Anti Bullying Policy
- SGSBC
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
Version 1 Policy Document
Status: Version 1 for committee adoption and use by the South Galway Stormers Basketball Club. This document should be reviewed against current Basketball Ireland, Sport Ireland and legal requirements before adoption and during each review cycle.
Document owner: Club Committee / Club Children's Officer (cco.sgsbc@gmail.com) / Designated Liaison Person (dlp.sgsbc@gmail.com)
Version: Version 1
Prepared for: South Galway Stormers Basketball Club
Version date: 14 July 2026
Review cycle: Annual or sooner if Basketball Ireland/Sport Ireland guidance changes
1. Policy Statement
South Galway Stormers Basketball Club does not tolerate bullying. Every player, coach, volunteer, parent and supporter has the right to participate in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment.
2. What Is Bullying?
Bullying is repeated behaviour that intentionally hurts, humiliates, excludes, threatens or intimidates another person. It may be physical, verbal, emotional, social, discriminatory or online. A single serious incident may also be treated as misconduct or safeguarding concern.
3. Examples
Name-calling, mocking, insults, threats or abusive language.
Excluding a player from activities, groups or team interactions.
Spreading rumours or embarrassing information.
Physical intimidation, pushing, hitting or damaging property.
Discriminatory comments about race, religion, gender, disability, nationality, family background, appearance or any other protected or personal characteristic.
Cyberbullying through messaging apps, social media, photos, videos or gaming platforms.
4. Reporting Bullying
Players should tell a trusted adult, coach, parent, team manager, Club Children's Officer (cco.sgsbc@gmail.com) or Designated Liaison Person (dlp.sgsbc@gmail.com). Parents, coaches and volunteers should report concerns promptly through club channels.
5. Club Response
Take the report seriously and ensure the young person is safe.
Record the concern factually.
Decide whether the matter is a safeguarding concern, code of conduct issue or disciplinary matter.
Speak with relevant parties in an age-appropriate and fair way.
Agree actions to stop the behaviour and support those affected.
Monitor the situation and follow up.
6. Possible Actions
Restorative conversation or apology where appropriate.
Parent/guardian meeting.
Behaviour agreement.
Temporary separation during training.
Suspension from training or matches.
Referral to the safeguarding process, Committee, Basketball Ireland or statutory authorities where required.
7. Prevention
The Club will promote respectful behaviour, inclusive coaching, team standards, positive sideline conduct and awareness of bullying. Coaches should set expectations at the start of each season and address poor behaviour early.
8. Online Bullying
Bullying via social media, messaging groups or shared images is treated as seriously as bullying in person. Team communication groups should be used for practical club purposes only.
Reference Points Used for Version 1
This Version 1 document has been prepared as a club-level document using Basketball Ireland and Sport Ireland resources as reference points. The club should adopt official Basketball Ireland documents where required and update this document whenever national guidance changes.
Basketball Ireland Bullying Policy: https://ireland.basketball/downloads
Basketball Ireland Safeguarding / Child Welfare: https://ireland.basketball/childprotection
Basketball Ireland Garda E-Vetting: https://ireland.basketball/e-vetting
Basketball Ireland Coach Licensing: https://ireland.basketball/coach-licencing
Basketball Ireland Coaching Minimum Standards: https://ireland.basketball/coaching-minimum-standards
Sport Ireland Safeguarding Sport: https://www.sportireland.ie/ethics/safeguarding-sport
Sport Ireland Garda Vetting: https://www.sportireland.ie/ethics/garda-vetting
Committee Review Record
Date: Reviewed by Decision / Changes Next review
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