Purpose:
Wallingford Soccer Club is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable and will not be tolerated within our organization. This is applied in concert with applicable South Central District, CJSA, or SafeSport policies.
Definition of Bullying:
Bullying is defined as any intentional, aggressive behavior that involves an imbalance of power and is meant to harm or intimidate another individual. This behavior may be physical, verbal, emotional, or cyber-based and can occur on or off the field/court.
Scope:
This policy applies to all participants involved in WSC, including players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, and spectators.
Zero Tolerance:
WSC has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying. Any form of bullying, harassment, or intimidation will result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the organization.
Reporting Procedure:
Any individual who experiences or witnesses bullying behavior is encouraged to report it promptly to a coach, staff member, or designated authority figure within the organization. Reports can be made in person, in writing, or by phone to the club president or the Director for the age group in which the incident occurred.
Investigation Process:
Upon receiving a report of bullying, Wallingford Soccer Club will promptly investigate the matter in a fair, impartial, and confidential manner. The investigation will involve gathering information from all parties involved and taking appropriate action based on the findings.
Consequences:
Individuals found to have engaged in bullying behavior may face disciplinary consequences, including verbal warnings, written warnings, suspension from games or practices, removal from the team, or termination of membership in the organization. Repeat offenders will be automatically lose membership in the WSC.
Support for Victims:
WSC is committed to providing support services for victims of bullying, including counseling, mediation, and referrals to external resources. Victims will be supported throughout the investigation process and beyond to ensure their well-being.
Parental Involvement:
Parents/guardians are encouraged to play an active role in preventing and addressing bullying within the organization. They should educate their children about bullying, monitor their behavior, and report any concerns to the appropriate authorities.
Review and Revision:
This bullying policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Feedback from participants will be considered in the revision process to continuously improve
our approach to preventing and addressing bullying. All parties should consider whether it should be reported to the Center for SafeSport.
Conclusion:
By adhering to this bullying policy, WSC is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all can play and enjoy the game of soccer. |