At London Scottish Rugby Club, we are committed to creating a safe, caring, and friendly environment for everyone involved in our club. We believe that all players, coaches, volunteers, and members have the right to participate in rugby free from bullying and harassment. Our anti bullying policy is informed by best practices and guidelines from the RFU, and refined through insights gained from successful implementations at leading community rugby clubs.

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is intentional, repeated behaviour that hurts another person, physically or emotionally. It involves an imbalance of power, where the person on the receiving end feels powerless to defend themselves. We recognise several forms of bullying, which include but are not limited to:

Physical Bullying: Hitting, kicking, or causing physical harm to another person.
Verbal Bullying: Insults, threats, or teasing directed at another individual.
Social Bullying: Actions that harm someone’s reputation or relationships, such as spreading rumours, exclusion from groups, or public humiliation.
Cyberbullying: Using digital platforms to harass, threaten, or embarrass someone, including through social media, text messages, or email.
Discriminatory Bullying: Targeting individuals based on their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic.

Our Zero Tolerance Policy

London Scottish Rugby Club has a zero tolerance policy towards bullying. This means that any form of bullying, whether from or towards any player, coach, volunteer, or member of our club, is completely unacceptable. We are committed to investigating all incidents of bullying thoroughly and promptly.

Reporting Bullying

If any member of the club feels they are being bullied, or if they witness bullying behaviour, it is crucial to report it immediately. Reports should be made to the chairperson of the relevant section of the club—Minis, Juniors, or Lions. If deemed appropriate, the Safeguarding Officer should also be informed without delay.

For Minis: Contact the Minis Chairperson, Tom Moloney.
For Juniors: Contact the Juniors Chairperson, Neil MacFarlane.
For Lions: Contact the Lions Chairperson, Ian Hill.

Response to Bullying

Upon receiving a report of bullying, the relevant chairperson will:
Ensure the immediate safety and wellbeing of the affected individual(s).
Initiate a confidential, impartial investigation.
Involve the Safeguarding Officer where necessary.

Disciplinary actions, depending on the severity and nature of the incident, may include counselling, mediation, suspension, or expulsion from the club.

Prevention and Education

We believe that prevention and education are key components in combating bullying. The club will:

Raise awareness about the different types of bullying and the harm they cause.
Foster an inclusive club culture that actively promotes respect, diversity, and teamwork.
Encourage open communication and support, ensuring all club members feel valued and heard.

At London Scottish Rugby Club, everyone has a role to play in creating a welcoming and bully free environment. We are dedicated to upholding the principles laid out in this statement and ensuring that our club remains a place where all individuals can enjoy the sport of rugby in safety and comfort. Together, we stand united against bullying in any form.