Anti‑Bullying Policy & Statement of Commitment

1. Statement of Commitment

East Kilbride Youth Club (EKYC) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where all children and young people can enjoy football free from bullying. We recognise our responsibility to promote wellbeing, prevent harm and respond appropriately to any concerns in line with the SYFA Child Wellbeing & Protection Policy, GIRFEC, and EKYC’s Codes of Conduct.

 

2. Purpose of This Policy

This policy outlines EKYC’s approach to preventing, identifying and responding to bullying behaviour. It applies to all players, parents/carers, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators involved in EKYC activities.

 

3. Definition of Bullying

Bullying behaviour can harm people both physically and emotionally. Something only has to happen once to make a child feel worried, scared, threatened, left out and hurt. The actual behaviour may not be repeated but the threat may be sustained over time, typically by actions, looks, messages, confrontations, physical interventions, or the fear of these. Bullying behaviour is not always deliberate, but that does not mean that the bullying behaviour does not need to be appropriately challenged.

  • Bullying behaviour can include:
  • Being called names, teased, put down or threatened (in person or online)
  • Being hit, tripped, pushed or kicked
  • Being ignored, excluded, or having rumours spread about you (in person or online)
  • Receiving abusive messages, pictures or images on social media, online gaming platforms or by phone
  • Behaviour that makes someone feel they are not in control of themselves or their lives (in person or online)
  • Being targeted because of who you are, or who you are perceived to be (in person or online)
  • Having belongings, including money, taken or damaged

 

4. Positive Behaviour Expectations

  • All members of EKYC are expected to:
  • Treat others with respect, fairness and kindness
  • Promote teamwork, inclusion and encouragement
  • Model positive behaviour at all times
  • Communicate appropriately and resolve disagreements calmly
  • Follow EKYC Codes of Conduct and SYFA wellbeing principles

 

5. Reporting a Bullying Concern

  • Anyone can raise a concern, including players, parents, coaches, volunteers or spectators. Concerns can be reported to:
  • Team Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer (CWPO)
  • Club CWPO
  • Team Coach or Assistant Coach
  • EKYC Committee Member
  • Match Officials (if incident occurs during a fixture)

Concerns can be raised in person, by phone or in writing to ekyccpo@outlook.com

All concerns will be taken seriously.

 

6. Confidentiality & Information Sharing

EKYC will handle all concerns sensitively and confidentially. Information will only be shared with individuals who need it to protect the child or young person, in line with SYFA Child Wellbeing & Protection Policy and data protection requirements.

 

7. Roles & Responsibilities

Coaches & Volunteers

  • Promote positive behaviour and inclusion
  • Challenge inappropriate behaviour immediately
  • Report concerns to the CWPO
  • Support children involved in or affected by bullying

CWPOs

  • Receive and record concerns
  • Assess risk and decide next steps
  • Liaise with parents/carers where appropriate
  • Escalate to SYFA or statutory services if required

Committee

  • Ensure policies are implemented
  • Support CWPOs in decision-making
  • Review trends and ensure continuous improvement

Parents/Carers

  • Model respectful behaviour
  • Support their child to communicate concerns
  • Work collaboratively with EKYC to resolve issues

Players

  • Treat teammates and opponents with respect
  • Report concerns about themselves or others
  • Follow Codes of Conduct

 

8. Record‑Keeping

All bullying concerns will be recorded and stored securely by the CWPO in line with SYFA Child Wellbeing & Protection Policy and EKYC data protection procedures.

 

9. Procedure for Responding to Bullying Concerns

Concern Raised

A concern may be raised by a child, parent, coach, volunteer, official or spectator.

Listening & Reassurance

The child or young person is listened to without judgement. Immediate safety needs are considered.

Report to CWPO

The concern is passed to the Team or Club CWPO as soon as possible.

Recording

The CWPO records the concern using EKYC’s Child Wellbeing & Protection reporting process.

Initial Assessment

The CWPO assesses the information, considers risk and determines next steps.

Action Taken

Actions may include:

  • Speaking with those involved
  • Implementing behaviour plans
  • Contacting parents/carers
  • Liaising with SYFA or statutory services if required

Outcome & Follow‑Up

The CWPO ensures appropriate follow‑up, support and monitoring. All actions are recorded.

 

10. Monitoring & Review

EKYC will review this policy annually or sooner if required by changes in SYFA guidance, legislation or club needs.

 

 

This Anti‑Bullying Policy has been reviewed and approved by East Kilbride Youth Club’s safeguarding leadership.

Club Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer (CWPO)

 

Signed:

 

 

Allan Coupar

Club Child Well-being Officer

Email: ekyccpo@outlook.com