Download the Full Document Here
1. Policy Statement
Hull City Ladies Football Club is fully committed to providing a safe, positive, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone involved in the club. Bullying of any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
The club recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all participants and to promote equality, respect, and fair play in line with The FA’s Safeguarding Policies and Codes of Conduct.
This policy applies to all players, coaches, managers, officials, volunteers, parents/carers, spectators, and anyone associated with Hull City Ladies Football Club, across all age groups and activities, including training, matches, travel, and online activity.
2. What is Bullying?
Bullying is repeated behaviour that is intended to hurt, intimidate, threaten, humiliate, undermine, or isolate an individual or group. It can be carried out by an individual or a group and may be obvious or subtle.
Bullying can include, but is not limited to:
- Verbal abuse: name-calling, insults, teasing, threats, or inappropriate jokes
- Physical bullying: pushing, hitting, kicking, or damaging property
- Emotional or psychological abuse: intimidation, exclusion, spreading rumours, humiliation
- Discriminatory bullying: based on age, gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any protected characteristic
- Cyberbullying: abuse via social media, messaging apps, email, gaming platforms, or any online forum
Bullying may occur face-to-face or online and may take place during or outside football activities if it affects club members.
3. Preventing Bullying
Hull City Ladies Football Club will take proactive steps to prevent bullying by:
- Promoting a culture of respect, fairness, and inclusion
- Ensuring all members adhere to The FA and club Codes of Conduct
- Educating players, coaches, and volunteers on acceptable behaviour
- Encouraging positive communication and teamwork
- Challenging and addressing inappropriate behaviour immediately
- Ensuring all concerns are taken seriously and handled appropriately
4. Reporting Bullying
Anyone who experiences or witnesses bullying is encouraged to report it as soon as possible.
Concerns can be reported to:
- A coach, manager, or team official
- The Club Welfare Officer
- A trusted club official
Reports will be handled sensitively and confidentially, and no individual will be treated unfairly for raising a genuine concern.
For safeguarding concerns involving children or adults at risk, the club will follow The FA Safeguarding Procedures and may refer matters to the County FA, The FA Safeguarding Team, or statutory agencies where appropriate.
5. Responding to Bullying
When bullying is reported, Hull City Ladies Football Club will:
- Take all reports seriously and respond promptly
- Investigate incidents fairly, consistently, and proportionately
- Support those affected by bullying
- Apply appropriate disciplinary action in line with club rules and FA regulations
- Refer serious or persistent cases to the County FA or The FA, where necessary
Disciplinary action may include warnings, education, suspension, or removal from the club.
6. Support
The club recognises the impact bullying can have and is committed to providing appropriate support to anyone affected. This may include:
- Welfare support through the Club Welfare Officer
- Adjustments to training or match arrangements where necessary
- Ongoing monitoring to ensure bullying does not continue
7. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required to ensure it remains effective and compliant with FA guidance.