Statement of intent
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 and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all 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 who are bullying also need to learn different ways of behaving.
Cricket clubs have a responsibility to respond promptly, and effectively, to issues of bullying.

Objectives of this policy

All adults and children at the club should have an 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

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

Says they are being bullied
Changes their usual routine
Is unwilling to go to the club
Becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
Comes home with clothes torn or belongings damaged
Has possessions which are damaged or 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, the child:

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 could indicate other problems, but bullying is a possibility and should be investigated.

Procedures

Report any concerns about bullying bullying incidents to the Club Welfare Officer
In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be reported to the ECB Safeguarding Team for advice via the County Welfare Officer
Parents should be informed and invited to a meeting to discuss the problem
If necessary, and appropriate, police should be consulted - for example if there has been assault, harrassment or theft
The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly
An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour

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

Prevention
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

*with thanks to Kidscape for their expert advice and templates

Please check here for the procedure for reporting any concerns.