St Marys Minor Ball Policies for Anti-Bullying & Social Media Anti-Bullying
Rationale
St. Marys Minor Ball is completely opposed to bullying and will not tolerate it. It is entirely contrary to the values and principles we work, live and play by. All St. Marys Minor Ball players have a right to play in a secure and caring environment. They also have a responsibility to contribute, in whatever way they can, to the protection and maintenance of such an environment.
Mission Statement
St. Marys Minor Ball actively promotes positive interpersonal relations between all players on all teams.
Principles
Players have a right to play ball free from intimidation and fear.
The needs of the victim are paramount.
Bullied players will be listened to.
Reported incidents will be taken seriously by coaches and the St. Marys Minor Ball Executive and thoroughly investigated.
Definition of Bullying
Bullying is an act of aggression, causing embarrassment, pain or discomfort to someone. It can take a number of forms; physical, verbal, making gestures, extortion and exclusion. It is an abuse of power. It can be planned and organized, or it may be
unintentional. It may be perpetrated by individuals or by groups of players.
Forms of Bullying
Physical violence such as hitting, pushing or spitting at another player
Interfering with another player’s property, by stealing, hiding or damaging it
Using offensive names, racial or sexual slurs when addressing another player
Teasing or spreading rumors about another player or their family
Belittling another player’s abilities and achievements.
Writing offensive notes or graffiti about another player.
Excluding another player from a group activity.
Ridiculing another player’s appearance, way of speaking or personal mannerisms.
Misusing technology (internet or mobiles) to hurt or humiliate another person. i.e. Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, YouTube, Twitter, texting and any other social media site.
St. Marys Minor Ball officials are responsible to:
Foster in our player’s self-esteem, self-respect and respect for others.
Demonstrate by example the high standards of personal and social behavior we expect of our players.
Discuss bullying with all teams, so that every player learns about the damage it causes to the player who is bullied, the bully and the overall effect to the dynamic of the team and the importance of telling a coach and/or parent about bullying when it happens.
Be alert to signs of distress and other possible indications of bullying.
Listen to players who have been bullied, take what they say seriously and act to support and protect them.
Report suspected cases of bullying and/or incidents of consequence to the President and Vice President of the St. Marys Minor Ball Association
Follow up any complaint by a parent about the bullying issue, and report back promptly and fully on the action which has been taken.
Deal with observed instances of bullying promptly and effectively, in accordance with agreed procedures.
We expect our players to:
Refrain from becoming involved in any kind of bullying, even at the risk of incurring temporary unpopularity.
Intervene to protect the player who is being bullied, unless it is unsafe to do so.
Report to a member of coaching and/or managing staff, Members of the Board of Directors any witnessed or suspected instances of bullying, to dispel any climate of secrecy and help to prevent further instances.
Anyone who becomes the target of bullies should:
Not suffer in silence, but have the courage to speak out, to put an end to their own suffering and that of other potential targets.
The Responsibilities of Parents:
We ask our parents to support their child and St. Marys Minor Ball by:
Watching for signs of distress or unusual behavior in their children, which might be evidence of bullying.
Advising their child to report any bullying to their coach (Head or Assistant) or Team Manager and explain the implications of allowing the bullying to continue unchecked, for themselves and for other players.
Advising their child not to retaliate violently to any forms of bullying. Being sympathetic and supportive towards their child, and reassuring them that appropriate action will be taken.
Keep a written record of any reported instances of bullying and copies of cyber-bullying Informing the St. Marys Minor Ball Association of any suspected bullying, even if their child is not involved.
Co-operating with the St. Marys Minor Ball Association, if their child is accused of bullying, try to ascertain the truth. And point out the implications of bullying, both for the players who are bullied and for the bullies themselves.
The Responsibilities of All:
Work together to combat and eradicate bullying.
Social Media Player and Parent Responsibility
We expect our players and parents to conduct themselves appropriately when using electronic communication to share information or posting material on public websites connected to St. Marys Minor Ball.
Electronic Communication
Must not intimidate, humiliate, or bully another person.
Must not offend or demean another person.
Must not be misleading, false or injure the reputation of another person. Should respect and maintain the privacy of members.
Must not bring the organization/team into disrepute.
This includes all Social Media forums both run by St. Marys Minor Ball and or the individual players and parents accounts.
Coaches and others who work with children and young people must direct electronic communication through the child’s parents.
Committee members, coaches and team managers may use email to provide information about tournaments, training, social events and other business, however:
communication involving children will be directed through their parents.
PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH ALL REPORT INCIDENTS
Outline below are the steps that will be taken in response to reports of bullying or social media incidences:
Contacting parents/care givers of all players concerned in the bullying incident
Player(s) suspected of bullying could face an immediate suspension from all team activities until an investigation can take place by St. Marys Minor Ball coaches and board members
Feedback/support will be given to all those concerned
Confirmation of Bullying will (depending on the severity) result in game suspensions to a lifetime ban from St. Marys Minor Ball
Depending on the offense, local Police could be contacted
Unlike ball, there will be no 3 strikes allowed
Harassment is a crime under the Criminal Code. Harassment is when something a person says or does makes someone fear for his or their safety, or for the safety of others. Even if the perpetrator did not intend to frighten someone, she or he can be charged with harassment if the target feels threatened.
Defamatory libel is a crime under the Criminal Code. It is most often treated as a crime if the libelous statement is directed against a person in authority and could seriously harm his or their reputation.
In Addition:
St. Marys Minor Ball treats false claims with equal importance. Making a false claim could result in a lifetime ban from St. Marys Minor Ball