Equality Statement

Clyde ARC exists to develop members’ enjoyment, competence and success in rowing and sculling. The boathouse is on the north bank of the Clyde in Glasgow Green. Because of the sloping riverbank and steps into the water, physical access to boating can be physically challenging. With that proviso, the club is open to anyone who wants to row, scull and train to these ends in accordance with Scottish Rowing (SR) governance, UK and European law, particularly the Equality Act 2010.

Clyde ARC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members as described in its constitution. The club will not discriminate unjustly against people, particularly on the grounds of race, age, sex, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.

Clyde ARC has a strict anti-bullying and anti-doping policy.

Anti-bullying policy

The Board of Clyde Amateur Rowing Club is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our members so they can train in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all rowers should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a telling club. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer or any Board member.

What is bullying?

Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim. Bullying can be:

• Emotional being unfriendly, excluding (emotionally and physically), sending hurtful text messages, tormenting, (e.g. hiding kit or equipment, threatening gestures)
• Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
• Racist racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
• Sexual unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
• Homophobic because of, or focussing on the issue of sexuality
• Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing.

Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. Rowers who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving. This club has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying.

Objectives of this policy

• All Board members, coaches, rowers and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is and what they should do if bullying arises.
• All Board members and coaches should know what the club policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.
• As a club we take bullying seriously. Rowers and parents should be assured that they would be supported when bullying is reported.
• Bullying will not be tolerated.

Procedures

1. Report bullying incidents to the Protection Officer or a member of the Board.
2. In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be referred to Scottish Rowing for advice.
3. The members involved should be informed and will be asked to come in to a meeting to discuss the problem.
4. If necessary and appropriate, police will be consulted.
5. The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly.
6. An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour.
7. If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue the club will initiate disciplinary action under the club constitution.

Recommended club action

If the club decides it is appropriate for them to deal with the situation they should follow the procedure outlined below.

1. Reconciliation by getting the parties together. It may be a genuine apology solves the problem.
2. If this fails/not appropriate a small panel (Made up from President, Protection Officer, Secretary or Board members) should meet with the member alleging bullying to get details of the allegation. Minutes should be taken for clarity, which should be agreed by all as a true account.
3. The same three persons should meet with the alleged bully and member(s) and put the incident raised to them to answer and give their view of the allegation. Minutes should again be taken and agreed.
4. If bullying has in their view taken place the bully should be warned and put on notice of further action i.e. temporary or permanent suspension if the bullying continues. Consideration should be given as to whether a reconciliation meeting between parties is appropriate at this time.
5. In some cases the the bully or bullied rower can be asked to attend training sessions, if they are able to do so, and if appropriate. The club Board should monitor the situation for a given period to ensure the bullying is not being repeated.
6. All coaches involved with both rowers should be made aware of the concerns and outcome of the process i.e. the warning.

In the case of adults reported to be bullying rowers under 18

1. Scottish Rowing should always be informed and will advise on action to be taken.
2. It is anticipated that in most cases where the allegation is made regarding a teacher or coach, child protection awareness training may be recommended.
3. More serious cases may be referred to the police, social services or Scottish Rowing disciplinary procedure.
4. In cases where a coach or teacher who is employed by an outside organisation is implicated the matter should be referred to Scottish Rowing and to the person’s line manager or as detailed in that person’s employment contract.

Prevention

• The Club’s Constitution and Codes of Conduct include what is acceptable and proper behaviour for all members, of which the anti bullying policy is one part.
• All rowers and parents of juniors will sign to accept the Code of Conduct upon joining the Club.
• The Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer will raise awareness about bullying and why it matters, and if issues of bullying arise in the club, will consider meeting with rowers to discuss the issue openly and constructively.

Note: Cases of bullying should be resolved with the utmost speed to avoid further distress to the victim.