Anti-Bullying Week
Anti-Bullying Week 2021 | 15 - 19 November
England Athletics is United Against Bullying with the Anti-Bullying Alliance. This November’s Anti-Bullying Week is all about supporting young people’s mental health and reducing bullying. To reduce bullying, it is vital clubs are able to identify signs of bullying and act quickly when it takes place, therefore it is important athletics clubs have a definition of bullying. Bullying tends to be a group behaviour and has been shown to have long-term effects on children through to adulthood.
England Athletics’ approach to anti-bullying is made clear in our anti-bullying statement. It extends to all participants in our sport - adults as well as young people - and includes behaviour online as well as in-person. Further guidance on what to do if you receive an allegation of bullying at your club is available in our club discipline and appeals process guidance. Our Codes of Conduct make clear the behaviours expected to ensure our club and athletics environments are safe, welcoming, and inclusive.
As part of our work with clubs on Club Standards, we also encourage clubs to have a clear and up-to-date grievance and disciplinary policy and to ensure all members have read and understand the Codes of Conduct. We also recommend that all clubs adopt an inclusion policy to deal with any discriminatory behaviour or harassment and consider specific social media guidance for their club.
You can speak to your club’s Welfare Officer if you have a concern about bullying at your club. Alternatively, you can also contact us by emailing welfare@englandathletics.org for more support to report or respond to a concern.
One Kind Word
The Theme for Anti-Bullying Week 2021 is One Kind Word. Kindness is more important than ever following the pandemic, highlighting how little acts of kindness can break down barriers and brighten the lives of others. In a world that can sometimes feel like it’s filled with negativity, at England Athletics we are taking this week to encourage kindness in the athletics community and ask our members to carry out an act of kindness, such as one kind word. Saying hello to a volunteer at the track; asking an athlete how they are feeling; or helping a coach. One kind word can provide a moment of hope. It can be a turning point and can change someone’s day.
Odd Socks Day
Anti-Bullying week will begin with Odd Socks Day which is supported by CBBC and CBeebies star Andy Day and his band The Odd Socks. On Monday 15 November, all you need to do is wear odd socks! To celebrate what makes us unique. There is no pressure to wear expensive, designer clothes, just odd socks to school, work or training and donate £1 to the Anti-Bullying Alliance.
Links to useful Resources and further information:
- UKA and Home Countries Code of Conduct
- Child Safeguarding Policy (PDF 230kB)
- Club Standards
- Anti-bullying Alliance
- Submit concern via the online referral form
Useful Contacts:
- Advice and support regarding Club and Athlete Compliance and Wellbeing matters can be obtained by contacting
Abbie Cranage - England Athletics Club Standards and Compliance Officer welfare@englandathletics.org or call 07920 532553. - Advice and support regarding Safeguarding/Child Protection concerns or UKA Licensed Coach/Official concerns can be obtained by contacting Angus Macdonald safeguarding@uka.org.uk or call 07920 532552.
- Advice and support regarding DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) enquiries can be obtained by contacting
Laura Mottershead – UKA Welfare Administrator dbs@uka.org.uk or call 0121 713 8450.