Harassment & Bullying Policy

About

The Sydney Spectres Basketball Club is committed to providing a club free of all forms of harassment and bullying, as prescribed by Commonwealth and NSW legislation. All members have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and are required to treat each other accordingly.

This policy applies to all members, contractors (paid connections), and any other attendees of our events such as Train & Plays, Seasonal Playing Teams, fill-in players, and organised free or ticketed events. It applies during training, at any time you are representing the club, when you are at our events, and during any activity undertaken in the course of volunteering, including any member-related events such as regional trips, meetings, social events, and training programs.

Any grievances raised under this policy will be treated seriously and as confidentially as possible. You will not be penalised or disadvantaged as a result of raising any genuine concern or complaint. Relevant and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against anyone found to have breached this policy, which may include, but is not limited to, a ban from any associated club-run events.

Harassment

Harassment is not permitted. It means any unwelcome behaviour which a reasonable person in the circumstances would find offensive, humiliating, or intimidating. The fact that no offence was intended does not mean that harassment has not occurred. If the behaviour has the effect of being offensive, humiliating, or intimidating, that is usually enough.

Harassment may occur as a single act, or as a series of incidents. It may be subtle or openly hostile and occur in private or public settings.

Examples of harassment may include, but are not limited to:

• Swearing during events or Train & Plays

• Gossiping about a person, or asking intrusive questions about another person’s private life (religion, family, etc.)

• Constantly monitoring what someone else is doing, giving unreasonable criticism or ‘nitpicking’

• Displaying pictures, graffiti, or other written materials which might be offensive

• Sending communications (phone, email, online) which may be threatening, abusive, or offensive
  

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment means any unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature which a reasonable person in the circumstances would find offensive, humiliating, or intimidating. Such behaviour is unlawful and not permitted.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Sexual advances or requests for sexual favours

• Inappropriate or unsolicited physical contact (patting, pinching, etc.)

• Sexual violence or assault

• Public displays of nudity

• Comments or unwelcome questions about someone’s appearance, dress, or private life

• Lewd jokes or wolf whistling

• Offensive material or pornography (including posters, emails, texts, or online messages)
  

Bullying

Bullying means repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards another person or group of people that creates a risk to health and safety.

• Repeated behaviour refers to the persistent nature of such behaviour, over time.

• Unreasonable behaviour refers to behaviour a reasonable person would find victimising, humiliating, intimidating, or threatening.

Single incidents may also present a risk to health and safety and will not be tolerated.

Examples include:

• Physical intimidation or assault

• Verbal abuse, threats, sarcasm, or other demeaning communication

• Psychological harassment

• Excluding or isolating another person

• Sabotaging another’s work, placing unreasonable demands, or deliberate role changes to disadvantage
  

What is not bullying?

Reasonable management action taken in a reasonable way is not bullying. Office bearers and committee members have a responsibility to monitor performance, provide feedback, and manage behaviour within the club.

Examples of what is not bullying:

• Legitimate and relevant counselling, feedback, or advice relating to your performance or conduct

• Discussion or counselling aimed at helping you meet agreed targets
  

Conduct that breaches this policy

Conduct that breaches this policy is unacceptable and may lead to disciplinary action, regardless of seniority.

The club will take appropriate action against any member, volunteer, or committee member who engages in harassment or bullying. Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to:

• Removal from a committee position

• A requirement to provide a written or verbal apology

• A formal warning

• A requirement to attend training or counselling

• A ban from the club and all club activities

It is also unlawful and against club policy to victimise or disadvantage a person who alleges bullying or harassment. Any member who threatens, intimidates, or retaliates against a complainant will also face disciplinary action.

What to do if you have a complaint

If you believe you have been bullied or harassed by another member, committee member, or contractor:

1. If safe, you may speak directly to the person and ask them to stop.

2. If this is not effective, or you don’t feel comfortable, notify the Club President.

3. If you are not comfortable approaching the President, you may contact the Club Secretary or Community Leader.

Your complaint will be investigated, treated seriously, and confidentiality will be respected as much as possible. If the complaint is established, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

Final Notes

This policy is binding and should be read in conjunction with other club policies, including the Code of Conduct.