West Wicklow Rugby Football Club Anti-Bullying Policy

Aligned with IRFU Governance Guidelines

1. Policy Statement

West Wicklow Rugby Football Club is committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive and enjoyable environment for all members. Bullying in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated within the club. 

The Club is committed to preventing, addressing and reducing incidents of bullying and will take all reasonable steps to protect the wellbeing, dignity and safety of all players, coaches, volunteers, parents/guardians and members. 

The Club will strive to ensure that: 

● Name-calling and derogatory language are not tolerated. 

● No player, coach, volunteer or member is subjected to abuse of any kind.

● No individual is victimised or unfairly targeted. 

● All players are supported, respected and given the opportunity to be heard.

● All members are treated fairly, equally and with dignity. 

● All members comply with the Club Codes of Conduct and the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) Codes of Conduct, where applicable. 

2. Definition of Bullying

Bullying generally involves repeated behaviour by an individual or group that is intended to harm, intimidate, humiliate, exclude or undermine another person. Bullying may be verbal, physical, psychological or carried out through digital or online means and results in distress or harm to the individual experiencing it. 

Bullying may occur in person or through text messages, social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, email or any other form of digital communication. 

While bullying generally involves repeated behaviour, serious single incidents may also be dealt with under the Club's Codes of Conduct, Disciplinary Procedures or Safeguarding Policy where appropriate. 

Examples of bullying behaviour include, but are not limited to: 

● Name-calling or derogatory language. 

● Spreading rumours or malicious stories. 

● Exclusion from activities or social interactions. 

● Deliberately isolating someone during training, matches or club activities.

● Threatening, intimidating or aggressive behaviour. 

● Taking, hiding or damaging another person's belongings. 

● Physical assault or causing physical harm.

● Pressuring or forcing someone to do something against their will. 

● Sending threatening, abusive or offensive messages online or through electronic communication. 

3. Contexts in Which Bullying May Occur

Bullying can occur in a variety of relationships within the club environment, including:

Player to Player 

● Physical aggression. 

● Verbal abuse. 

● Intimidation. 

● Damage to property. 

● Deliberate exclusion. 

Coach or Adult to Player 

● Repeated gestures, language or behaviour that is intimidating, humiliating, threatening or degrading. 

Player to Coach, Volunteer or Adult Member 

● Repeated threatening, intimidating or disrespectful behaviour towards adults involved in the Club. 

Parent, Spectator or Adult Member to Player 

● Behaviour that intimidates, humiliates, undermines or unfairly targets a player. 

Parent, Spectator or Adult Member to Coach or Volunteer 

● Repeated or serious behaviour including aggressive communication, harassment, public criticism, intimidation or misuse of influence, whether in pers

4. Prevention measures

West Wicklow Rugby Football Club will take proactive steps to prevent bullying by:

● Maintaining clear Codes of Conduct for players, coaches, volunteers, parents/guardians and spectators. 

● Encouraging Age Grade players to contribute to developing positive behavioural standards. 

● Promoting respect, inclusion and positive leadership through coaches and volunteers. 

● Raising awareness of bullying, its effects and strategies to prevent it.

● Encouraging open communication so that concerns can be raised safely and without fear.

● Supporting players in recognising bullying behaviour, reporting concerns promptly and helping to create a respectful club environment. 

5. Reporting Procedures

Any player, parent/guardian, coach, volunteer or member who experiences or witnesses bullying is encouraged to report the matter as soon as possible to: 

● Team Coach or Team Manager 

● Club Welfare Officer 

● Club Committee Member 

All reports will be treated seriously and handled sensitively and as confidentially as possible. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis where necessary to protect the welfare of those involved or to fulfil safeguarding obligations. 

For Age Grade players, the Club Welfare Officer will manage the process in accordance with IRFU safeguarding procedures. 

Where a bullying incident gives rise to a child safeguarding concern, the matter will be managed in accordance with the IRFU Safeguarding Policy and, where appropriate, referred to the relevant statutory authorities. 

6. Responding to Bullying

When bullying is reported, the Club will: 

● Take all reports seriously and respond promptly, fairly and proportionately.

● Prioritise the welfare and safety of everyone involved. 

● Establish the facts through an appropriate and proportionate review.

● Where appropriate, particularly with younger Age Grade players, use a restorative or "no blame" approach to address behaviour, repair relationships and promote learning. This approach does not remove individual accountability where behaviour is serious or repeated. 

● Apply appropriate disciplinary measures where behaviour is repeated, intentional or serious, in accordance with the Club Constitution, Codes of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures. 

● Follow IRFU safeguarding and disciplinary procedures where required.

● Communicate outcomes appropriately while respecting confidentiality.

● Monitor situations to help prevent recurrence. 

● Provide appropriate support to those affected, including the individual experiencing bullying, the individual displaying bullying behaviour and, where appropriate, those who witnessed the incident.

7. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

All reports of bullying will be handled as confidentially as possible. Records of reported incidents, actions taken and outcomes will be maintained securely in accordance with the Club's safeguarding procedures and applicable data protection legislation. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis to safeguard the welfare of those involved. 

8. Role of the Club Welfare Officer

The Club Welfare Officer is responsible for: 

● Acting as the primary point of contact for bullying and welfare concerns.

● Supporting players, parents/guardians, coaches and volunteers in addressing concerns. 

● Ensuring incidents are managed in accordance with the Club's safeguarding procedures and IRFU safeguarding policies. 

● Promoting awareness of bullying prevention and positive behaviour throughout the Club. 

● Maintaining appropriate records of bullying concerns where required. 

9. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside the Club's: 

● Safeguarding Statement 

● Codes of Conduct 

● Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures 

● Social Media, Photography and Digital Communications Policy (where applicable) ● Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy (where applicable)

10. Monitoring and Review 

This Anti-Bullying Policy will be reviewed annually by the Club Committee to ensure it remains effective, relevant and aligned with current IRFU safeguarding guidance and best practice. This policy will be reviewed annually 

Approved by: Club Committee 

Approval Date: __________________ 

Review Date: __________________ 

11. Approval

This policy has been approved by the Club Committee. All members of West Wicklow Rugby Football Club are expected to uphold the principles of this policy and contribute to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for everyone.