SIXFL Safeguarding
Everyone involved in SIXFL deserves to feel safe, respected and included. This policy applies to children, young people, adults, disabled people and anyone who takes part in, supports or attends our leagues.
Policy statement
SIXFL does not tolerate bullying, harassment, intimidation or discriminatory behaviour. Concerns will be treated seriously, handled proportionately and acted on where necessary to protect participants and maintain a safe football environment.
Safe
We act where behaviour makes someone feel unsafe, targeted or intimidated.
Inclusive
Our expectations apply to all people, not only children and young people.
Reported
Concerns can be raised by the person affected or by someone who witnesses bullying.
The purpose of this policy is to set out SIXFL’s commitment to preventing and responding to bullying, harassment, intimidation and discriminatory behaviour within our leagues, events, communications and associated activities.
SIXFL believes that football should be safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable and will be taken seriously.
This policy applies to everyone involved with SIXFL, including children, young people, adults, disabled people, neurodivergent people, players, parents, carers, team managers, referees, volunteers, spectators, venue staff and league organisers.
It applies to behaviour at matches, around venues, during SIXFL events, in team communications, by phone, by message and online, including social media and group chats.
Bullying is behaviour by an individual or group that hurts, targets, excludes, humiliates, threatens or intimidates another person. It may be repeated, but a single serious incident can also be treated as bullying or unacceptable conduct.
Bullying may be verbal, physical, emotional, social, discriminatory or online. It may be directed at an individual or at a group of people.
Anyone can experience bullying. SIXFL recognises that some people may be at greater risk of being targeted, including children, young people, disabled people, neurodivergent people, adults with care or support needs, and people targeted because of their appearance, ability, background, race, religion, sex, sexuality, gender identity or any other personal characteristic.
Concerns will be taken seriously whether they are raised by the person affected or by someone else who has witnessed or become aware of the behaviour.
Bullying concerns should be reported to SIXFL as soon as possible. Reports may be made by a player, parent, carer, team representative, referee, spectator, venue staff member or any other person involved in our activities.
Where possible, reports should include what happened, when it happened, who was involved, who witnessed it and whether anyone is at immediate risk.
SIXFL will listen, consider the concern carefully and take proportionate steps to protect people and support a safe football environment.
Where bullying or unacceptable behaviour is identified, SIXFL may take action including warnings, matchday sanctions, removal from venues, suspension from league activities, exclusion from future SIXFL events, or referral to appropriate safeguarding, welfare, venue or governing bodies where required.
