·         Emotional

being unfriendly, excluding (emotionally and physically), sending hurtful text messages, tormenting (e.g. hiding football boots/shin guards, 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 focussing on the issue of sexuality;

·         Verbal

name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing.

·         All club members, coaches, officials and parents/carers should have an understanding of what bullying is;

·         All club members, officials and coaching staff should know what Reffley Youth FC's policy is on bullying, and follow it when bulllying is reported;

·         All players and parents/carers should know what Reffley Youth FC's policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises;

·         As a club we take bullying seriously. Players and parents/carers should be  assured that they would be supported when bullying is reported;

·         Bullying will not be tolerated;

·         All club members, coaches, officials and parents/carers should have an appreciation of the signs and indicators of bullying.

·         says he or she is being bullied;

·         is unwilling to go to club sessions;

·         becomes withdrawn, anxious, or lacking in confidence;

·         feels ill before training sessions;

·         comes home with clothes torn or training equipment damaged;

·         has possessions 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.

·         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.

1.      Report bullying incidents to Reffley Youth FC's Child Protection Officer or a member of the Reffley Management Committee or contact the Norfolk County Football Association Child Protection Officer (NCFA CPO);

2.      In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be referred to the NCFA CPO for advice and possibly to the FA Case Management System;

3.      Parents/carers should be informed and will be asked to come in for a meeting to discuss the problem;

4.      If necessary and appropriate, 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 (bullies) change their behaviour;

7.      If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue Reffley Youth FC will initiate disciplinary action under the club constitution.

1.      Reconciliation by getting the parties together. It may be that a genuine apology solves the problem;

2.      If this fails or is not appropriate a small panel (made up from chairman, club Child Protection Officer, Secretary, Management Committee members) should meet with the parents/carers and child alleging bullying to get details of the allegation. Minutes should be taken for clarity, which should be agreed by all as a true account;

3.      The same three persons should meet with the alleged bully and parents/carers 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 individual should be warned and put on notice of further action i.e. temporary or permanent suspension if the bullying continues. Consideration should be given as to whether a reconciliation meeting between parties is appropriate at this time;

5.      In some cases the parent/carers of the bully or bullied player can be asked to attend training sessions, if they are able to do so, and if appropriate. Reffley Youth FC's Management Committee should monitor the situation for a given period to ensure the bullying is not being repeated;

6.      All coaches involved with both individuals should be made aware of the concerns and outcome of the process i.e. the warning.

1.      The NCFA CPO should always be informed and will advise on action to be taken where appropriate;

2.      It is anticipated that in most cases where the allegation is made regarding a team manager, official or coach, The FA’s Child Protection and Best Practice awareness training may be recommended;

3.      More serious cases may be referred to the Police and/or Social Services.

·         Reffley Youth FC has a written constitution, which includes what is acceptable and proper behaviour for all members of which the anti-bullying policy is one part;

·         All club members and parents will sign to accept the constitution upon joining Reffley Youth FC;

·         The Reffley Youth FC Child Protection Officer will raise awareness about bullying and why it matters, and if issues of bullying arise in the club, will consider meeting with members to discuss the issue openly and constructively.