Anti-Bullying Policy
Procedures for Dealing with Bullying
Statement of Intent
Maidenhead & Bray Cricket Club is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our children so they can train, and play, in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all children should be able to tell, and know, incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a TELLING club. This means anyone who knows bullying is happening has a responsibility to TELL.
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, tormenting (e.g. hiding equipment, 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
- Cyber - all areas of internet, such as email and internet chat room misuse, mobile threats by text messaging and calls, misuse of associated technology (e.g. camera and video facilities)
Why is it Important to Respond to Bullying?
Bullying hurts. No one should be a victim of bullying. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect. Children who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving. Cricket clubs have a responsibility to respond promptly, and effectively, to issues of bullying.
Signs of Bullying
Changes in behavior that may indicate a child is being bullied include:
- Unwillingness to attend training or matches
- Withdrawal from activities or social situations
- Feeling ill before training sessions
- Deterioration in performance
- Unexplained injuries or damaged equipment
- Becoming withdrawn, anxious, or lacking confidence
- Problems with sleeping or eating
What Should You Do?
If You Are Being Bullied
- •Tell someone you trust - a parent, coach, or club officer
- •Keep a record of what happened and when
- •Remember it's not your fault
If You See Bullying
- •Don't ignore it - report it to a coach or club officer
- •Support the person being bullied
- •Don't join in or encourage the bully
How the Club Will Respond
All reports of bullying will be taken seriously and investigated promptly. The club will:
- Interview all parties involved separately
- Record all incidents and actions taken
- Inform parents/guardians of all children involved
- Take appropriate action, which may include warnings, temporary suspension, or permanent exclusion
- Provide support to the victim and monitor the situation
- Work with the bully to change their behavior
Report Bullying
If you or someone you know is being bullied, please contact our Club Safeguarding Officer immediately.
Remember
We are a TELLING club. If you know bullying is happening, you have a responsibility to TELL.
Last updated: December 2025