Policy Statement:
Ipswich Skating Club is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all our members. We believe that every individual has the right to participate in skating activities free from bullying, harassment, or discrimination. The Club takes all reports of bullying seriously and aims to ensure that everyone can enjoy their experience at the rink in a positive and respectful atmosphere.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is any behavior that is intended to hurt, intimidate, or upset others. It can take many forms, including:
- Physical bullying: Hitting, pushing, or other physical harm.
- Verbal bullying: Name-calling, teasing, mocking, or making hurtful comments.
- Social bullying: Exclusion, spreading rumors, or encouraging others to exclude someone.
- Cyberbullying: Bullying through electronic means, such as social media, texting, or online messaging.
- Racial, sexual, or discriminatory bullying: Using someone’s race, gender, sexuality, disability, or other personal characteristic to insult or belittle them.
Our Commitment:
Ipswich Skating Club is committed to:
- Promoting Respect: We will foster an atmosphere of mutual respect, kindness, and inclusivity.
- Preventing Bullying: We will take active steps to prevent bullying from occurring by providing education and awareness to members, coaches, and parents.
- Responding to Bullying: If bullying does occur, we will take appropriate action, ensuring that the issue is addressed quickly and fairly.
Responsibilities of Members:
All members of Ipswich Skating Club are expected to:
- Respect Others: Treat everyone with kindness, respect, and understanding.
- Report Bullying: If you witness or experience bullying, report it immediately to a coach, Club official, or a trusted adult. Your report will be taken seriously and handled confidentially.
- Support One Another: Encourage your peers, help create a positive environment, and stand against bullying when you see it happening.
Responsibilities of Coaches and Club Officials:
Coaches and Club officials are responsible for:
- Creating a Positive Environment: Ensuring that all training and social activities are inclusive and respectful.
- Educating Members: Providing information about bullying and teaching strategies for resolving conflicts and fostering positive relationships.
- Responding to Bullying: Investigating all reports of bullying promptly and taking appropriate action, including intervening, offering support to those involved, and implementing consequences as necessary.
- Supporting Victims: Providing support to individuals who have been affected by bullying and ensuring they have access to counseling or assistance if needed.
How to Report Bullying:
Ipswich Skating Club encourages a culture of open communication. If you are being bullied or witness bullying, please follow these steps:
- Speak Up: Talk to your coach, a Club official, or a trusted adult as soon as possible.
- Keep a Record: Write down any incidents of bullying, including what happened, when, and who was involved.
- Confidentiality: All reports will be treated confidentially, and only those directly involved in resolving the situation will be informed.
Consequences of Bullying:
Ipswich Skating Club will not tolerate bullying in any form. If a member is found to have engaged in bullying behavior, the following actions may be taken:
- Warning: A first warning will be given, with the behavior explained and a plan for improvement outlined.
- Suspension: In more serious cases, the member may be suspended from training or club activities for a specified period.
- Expulsion: If bullying continues or is particularly severe, the individual may be permanently removed from the club.
Support for Victims of Bullying:
Ipswich Skating Club is dedicated to supporting those who have been affected by bullying. This support may include:
- Private discussions with the victim to ensure their safety and well-being.
- Access to counseling or additional resources if needed.
- Adjustments to training schedules or activities to ensure the victim feels safe and supported.
- Regular follow-up to ensure that the situation is improving and that the bullying has stopped.
Review of Policy:
This Anti-Bullying Policy will be reviewed annually to ensure that it remains effective and relevant to the needs of Ipswich Skating Club members. Any changes or updates to the policy will be communicated to all members, coaches, and parents.
Contact Information:
If you have any questions or concerns about bullying or need to report an incident, please contact:
- Club Welfare Officer: Nicky Pemberton
- Email: npemberton@skateipswich.com
- Club Chair: Thomas Fell
- Email: tfell@skateipswich.com
This policy aims to make Ipswich Skating Club a welcoming and safe space for all members, promoting both personal development and community spirit. By upholding these principles, we ensure that everyone can enjoy skating in a supportive and bullying-free environment.