Gymfinity Limited (Gymfinity Gymnastics) Anti-Bullying Policy
1. Policy Statement
Gymfinity Gymnastics is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where all children and young people can enjoy gymnastics, build confidence, and reach their potential.
Bullying of any kind is unacceptable in our club. If bullying does occur, all children, parents, and staff should feel able to tell someone and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively.
We are a “telling club”: anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to share their concerns with the Welfare Officer, a coach, or another responsible adult.
2. What is Bullying?
Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can be:
- Physical: hitting, kicking, pushing, or unwanted physical contact.
- Verbal: name-calling, insults, teasing, threats.
- Social/Relational: spreading rumours, exclusion from groups, humiliation.
- Cyber: use of phones, messaging apps, or social media to threaten, humiliate, or exclude.
Bullying is different from occasional disagreements or clashes. It is deliberate, sustained, and harmful.
3. Aims of this Policy
To make clear that bullying will not be tolerated at Gymfinity Gymnastics.
To ensure all children, parents, coaches, and volunteers understand what bullying is and how to report it.
To support victims of bullying and help those responsible to change their behaviour.
To ensure a consistent and fair approach in handling incidents.
4. Prevention
We will reduce the risk of bullying by:
- Creating a culture of respect and kindness through the club’s Code of Conduct.
- Educating gymnasts about positive behaviour, teamwork, and respect.
- Ensuring coaches and volunteers model good behaviour.
- Encouraging gymnasts to speak up if they see or experience bullying.
- Monitoring group dynamics in training sessions, events, and competitions.
5. Reporting Concerns
If a child or parent believes bullying is happening, they should:
Report it to the coach or Welfare Officer as soon as possible.
If the concern involves a coach, report directly to the Welfare Officer or Club Chair.
If urgent and a child is at risk of harm, safeguarding procedures will be followed in line with British Gymnastics Safeguarding Policy.
All concerns will be taken seriously and handled sensitively.
6. Responding to Bullying
When bullying is reported:
The Welfare Officer (or designated person) will investigate promptly and fairly.
Both the victim and the alleged bully will be spoken to separately.
Parents will be informed and involved as appropriate.
Where bullying is confirmed, actions may include:
An apology and behaviour agreement.
Supervised reconciliation sessions.
Temporary or permanent suspension from the club in severe cases.
Records of incidents will be kept securely.
7. Support
Victims of bullying will be supported, reassured, and protected from further harm.
Those who bully will be helped to understand the impact of their behaviour and supported in making positive changes.
8. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or following any incident to ensure it remains effective and in line with British Gymnastics guidance.
9. Key Contacts
Club Welfare Officer: Jane : jane@gymfinitygymnastics.co.uk
British Gymnastics Safeguarding Team: 0345 129 7129
Childline: 0800 1111