PRINCIPLES
Bullying of any kind is not acceptable within any
Club or Constituent Body (CB) providing playing
opportunities for children and young people.

The RFU/W are a 'telling' culture and anyone who
knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell
their Club Safeguarding Officer or CB Safeguarding Manager.

Bullying will be taken seriously, responded
to promptly, and procedures followed to deal with
the situation.

It is the responsibility of every adult working in rugby
union whether professional or volunteer, to ensure that
all young people can enjoy the sport in a safe
enjoyable environment.

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 physically), tormenting (e.g. hiding rugby kit, threatening gestures including sending threatening text messages).
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.

OBJECTIVES OF THE POLICY

All Club members, coaches, volunteers and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is.
All Club members, coaches and volunteers should know what the RFU/RFUW/Club/Constituent Body policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.
All players and parents should know what the RFU/RFUW/Club/Constituent Body policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises.
Players and parents should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported.
Bullying will not be tolerated.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he
or she is being bullied. Children and Young People
have described bullying as:

being called names.
being teased.
being hit, pushed, pulled, pinched, or kicked.
having their bag, mobile or other possessions taken.
receiving abusive text messages.
being forced to hand over money.
being forced to do things they do not want to do.
being ignored or left out.
being attacked because of religion, gender, sexuality, disability, appearance or ethnic or racial origin.

OTHER SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
A child:

doesn't want to attend training or club activities.
changes their usual routine.
begins being disruptive during sessions .
becomes withdrawn anxious or lacking in confidence.
has possessions going missing.
becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable.
starts stammering.
has unexplained cuts or bruises.

Bullying can be:

Emotional - being unfriendly, excluding (emotionally nd physically), tormenting (e.g. hiding rugby kit, threatening gestures including sending threatening text messages).
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

OBJECTIVES OF THE POLICY
All Club members, coaches, volunteers and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is.
All Club members, coaches and volunteers should know what the RFU/RFUW/Club/Constituent Body policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.
All players and parents should know what the RFU/RFUW/Club/Constituent Body policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises.
Players and parents should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported

Procedures and Management of Bullying

Report bullying incidents to the Club Safeguarding Officer (or CB Safeguarding Manager), record (using the RFU Incident Record Form). If the incident is an adult bullying a young person, the Club Safeguarding Officer (or CB Safeguarding Manager) will report the incident to the RFU Safeguarding Officer. If the incident is a young person bullying a young person, the club/county will manage this, and can access advice and support from the Club Safeguarding Officer, CB Safeguarding Manager or RFU Safeguarding Officer at any stage of the process.
Parents may be informed and asked to come in to a meeting to discuss the problem.
If necessary and appropriate, police will be consulted.
If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue the Club/CB/RFU can initiate disciplinary action under the relevant constitution.