This form of abuse can and is inflicted by children as well as adults. Bullying may be seen as deliberately hurtful behaviour, usually repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those bullied to defend themselves. It can take many forms: the three main types are physical (e.g. hitting, kicking, theft) verbal (e.g. racist or homophobic remarks, and even take place via the Internet and text messages.
Bullies are deliberately hostile and aggressive toward a victim that is weaker and less powerful. The outcome of bullying is always painful and distressing for the victim.
Bullying can include:
Physical: e.g. hitting, kicking and theft.
Verbal: e.g. name-calling, constant teasing, sarcasm, racist or homophobic taunts, threats, graffiti and gestures.
Emotional: e.g. tormenting, ridiculing, humiliating and ignoring.
Sexual: e.g. unwanted physical contact or abusive comments.
Bullying can and does occur anywhere there is inadequate supervision. The competitive nature of American Football makes it an ideal environment for the bully.
The bully could be:
A parent who pushes too hard.
An over zealous coach with a 'win at all costs' attitude
A team member who intimidates others.
An official who is overly officious.
The damage inflicted by bullying can frequently be underestimated. It can cause considerable distress to young people and adversely affect their health, well being and development. There are a number of signs that may indicate that a young person or disabled adult is being bullied:
Behavioural changes such as reduced concentration and/or becoming withdrawn, becoming clingy, depressed, and tearful and emotionally up and down; reluctance to go to school, training or sports club.
A drop off in performance at school or standard of play.
Physical signs such as stomach aches, headaches, difficulty in sleeping, bed-wetting, scratching and bruising, damaged clothes and bingeing; for example on food, cigarettes or alcohol.
A shortage of money or frequent loss of possessions.
