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Est. 1880 · Bishops Castle, Shropshire
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Bishops Castle Town Football Club

Anti-Bullying Policy

Applies to all players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents/carers and anyone associated with the Club

1. Statement of Intent

Bishops Castle Town Football Club is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all members so they can participate in football in a relaxed and secure atmosphere.

Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our Club.
If bullying does occur, all players, parents/carers, coaches and volunteers should feel confident to report it and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly, sensitively and effectively.

This Club is committed to playing its part in teaching all players to treat each other with respect, dignity and fairness, both on and off the pitch.

2. What Is Bullying?

Bullying is the deliberate and repeated use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person, emotionally or physically. Bullying causes distress, harm and isolation to the victim.

Bullying may be:

Emotional

  • Being unfriendly or deliberately excluding someone
  • Tormenting, threatening gestures
  • Sending hurtful or intimidating messages
  • Hiding or damaging personal belongings (e.g. football boots or shin pads)

Physical

  • Pushing, kicking, hitting, punching
  • Any form of physical violence or intimidation

Verbal

  • Name‑calling or teasing
  • Sarcasm or verbal abuse
  • Spreading rumours

Sexual

  • Unwanted physical contact
  • Sexually abusive, inappropriate or degrading comments

Discriminatory

  • Racist, homophobic, biphobic or transphobic language
  • Sexist comments
  • Abuse related to disability, religion or belief
  • Gestures, jokes, graffiti or exclusion based on personal characteristics

3. Cyberbullying and Online Abuse

Cyberbullying occurs when technology is used to deliberately upset, threaten or embarrass someone. This may include:

  • Social media posts or comments
  • Messaging apps and group chats
  • Text messages, images or videos
  • Online exclusion or impersonation

Online bullying can feel anonymous and can spread quickly, with bystanders unintentionally becoming involved by liking, sharing or forwarding content.

Trolling

Trolling refers to deliberately offensive or provocative online behaviour intended to cause distress.
This behaviour may have disciplinary and legal consequences.

The Club is committed to ensuring that its website, social media platforms and digital communications are used responsibly. Any form of online bullying connected to the Club will be addressed swiftly and in line with this policy.

4. Why It Is Important to Respond to Bullying

  • Bullying causes harm and lasting emotional damage
  • Everyone has the right to be treated with respect
  • Bullying behaviours must be challenged and addressed
  • The Club has a duty of care to all participants

Bishops Castle Town FC takes allegations of bullying seriously and is committed to responding promptly and appropriately.

5. Objectives of This Policy

  • To ensure everyone understands what bullying is
  • To make clear that bullying will not be tolerated
  • To ensure all members know how to report concerns
  • To reassure players and parents that they will be supported
  • To promote a positive, inclusive and respectful club culture

6. Signs and Indicators of Bullying

A child or young person may indicate they are being bullied through behaviour or signs including:

  • Reluctance to attend training or matches
  • Becoming withdrawn, anxious or lacking confidence
  • Feeling unwell before sessions
  • Damaged clothing or missing equipment
  • Unexplained cuts or bruises
  • Changes in behaviour or mood
  • Fear of speaking up or giving unlikely explanations

In more serious cases:

  • Nightmares or sleep disturbance
  • Aggression or disruptive behaviour
  • Bullying others
  • Loss of appetite
  • Threats of running away or self‑harm

These signs may indicate other issues, but bullying should always be considered and investigated.

7. Bullying Linked to Discrimination

Discriminatory bullying is motivated by prejudice relating to:

  • Gender or sex
  • Race, nationality or ethnic origin
  • Religion or belief
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender identity
  • Disability or additional needs
  • Age

Discriminatory language or behaviour will not be tolerated at Bishops Castle Town FC.

Where incidents occur:

  • The behaviour will be challenged immediately
  • The individual will be made aware of the impact of their actions
  • Parents/carers will be informed where appropriate
  • Sanctions will be applied if behaviour continues

Persistent incidents may result in suspension or removal from the Club.

8. Reporting Procedures

All bullying concerns should be reported as soon as possible to:

  • The Club Welfare Officer, or
  • A member of the Club Committee

Serious cases:

  • Will be referred to the County FA Welfare Officer
  • May be escalated to The FA Case Management Team
  • Parents/carers will be informed and involved
  • The police or Children’s Social Care will be contacted where necessary

All concerns will be taken seriously, investigated appropriately, and handled confidentially.

9. Club Response and Action

Where appropriate, the Club will:

  1. Attempt reconciliation where safe and suitable
  2. Convene a small panel (e.g. Chair, Secretary, Club Welfare Officer)
  3. Meet separately with all parties involved
  4. Keep agreed written records
  5. Apply appropriate warnings or sanctions
  6. Monitor behaviour over time
  7. Support both the bullied individual and behaviour change for the bully

If bullying continues, disciplinary action will be taken under the Club Constitution.

10. Bullying Involving Adults

If an adult is alleged to be bullying a person under 18:

  • The County FA Welfare Officer must be informed
  • FA safeguarding procedures will be followed
  • In serious cases, referral to the FA Safeguarding Team or police will occur

11. Prevention

The Club will:

  • Maintain a clear Constitution and Codes of Conduct
  • Require members and parents/carers to sign up to club standards
  • Raise awareness of bullying and inclusion
  • Promote respectful behaviour at all times
  • Encourage open communication and early reporting

12. Further Support and Guidance

This policy aligns with guidance from:

Additional helpful resources:

Bishops Castle Town Football Club has zero tolerance for bullying.

Everyone deserves to enjoy football in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.