1. Report bullying incidents to the club welfare
officer or a member of the committee.
2. In cases of serious bullying the incidents will be referred to to the ASA for advice.
3. Parents
should be informed and will be asked to come 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(ies) change
their behaviour.
7. If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue the club will initiate disciplinary action
under the club constitution.
If the club decides it is appropriate for us to deal with the situation we will follow the
below detailed procedure:
1. Reconciliation by getting both parties together. It may be that a genuine apology solves the problem.
2. If this
fails/is not appropriate a small panel (Chair, Welfare Officer, Committee Member) will meet with the parent and child
alleging bullying to get the details of the allegation. Minutes will be taken for clarity and these should be agreed
by all parties as a true account.
3. The same 3 persons will 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 swimmer will be warned and put on notice of further action i.e., temporary or permanent
suspension if the bullying continues. Consideration will 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 swimmer can be aked to attend training sessions,
if they are able to do so and it is appropriate. The club committee will monitor the situation for a given period to ensure
the bullying is not being repeated.
6. All coaches involved with both swimmers will be made aware of the concerns and outcome of the process.
