Football Policies
Anti-Bullying Policy
Purpose
At The HIA we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where all players can enjoy football, develop their skills, and make friends. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable in our team, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every player feels valued, respected, and safe.
Definition of Bullying
Bullying is any behaviour, whether verbal, physical, or emotional, that intentionally hurts, harms, or humiliates another person. This can include, but is not limited to:
- Verbal Bullying: Name-calling, teasing, making offensive remarks, or threatening.
- Physical Bullying: Hitting, kicking, pushing, or any use of violence.
- Social Bullying: Excluding someone from a group, spreading rumours, or encouraging others to turn against a player.
- Cyberbullying: Using technology, such as social media, text messages, or online games, to harass, threaten, or humiliate someone.
Our Commitment
Zero Tolerance: We have a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. All reports of bullying will be taken seriously and dealt with promptly.
Safe Environment: We will provide a safe and positive environment for all players. Everyone in our team has the right to feel safe, respected, and included.
Education and Awareness: We will educate our players about the importance of respect, kindness, and teamwork. Understanding the impact of bullying and learning how to stand up against it are key components of our team culture.
Reporting Bullying
If you experience or witness bullying, it is important to speak up. Here’s how you can report it:
1. Tell a Coach or Adult: Speak to your coach or another trusted adult immediately. They are here to help and will listen to your concerns.
2. Use the Buddy System: If you feel uncomfortable reporting on your own, ask a friend to come with you for support.
3. Confidentiality: We will handle all reports of bullying confidentially and with sensitivity.
Response to Bullying
When bullying is reported, we will:
1. Investigate: Take the time to understand what happened by talking to everyone involved.
2. Support the Victim: Ensure that the person who was bullied feels safe, supported, and respected. We will take appropriate steps to stop the bullying.
3. Address the Behaviour: Talk to the person who engaged in bullying behaviour to help them understand the impact of their actions. We will work with them to change their behaviour and ensure that it does not happen again.
4. Involve Parents: In cases where bullying is serious or persistent, we will involve the parents or guardians of those involved to find a constructive resolution.
Consequences for Bullying
Depending on the severity and persistence of the bullying behaviour, consequences may include:
- Verbal Warning: A discussion with the player about their behaviour and its impact.
- Temporary Suspension: Temporary removal from practices or matches.
- Permanent Removal: In severe cases, or if bullying persists, a player may be asked to leave the team.
Promoting a Positive Team Culture
We encourage all players to:
- Be Kind and Inclusive: Treat others as you would like to be treated. Welcome new teammates and include everyone in activities.
- Stand Up Against Bullying: If you see someone being bullied, offer your support and encourage them to report it.
- Be a Good Teammate: Support your teammates on and off the field, celebrate each other’s successes, and help each other improve.
Review and Adaptation
This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant. Feedback from players, parents, and coaches is welcome and will be considered in future updates.
Social Media Policy For Teammates
Responsible Use
Players should use social media responsibly and with consideration for others. Posting or sharing content that is harmful, offensive, or bullying is prohibited.
Players should respect their teammates’ privacy. Do not post images, videos, or personal information about teammates without their permission.
Positive Representation
Players are representatives of their team both on and off the field. They should be mindful of how they portray themselves and their team on social media, promoting a positive and respectful image.
Reporting Concerns
Players should report any online behaviour they feel is inappropriate or makes them uncomfortable to a coach or trusted adult. This includes cyberbullying, harassment, or any other concerning behaviour.
Enforcement and Consequences
Non-Compliance: Failure to adhere to these policies may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from the team, depending on the severity of the breach.
Support: The team will provide support to anyone affected by bullying, inappropriate behaviour, or misuse of technology, ensuring that all concerns are addressed promptly and sensitively.
Texting Policy For Teammates
Respectful Communication
Players should communicate respectfully with their teammates. Bullying, harassment, or sending inappropriate messages is not tolerated.
If group chats are created for team communication, all members should be respectful and inclusive. Coaches should monitor these groups when possible to ensure appropriate behaviour.
Photography and Videoing Policy For Teammates
Consent
Players should not take photographs or videos of their teammates without their consent.
Players should respect others’ privacy and avoid taking images or videos in inappropriate locations (e.g., changing rooms).
Sharing
Players should not share images or videos of their teammates on social media without permission from the individuals involved.
Sharing images or videos that could be harmful, embarrassing, or inappropriate is strictly prohibited.
Photo Storage and Management Policy
Photos of children participating in The HIA football team, taken by the coach or authorised personnel, will be stored securely in accordance with our data protection and privacy policies. Specifically:
1. Digital Storage
Photos will be stored on secure, password-protected devices and/or cloud-based storage services that adhere to industry-standard security protocols.
Access to these photos will be restricted to authorised personnel only (e.g., the coach and relevant team staff).
2. Physical Storage
In the unlikely event that printed copies of the photos are made, they will be stored in a secure, locked location accessible only to authorised personnel and kept no longer than required.
3. Duration of Storage
Photos will be retained for as long as necessary for team purposes (e.g., promotional materials, team archives) and will be deleted or securely destroyed after this period, or upon the withdrawal of consent by the parent or guardian.
4. Sharing and Distribution
Photos will not be shared publicly (e.g., on social media, websites) without explicit, additional consent from parents or guardians. Consent for sharing images publicly is found in the registration pack.
Photos may be shared internally among team members and their families via secure platforms (e.g., a private team website or group, such as WhatsApp). Families are reminded that photos shared within these groups must not be shared outside of the groups.
5. Parental Access
Parents or guardians may request access to review, request deletion, or revoke consent for the use of photos of their children at any time by contacting The HIA on 01423 752828.
We are committed to ensuring the privacy and security of your child’s images and will take all necessary measures to protect them.