Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harassment Policy

Chelmsford Gymnastics Club take all signs or allegations of possible bullying seriously. Disruptive, threatening or inappropriate behaviour of any kind is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Bullying can be:-
• Emotional - excluding and tormenting (e.g. hiding belongings, 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 - an individual is mocked or taunted because of their sexuality.
• Transphobia - Misgendering or taunting, threats of violence received due to identified gender.
• Verbal - name calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, excessive teasing.
• Cyber - all areas of the internet, such as email and social media misuse, mobile phone threats by text messaging and calls, misuse of associated technology, i.e. camera and video facilities.
Examples of bullying within gymnastics could be:-
• A gymnast who intimidates fellow gymnasts inappropriately i.e. abusive texts messages, other social networking sites.
• A coach who adopts a win at all costs philosophy i.e. shouting, name calling, or ignoring.
• A parent who pushes too hard i.e. shouting at child.
• Anyone who intimidates another member at the club.
Chelmsford Gymnastics Club has a strict three strike policy:
1. Anyone failing to meet behaviour standards will receive a verbal warning and there will be an apology from the bully/bullies to the victim and the bully’s parents will be informed.

2. If the behaviour continues, a written warning will be issued to the bully and the parents and disciplinary action will be taken, if necessary.
3. If the written warning has no effect, the gymnast will be suspended or expelled from the club.
. • A copy of the British Gymnastics Anti-Bullying policy is available from the British Gymnastics website.

Chelmsford Gymnastics Club is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all our members. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable. We believe it is important that participants, coaches, administrators, officials, volunteers, trustee members and parents/guardians should, always show respect and understanding for the welfare of others.
If bullying does occur, members should be able to tell a trusted adult and know that incidents will be dealt with effectively.
Initially, incidents of bullying should be reported to the gymnast’s coach. If necessary, the coach will report the incident to the Club Welfare Officers.
Serious bullying incidents should be reported either in person to a member of Club Management and/one of the Club Welfare Officers or email:
admin@chelmsfordgymnasticsclub.org
headcoach@chelmsfordgymnasticsclub.org
Chelmsford Gymnastics Club understands that bullying, especially if left unaddressed, can have a devastating effect on individuals; it can create a barrier to not only the performance of a gymnast, but more importantly it can have serious consequences for mental wellbeing.
We monitor and review our Anti-Bullying Policy and practices on a regular basis and recognise that some members of our community may be more vulnerable to bullying and its impact than others and provides appropriate support, if required.