Anti-Bullying Guide

The Irish Amateur Wrestling Association (I.A.W.A.) is committed to ensuring that every child and young person participating in wrestling has a safe, enjoyable, inclusive and positive sporting experience.

Our Commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Wrestling

The welfare and protection of children are fundamental responsibilities of the I.A.W.A., its affiliated clubs, coaches, officials and volunteers.

The I.A.W.A. promotes safeguarding practices in line with Children First legislation, Sport Ireland’s safeguarding guidance and the relevant child protection requirements in Ireland.

We work to support affiliated clubs in establishing appropriate safeguarding procedures, providing access to safeguarding education and ensuring that individuals working with children understand their responsibilities.

This includes supporting Club Children’s Officers, coaches and other club personnel in promoting safe sporting environments, both during regular training activities and when travelling to competitions, training camps or international events.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

It is important to recognise that coaches, officials and volunteers are not responsible for investigating or determining whether child abuse has occurred. However, they are responsible for recognising concerns, responding appropriately and reporting them through the correct safeguarding procedures.

Understanding Bullying in Sport

Bullying is behaviour that deliberately causes harm, distress, intimidation or humiliation to another person.

It often involves repeated behaviour and an imbalance of power, where an individual or group targets someone who may find it difficult to defend themselves.

Bullying can occur in wrestling clubs, during competitions, at training camps, while travelling or through online communication.

Types of Bullying

Bullying can take several forms:

• Physical bullying: hitting, pushing, kicking, deliberately hurting someone or using physical strength to intimidate another person.
• Verbal bullying: name-calling, insults, threats, mocking or repeated hurtful comments.
• Emotional or psychological bullying: humiliation, intimidation, manipulation or deliberately undermining someone’s confidence.
• Social bullying: deliberately excluding someone from activities, spreading rumours or encouraging others to isolate an individual.
• Cyberbullying: using social media, messaging applications or other digital platforms to threaten, harass, embarrass or intimidate someone.
• Discriminatory bullying: targeting someone because of their race, nationality, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics.

In wrestling, bullying may also involve inappropriate behaviour relating to an athlete’s weight, physical appearance, ability, experience or competitive performance.

The I.A.W.A. does not tolerate bullying, harassment, intimidation or discriminatory behaviour within its affiliated clubs or activities.

Recognising the Signs of Bullying

Children and young people do not always tell adults when they are experiencing bullying.

They may feel embarrassed, frightened or concerned that speaking out will make the situation worse.

Coaches, parents and club officials should remain alert to possible warning signs.

These may include:

• Reluctance to attend wrestling training or competitions.
• Sudden loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed.
• Unexplained bruises, injuries or damaged belongings.
• Changes in behaviour, including withdrawal, irritability or unusual distress.
• Loss of confidence or increased anxiety.
• Frequent headaches, stomach aches or other unexplained physical complaints.
• Difficulty forming or maintaining friendships.
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits.
• Fear of particular individuals or situations.
• Avoidance of changing rooms, training areas or social activities.
• Unexplained deterioration in sporting performance or participation.
• Expressions of hopelessness, self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

These signs do not necessarily mean that bullying is taking place, but they should never be ignored.

Any indication of self-harm or suicidal thoughts must be taken seriously and responded to promptly through appropriate safeguarding and emergency support procedures.

Preventing Bullying in Wrestling Clubs

Prevention is one of the most effective ways to address bullying.

Every I.A.W.A.-affiliated club should promote a culture where children feel safe, respected and confident that their concerns will be heard.

Clubs should:

• Establish and communicate clear codes of conduct for athletes, coaches, parents and volunteers.
• Promote respect, inclusion and positive sporting behaviour.
• Explain to young members what bullying is and how to report concerns.
• Encourage a culture where children feel comfortable speaking to trusted adults.
• Ensure appropriate supervision during training, competitions, changing-room arrangements and club activities.
• Respond promptly and consistently to inappropriate behaviour.
• Challenge discriminatory language, intimidation and exclusion.
• Encourage positive relationships between younger and older athletes.
• Provide appropriate safeguarding education for coaches and volunteers.
• Maintain clear procedures for recording and addressing bullying concerns.

Coaches should lead by example and demonstrate respectful behaviour in their interactions with athletes, parents, officials and other coaches.

A positive club culture begins with the behaviour of its leaders.

Responding to Bullying Concerns

Any report or suspicion of bullying should be taken seriously.

The immediate priority must be the safety and welfare of the child or young person affected.

The following approach is recommended.

Step 1 – Listen and Reassure

Speak with the child in a calm, supportive and appropriate environment.

Allow them to explain what has happened in their own words without pressuring them or asking leading questions.

• Listen carefully.
• Take their concerns seriously.
• Reassure them that they were right to speak up.
• Explain that bullying is unacceptable.
• Avoid making promises of absolute confidentiality.
• Explain that information may need to be shared with appropriate people to keep them safe.

Do not blame the child or suggest that they should simply ignore the behaviour.

Step 2 – Ensure Immediate Safety

Consider whether any immediate action is required to protect the child.

This may include:

• Increasing supervision.
• Separating individuals where necessary.
• Adjusting training arrangements.
• Preventing further intimidation or retaliation.
• Providing appropriate support to the child affected.

Any measures taken should be proportionate and should not unnecessarily disadvantage the child who has reported the concern.

Step 3 – Report and Record the Concern

Bullying concerns should be reported through the club’s safeguarding and complaints procedures.

The Club Children’s Officer should be informed in accordance with the club’s policies, and the Designated Liaison Person should be involved where a child protection concern arises.

A written record should include:

• The date and time of the reported incident.
• The individuals involved.
• A factual account of the concern.
• Any immediate actions taken.
• Details of relevant communications.
• Follow-up actions and outcomes.

Records must be handled confidentially and stored securely in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.

Where bullying raises reasonable grounds for concern about child abuse, the matter must be referred to the appropriate statutory authorities in accordance with Children First requirements and applicable reporting procedures.

Step 4 – Address the Behaviour

The club should respond fairly and appropriately, considering the seriousness, frequency and nature of the behaviour.

Possible actions include:

• Speaking separately with those involved.
• Explaining why the behaviour is unacceptable.
• Reinforcing the club’s code of conduct.
• Involving parents or guardians where appropriate.
• Introducing behavioural agreements or additional supervision.
• Applying disciplinary procedures where necessary.

Supportive or restorative approaches may be appropriate in some circumstances, but only where they are safe, voluntary and suitable for the individuals involved.

A child should never be pressured into confronting someone who has bullied them or participating in a group meeting that may expose them to further harm.

Step 5 – Monitor and Follow Up

Addressing bullying requires continued attention.

Club officials should:

• Check that the behaviour has stopped.
• Maintain appropriate contact with the child affected.
• Monitor for further incidents or retaliation.
• Review whether additional support is required.
• Record follow-up actions.
• Ensure that agreed measures remain effective.

A bullying concern should not be considered resolved simply because the initial incident has been addressed.

The Role of Coaches and Club Officials

Coaches have an important responsibility to promote positive behaviour and identify potential safeguarding concerns.

All coaches should:

• Treat children fairly and respectfully.
• Avoid favouritism, humiliation or intimidating coaching practices.
• Encourage positive communication and teamwork.
• Challenge bullying and inappropriate behaviour immediately.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Follow the I.A.W.A.’s safeguarding and reporting procedures.
• Seek advice when uncertain about how to respond to a concern.

Coaches must never use bullying, threats, excessive physical activity or humiliation as a form of discipline.

The Role of Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians are important partners in creating safe sporting environments.

They should be encouraged to:

• Promote respect for teammates, opponents, coaches and officials.
• Speak positively about participation and personal development.
• Avoid placing unnecessary pressure on children to win.
• Raise concerns promptly through appropriate club procedures.
• Support their children in reporting bullying or inappropriate behaviour.
• Respect the confidentiality of other children and families.

Parents should also understand that bullying can occur outside organised training, including through messaging groups and social media.

Clubs and families should work together to promote responsible online behaviour.

Reporting Child Protection Concerns

The I.A.W.A. recognises that some incidents of bullying may constitute child abuse or give rise to serious safeguarding concerns.

Where there are reasonable grounds for concern that a child has been abused, is being abused or is at risk of abuse, the matter must be addressed in accordance with Children First requirements.

In the Republic of Ireland, child protection concerns should be referred to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, where the reporting threshold is met.

Where a child is in immediate danger, contact An Garda Síochána or the emergency services.

Coaches and volunteers should not attempt to conduct their own child protection investigations.

The I.A.W.A. encourages all affiliated clubs to ensure that safeguarding reporting procedures and relevant contact information are readily available to members, parents and volunteers.

Creating a Culture of Respect in Irish Wrestling

Wrestling is built on values of discipline, respect, courage, fairness and personal development.

Every child should have the opportunity to participate without fear of bullying, harassment, discrimination or intimidation.

The I.A.W.A. is committed to working with its affiliated clubs to create environments where children feel safe, supported, included and valued.

Every child has the right to enjoy wrestling in a safe and respectful environment.

For further information on safeguarding, child welfare and club responsibilities, contact:

Irish Amateur Wrestling Association
Email: irishwrestlingsecretary@gmail.com
Website: www.irishwrestling.ie
I.A.W.A. Children’s Officer: iawagardavetting@gmail.com

Useful Safeguarding Resources

• Tusla – Child and Family Agency
• Sport Ireland
• An Garda Síochána

Safe Sport. Respect for All. Protecting the Future of Irish Wrestling.