Blackley Juniors FC

Objectives:   These guidelines are intended to ensure that all club member's behaviour on and off the pitch with respect to their fellow teammates and spectators are monitored to establish a happy and comfortable environment for all children and adults to enjoy their time at Blackley Juniors F.C.   1.            Bullying can be verbal and physical and will not be tolerated at any level or by any member of Blackley Juniors F.C. 2.            If anybody witnesses any form of bullying they should immediately notify the manager of the team concerned who will have the authority to deal with the matter on the spot.  Should the manager feel unable to deal with it because of the extreme nature, then he will notify the committee who will decide on the correct course of action. 3.            If you feel you are unable to approach the manager concerned with your team, then you can contact any of the committee members who will be able to deal with the matter. 4.            Whether it is child to child or adult to child, if brought to the committee's attention and proven it will result in exclusion from the club with no exception.       Remember:   We are all ambassadors for Blackley Juniors F.C. Our behaviour and attitudes towards others determine our reputation.

.Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities

 

All members of Blackley Juniors F.C  are responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the club at every level. A commitment must be made to eliminate discrimination whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour religion or disability.

 

BLACKLEY JUNIORS F.C are committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members of whatever level of 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.

 

 

 

 

+    The welfare of the child is paramount.

+    All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity, have the right to protection from abuse.

+    All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

+    All staff (paid/unpaid) working in sport have a responsibility to report concerns to the appropriate officer.

 

 Child Protection Policy Statement

 

Blackley Juniors F.C has a duty of care to safeguard all children involved in the team from harm. All children have a right to protection, and the needs of disabled children and others who may be particularly vulnerable must be taken into account.

Blackley Juniors F.C will ensure the safety and protection of all children involved in the team through adherence to the Child Protection guidelines adopted by the F.A

A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 (The Children Act 1989).

 

Policy aims

The aim of the Blackley Juniors F.C Child Protection Policy is to promote good practice:

+      Providing children and young people with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of Blackley Juniors F.C

+      Allow all staff/volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues.

 

Promoting good practice

Child abuse, particularly sexual abuse, can arouse strong emotions in those facing such a situation. It is important to understand these feelings and not allow them to interfere with your judgement about the appropriate action to take.

 

Abuse can occur within many situations including the home, school and the sporting environment. Some individuals will actively seek employment or voluntary work with young people in order to harm them. A coach, instructor, teacher, official or volunteer will have regular contact with young people and be an important link in identifying cases where they need protection. All suspicious cases of poor practice should be reported following the guidelines in this document.

 

When a child enters the club having been subjected to child abuse outside the sporting environment, sport can play a crucial role in improving the child’s self-esteem. In such instances the club must work with the appropriate agencies to ensure the child receives the required support.

 

Good practice guidelines

All personnel should be encouraged to demonstrate exemplary behaviour in order to protect themselves from false allegations. The following are common sense examples of how to create a positive culture and climate.

 

Good practice means:

+      Always working in an open environment avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging open communication.

+      Treating all young people equally with respect and dignity.

+      Always putting the welfare of each young person first.

+      Maintaining a safe and appropriate distance with players (eg it is not appropriate for staff or volunteers to have an intimate relationship with a child or to share a room with them).

+      Building balanced relationships based on mutual trust and empowering children to share in decision making.

+      Making sport fun, enjoyable and promoting fair play.

+      Ensuring that if any form of manual/physical support is required, it should be provided openly and according to guidelines provided by the F.A. If it is difficult to maintain hand positions when the child is constantly moving, young people should always be consulted and their agreement gained. Some parents are becoming increasingly sensitive about manual support and their views should always be carefully considered.

+      Keeping up to date with technical skills, qualifications and insurance.

+      Involving parents/carers wherever possible. For example, encouraging them to take responsibility for their children in the changing rooms. If groups have to be supervised in the changing rooms, always ensure parents, teachers, coaches or officials work in pairs.

+      Ensuring that if mixed teams are taken away for the day or night, they should always be accompanied by a male and female member of staff. However, remember that same gender abuse can also occur.

+      Ensuring that at tournaments or residential events, adults should not enter children’s rooms or invite children into their rooms.

+      Being an excellent role model

+      Giving enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.

Recognising the developmental needs and capacity of young people.

Code of Conduct for Coaches

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 of Conduct 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, 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 with the 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.

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

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

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 Parents / Spectators

Parents / Spectators have a great influence on children's enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because they first and foremost love the game - it's fun. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football, it is important that positive encouragement will contribute to:

· Children enjoying football.
· A sense of personal achievement.
· Self-esteem.
· Improving the child's skills and techniques.

Obligations towards the Game
The parents / spectators should

1. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
2. 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.
3. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
4. Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game.
5. 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.
6. Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Obligations towards the Team
The parents / spectators should

1. Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests. Avoid coaching the team or individual players during the game.
2. Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.
3. Promote ethical principles.
4. Show due respect for the interests of the players, coaches and officials, their own club/team and others.
5. Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.

Obligations towards the Supporters
The parents / spectators should

1. Show due respect for the interests of supporters.

Respect towards the Match Officials
A parent / spectator 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. Remember they are volunteers providing an opportunity for children and young people to play football.

1. NAME
The Club shall be called Blackley Juniors F.C.

2. OBJECTS
The objects of the Club shall be to arrange association football matches and social activities for its registered players.

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 Manchester County Football Association. The Rules and Regulations of The Football Association Limited and Football Association or 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) 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 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 the Treasurer. All money 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 the 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.

6. Child Protection

The Club Committee shall include a named Club Welfare Officer who is to provide a main point of contact for managers, parents and players on matters of child protection. The Club Welfare Officer is to be responsible for the checking of all volunteers with the C.R.B. and for providing appropriate information regarding child protection training

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 their resignation. A member whose annual membership fee or further subscription is more than 2 months in arrears shall be deemed to have resigned.
 (b)  Committee may unanimously and for good reason terminate the membership of any individual.  Provided that the individual concerned shall have the right to be heard by the Committee, accompanied by a friend, before a final decision is 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.

8.  CLUB COMMITTEE
 (a)  The Club Committee shall consist of the following Club Officers: Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, Welfare Officer, plus up to 5 other 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.
 (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.

9.  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 send to each member at their last known address written notice of the date of a General Meeting together with the resolutions to be proposed at least 14 days before the Meeting. 
 (e)  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.
 (f)  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.

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 on the activities of the team.

11.ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE
 (a)  An annual fee payable by each member shall be determined from time to time by the Club Committee. 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 needs of the club.

 

DISSOLUTION

(a)        If the Committee by a simple majority decide at any time that on the grounds of expenses or otherwise it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Club it shall call an Extraordinary Meeting of all members of Blackley Juniors FC giving not less than twenty-one days notice to the members.

 

(b)        If a proposal to dissolve the Club shall be confirmed by a two-thirds majority of those members who are present, the Committee shall dispose of any assets held by or on behalf of the Club.

 

(c)        Any assets remaining after the satisfaction of any proper debts and liabilities shall be given or transferred to such other charitable institutions having object similar to the objects of blackley Juniors FC as the Committee may determine.

 

(d)               A final statement of account for the Club will be prepared.

 

Grievances Policy

 

Club Statement

 

Whilst we strive to run the Club as effectively, efficiently and equitably as possible we accept that on occasion, differences of opinion may arise and we are keen that these instances are discussed sooner rather than later, as experience shows that problems allowed to fester only become worse in the long run. We would therefore encourage anyone who feels aggrieved by a situation to raise it with the team manager in the first instance. If the problem cannot be resolved the Club can be approached as the following complaints procedure.

 

 

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 Codes of Conduct have been broken should follow the procedures below:

 

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

 

The report should include:     

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

·         Any witness statement(s) and name(s).

·         Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way.

·         Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date and when and to whom made.

·         A preference to a solution to the the situation.

 

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:

 

·  Warn as to future conduct;

·  Suspend from membership;

·  Remove from membership;

any person found to have broken the Club Policies, Rules or Codes of Conduct.