LSC Anti-Bullying Policy

All Staff representing the Club must:

» Know that bullying can cause considerable distress and harm to children.

» Be responsible for tackling bullying.

» Encourage an ethos of mutual respect for difference throughout the Club.

» Give positive encouragement and promote the value of self and others.

» Promote the Littlehampton Swimming Club Teamship Rules for Swimmers.

» Not take part in or tolerate behaviour that frightens, embarrasses or demoralises a swimmer or that negatively
   affects their self esteem.

» Make it clear that bullying, physical, verbal or emotional by Club staff, swimmers or parents/carers will not be
   tolerated by the Club or the ASA and is unacceptable, but that both victims and bullies will be given the necessary
   support.

» Create an open environment where swimmers feel confident to raise their concerns.

» Reassure any victim, listen to their concerns and take these seriously.

» Refer concerns about bullying to the Club Child Welfare Officer and act in accordance with the Littlehampton
   Swimming Club and ASA Child Protection Procedures and Guidelines.

» Publicise Swim Line and the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline.

If bullying is reported Littlehampton Swimming Club will:

» Take all reports/suspicions of bullying very seriously and act in accordance with the Littlehampton Swimming
    Club and ASA Child Protection Procedures and Guidelines.

» Investigate all allegations and take action to ensure the victim is safe. Speak with the victim and the bully 
   separately.

» Provide support to the victim and liaise with their parents/carers.

» Inform the bully’s parents/carers, where the bully is a child.

» Talk with the bully, explain the situation, and try to get the bully to understand the consequences of their
    behaviour. Seek an apology to the victim.

» Encourage and support the bully to change behaviour. 

» Impose sanctions on the bully as necessary in accordance with the Littlehampton Swimming Club Code of Conduct 
   for Swimmers, except where the allegation has become the subject of a Child Protection Investigation by the police
   or social services where the bully, whether staff, parent or child, will be suspended from the Club pending the
   outcome of any such investigation and decision by the Littlehampton Swimming Club Disciplinary sub-committee or
   Club Management Committee as appropriate.

» Hold meetings with the families involved to report on progress.

» Keep a written record of any action taken and maintain confidentiality.