Safety and well-being for every athlete

At Strike Force All Star Cheerleading in Dublin, Ireland, your child's safety and happiness are our top priorities. Discover our unwavering commitment to creating a supportive, bullying-free environment where every athlete can shine.

Anti-Bullying Policy & Athlete Welfare

Strike Force All Star Cheer

Our Commitment

At Strike Force All Star Cheer, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every athlete can train, compete, and thrive. In line with Cheer Sport Ireland & Sport Ireland safeguarding standards, the welfare of children and young people is at the core of everything we do.

We have a zero tolerance approach to bullying of any kind. Every athlete has the right to feel safe, respected, and valued both in the gym and at competitions, nationally and internationally.

Our Aims

We aim to:

  • Create a positive, respectful and athlete centred environment
  • Promote a culture where bullying is recognised as unacceptable
  • Ensure all athletes feel safe, supported, and confident to speak up
  • Respond to all concerns promptly, fairly, and sensitively
  • Educate athletes on respect, inclusion, and appropriate behaviour
  • Work in partnership with parents/guardians and staff to safeguard all participants

What is Bullying?

Bullying is repeated, intentional behaviour that causes distress, harm, or discomfort to another person and involves an imbalance of power.

This may include:

  • Physical harm (hitting, pushing, kicking)
  • Verbal abuse (name-calling, insults, intimidation)
  • Social exclusion or spreading rumours
  • Online harassment (cyberbullying)
  • Targeting individuals based on identity, ability, or background

A disagreement between individuals of equal power is not considered bullying, but will still be addressed appropriately.

Types of Bullying

Strike Force recognises that bullying can take many forms, including:

  • Physical Bullying – use of force or physical intimidation
  • Verbal Bullying – repeated insults, teasing, or offensive language
  • Relational Bullying – exclusion, manipulation, or damaging social relationships
  • Cyberbullying – harassment through digital platforms or social media
  • Discriminatory Bullying – targeting based on race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or cultural background

Recognising the Signs

Athletes may not always report bullying. Staff, parents, and coaches should be alert to:

  • Reluctance or refusal to attend training
  • Withdrawal or isolation from teammates
  • Sudden changes in behaviour or mood
  • Loss of confidence or increased anxiety
  • Missing belongings or unexplained injuries
  • Reluctance to communicate about issues

All concerns will be taken seriously and handled in accordance with safeguarding procedures.

Reporting & Responding

We operate a clear and structured reporting system in line with Sport Ireland guidance:

  • All concerns or incidents must be reported to a coach or designated safeguarding officer
  • Every report is recorded and investigated appropriately
  • All parties are treated fairly, respectfully, and confidentially
  • A restorative approach is used where appropriate, focusing on education and resolution
  • Parents/guardians are informed where necessary

Sanctions may include:

  • Verbal or written warnings
  • Temporary suspension
  • Removal from activities
  • Permanent exclusion in serious cases

Supporting Athletes

We encourage all athletes to:

  • Speak up if something feels wrong
  • Clearly tell someone to stop if they are uncomfortable
  • Report concerns to a coach or trusted adult
  • Support teammates and never ignore bullying behaviour

Athletes will be supported throughout the process, and their wellbeing will always be prioritised.

Role of Parents/Guardians

Parents and guardians play an essential role in safeguarding:

  • Be aware of changes in your child’s behaviour
  • Encourage open communication
  • Report concerns promptly
  • Reassure your child and reinforce that bullying is never their fault

Our Approach

Strike Force All Star Cheer:

  • Promotes teamwork, respect, and inclusivity
  • Encourages athletes to “speak up”
  • Investigates all incidents impartially
  • Applies appropriate and consistent sanctions
  • Maintains clear reporting and recording procedures
  • Works collaboratively with families and safeguarding authorities

After an Incident

When bullying is reported:

  • The situation is investigated promptly and fairly
  • Individuals are spoken to separately
  • A restorative approach is used where appropriate
  • Behaviour expectations are clearly addressed
  • Ongoing monitoring ensures the safety and wellbeing of all involved
  • Further action is taken if behaviour does not improve

Education & Prevention

We actively educate athletes to understand:

  • What bullying is and why it is harmful
  • How to respond confidently and safely
  • The importance of respect and inclusion
  • How to support others

We promote a culture where differences are respected and individuality is celebrated.

Monitoring & Review

All incidents are recorded and reviewed to:

  • Identify patterns or concerns
  • Improve preventative strategies
  • Ensure continuous safeguarding standards

This policy is reviewed regularly in line with Cheer Sport Ireland & Sport Ireland and child safeguarding requirements.