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Anti-bullying Policy

Goldstar Active is committed to creating an environment where members feel that they can work without threat, anxiety and fear. Bullying of any kind is NOT acceptable and should be shared with others. All members must understand that any incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively.

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What Is Bullying?

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Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim.

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Bullying can be:

  • Emotional; being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding kit or belongings, 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 focusing on the issue of sexuality

  • Verbal; name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing

  • Cyber; all areas of internet, such as email & internet chat room misuse, mobile threats by text messaging & calls, misuse of associated technology, i.e. camera & video facilities

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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. Members who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving. Clubs have a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying.

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Signs and Symptoms:
 

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

  • is frightened of coming into the gym

  • changes their usual routine

  • becomes withdrawn, anxious, or lacking in confidence

  • starts stammering

  • feels ill before coming to gymnastics

  • begins to under-perform relative to their ability

  • comes home with clothes torn or property damaged

  • has possessions which “go missing”

  • asks for money or starts stealing money

  • has unexplained cuts or bruises

  • becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable

  • is bullying other children or siblings

  • stops eating

  • is frightened to say what’s wrong

  • gives improbable excuses for any of the above
     

These signs and behaviours could indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated.

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Procedures:
 

Goldstar Active recognises that gymnasts, parents/carers, staff, coaches, volunteers, visitors and officials could be the perpetrators or victims of bullying. Regardless of who the perpetrator may be, anyone who recognises the signs of bullying must share their concerns immediately. Any issues should be reported to the Head Coach or Welfare Officer, who are expected to be approachable, supportive and take all signs of bullying seriously so that all involved in Goldstar Gymnastics are confident to speak out in the event of any incidents arising.

 

In the event of any bullying incident reported, the following action will be taken:

  • Victim: reassured and informed that someone in authority may need to be notified.

  • Perpetrator: informed that the club will listen to ‘both sides’ privately and that information will be recorded and reported to the parents of the children involved. We will involve the parents (if appropriate) and children in deciding the outcome and any sanctions needed to ensure the bully changes their behaviour. In cases where bullying continues after appropriate warnings and sanctions, the bully will have their membership revoked.

  • The Welfare Officer: maintains accurate records of what happened and any actions taken and report incident to Social Services and/ or to the Police if deemed necessary.

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Welfare Officer – Laura Kitney

Email – laura@goldstaractive.co.uk

Telephone – 01482 656438

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