Anti-Bullying, Inclusion & Community Policy

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At Soul Surf Club, we believe surfing should be a positive, inclusive and supportive experience for everyone.

Since the club was founded, we have worked hard to build a community where children and adults feel welcomed, respected, encouraged and valued. We believe every member has the right to participate without fear of bullying, exclusion, intimidation, harassment or unfair treatment.

This policy applies equally to all members of the Soul Surf community, including children, parents, guardians, coaches, volunteers and visitors.

• Every individual is treated with respect and dignity.
• Differences are accepted and celebrated.
• Children and adults feel safe and supported.
• Concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation.
• Positive behaviour is encouraged and recognised.

Bullying can take many forms and may be physical, verbal, emotional, social or online.

Examples of unacceptable behaviour may include:

• Excluding or isolating individuals or families from club activities, groups or social interactions.
• Encouraging, supporting or participating in behaviour that excludes, isolates, intimidates or undermines another child, parent, guardian, coach, volunteer or member of the Soul Surf community.
• Gossip, intimidation, harassment or inappropriate behaviour towards any member of the club.
• Online behaviour, messaging or social media activity that negatively impacts another member of the Soul Surf community.
• Behaviour that creates an unwelcoming, hostile or uncomfortable environment for others.
• Deliberately targeting, embarrassing or undermining another member.
• Retaliation against an individual who has raised a genuine concern.

• Creating a positive club culture is a shared responsibility.
• Every member of the Soul Surf community has a role to play in maintaining a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.
• We expect all children, parents, guardians, coaches and volunteers to challenge inappropriate behaviour where safe to do so and report concerns to club management.
• Ignoring bullying, exclusion or inappropriate behaviour allows it to continue and is inconsistent with the values of Soul Surf Club.

• Any member who experiences or witnesses bullying, exclusion, harassment or inappropriate conduct is encouraged to report the matter to club management as soon as possible.
• All concerns will be treated seriously, fairly and confidentially wherever possible.
• The club will review concerns on a case-by-case basis and may speak with those involved before determining an appropriate course of action.

Where behaviour is found to be inconsistent with the values of Soul Surf Club, the club reserves the right to take appropriate action, including:

• Informal discussions and guidance.
• Formal warnings.
• Temporary suspension from activities.
• Removal from specific events, groups or programmes.
• Termination of membership without refund.

Any action taken will be at the sole discretion of Soul Surf Club and will be based on what is considered to be in the best interests of the club, its members and the wider community.

Soul Surf Club is more than a place to learn how to surf.

It is a community.

• We expect every member to contribute positively to that community by treating others with kindness, respect and consideration both in and out of the water.
• Together, we create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn, progress and enjoy the experience of surfing.

WE DON'T JUST SURF. WE CREATE SURFERS. AND WE PROTECT THEM.