Anti-Bullying Policy

Villa Park Youth Baseball & Softball (VPYB) Anti-Bullying Policy

Purpose

VPYB is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants. Bullying is not a normal or acceptable part of childhood, and it will not be tolerated at any VPYB activity, event, or function.

This policy ensures that youth, parents, coaches, and board members work together to prevent bullying and address any incidents promptly and fairly.

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is intentional, repeated harmful behavior—physical, verbal, or emotional—directed at a person who feels hurt, scared, or humiliated. It involves an imbalance of power and is not provoked by the target.

Types of Bullying:

1. Physical Bullying: Hitting, shoving, stealing, strangling, hair-pulling, biting, excessive tickling, or any inappropriate physical contact.
2. Verbal Bullying: Name-calling, teasing, threatening, gossip, or taunting.
3. Emotional Bullying: Excluding, manipulating friendships, humiliating, extorting, terrorizing, or rating/ranking personal characteristics such as race, disability, ethnicity, or perceived sexual orientation.
4. Harassment: Includes any of the above behaviors and sexual harassment, which may involve inappropriate verbal, written, or physical conduct, whether same-gender or cross-gender.

Responsibilities

• Players: Treat all teammates, opponents, and adults with respect and report any bullying they witness or experience.
• Parents & Guardians: Model respectful behavior, support a positive environment, and report concerns promptly.
• Coaches & Board Members: Maintain a safe environment, monitor interactions, intervene when necessary, and follow up on reported incidents.

Leadership Accountability:

The League President, Head of Commissioners, and all Commissioners take bullying very seriously and insist that all bullying incidents be reported to any of them. Leadership will ensure every report is addressed promptly, fairly, and confidentially.

Reporting and Response

Any bullying incident must be reported to a Head Coach, Division Commissioner, or directly to the VPYB Board. Reports will be handled promptly and confidentially.

Consequences for bullying behavior (youth or adult) are determined by the League President and/or Executive Board and may include:

• Verbal warning
• Suspension from VPYB activities
• Expulsion from VPYB

Parents or legal guardians will be notified of all consequences. Due process procedures will be followed to ensure fair and appropriate action.

Commitment

VPYB encourages all participants to actively foster a culture of respect, safety, and inclusion. By working together, we ensure that every child and family feels welcome and supported.