We have all found BMX and enjoy it for many reasons;

• the fun aspect
• the physical and mental challenge
• meeting new people
• traveling
• the social side of things

For me it’s all of the above, for others there may be other aspects of the sport that keep the flame burning.

Unfortunately BMX isn’t any different to any other sport, or school yard for that matter. Bullying is a very real problem that occurs way too often, and it should not be ignored or swept under the carpet as the side effects are known to be devastating and even, in extreme cases, fatal.

Although I could use many recent events and examples one that continues to haunt me is this Facebook post

Our club had a new rider, ride his first ever race meet today, after being taunting at the finish line about his bike not being a race bike, left early feeling in his fathers eyes devastated. Not feeling too proud of the community of BMX today.

Some of you may see this as kids being kids, let’s put it into perspective right now, it’s simple really, it’s just one of the many forms of bullying.

We should be embracing new riders, not driving them out of the sport. We should be embracing what’s different, it makes us individuals. BMX is an individual sport full of choices that we should all be allowed to make on our own, no one should be expected or forced to conform.

Being a victim of bullying is not an excuse for bullying.  I’m not saying you shouldn’t have a few laughs at the track, just don’t do it at the expense of someone else.

It’s time that people say enough is enough and take a stand against bullying, let’s make BMX fun for everyone and weed this bad element out of the sport.

How can you help?

1. Understand BMX Australia’s National Member Protection Policy for Anti-Discrimination and Harassment

NATIONAL MEMBER PROTECTION POLICY

6.3 Anti-Discrimination and Harassment

BMXA opposes all forms of harassment, discrimination and bullying. This includes treating or proposing to treat someone less favourably because of a particular characteristic; imposing or intending to impose an unreasonable requirement, condition or practice which has an unequal or disproportionate effect on people with a particular characteristic; or any behaviour that is offensive, abusive, belittling, intimidating or threatening – whether this is face-to-face, indirectly or via communication technologies such as mobile phone and computers. Some forms of harassment, discrimination and bullying, based on personal characteristics such as those listed in the Dictionary at clause 10, are against the law.

If any person feels they are being harassed or discriminated against by another person or organisation bound by this policy, please refer to our complaints procedure outlined in attachment D1 of this policy. This will explain what to do about the behaviour and how the BMXA will deal with the problem.

2. Read “No place for bullies: Creating a bully-free environment in sport”

http://www.bmxaustralia.com.au/?ID=43236

3. Take a stand

Do the right thing. Don’t take part in, or encourage, bullying and stand up for any potential victims. Let the bully know it’s simply “not cool”. Report any incidents immediately as they can continue and worsen if not dealt with.