Policy on Bullying

Victorian Agricultural Shows Limited

The Mansfield A&P Society (the Society) embrace and adhere to the VAS Ltd Policy on Bullying.  Bullying is an issue in many sports today. VAS Ltd wants members, organisers and officials to know that bullying is not acceptable at any VAS Ltd events.
Respect
​Every official, competitor and helper has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. The Society has a responsibility to ensure this occurs at our events. The Society/VAS can only discipline the appropriate person/s if intimidation is reported. We encourage any person who feels they have been bullied to report it in writing the the Mansfield A&P Society/VAS.
  • ​Reports will be handled promptly and confidentially
  • ​Disciplinary action will be taken against those who have bullied others at events run under the auspices of the Society
What is Bullying?
​Bullying is an inappropriate behaviour using force or power. Bullying undermines another person's self-esteem and confidence. It may be a one off or may be repeated incidents - disparaging remarks; public criticism; verbal abuse; written abuse; threats; shouting; sarcasm; belittling, name calling; smirking; harassment; swearing; socially excluding people; spreading rumours and innuendo; throwing papers etc down and around.

None of this is EVER acceptable. Please report it to an official. Being uptight at a competition is no excuse for bad behaviour.

Why do people Bully?
Those who can, do. Those who can't bully. The more inadequate the person, the more they bully.  
  • Bullies blame others for their problems
  • Some bully when they are overloaded and not coping
  • Some are just socially inept

Who are Bullies?
People in authority can victimise people with less power. They are often charming to those they are not bullying, which can make it even more difficult for their victims to complain. Some are clever, competent sophisticated manipulators who enjoy dominating and humiliating others. They like to see their victims squirm.

How do Bullies respond when challenged?
  • Deny it
  • Blame others
  • Claim victimisation if they are challenged
  • Rationalise to explain their bad behaviour
What is the cost of Bullying?
​Bullying is not confined to the school yard. It costs Australians an estimated $12 billion a year.
  • 1 in 3 quit work because of bullying (UK data)
  • Bullying may make officials, competitors and sponsors leave a sport
Without our Volunteer judges, stewards and organisers, there would be NO competition.

How do I handle a Bully?
  1. Stay calm. If necessary, tell the intimidator that you will not continue the conversation until you have a show official with you (walk away if you have to).
  2. Stay polite. Inform the intimidator that the Society (and VAS Ltd) wishes people at events to report inappropriate behaviour.
  3. ​Make a note of the following details as soon as possible: (a) Name or exhibitor number (ask them to provide their name if you don't know it); (b) time and date; (c) others present
  4. Put a brief written report in to the Society so the matter can be handled formally.
We need the knowledge and experience of our volunteers. We cannot afford to lose good people through bad behaviour.

Who do Bullies Target?
Bullies often target people who have made a mistake. We all occasionally make mistakes. Riders do, officials do and judges do. Bullies often attach people who are victims - the "blame the victim" syndrome.  For example, an organiser gets abused when a computer, PA, printer or photocopier breaks down or weather conditions damage a riding surface or blow arenas down.