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Administrators - What to do now Print E-mail

As an administrator you play a key role in creating and maintaining a positive, safe and healthy club environment – an environment where people are treated with dignity and respect and inappropriate behaviours such as bullying are addressed swiftly and effectively.  
 

If someone says they are being bullied

  • Follow your sports Member Protection Policy or relevant guidelines. 
  • Take the matter seriously, display empathy and ensure the person feels safe.
  • Listen to their concerns and discuss options for dealing with the behaviour.
  • Consider consulting your sports Member Protection Information Officer for support and advice.
  • Advise the individual to talk to those involved in the bullying about the impact of their behaviour if:
    • the person feels confident taking this step
    • it won’t put them at risk or increase the likelihood of the bullying continuing
    • the person being complained about isn’t a coach or in a position of power.
  • Provide support for the person being bullied so they continue being part of the team and club.
  • Talk to the alleged bully, if requested. Let them know of the persons concerns, explain the club’s policy on harassment and the consequences of breaching codes of conduct.
  • Document the action you’ve taken and the outcome.
  • Monitor the situation. 

If you’re asked to talk to the person(s) accused of bullying about their behaviour

  • Listen to their side of the story.
  • Explain the situation.
  • Discuss the consequences of the alleged behaviour.

If you know the behaviour has occurred

If there are witnesses or the bully(ies) acknowledge their actions:

  • encourage and support those responsible to change their behaviour.
  • consider applying sanctions, depending on the seriousness of the behaviour.

Because bullying behaviour is often subtle there may be no witnesses. If person being complained about denies the behaviour consider explaining:

If the behaviour concerns assault, harassment and discrimination then a more formal process may be required. Seek advice from your state sporting association, anti-discrimination agency or the police.
 

 

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Play by the Rules is supported by the Australian, State and Territory Governments. The information on Play by the Rules is not intended as a substitute for legal or other professional advice.