Anti-Bullying Week is a campaign co-ordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. This year it is taking place from Monday 13 to Friday 17 November with the theme ‘Make A Noise About Bullying’. We are encouraging clubs to have positive conversations about the fine line between banter and bullying.

Effective teamwork is key to footballing success — on and off the pitch. Mutual respect and understanding are vital ingredients. Bullying is not.

Having a clear understanding of how ‘banter’ can cross the line and become bullying is important for every club. The Anti-Bullying Alliance is inviting coaches, welfare officers, parents and carers to get involved by starting positive conversations in their football clubs.

“This Anti-Bullying Week we want you to help make a noise about bullying, focus on how to recognise playful banter as well as empowering young people to speak up when the line is crossed,” says Martha Evans, Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance.

The Alliance defines bullying as: 'The repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can be physical, verbal or psychological. It can happen face-to-face or online.'

Meanwhile, banter is: 'The playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks.'

HOW CAN YOUR CLUB GET INVOLVED?

1. Make a noise: Start the conversation, clearly communicate that your club won't tolerate bullying. Make sure your club's anti-bullying policy is easily available

2. Report concerns: Make sure players and parents/carers know how to report any concerns

3. Signpost parents/carers: to the Anti-Bullying Alliance's resources here.

4. Odd Socks Day: Join the fun by wearing odd socks during any day of the week to celebrate difference. You can find out more about ‘Odd Socks Day’ here.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ANTI-BULLYING WEEK here  

Join us in making a noise against bullying and fostering a culture of respect and acceptance on and off the pitch.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR RESPECT PAGE, PACKED WITH WAYS TO CREATE POSITIVITY AT YOUR CLUB

Creating the right environments for our players, both on and off the pitch is so important. Even though your role could be slightly different from someone else within your club or league, it’s important that we all play our part in creating a fun, safe and inclusive environment.

The Respect codes of conduct are in place to ensure that everyone involved within an FA Charter Standard club or league is playing their part to give the players a positive experience.

We have individual Respect codes of conduct for:

Young Players
Adult Players
Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials
Spectators and Parents/Carers
Match Officials

Visit the link above to download resources and the codes of conduct.

SHARE YOUR ACTIVITY

 Let football know how your club is promoting Anti-Bullying Week and Odd Socks Day on social media. Tag us and use the hashtags #AntiBullyingWeek, #MakeANoise and #OddSocksDay.