Bullying is becoming more common in schools and rugby clubs, it is an ever growing issue that often leaves individuals feeling unwanted ‘PRESSURES’. Bullying is not easy to define, in Rugby, bullying can vary from verbal, to using the contact aspect of the game to be over aggressive to other participants. The ‘PRESSURES’ policy enables schools and clubs to become more aware of the types of bullying in their environments but also helps us to put a STOP to bullying. As methods of bullying are ever changing, we need to adapt with them to ensure a STOP to bullying.
At White Rose Rugby we firmly believe that referring to the Core Values at the first sign of bullying can STOP the progression. For example, if a player is shouting abuse whilst in a game. Pause the game and question the player on their behaviour and sportsmanship.
PHYSICAL – What is Physical Bullying?
Physical bullying is bullying that occurs from continued Physical contact. Physical bullying occurs largely in rugby due to the contact element in our game. If Players or coaches are often over aggressive or have the intention to hurt others, this is a sign of physical bullying. To challenge this, refer back to the core Values and challenge Respect and Enjoyment, for example ask the individual if they are respecting the other participant and if they’re effecting the enjoyment of others. If it continues, inform a member of the safeguarding team at the school or club.
What are the signs?
Unusual Bruising, Injuries or burns. In more serious cases there may be bite marks, fractures or scalds. The behaviour of individuals affected will also alter, they may become afraid of contact and aggression or even going home.
RACIST – What is Racial led bullying?
Racial Bullying is the bullying of an individual due to their race. It is often seen within participants in clubs or schools, that are within small groups of ethnic minorities. Signs of Racial led bullying may be continuing comments about, skin colour, religion or beliefs. To challenge this, refer back to the core values and challenge respect, for example asking the individual, if that was respectful behaviour. If it continues, inform a member of the safeguarding team at the school or club.
What are the signs?
A lack of confidence around the group, sudden changes in behaviour and also having the fear of making a mistake or error. They may also have A few friends.
EMOTIONAL – What is Emotional bullying?
Emotional bullying is where an individual will affect others emotions to benefit themselves. Examples of Emotional bullying may include types of blackmail and other behaviours that effect an individual’s emotions. In a rugby situation, emotional bullying may occur when coaches, volunteers or parents give an individual repeated negative feedback, demand better performance levels and over-empathise the winning ethic. To challenge this, refer back to the core values and challenge, respect, for example asking the individual, if that was respectful behaviour. If it continues, inform a member of the safeguarding team at the school or club.
What are the signs?
A lack of confidence around the group, sudden changes in behaviour and also having the fear of making a mistake or error. They may also have A few friends. Physically, individuals may have a sudden change in weight or develop new behavioural issues.
SOCIAL – What is Social Bullying?
Social bullying has a mixture of types of bullying. This type of bullying occurs in social groups, it is usually done by a group Bullying on one individual or leaving one individual out. This is usually done by an individual in a power role. To challenge this, refer back to the core values and challenge, respect, for example asking the individual, if that was respectful behaviour. You could also refer to Teamwork. For example, ask if they are working well as a team, if they are leaving one individual out. If it continues, inform a member of the safeguarding team at the school or club.
What are the signs?
A lack of confidence around the group, sudden changes in behaviour and also having the fear of making a mistake or error. They may also have A few friends. Physically, individuals may have a sudden change in weight or develop new behavioural issues.
SEXUAL – What is Sexually driven Bullying?
Sexual Bullying or Harassment is when an individual continuously comments on things such as the individuals appearance, body parts, sexual orientation or sexual activity. Sexual bullying occurs verbally but can also occur when an individual sends Sexual photos, messages or videos. It can also be physical. Physically it occurs when an individual will continually try to make sexual contact with another. To challenge this, refer back to the core values and challenge, respect, for example asking the individual, if that was respectful behaviour. If it continues, inform a member of the safeguarding team at the school or club.
What are the signs?
A lack of confidence around the group, sudden changes in behaviour and also having the fear of making a mistake or error. They may also have A few friends. Physically, individuals may have a sudden change in weight.
UNDERSTANDING – Understanding behaviours and outcomes:
Understanding is a key stage. Understanding if what you have seen is bullying. Understanding how those involved may be affected. And most importantly, understand which is the next correct step to take dependant on the scenario.
REPORTING – Reporting the incident:
Reporting an incident or a set of incidents is vital to ensuring the next steps can be taken. Reporting incidents to the club or schools safe guarding officer or a member of their safeguarding team. If you are told of a case of bullying, or see a case of bullying, ensure you understand what is going on. Once you fully understand the Scenario, begin to report the incident. Dependant on its severity changes who you must report too. For example, if pornographic images of a student are been sent around a school the police must be informed. Where as if it the first sign of Emotional bullying, the schools or clubs safeguarding officer must be contacted. Before entering a new coaching environment, we advise you meet the safeguarding team, but also read the club or schools safe guarding and bullying policy.
ELECTRONIC – What is Electronic Bullying?
Electronic bullying is often referred to as cyber Bullying. This bullying takes place over mobile devices, or other devices that use the internet. Emotional, Sexual, Social and racist bullying can occur across electronic devices. Electronic Bullying is Continually growing due to the advancements in technology. Electronic Bullying is often used, as messages online can be deleted as well as photos can be removed. To challenge this, refer back to the core values and challenge, respect, for example asking the individual, if that was respectful behaviour. If it continues, inform a member of the safeguarding team at the school or club.
What are the signs?
A lack of confidence around the group, sudden changes in behaviour and also having the fear of making a mistake or error. They may also have A few friends. Physically, individuals may have a sudden change in weight.
STOP – By using your understanding and reporting incidents, You can help remove Bullying from Our Sporting World.
© White Rose Rugby