FREETHORPE FC YOUTH

STANDARD CLUB RULES/CONSTITUTION

 

 

Suggestions for Club Rules

1.       NAME The club shall be called FREETHORPE F.C. (the Club)

2.      OBJECTS The objects of the Club shall be to arrange association football matches, social activities for its member’s use of club ground and facilities for chosen partners.

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 Club shall have the status of an Affiliated Member Club of The Football Association by virtue of its affiliation to/membership of The Football Association. The Rules and Regulations of The Football Association Limited and parent County Association and any League or Competition to which the Club is affiliated for the time being shall be deemed to be incorporated into the Club Rules.

          (b)    No alteration to the Club Rules shall be effective without prior written approval by the parent Association.

          (c)    The Club will also abide by The Football Association’s Child Protection Policies and Procedures, Codes of Conduct and the Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination Policy.

 

5.       CLUB MEMBERSHIP FOR PLAYERS/OFFICIALS/COMMITTEES

          (a)    The members of the Club from time to time shall be those persons listed in the register 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 and deliver it to the Club. Election to membership shall be at the sole discretion of the Club Committee. Membership shall become effective upon an applicant’s name being entered in the Membership Register.

          (c)    In the event of a member’s resignation or expulsion, his or her name shall be removed from the Membership Register.

          (d)    The Football Association and parent County Association shall be given access to the Membership Register on demand.

 

6.      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 their resignation.

(b)     The Club Committee shall have the power to expel a member when, in their opinion, it would not be in the interests of the Club for them to remain a member. However the member in question will have the opportunity to state their case in writing or verbally at the next committee meeting before a final decision would be made.

(c)     A member who resigns or is expelled shall not be entitled to claim any, or a share of any, of the club property.

 

                7.       CLUB COMMITTEE

          (a)    The Club Committee shall consist of the following Club Officers: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary and Minutes Secretary, plus other maintained members, elected at an Annual General Meeting.

          (b)    Each Club Officer and Club Committee Member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the next Annual General Meeting unless otherwise resolved at a Special General Meeting. 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 the affairs of the Club. Decisions of the Club Committee shall be made by a simple majority of those attending 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 chairman or in their absence the vice chairman. The quorum for the transaction of business of the Club Committee shall be five.

          (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.

          (d)    Any member of the Club Committee may call a meeting of the Club Committee by giving not less than 7 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 Football Association and the County Association to which the Club is affiliated, 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 club committee shall from time to time, form sub committees whose objective is to achieve certain goals as agreed by full  club committee.

8.       ANNUAL AND SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

          (a)     An Annual General Meeting (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

                   (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)    A Special General Meeting (SGM) may be called at any time by the 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 an SGM may be any business that may be transacted at an AGM.

          (d)    The Secretary shall put up a clear and precise notice at a designated point in the club house of the date of a General Meeting together with the resolutions to be proposed at least 14 days before the Meeting.

  (e)   The quorum for a General Meeting shall be quarterly and at least five committee members must    be present.

          (f)     The chairman 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 Minutes of General Meetings into the Minute Book of the Club.

 

 

 

 

9.       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 on the activities of the team.

 

10.     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 Secretary and Treasurer. No sum shall be drawn from the Club Account except by cheque signed by the two designated signatories. All monies payable to the Club shall be received by the Treasurer and deposited in the Club Account.

          (b)    The income and assets of the Club (the Club Property) shall be applied only in furtherance of the objects of the Club.

          (c)    The Club Committee shall have power to authorise the payment of remuneration and expenses to any member of the Club and to any other person or persons for services rendered to the Club.

          (d)    The Club shall prepare an annual Financial Statement in such form as shall be published by The Football Association from time to time.

          (e)    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 Committee and entry in the Minute Book shall be conclusive evidence of such a decision.

          (f)     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.

          (g)    On their removal or resignation a Custodian shall execute a Conveyance in such form as is published by The Football Association from time to time to a newly elected Custodian or the existing Custodians as directed by the Club Committee. On the death of a Custodian, any Club Property vested in them shall vest automatically in the surviving Custodians. If there is only one surviving Custodian, a Special General Meeting shall be convened as soon as possible to appoint another Custodian.

          (h)    The Custodians shall be entitled to an indemnity out of the Club Property for all expenses and other liabilities reasonably incurred by them in carrying out their duties, any payments must be agreed by club committee.

 

11.     DISSOLUTION

 

Should the Club become defunct the net assets and funds, including league cups and trophies shall be surrendered to Norfolk County Football Association Limited.  These may be distributed, in consultation with the elected officers of the Club, or may be held in trust for a period of not less than five years.  After the expiration of five years the Association may dispose of assets and/or cups and trophies to the benefit of football or a charitable cause.

 

12         CLUB LEASE

(a)    Details to follow. Currently under negotiation with Freethorpe Parish Council.            

 

 

13         CLUB PARTNERSHIPS

(a)     The club committee shall under the guidance of a sub/development committee agree by majority to the club working in partnership with other chosen clubs, to achieve mutually beneficial aims

(b)     Any club in partnership with Freethorpe F.C. would be required to abide to Freethorpe F.C. code of conducts, equal opportunities, anti discrimination and child protection procedures.

 

 

A Code of Conduct for Players/Officials/Members & Supporters of Freethorpe F.C

 

Football is the national game. All those involved with the game at every level and whether as a player, match official, coach, owner or administrator, have a responsibility, above and beyond compliance with the law, to act according to the highest standards of integrity, and to ensure that the reputation of the game is, and remains, high. This code applies to all those involved in football under the auspices of The Football Association.

 

Community

 

Football, at all levels, is a vital part of a community. Football will take into account community feeling when making decisions.

 

Equality

 

Football is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.

 

Participants

 

Football recognises the sense of ownership felt by those who participate at all levels of the game. This includes those who play, those who coach or help in any way, and those who officiate, as well as administrators and supporters. Football is committed to appropriate consultation.

 

Young People

 

Football acknowledges the extent of its influence over young people and pledges to set a positive example.

 

Propriety

 

Football acknowledges that public confidence demands the highest standards of financial and administrative behaviour within the game, and will not tolerate corruption or improper practices.

 

Trust and Respect

 

Football will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved in the game, whether they are individuals, clubs or other organisations.

 

Violence

 

Football rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game.

 

Fairness

 

Football is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game.

 

Integrity and Fair Play

 

Football is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with Fair Play.

  

 

Code of Conduct for Coaches of Freethorpe Football Club

 

Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their concept of ethics are their attitude directly affects the behaviour of players under their supervision. Coaches are, therefore, expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct.

 

Coaches have to be aware that almost all of their everyday decisions and choices of actions, as well as strategic targets, have ethical implications.

 

It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a “win-at-all-costs” attitude.

 

Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the club, school, coach or parent.

 

Set out below is The F.A. Coaches Association Code of Conduct (which reflects the standards expressed by the National Coaching Foundation and the National Association of Sports Coaches), which forms the benchmark for all involved in coaching at Freethorpe Football Club:

 

1.         Coaches 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 players (and, where appropriate, parent) 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.       Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

 

Code of Conduct for Players

 

Players are the most important people in the sport. Playing for the team, and for the team to win, is the most fundamental part of the game. But not winning at any cost – Fair Play and respect for all others in the game is fundamentally important.

 

This Code focuses on players involved in top-class football. Nevertheless, the key concepts in the Code are valid for players at all level

 

Obligations towards the game

 

A player should

 

1.         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.

3.         Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.

4.         Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time-wasting.

5.         Always have regard for 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.

6.         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 Laws, 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 the 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.

 

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.

 

Code of Conduct for Team Officials OF Freethorpe Football Club:

 

Obligations towards the Game

 

The team official should

 

1.         Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.

 

2.         Promote and develop his own team having regard to the interest of the Players, Supporters and reputation of the national game.

 

3.         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.

 

4.         Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.

 

5.         Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game.

 

6.         Always have regard for 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.

 

7.         Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

 

Obligations towards the Team

 

The team official should

 

1.         Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club/team, and to obtain the best results for the team, using all permitted means.

 

2.         Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.

 

3.         Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.

 

4.         Promote ethical principles.

 

5.         Show due respect for the interests of the players, coaches and officials, their own club/team and others.

 

Obligations towards the Supporters

 

The team official should

               

1.         Show due respect for 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.

 

Code of Conduct for Spectators of Freethorpe Football Club:

 

Spectators have a great influence on player’s enjoyment and success in football. All players play football because they first and foremost love the game. It is important to remember that however good a player becomes at football within your club it is important to reinforce the message to spectators that positive encouragement will contribute to:

 

·              A sense of personal achievement.

·              Self-esteem.

·              Improving the player’s skills and techniques.

 

A spectator’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a player’s attitude towards:

 

·              Other players.

·              Officials.

·              Managers.

·              Spectators.

 

Ensure that spectators within your club are always positive and encouraging towards all of the player’s not just their own.

 

Encourage spectators to:

 

·              Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.

·              Avoid coaching the player during the game.

·              Not to shout and scream.

·              Respect the referee’s decision.

·              Give attention to each of the player’s involved in football not just the most talented.

·              Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football.

 

Ensure that spectators within your club agree and adhere to your club’s Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.

 

 

Anti Discrimination Policy For Freethorpe Football Club

 

·              Freethorpe 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, equally. Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.

 

·              Equality of opportunity at Freethorpe Football Club means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.

 

            This includes:

 

·               The advertisement for volunteers.

·               The selection of candidates for volunteers.

·               Courses.

·               External coaching and education activities and awards.

·               Football development activities.

·               Selection for teams.

·               Appointments to honorary positions.

 

·              Freethorpe Football Club will not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.

 

·              Freethorpe Football Club is committed to the development of the programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities, in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation, and within football as a whole.

 

 

Equal Opportunities Policy for Freethorpe Football Club

 

1.              General

 

·              Freethorpe Football Club is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members of whatever level or authority, to abide and adhere to this general principle and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission and Commission for Racial Equality.

 

·              All members are expected to abide by the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1986 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Specifically discrimination is prohibited by:

 

·               Treating any individual on grounds of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability less favourably than others.

 

·               Expecting an individual solely on the grounds stated above to comply with requirement(s) for any reason whatsoever related to their membership, which are different from the requirements for others.

 

·               Imposing on an individual requirements, which are in effect more onerous on that individual than they are on others. For example, this would include applying a condition, which makes it more difficult for members of a particular race or sex to comply than others not of that race or sex.

 

·               Victimisation of an individual.

 

·               Harassment of an individual, by virtue of discrimination.

 

·               Any other act or omission of an act, which has as its effect the disadvantaging of a member against another, or others, purely on the above grounds. Thus, in all the Club’s recruitment, selection, promotion and training processes, as well as disciplinary matters, it is essential that merit, experience, skills and temperament are considered as objectively as possible.

 

·              Freethorpe Football Club commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims of discrimination on the above grounds and where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice cease forthwith, restitution of damage or loss (if necessary) and to the investigation of any member accused of discrimination.

 

·              Any member found guilty of discrimination will be instructed to desist forthwith. Since discrimination in its many forms is against the Football Club’s policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure.

 

·              The Football Club commits itself to the disabled person whenever possible and will treat such members, in aspects of their recruitment and membership, in exactly the same manner as other members. The difficulties of their disablement permitting assistance will be given, wherever possible to ensure that disabled members are helped in gaining access. Appropriate training will be made to such members who request it.

 

 

Goalpost Safety Guidelines

 

The Football Association, along with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Health and Safety Executive and the British Standards Institution, would like to draw your attention to the following guidelines for the safe use of goalposts. Too many serious injuries and fatalities have occurred in recent years as a result of unsafe or incorrect use of goalposts. Safety is always of paramount importance and everyone in football must play their part to prevent similar incidents occurring in the future.

1.         For safety reasons goalposts of any size (including those which are portable and not installed permanently at a pitch or practice field) must always be anchored securely to the ground.

 

·              Portable goalposts must be secured by the use of chain anchors or appropriate anchor weights to prevent them from toppling forward.

 

·              It is essential that under no circumstances should children or adults be allowed to climb, swing on or play with the structures of the goalposts.

 

·              Particular attention is drawn to the fact that if not properly assembled and secured, portable goalposts may topple over.

 

·              Regular inspections of goalposts should be carried out to check that they are kept properly maintained.

 

2.         Portable goalposts should not be left in place after use. They should be dismantled and removed to a place of secure storage.

 

3.         It is strongly recommended that nets should only be secured by plastic hooks or tape and not by metal cup hooks. Any metal cup hooks should be removed and replaced. New goalposts should not be purchased if they include metal cup hooks, which cannot be replaced.

 

4.         Goalposts which are “home made” or which have been altered from their original size or construction should not be used. These have been the cause of a number of deaths and injuries.

 

5.         Guidelines to prevent toppling:

i.          Follow Manufacturer’s guide-lines in assembling goalposts.

ii.          Before use, adults should:

·               ensure each goal is anchored securely in its place

·               exert a significant downward force on the cross bar

·               exert a significant backward force on both upright posts

·               exert a significant forward force on both upright posts

 

These must be repeated until it is established that the structure is secure. If not, alternative goals/pitches must be used.

 

For reference, you should note that The F.A. and BSI have developed a standard for future purchases (PAS 36:2000), available from BSI. It is hoped this will be developed into a full British Standard in due course.

 

REMEMBER TO USE ALL EQUIPMENT, NOT JUST GOALPOSTS, SAFELY AT ALL TIMES.

Club Complaints Procedure for Freethorpe Football Club:

 

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, should follow the procedures below.

 

1.         They should report the matter to the Club Secretary or another member of the Committee.

 

            Your 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.

 

2.         The Club’s Management Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested.

 

3.         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.

 

 

Club Disciplinary Procedure for Freethorpe Football Club:

 

The object of this Disciplinary Procedure is to ensure a fair and consistent approach in the event of a member of Freethorpe FC breaking club rules, codes of conduct or policies of the club.

 

Any member of Freethorpe FC breaking the club rules, codes of conduct or policies of the club will be in the first instance informed in writing of the reported offence by the CWO of the club.

 

The report will include:

 

1.        Details of what, when, and where the occurrence took place

 

2.        Any witness statement and names.

 

  On receipt of the report the member will reply in writing to the clubs CWO answering    

the reported offence.

 

If the matter cannot not be resolved the clubs Management committee will sit for any hearings requested by the clubs CWO or any member.

 

The Club’s Management Committee will have the power to:

 

1.        Issue a verbal warning.

 

2.        Issue a written warning.

 

3.        Exclusion from a given number of matches.

 

4.        Exclusion from specified number of training sessions.

 

5.        Removal from club for the remainder of season.

 

6.        Refusal to register for club in future seasons.

 

The decision of the Clubs Management Committee is final.

 

 

These measures are in addition to any disciplinary punishments issued by Leagues, County Associations and the FA.

 

 

 

  

1.3    Child Protection Policy

 

The FA Charter Standard Club Programme Child Protection Policy

 

1  Freethorpe 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.

 

2  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. Freethorpe Football Club recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.

 

3  Freethorpe Football Club has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people by 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.

 

4   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.

        As a minimum meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible conduct interviews before appointing.

        Request and follow up with two references before appointing.

        Require an FA CRB Unit Enhanced Disclosure where appropriate in line with FA guidelines.

 

All current Freethorpe Football Club members with direct access to children and young people will be required to complete a CRB Enhanced Disclosure via The FA CRB Unit.  If there are concerns regarding   the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of Freethorpe Football Club, guidance will be sought from The Football Association.  It is noted and accepted that The FA will consider the relevance and significance of the information obtained via The FA CRB Unit Enhanced CRB Disclosure and that all decisions will be made in the best interests of children and young people.

 

It is accepted that The FA aims to prevent people with a history of relevant and significant offending from having contact with children or young people and the opportunity to influence policies or practice with children or young people.  This is to prevent direct sexual or physical harm to children and to minimise the risk of grooming within football.

 

5   Freethorpe Football Club supports The FA’s whistle blowing policy.  Any adult or young person with concerns about a colleague can whistle blow by contacting The FA Child Protection Manager on  0207 745 4771, by writing to The FA Case Manager at The Football Association, 25 Soho Square, London W1D 4FA or by going direct to the police, social services or the NSPCC. Freethorpe Football Club encourages everyone to know about it and utilise it if necessary.

 

 

6   Freethorpe Football Club has appointed a Club Welfare Officer (CWO) in line with The FA’s role profile and required completion of the child protection and best practice workshop. The post holder will be involved with designated person’s training provided by The FA.  The CWO is the first point of contact for all club members and parents or guardians regarding concerns for the welfare of any child or young person.  They will liaise directly with the CFA CPO and will be familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns. They will also play a proactive role in increasing an awareness of poor practice and abuse amongst club members.

 

7   We acknowledge and endorse The FA’s identification of bullying as a category of abuse.  Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at our club.  If bullying does occur, all players, parents or guardions should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly.  Incidents need to be reported to the CWO, a member of the committee, or in cases of serious bullying contact the CFA CPO.

 

8   Codes of conduct for players, parents or spectators, officials and coaches have been implemented by Freethorpe Football Club.

 

In order to validate these codes of conduct the club has clear sanctions to deal with any misconduct at club level and acknowledges the possibility of potential sanctions, which may be implemented by leagues or the CFA in more serious circumstances.  All prospective members will be informed of these codes.

 

9   Further advice on child protection matters can be obtained from:

The County Football Association’s Child Protection Officer, whose details can be found in the County Handbook, The Football Association/NSPCC Child Protection 24-Hour Helpline 0808 800 5000 www.TheFA.com/Goal, The FA child protection team on 0207 745 4649.