closely.
Reconciliation: A meeting may be held between both parties to facilitate an apology and resolution.
Formal Investigation: A panel (consisting of the Chairperson, Welfare Officer, and Secretary) will meet separately with both the victim and the alleged bully to gather information. Minutes will be recorded and agreed upon.
Warnings & Further Actions: If bullying is confirmed:
A formal warning will be issued to the bully.
Further incidents may lead to temporary or permanent suspension.
The committee may require a parent to attend training sessions with their child.
Coaches will be informed to monitor the situation closely.
Addressing Bullying by Adults
If an adult—whether a coach, teacher, or parent—is reported for bullying a swimmer under 18:
Swim Wales will be informed immediately and will provide guidance on the appropriate action.
In many cases, child protection awareness training may be recommended.
More severe cases may be referred to the police, social services, or other legal bodies.
Swim Wales will be informed immediately and will provide guidance on the appropriate action.
In many cases, child protection awareness training may be recommended.
More severe cases may be referred to the police, social services, or other legal bodies.
Prevention
All members—swimmers and parents—must sign the club’s anti-bullying policy upon joining.
The Club Welfare Officer will actively raise awareness about bullying and its consequences.
If bullying issues arise, the club will hold discussions with swimmers to address concerns openly and constructively.
Holywell Swimming Club is dedicated to maintaining an environment of respect, support, and teamwork. By standing together against bullying, we ensure that our club remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.
This policy is based on guidelines provided by KIDSCAPE, an organization committed to preventing child bullying. For more information, KIDSCAPE can be contacted at 0207 730 3300.
The Club Welfare Officer will actively raise awareness about bullying and its consequences.
If bullying issues arise, the club will hold discussions with swimmers to address concerns openly and constructively.
Holywell Swimming Club is dedicated to maintaining an environment of respect, support, and teamwork. By standing together against bullying, we ensure that our club remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.
This policy is based on guidelines provided by KIDSCAPE, an organization committed to preventing child bullying. For more information, KIDSCAPE can be contacted at 0207 730 3300.