This is perhaps the most important document for maintaining the "friendly club" atmosphere Millwood is known for. It’s about moving from "that’s just how they are" to a clear, professional standard that protects everyone from the green to the bar.
Draft: Millwood Bowling Club: Anti-Bullying & Harassment Policy
1. Statement of Intent
Millwood Bowling Club (MBC) is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. We believe that every member, visitor, and volunteer has the right to enjoy the sport of lawn bowls and our social facilities without fear of intimidation, humiliation, or abuse. Bullying and harassment will not be tolerated in any form.
2. Definitions
To ensure clarity, MBC defines these behaviors as follows:
- Harassment: Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation) which violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or offensive environment.
- Bullying: Persistent, offensive, abusive, intimidating, or insulting behavior, or an abuse of power, which makes the recipient feel upset, threatened, humiliated, or vulnerable.
- Victimization: Treating someone poorly because they have made a complaint or supported someone else’s complaint.
3. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to:
- On-green play and practice.
- The clubhouse, changing rooms, and bar area.
- Official club social events and trips.
- Digital communication (Email, Facebook, WhatsApp).
4. Examples of Unacceptable Behavior
While not exhaustive, the following are breaches of this policy:
- Verbal: Name-calling, spreading malicious rumors, persistent "mick-taking" after being asked to stop, or shouting at markers/opponents.
- Physical: Pushing, shoving, or any form of unwanted physical contact.
- Social: Deliberately excluding a member from matches or social groups without a valid sporting reason.
- Sexual: Unwelcome comments about appearance, suggestive remarks, or inappropriate touching.
- Cyber: Using WhatsApp or Social Media to target or belittle a member.
5. Reporting Procedure
If you experience or witness bullying or harassment, please follow these steps:
- Informal Resolution (If safe): If comfortable, tell the individual that their behavior is unwelcome and ask them to stop. They may not realize the impact of their actions.
- Formal Complaint: If the behavior continues, or if the incident is serious, report it to the Club Secretary, Welfare Officer, or Chairman.
- Confidentiality: All complaints will be handled with discretion. Information will only be shared with those strictly necessary to the investigation.
6. Disciplinary Action
The Management Committee will investigate all formal complaints. If bullying or harassment is proven, the club may take the following actions:
- A formal verbal or written warning.
- Mandatory sensitivity training or a period of "cooling off."
- Suspension from league matches or clubhouse access.
- Permanent expulsion from Millwood Bowling Club.
7. Support for Members
MBC is a community. We will support any member who has been a victim of harassment by offering a "buddy system" on match days or ensuring they do not have to play in the same rink as the accused during an active investigation.
Note for the Committee: "The Banter Rule"
In a club environment, the line between "banter" and "bullying" is often blurred. Millwood’s stance is simple: Banter is only banter if everyone is laughing. If the recipient isn't enjoying the joke, it's not banter—it's a breach of this policy.