Anti-Bullying Policy

Winnipeg South End United recognizes the seriousness of bullying. WSEU’s code of conduct describes the positive behaviors expected of the club’s players, coaches and parents. The code of conduct applies to all, sets standards for behavior, and covers a focused set of expected positive behaviors. Along with our code of conduct, we expect all our players to adhere to this Anti-Bullying Policy. (Based on Ottawa South United Anti-Bullying Policy and Canada Soccer Guide to Safety)

Definition:
Bullying is the severe or repeated use of oral, written, electronic or other technological expression, image, sound, data or intelligence of any nature (regardless of the method of transmission), or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another individual that to a reasonably objective person has the effect of:

1. causing physical or emotional harm to the other person or damage to the other
   person’s property;
2. placing the other person in reasonable fear of harm to themselves or of damage
   to their property;
3. creating a hostile environment for the other person at any soccer activity;
4. infringing on the rights of the other person at any soccer activity; or
5. materially and substantially disrupting the orderly operation of any soccer
   activity.

Bullying of any kind is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Bullying is counterproductive to team spirit and can be devastating to all parties involved. WSEU is committed to providing a safe, caring, and friendly environment for all participants. If bullying does occur, incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. Anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell a responsible adult.

WSEU leadership is defined as the technical director or member of the executive of the Board of Directors (President, Vice-President, Treasurer or Secretary).

Reporting Procedure:
An athlete who experiences or observes, for themselves or another athlete, bullying should do one or more of the following things:

1. Talk to their parents or responsible adult;
2. Talk to a coach, the technical director, a Board member, or other designated individual;
3. Write a letter or email to a coach, the technical director, a Board member, or other designated individual.

There is no express time limit for initiating a complaint under this procedure, but every effort should be made to bring the complaint to the attention of the appropriate adult as quickly as possible to stop the bullying behaviour.

Conflict and Resolution Protocol:

1. A reported incident will be brought to the attention of the technical director (if not first consulted above) immediately.
2. The technical director will consult the Board executive.
3. Parents/responsible adults for athletes involved will be informed and will be asked to attend a meeting or separate meetings to discuss the issue. Minutes should be taken at every meeting for clarity.
4. WSEU leadership will:
   a. meet with the parents/responsible adult and the athlete alleging bullying to obtain details of the incident.
   b. meet with the alleged perpetrator(s) and parents/responsible adults and put the incident raised to them to answer and provide their perspective of the incident.
   c. speak to any third parties that may have been involved to gather additional information.
5. If bullying has, in their view, taken place, the perpetrator(s) will be warned and put on notice of further action.
6. An attempt will be made to help the perpetrator(s) change their behaviour.
7. If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue, the club will initiate disciplinary action, and elevate to our governing organizations as appropriate.
8. All coaches involved with both/all athletes will be made aware of the concerns and outcome of the process.

Actions are based on three areas:

1. Supporting the athlete who has been/is being bullied through:

1. Discussing resolution strategies first that the athlete and their parents/responsible adult suggest and then secondly that WSEU leadership suggests for maintaining and enhancing the athlete’s safety.
2. Developing an action plan that includes open communication between WSEU leadership and the athlete and parents/responsible adults.
3. Committing to providing consistent support to the bullied athlete.

2. Addressing bullying behaviour through:

1. Speaking to the perpetrator(s) to explain that bullying behaviour is not tolerated.
2. Discussing contextual factors for the bullying and providing additional supports should the perpetrator need them.
3. Involving the perpetrator(s) and their parents/responsible adults in the reparation process by listening to their suggested strategies.
4. Avoiding strategies with negative consequences.
5. Following up with the perpetrator(s).

3. Supporting all athletes through educating them on bullying behaviour and how they can help each other:

1. Being a friend to someone being bullied.
2. Help bullied friends to get away from a bullying situation.
3. Set a good example by not bullying others.
4. Don’t give the bully an audience.

Coach Education:
WSEU will make all of our coaches aware of this Anti-Bullying policy. Our coaches will be guided on how to be more aware of bullying and they reinforce awareness among our players. We expect our coaches to employ preventative measures so that bullying does not become is not an issue for our players.