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19 August 2007
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WDSC ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
Policy Statement
At WDSC we are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all our members so they can swim in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at this club, and if it does occur swimmers and parents should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. Anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the club welfare officer or any committee member.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim.
Bullying can be:
· Emotional – being unfriendly, excluding (emotionally and/or physically), sending hurtful text messages, tormenting (e.g. hiding goggles/floats, 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.
Why is it important to respond to bullying?
Bullying hurts and no one deserves to be a victim of bullying in any form. Everybody in our club has a right to be treated with respect, and we have a responsibility to respond quickly and effectively to deal with bullying.
Signs and Symptoms
Adults should be aware of the following, as they may be an indication that a child is being bullied and should be investigated:
· Says he/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· Becomes withdrawn, anxious or lacking in confidence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 equipment damaged
· Has possessions ‘go missing’
· Asks for money, or starts stealing money (to pay bully)
· Has unexplained cuts or bruises
· Is frightened to say what is wrong
· Gives improbable excuses for any of the above.
In extreme cases:
· 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.
It is important to note that these signs and symptoms may indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and investigated.
OBJECTIVES OF WDSC ANTI-BULLYING POLICY.
1. All committee members, coaches, parents and swimmers should have an understanding of what bullying is.
2. All committee members, teaching and coaching staff should know what the club policy on bullying is, and follow it when bullying is reported.
3. All parents and swimmers should know what the club policy on bullying is, and what they should do if bullying arises.
4. WDSC takes bullying seriously. All swimmers and parents should be assured that they would be supported when bullying is reported.
5. WDSC will not tolerate bullying in any form.
PROCEDURES
1. Report bullying incidents to the club Child Welfare Officer, Pip Collin, or a member of the committee/coaching staff, or to Swimline.
2. In serious cases of bullying, the incidents will be referred to the ASA for advice, in line with the Child Protection Policy of the WDSC and the ASA.
3. Parents will be informed and asked to come to a meeting to discuss the problem.
4. If necessary and appropriate, police will be consulted.
5. The bullying behaviour, or threats of bullying, will be investigated in line with WDSC and the ASA Child Protection Policy, 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, WDSC will initiate disciplinary action under the club constitution.
WDSC Club Action
If the club decides it is appropriate for them to deal with the situation WDSC will follow the procedure outlined in the club’s Complaints and Disciplinary Procedure.
This policy is based on that provided to schools and the ASA by KIDSCAPE.
Philippa Collin
Child Protection Officer
Wycombe District Swimming Club
April 2005
WYCOMBE DISTRICT SWIMMING CLUB
EQUITY POLICY STATEMENT
WDSC and the ASA have a responsibility to protect all children and young people irrespective of their age, gender, race, religion, sexual identity or disability. All ASA clubs are required to take measures to ensure the needs of children and young people are protected from any form of abuse.
The Club will ensure that equity is incorporated in all aspects of its activities. Sports Equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, and recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them.
The Club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport free from threat, discrimination, intimidation, harassment or abuse.
WDSC has addressed the above in line with ASA recommendations as follows:
1. The club policy makes it clear that all children and young people have equal rights to protection.
2. The club gives guidance on child protection through policy and procedure.
3. The club has a code of conduct that expects all members and adults concerned with the club to treat children with dignity, fairness, and respect.
4. The club has a code of conduct that makes it clear that discrimination, offensive or violent behaviour is not acceptable, and complaints will be acted upon.
5. The club has a complaints procedure that is open, available in writing, and observes the following: all parties are fairly treated; the complainant has the opportunity to present their case; and the accused has the opportunity to respond.
Philippa Collin
Child Protection Officer
Wycombe District Swimming Club
April 2005
WYCOMBE DISTRICT SWIMMING CLUB
CODE OF CONDUCT
The purpose of this document is to establish a set of guidelines which outlines the responsibilities and behaviour of staff, swimmers and parents who are members of Wycombe District Swimming Club. It is expected that the principles of the Code of Conduct should be followed at all training sessions, competitions, and training camps.
Behaviour and Personal Conduct must at all times be of a high standard and reflect favourably on the Club and on our sport. Language in public or relevant group situations must be appropriate and socially acceptable.
No form of bullying or abuse is acceptable by anyone in the club, as stated in the Child Protection Policy and Anti-Bullying Policy, and will be dealt with promptly.
Personal Appearance will be appropriate to circumstances, and as indicated by the Team Manager/Coach. Team kit and equipment will be worn as directed by the Team Manager when competing.
Medication. All swimmers taking regular medication must complete an ASA declaration form. Whilst at training camps or competitions, swimmers must notify the Team Manager/Coach of any medication currently being taken, as well as allergies to any medication.
Alcohol is forbidden to swimmers under age as defined by UK law. It must not be consumed by staff members or swimmers whilst en route to, prior to, or following a competition event, training camp or team activities without specific consent of the Team Manager/Coach. During competition alcohol is strictly forbidden.
Smoking is prohibited by swimmers and staff whist en route, prior to, during, or following a competition event, training camp, or team activity.
Illegal and Performance Enhancing Drugs and Substances/ illegal drugs and substances are strictly forbidden. Whilst some may not appear on the banned list, they remain prohibited.
Particular care must be taken if anyone is on medication (prescribed or over-the-counter) prior to or during a meet.
Attendance at all activities at a training camp or competition is expected unless agreed with the Team Manager/Coach. Throughout the event, swimmers should inform staff of their whereabouts.
Sanctions of the Code of Conduct will be dealt with in the first instance by the Team Manager/Coach. The incident shall be reported to the Club Secretary and/or the Child Welfare Officer who shall take such further action as deemed necessary.
In addition to the above, it is expected that all members of Wycombe District Swimming Club, when attending any training session or event shall:
· Comply with the codes, rules and laws within the guidelines set out by the ASA.
· Behave without discrimination on the grounds of age, gender, race, religion, sexual identity or disability, as set out in the equity statement.
· Respect the basic rights, dignity and worth of each member of the club, and all other competitors/swimmers.
· Not encourage any violation of the rules of the club or the sport by swimmers, volunteers, staff, officials or parents.
· Observe the authority and decisions of all officials.
· Treat other competitors and teams with respect, in victory and in defeat.
Name (please print)
Signed Date
Parent/guardian name (please print)
Signed Date
For members under 12 years old
As the parent/carer of the above named, I hereby confirm that I have explained to them the contents and implications of this Code of Conduct.
Name (please print)
Signed (parent/carer) Date
WYCOMBE DISTRICT SWIMMING CLUB
GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC/FILMING EQUIPMENT
AT COMPETITIONS
The ASA have been aware of cases where photographing of swimmers has been used for illicit purposes. Hence the ruling that no one unconnected with an event i.e. not a parent/carer takes photographs unless they are a suitably approved photographer, and have the consent of the meet manager.
Parents/carers of swimmers under 18 have the right to refuse to have children photographed, and/or photographs being published.
Professional photographers/filming/video operators wishing to record any event must seek accreditation with the event organiser by producing their professional identification for the details to be recorded. Ideally this should be at least 5 days prior to the event.
Students or amateur photographers/film/video operators wising to record the event must seek accreditation with the event organiser by producing their student or club registration card and a letter from their club/educational establishment outlining their motive for attending the event.
All other spectators wishing to use photographic/film/video equipment with a telescopic or zoom lens should register their intent with the event organiser. Under ASA guidance, once a parent/carer has signed the photography record book we are happy for them to take photos on the belief this is of their swimmer in the main. Other swimmers may be nearby but not the main object of the photograph.
Mobile phones should be registered as a camera if it has that facility, in line with guidelines for other photographic/film/video equipment. Whilst we do not support the banning of phones (children need them to keep in touch with parents, particularly in an emergency) we do support the ASA requirement that manufacturers ensure they add a ‘noticeable sound’ that is audible if a phone camera is used.
When mobile phones are taken into the changing rooms by members, the camera facility must not be used.
Accreditation procedure:
1. A system should be established to record an individual’s name/address/club.
2. Professionals should register prior to the event and records kept of their details. Details should be confirmed with the issuing authority.
3. An identification label should be used at each event to highlight those with accreditation. Different labels should be used for different events to prevent unofficial replication.
Public information: specific details regarding photographic/film/video equipment registration should, where possible, be published prominently in event programmes and announced over the public address system prior to the start of the event.
Publication of photographs: Publication of a photograph of a swimmer under 18 either on a notice board or in a published article should only be done with the parents consent (preferably in writing) and in line with ASA guidelines.
ASA guidelines for photos for publication are head/neck only, or in tracksuits if full length; and no details of the swimmer such as full name, place of residence or school attended.
AT CLUB SESSIONS
The ASA advice on the use of videoing equipment is clear. There is no intention to prevent club coaches and teachers using videoing as a legitimate coaching aid, however videoing of children is not recommended. Any videos that are taken would have to be justified by the club as to why the video has been made 9e.g. to assist in swimming stroke development).
Assuming that a video is made:
· written consent is required from the parents of the children;
· an invitation to the parents to attend the videoing should be made;
· the parents should be able to view the video subsequently;
· any concern expressed by the child or parent and the videoing should cease;
· after videoing (unless it can be justified as to why the video is to be kept) the video should be destroyed once it has served its purpose.
· The videoer should be extremely careful in the content of the video.
If the club is concerned that someone unknown to them is using club sessions for photographic or filming purposes, they should ask them to leave and contact the pool management.
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