WELBECK WELFARE F.C.
ABOUT YOUR FOOTBALL CLUB
The Club was formed in 1975 with just 1 team competing in the Mansfield Youth Football League and this has increased steadily to the current stage of 10 boys teams and 4 girls teams together with 2 senior men and 2 senior ladies teams. Of the 18 teams teams there are 300 players involved in matches on Saturdays or Sundays during the season.
We achieved the Football Association’s Charter Standard Club Award in February 2000 and this was confirmed when we collected our Registration document at the National Launch in Lancaster later that month from Jamie Redknapp
In March 2002 we attained the 2nd. of 3 levels in the Award by becoming a Development Club and this is linked with the project planned to upgrade the Meden Vale facilities which includes a new Clubhouse. Extra 11 a side and Mini Soccer pitches are also planned for the site.
WE have applied for the Community Club status which is the third and final rung on the ladder. This will put us in a bracket of only 100 teams nationally that will have reached that benchmark.
All of the Club’s Team Managers have achieved their Level 1 Coaching Award and some have gone on to reach their Level 2 Award. A Child Protection Officer has been appointed. We have also opened up direct links with local schools and coaching license applications are to be pursued in due course. This will enable coached sessions to take place on the Elkesley Road site.
Within the Club’s Charter Standard Programme we have a Child Protection Policy and a ‘Code of Conduct’ which is applicable to all players registered with the Club and would be new players as well as applying to Club Officials, supporters and parents.
The contents of our Club Constitution, Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy and Equity Statement Code are listed in this booklet.
WE HOPE THAT ALL OF YOU WILL TAKE THE TIME TO READ AND DIGEST THE CONTENTS OF THE FOLLOWING PAGES.
WELBECK WELFARE FOOTBALL CLUB
- CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES
1. Coaches/Managers must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
2. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations including the development of performance.
3. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies
4. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
5. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
6. Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
7. Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
8. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the player (and, where appropriate, parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
9. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
10. Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. Fair Play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
11. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
12. Not to use or tolerate inappropriate language.
1
WELBECK WELFARE FOOTBALL CLUB
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS
Obligations towards the game
A player should :
- Make every effort to develop their own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.
- 2. Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if his team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.
- Set a positive example to others, particularly young players and supporters.
- Avoid all forms of gamesmanship, and time-wasting.
- Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
- Not use inappropriate language.
Obligations towards one’s own team
A player should :
1. Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help his own team win.
2. Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question his commitment to the team winning.
Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules
A player should :
1. Know and abide by the Lawas, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules.
2. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.
3. Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques.
Respect towards Opponents
A player should :
1. Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.
2. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents.
Respect towards Match Officials
A player should :
1. Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest.
2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.
2
Respect towards Team Officials
A player should :
1. Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Team Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code.
2. Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition.
Obligations towards the Supporters
A player should :
1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.
3
WELBECK WELFARE FOOTBALL CLUB
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TEAM OFFICIALS
This Code applies to all team/Club officials (although some items may not apply to all officials).
Obligations towards the Game
The team official should :
- Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
- Promote and develop his own team having regard to the interest of the Players, Supporters and reputation of the national game.
- Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so, taking into account the interest of the body that has requested this rather than personal interests.
- Avoids all forms of gamesmanship.
- Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game.
- Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
- Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
Obligations towards the Team
The team officials should :
- Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club/team, and to obtain the best results by the team, using all permitted means.
- Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.
- Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.
- Promote ethical principals.
- Show due respect to the interests of players, coaches and other officials, at their own club/team and others.
Obligations towards the Supporters
The team official should :
- Show due respect to the interests of supporters.
Respect towards the Match Officials
A team official should :
1. Accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest.
2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.
4
WELBECK WELFARE FOOTBALL CLUB
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS/CARERS/SPECTATORS
A parent’s/carer’s/spectator’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards :
Other players
Officials
Managers
Spectators
This club will ensure that parents/carers/spectators within the Club are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children – not just their own – and will encourage parents/carers/spectators to :
Applaud the opposition as well as their own team
Avoid coaching the child during the game
Not to shout and scream
Respect the referee’s decision
Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented
Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football.
The Club will ensure that parents/carers/spectators agree and adhere to the Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.
5
WELBECK WELFARE FOOTBALL CLUB
EQUALITY POLICY
As the governing body of the game, The Football Association is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the game at every level. Football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, anyone who wants to participate in it.
The FA’s commitment is to eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability.
The FA is also committed to promoting equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and by providing access and opportunities for all members of the community.
The following policy is at the heart of the Club’s activities –
The aim of this policy is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect and that Welbeck Welfare Football Club is equally accessible to them all.
Welbeck Welfare Football Club is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the Club at every level. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone who wants to participate in it.
Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability and to encourage equal opportunities.
This policy is fully supported by the Club Officers who are responsible for the implementation of this policy.
Welbeck Welfare Football Club, in all its activities will not discriminate, or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race,nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability. It means that Welbeck Welfare Football Club will ensure that it treats people fairly and with respect and that it will provide access and opportunities for all members of the community to take part in, and enjoy, its activities.
Welbeck Welfare Football Club will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of an individual, which for the purposes of this policy and the actions and sanction applicable is regarded as discrimination. This includes sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal.
Welbeck Welfare Football Club will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.
Welbeck Welfare Football Club is committed to taking positive action where inequalities exist, and to the development of a programme of ongoing training and awareness - raising events and activities in order to promote the eradication of discrimination and promote equality in football.
6
Welbeck Welfare Football Club is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members to abide and adhere to these policies and the requirements of the relevant equalities legislation – Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as well as any amendments to these acts and any new legislation.
Welbeck Welfare Football Club commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims, when it is brought to its attention, of discrimination on the above grounds and where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice stop and sanctions imposed as appropriate.
Club Complaints Procedure
In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way or that the Club Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct have been broken they should follow the procedures below.
- They should report the matter to the Club Secretary or another member of the Committee.
The report should include :
(i). Details of what, when and where the occurrence took place
(ii). Any witness statement and names.
(iii). Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way
(iv). Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to whom made
(v). A preference for a solution to the incident
- The Club’s Management Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested.
- The Club’s Management Committee will have the power to :
(i). Warn as to future conduct
(ii). Suspend from membership
(iii). Remove from membership any person found to have broken the Club’s Policies or Codes of Conduct.
If the complaint is with regard to the Club’s Management Committee the member has the right to report the discrimination direct to the relevant County Football Association.
7
WELBECK WELFARE FOOTBALL CLUB
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
- Welbeck Welfare Football Club acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person who has been entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all members. A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any club football activity. We subscribe to The Football Association’s child protection and best practice policy and procedures and endorse and adopt the policy statement contained in that document.
- The key principles of The FA Child Protection Policy are that :
The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration
All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation
All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and their parents or carers is essential.
We acknowledge that every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse. Welbeck Welfare Football Club recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our Club.
- Welbeck Welfare Football Club has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children and young children protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is noted and accepted that The Football Association’s child protection regulation (see The FA Handbook) applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes those who are a volunteer, match official, helper on club tours, football coach, club official or medical staff.
- We endorse and adopt The FA’s Child Protection and Best Practice Guidelines for Recruiting Volunteers and will :
- Develop a role profile
- Request identification documents
8
WELBECK WELFARE FOOTBALL CLUB
CLUB CONSTITUTION
1. CLUB NAME
The name of this Club shall be called – ‘WELBECK WELFARE FOOTBALL CLUB’ and shall be affiliated to the Nottinghamshire Football Association.
2. OBJECTS
The objects of the Club shall be to provide facilities, promote the game of Association Football, to arrange matches and social activities for its members and community participation in the same
3. STATUS OF RULES
These Rules (the ‘Club Rules’) form a binding agreement between each member of the Club.
4. RULES AND REGULATIONS
(a). The members of the Club shall so exercise their rights, powers and duties and shall, where appropriate use their best endeavours to ensure that others conduct themselves so that the business and affairs of the Club are carried out in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Football Association Limited (‘The FA’), County Football Association to which the Club is affiliated (‘Parent County Association’) and Competitions in which the Club participates, for the time being in force.
(b). No alteration to the Club Rules shall be effective without prior written approval by the Parent County Association. The FA and the Parent County Association reserve the right to approve any proposed changes to the Club Rules.
(c). The Club will also abide by The FA’s Child Protection Policies and Procedures, Codes of Conduct, and the Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination Policy as shall be in place from time to time.
5. CLUB MEMBERSHIP
(a). The members of the Club from time to time shall be those persons listed on the registration of members (the ‘Membership Register’) which shall be maintained by the Club Secretary.
(b). Any person who wishes to be a member must apply on the Membership Application Form sand deliver it to the Club. Election to membership shall be at the discretion of the Club Committee and granted in accordance with the anti-discrimination and equality policies which are in place from time to time. An appeal against refusal may be made to the Club Committee in accordance with the Complaints Procedure in force from time to time. Membership shall become effective upon an applicant’s name being entered in the Membership Register.
9
(c). In the event of a member’s resignation or expulsion, his or her name shall be removed from the Membership Register.
(d). The FA and Parent County Association shall be given access to the Membership Register on demand.
6. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE
(a). An annual fee payable by each member shall be determined from time to time by the Club Committee and set at a kevel that will not pose a significant obstacle to community participation. Any fee shall be payable on a successful application for membership and annually by each member. Fees shall not be repayable.
(b). The Club Committee shall have the authority to levy further subscriptions from the members as are reasonably necessary to fulfil the objects of the Club.
7. RESIGNATION AND EXPULSION
(a). A member shall cease to be a member of the Club if, and from the date on which, he/she gives notice to the Club Committee of his/her resignation. A member whose annual membership fee or further subscription is more than two (2) months in arrears shall be deemed to have resigned.
(b). The Club Committee shall have the power to expel a member when, in its opinion, it would not be in the interests of the Club for them to remain a member. An appeal against such a decision may be made to the Club Committee in accordance with the Complaints Procedure in force from time to time.
(c). A member who resigns or is expelled shall not be entitled to claim any, or a share of any, of the income and assets of the Club (the ‘Club Property’).
8. THE CLUB COMMITTEE
(a). The Club Committee shall consist of the following Club Officers ; Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary and Minutes Secretary and up to five other members, elected at an Annual General Meeting.
(b). Each Club Officer and Committee Member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the next Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) unless otherwise resolved at an Extraordinary General Meeting (‘EGM’). One person may hold no more than two positions of Club Officer at any time. The Club Committee shall be responsible for the management of all affairs of the Club. Decisions of the Club Committee shall be made by a simple majority of those attending at the Club Committee Meeting. The Chairperson of the Club Committee meeting shall have a casting vote in the event of a tie. Meetings of the Club Committee shall be chaired by the Chairperson or in their absence the Vice Chairperson. The quorum for the transition of business of the Club Committee shall be three.
(c). Decisions of the Club Committee of meetings shall be entered into the Minute Book of the Club to be maintained by the Club Secretary.
10
(d). Any member of the Club Committee may call a meeting of the Club Committee by giving no less than seven days’ notice to all members of the Club Committee. The Club Committee shall hold not less than four meetings a year.
(e). An outgoing member of the Club Committee may be re-elected. Any vacancy on the Club Committee which arises between Annual General Meetings shall be filled by a member proposed by one and seconded by another of the remaining Club Committee members and approved by a simple majority of the remaining Club Committee members.
(f). Save as provided for in the Rules and Regulations of The FA, the Parent County Association and any applicable Competition, the Club Committee shall have the power to decide all questions and disputes arising in respect of any issue concerning the Club Rules.
(g). The position of a Club Officer shall be vacated if such person is subject to a decision of The FA that such person be suspended from holding office or from taking part in any football activity relating to the administration or management of a football club.
11
9. ANNUAL AND EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETINGS
(a). An AGM shall be held in each year to :
(i). receive a report of the activities of the Club over the previous year ;
(ii). receive a report of the Club’s finances over the previous year ;
(iii). Elect the members of the Club Committee ; and
(iv). Consider any other business.
(b). Nominations for election of members as Club Officers or as members of the Club Committee shall be made in writing by the proposer and seconder, both of whom must be existing members of the Club, to the Club Secretary not less than 21 days before the AGM. Notice of any resolution to be proposed at the AGM shall be given in writing to the Club Secretary not less than 21 days before the meeting.
(c). An EGM may be called at any time by the Club Committee and shall be called within 21 days of the receipt by the Club Secretary of a requisition in writing, signed by not less than five members stating the purposes for which the Meeting is required and the resolutions proposed. Business at the EGM may be any business that may be transacted at an AGM.
(d). The Secretary shall send to each member at their last known address written notice of the date of a General Meeting (whether an AGM or an EGM) together with the resolutions to be proposed at least 14 days before the Meeting.
(e). A quorum for a General Meeting shall be 5 people.
(f). The Chairperson, or in their absence a member selected by the Club Committee, shall take the chair. Each member present shall have one vote and resolutions shall be passed by a simple majority. In the event of an equality of votes the Chairperson of the Meeting shall have a casting vote.
(g). The Club Secretary, or in their absence a member of the Club Committee, shall enter the Minutes of General Meetings into the Minute Book of the Club.
10. CLUB TEAMS
At its first meeting following each AGM the Club Committee shall appoint a Club member to be responsible for each of the Club’s football teams. The appointed members shall be responsible for managing the affairs of the team. The appointed members shall present to the Club Committee at its last meeting prior to an AGM a written report of the activities of the team.
11. CLUB FINANCES
(a). A bank account shall be opened and maintained in the name of the Club (the ‘Club Account ‘). Designated account signatories shall be the Club Chairperson, the Club Secretary and the Treasurer. No sum shall be drawn from the Club Account except by cheque signed by two of the three designated signatories. All monies payable to the Club shall be received by the Treasurer and deposited in the Club Account.
12
(b). The Club Property shall be applied only in furtherance of the objects of the Club. The distribution of profits or proceeds arising from the sale of the Club Property to members is prohibited.
(c). The Club Committee shall have the power to authorise the payment of remuneration and expenses to any member of the Club (although a Club shall not remunerate a member for playing) and to any other person or persons for services rendered to the Club.
(d). The Club may provide sporting and related social facilities, sporting equipment, coaching courses, insurance cover, medical treatment. Away match expenses, post-match refreshments and any other ordinary benefits of Community Amateur Sports Clubs as provided for in the Finance Act 2002.
(e). The Club may also in connection with the sports purposes of the Club :
(i). sell and supply food, drink and related sports clothing and equipment ;
(ii). employ members (although not for playing) and remunerate them for providing goods and services, on fair terms set by the Club Committee without the person concerned being present ;
(iii). Pay for reasonable hospitality for visiting teams and guests ; and
(iv). Indemnify the Club Committee and members acting properly in the course of the running of the Club against any liability incurred in the proper running of the Club 9but only to the extent of its assets).
(f). The Club shall keep accounting records for recording the fact and nature of all payments and receipts so as to disclose, with reasonable accuracy, at any time, the financial position, including the assets and liabilities of the Club. The Club must retain its accounting records for a minimum of six years.
(g). The Club shall prepare an annual ‘Financial Statement ‘, in such format as shall be available from The FA from time to time. The Financial Statement shall be verified by an independent, appropriately qualified accountant and shall be approved by members at a general meeting. A copy of the Financial Statement shall, on demand, be forwarded to The FA.
(h). The Club Property, other than the Club Account, shall be vested in not less than two and no more than four custodians, one of whom shall be the Treasurer (‘the Custodians’) who shall deal with the Club Property as directed by decisions of the Club Coomittee and entry in the Minute Book shall be conclusive evidence of such a decision.
(i). The Custodians shall be appointed by the Club in a General Meeting and shall hold office until death or resignation unless removed by a resolution passed at a General Meeting.
(j). On their removal or resignation a Custodian shall execute a Conveyance in such form as is published by The FA from time to time to a newly elected Custodian or the existing Custodians as directed by the Club Committee. The Club shall, on request, make a copy of any Conveyance available to The FA. On the death of a Custodian, any Club Property vested in them shall vest automatically in the surviving Custodian, an EGM shall be convened as soon as possible to appoint another Custodian.
13
(k). The Custodians shall be entitled to an indemnity out of the Club Property for all expenses and other liabilities reasonably uncured by them in carrying out their duties.
12. DISSOLUTION
(a). A resolution to dissolve the Club shall only be proposed at a General Meeting and shall be carried by a majority of at least three-quarters of the members present.
(b). The dissolution shall take effect from the date of the resolution and the members of the Club Committee shall be responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Club.
(c). Any surplus assets remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the Club shall be transferred to another Club, a Competition, the Parent County Association or The FA for use by them for related community sports.
