Bullying Code of Practice

Rostrata Sporting Club strongly believes in equality and fair treatment for all.

We pride ourselves in actively demonstrating the principles of fair play and teamwork to our players and instances of bullying are extremely rare.

Should any instance of improper conduct be brought to our attention, we will investigate it and follow the course of action outlined in the Work Safe Code of Practice below.

Our Bullying Code of Practice, the Work Safe Code of Practice, reads as follows:

1. The Work Safe Code of Practice on violence, aggression, and bullying at the Rostrata SC outlines behaviour and expectations of our players and members.

2. Violence, aggression, and bullying are not acceptable and Coaches, Managers, and Committee Members are obliged to ensure that all players and members have a safe environment and are treated fairly and equitably.

3. Rostrata JFC has a NO tolerance rule in relation to bullying. Any complaint in relation to bullying must be in writing and addressed to the Committee Rostrata SC.

3.1. Penalties for bullying if the complaint is found are as follows:

a. Do nothing;

b. Informal caution;

c. Formal caution;

d. Warning of game suspension;

e. Game suspension; the player cannot play for any Rostrata SC team on game day, but may still attend training season, view the game as a spectator only and attend any social Rostrata SC functions. The three sitting committee members in writing will define the game suspension period.

f. Warning of club suspension;

g. Club suspension; the player is not allowed to take part in any home and away fixture game for Rostrata SC, attend any formal training session but may view the game as a spectator only and may attend any Rostrata SC social functions.

The sitting committee members will define the club suspension.

h. Warning of club expulsion;

i. Club expulsion. the player is not allowed to take part in any home and away fixture game for the Rostrata JFC, attend any formal training session for any Rostrata SC team or attend any formal or social Rostrata SC functions.

The sitting committee members will define the expulsion period.

3.2. Further to the above:

a. All written findings will be recorded and maintained by the sectary Rostrata SC for a period of two years.

b. Only subsequent breaches of less than two years may be used to determine punishment.

c. A subsequent breach on the same complainant within the two-year period is to be viewed as serious.

4. A common-sense approach needs to be adopted in relation to this issue and the following guidelines should be followed.

a. In the first instance the parent or player should approach the team manager or coach to identify the problem, offer a solution and a reasonable resolution.

b. If the bullying continues or you are unhappy with the first outcome approach a committee member to intervene to try and resolve the issue informally.

c. If the bullying continues or you are unhappy with the outcome put the complaint in writing addressed to the Committee Rostrata SC who will convene (at the first convenient opportunity) to listen to the complaint and investigate. Once the investigation is complete (within 7 days) you will receive a written response.

d. The penalties listed above will take precedence once a written complaint has been received and are founded.

e. No less than three committee members one of who must be the president or vice president of the Rostrata SC will judge the complaint on the balance of probabilities.

5. Definition of bullying:

a. Bullying can be defined as repeated unreasonable or inappropriate behaviour directed towards a player, or group of players, that creates a risk to health and safety.

6. Definition of player:

a. A player is any person who is registered as a player with the Rostrata SC for that year and has or has not paid their fees.

7. Definition of a member:

a. A member is any parent, lawful guardian, or sibling of any player.

8. Definition of a committee member:

a. A member who has been voted into that position at the annual AGM for that playing year.

9. Rights of any person accused of bullying:

a. Natural justice must be observed in all dealings with people accused of bullying.

b. It is essential that people be protected against false and malicious accusations.

c. People may be falsely accused of bullying because of a desire on the part of others to harm them or an over-reaction to a trivial or isolated incident.

d. If a person accused of bullying is denied natural justice, then any formal action taken against them may be overturned should they appeal against it.

10. Physical and sexual assaults are criminal matters and will be referred to the police.

See https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/workplace-violence-and-aggression for more information.