Club Handbook

Transcription

1 Club Handbook

2 Index Index Club Aims 3 Wheldrake JFC FA Charter Standard Club 3 Club Contacts 4 Team Contacts 5 Club Meetings & Other Dates 7 ERCFA Club Affiliation Number 7 Club Sponsors Season Presentation Day Awards Season Coaching Awards 9 Club Constitution 10 The Season 17 Code of Conduct: Young Players 20 Code of Conduct: Spectators & Parents/Carers 21 Code of Conduct: Coaches, Team Managers & Club Officials 22 Code of Conduct: Match Officials 24 Club Welfare Policy 25 Anti-Bullying Policy 28 Photographic Policy 31 2

3 Club Aims & FA Charter Standard Club Aims Wheldrake Junior Football Club, WJFC, was formed in The aims of the Club are to have fun! develop footballing skills and improve confidence broaden players understanding of the game and its rules develop personal and team discipline experience competitive team sport with an emphasis on fair play Wheldrake JFC FA Charter Standard Club From the FA website: The Charter Standard Scheme is a best practice guide that sets standards of coaching, administration and child protection for all clubs outside the Football League and Premier League. As a benchmark for quality, it will improve the playing experience for all. The FA, in conjunction with various bodies, has drawn up the following set of criteria for clubs wishing to reach Charter Standard: A written constitution FA CRB checked volunteers All managers to have minimum of FA Level 1 Coaching Course Commitment to attend in-service training Acceptance and promotion of Codes of Conduct Commitment to provide Mini-Soccer opportunities for Under 10s Commitment to promote schools liaison and equal opportunities for all Wheldrake Junior Football Club first achieved the FA charter standard award in The club s annual health check was successfully renewed in March WJFC was awarded the East Riding County FA Charter Standard Club of the Year in

4 Club Contacts Club Contacts Chair: Richard Dickinson Tel: Mob: Vice Chair: Neill Loughlan Tel: Mob: Secretary: Nathan Kruse Tel: Mob: Treasurer: Mike Gelder Tel: Mob: Club Welfare Officer: Lizzie Hancock Tel: Mob: Social Secretary: Stella Loughlan Tel: Mob: Procurement Officer: Patrick Dunne Tel: Mob: WRA & Field Committee Representative: David Murtagh Tel: Mob: Tuck Shop Co-ordinator: Helen Kruse Tel: Mob: Website Co-ordinator: Nathan Kruse Tel: Mob:

5 Club Contacts Team Contacts Under 6: Manager Brian Parkinson Tel: Mob: Under 7: Manager Jon Botterill Tel: Mob: Coach Mike Phillips Tel: Mob: Coach Ed Butterfield Tel: Mob: Under 8: Manager Richard Lockwood Tel: Mob: Coach Hughie Clarke Tel: Mob: Under 9: Manager Paul Fleming Tel: Mob: Coach Chris Uren Tel: Mob: Under 10: Manager Peter Whelerton Tel: Mob: Coach Nick Adams Tel: Mob: Under 11: Manager Neill Loughlan Tel: Mob: Coach Phil Singleton Tel: Mob:

6 Club Contacts Under 12: Manager Mike Gelder Tel: Mob: Coach Andy Richardson Tel: Mob: Coach Jeremy Pierson Tel: Mob: Under 13 Manager Richard Dickinson Tel: Mob: Coach David Murtagh Tel: Mob: Coach Richard Cunningham Tel: Mob: Coach Tim Mandle Tel: Mob: Under 15: Manager Patrick Dunne Tel: Mob: Under 16: Manager Stuart Platt Tel: Mob: Coach Chris Pagan Tel: Mob: Coach Wayne Pagan Tel: Mob:

7 Club Contacts Club Meetings & Other Dates Ordinary General Meetings Sunday 6 th October 2013 Sunday 1 st December 2013 Sunday 26 th January 2014 Sunday 9 th March 2014 Sunday 27 th April pm Wenlock pub 7:30pm Wenlock pub 7:30pm Wenlock pub 7:30pm Wenlock pub 7:30pm Wenlock pub Club Presentation Day Sunday 22 nd June :30 5pm Wheldrake village hall Annual General Meeting Sunday 6 th July pm Wenlock pub ERCFA Club Affiliation Number WJFC s ERCFA affiliation number for the 2013/14 season is LYP

8 Club Sponsors Club Sponsors We would like to thank sponsors past and present. Without the financial support of local businesses and patrons it would be extremely difficult for our club to survive and flourish. We would like to think that this support would be recognised and appreciated by everyone in the area. U13 playing kit AKP Group ( U10 playing kit Howden Joinery Ltd U11 training & playing kit Illuminate Development U16 playing kit Churchills Estate Agent U11 training equipment Pario Ltd U12 playing kit Dannie Lea Hair & Beauty U11 training equipment U9 playing kit Dedicated Computer Consultants Ltd Maynews

9 Season Player & Coaching Awards Season Presentation Day Awards Age Group Parents Players Clubman Player of the Year Player of the Year of the Year Under 7 Danny Exton Luke Farmer Jamie Sadler Under 8 Owen Fleming Alex Warters Matt Wills Under 9 Matthew Griffiths Henry Wright Harri Scott Under 10 Joe Pickerskill Ben Singleton Adam Pearse Under 11 James Swift James Swift Harry Purcell Under 12 Sammy Greaves Thomas Grantham Lewis McGettigan Under 14 Danny McCarthy Cameron Loftus & Christopher Fox James Fox Under 15 Luke Rayner Luke Rayner Tom Andrew Under 16 Emlyn Davies Mikey Pilcher LiamBramley & Alex Forster (Top Scorer) Season Coaching Awards Congratulations to the following club managers and coaches for their achievements in FA Level 1 Football Coaching Certificate Ed Butterfield FA Level 2 Football Coaching Certificate Mike Gelder 9

10 Club Constitution Club Constitution 1. Name a. The Club shall be called Wheldrake Junior Football Club ( the club ) b. The Club shall be based at the Village Sports Ground on Broad Highway, Wheldrake. 2. Objects The objects of the club shall be to: a. Arrange friendly and competitive association football matches b. Arrange social activities consistent with the aims of the club and that re-enforce club bonds or raise funds for the club, to the benefit of its members. 3. Status of Rules a. These rules (the club rules) form a binding agreement between each member of the club. 4. Rules and Regulations a. The club shall maintain the status of an affiliated member of the Football Association by virtue of its membership of the Football Association, through the chosen local / county association. The rules and regulations of the Football Association Ltd 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 ( the club committee ). c. The club undertakes to abide by the Football Association s child protection policies and procedures, codes of conduct and the equal opportunities and anti-discrimination policy. d. In respect of matters concerning child protection, equal opportunities and discrimination Wheldrake Junior Football Club ( the club ) undertakes to abide by recommended rules and constitutional content as proposed, published administered and supported by the Football Association Ltd ( the FA ) and hereby annexes any such documents as extensions to its own rules and constitution. e. The club recognises under its child protection policies and procedures the need to control media collection and activity. The club also wishes to protect its own interests and those of its members and will operate a formalised media activity procedure and rules. f. Team selection shall be at the manager s discretion. g. If a WJFC member wishes to play outside their age group, this must be at the discretion of the WJFC committee and a formal proposal must be submitted to the committee where their decision is final. h. The club will be a non-profit making organisation. No member will be paid moneys by the club, unless performing some service that the Committee agrees requires some form of remuneration. i. The club shall be maintained as an active wing of the Wheldrake Recreation Association (WRA). j. The Club will be one of the two wings of Wheldrake Football as set out in the constitution of the Wheldrake Recreation Association the other wing being Wheldrake (Senior) Football Club. It will recognise the Wheldrake Recreation Association as its parent body and the (Senior) Football Club as its sister organisation. 10

11 Club Constitution k. The Club will run its administrative, general, football and financial affairs independently of the Senior Club. It will not be responsible for any debts or liabilities of the Senior Club including the annual subscription or field user fees payable to Wheldrake Recreation Association. Although not specifically named these rules stipulate the same relationship is maintained with any other field user group at the Wheldrake Recreation Ground. l. New rules or amendments to rules can be introduced at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting. The details of any such proposals must be submitted in writing to the Secretary and must precede a period that allows the due consideration of any changes by the committee. The normal timescale is 2 weeks. The Secretary shall determine what constitutes a reasonable timescale. m. The club shall maintain appropriate third party insurance, which by default shall be that offered by the County Football Association to which the club is affiliated. The committee may determine alternative insurance cover provided that it provides a level of protection to the club and its officers no less than that provided by the County Association plan cover. n. A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to themself or another player (including wearing any kind of jewelry / bodily adornment). The taping up of jewelry is not acceptable. Any player not removing jewelry prior to the start of a game will not be allowed to participate in the game until the item/items are removed. 5. Club Membership a. Members shall be drawn primarily from Wheldrake and the surrounding area and villages. Club membership may be extended to a wider area on a case-by-case basis. b. 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. c. Any person who wishes to be a member must apply on the club membership application form in use at that time and deliver it to a recognised officer of 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. d. In the event of a member s resignation or expulsion his or her name shall be removed from the membership register. e. The Football Association shall be given access to the Membership Register on demand. f. Membership is deemed to run by season with a nominal annual termination of 01 September each year. Re-application is required on an annual basis with the payment of membership fees as appropriate at the time of application (see Section 6 Annual Membership Fee). g. Membership will be open to any person, regardless of sex, colour or creed, wishing to play Junior Football or seeking the furtherance of Junior Football in Wheldrake subject to the residency criteria within section 5 of these rules and constitution. h. Wheldrake and the surrounding villages shall be taken to mean a 10 mile catchment radius centred on Wheldrake Village "the normal catchment area". i. Not withstanding the maximum permitted squad size under local league rules at which point recruitment for that squad must stop irrespective of place of residency. For 7 a-side teams a normal squad under Wheldrake rules is regarded as

12 Club Constitution j. Not withstanding the maximum permitted squad size under local league rules at which point recruitment for that squad must stop irrespective of place of residency. For 11 a- side teams a normal squad under Wheldrake rules is regarded as 16. k. During periods of time when the maximum squad size has not been reached then membership is open to any prospective player irrespective of geographic location provided they can routinely attend training and playing sessions. l. Once the maximum squad size under Wheldrake rules has been reached then membership shall be closed to any prospective members who are not resident within the normal catchment area. Membership will always be kept open to new members from within the normal catchment area provided the squad size does not exceed that stipulated under the rules of the league that that squad is playing in. m. Players will be selected to participate in competitive matches under the terms laid out under Section 4 Rules and Regulations. n. Wheldrake JFC is reliant on the goodwill, time and commitment of its volunteer team. Whilst it is desirable that people from within the club s catchment are involved in the club this is not an exclusive arrangement. Where a volunteer manager lives outside of catchment but is still prepared to incur the travel time and costs to support the club they will be welcomed and appreciated like any other committee member. Where their interest in an age group is through a playing member (as it often is) then the rules on catchment for that playing member are suspended, irrespective of squad size, unless the maximum allowed squad size under league rules has already been reached. 6. Annual Membership Fee a. The annual fee payable by each playing member shall be determined from time to time by the club committee. b. Any fee shall be payable on a successful application for membership of the club and then annually by each member c. Fees shall not be repayable. d. No proportional reduction in fees shall be made for part year membership. e. Annual membership shall be taken as commencing on 1 st September each year. f. The committee may wave membership fees on a case by case basis where petition is made to the club that the committee feels represents exceptional circumstances. g. The committee s decision on the payment (or not) of fees and the fee structure is final. h. 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 notices 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. Membership is subject to compliance with the club s code of conduct. c. 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. In such circumstances there shall be no appeal procedures. 12

13 Club Constitution d. Whilst not withstanding the executive powers granted to the committee under the above rule, the committee may at its discretion follow the club disciplinary procedures to determine the appropriate action for individual incidents or series of events. In such circumstances the club will operate a formalised disciplinary procedure. e. 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, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, WRA Representative, Secretary, and Child Welfare Officer. b. All active age groups must have an elected Age Group Manager. This person will be recognised as an elected member of the club committee. c. An additional 5 club committee members may be elected or co-opted by the club committee to act as full committee members with full voting rights. d. All elected posts must be elected at the Annual General Meeting. e. The welfare of our members is paramount. The club will always operate with a Child Protection Officer. This post is an elected member of the committee which commands associated voting rights. If for any reason the post of CWO is vacant then the Chairperson or a nominated committee member shall act as CWO until a replacement can be elected. f. It is highly desirable that club operates with a Procurement Officer. This post will be appointed by the committee and must be a voting member of the committee. g. It is highly desirable that club operates with a Social Secretary Officer. This post will be appointed by the committee and must be a voting member of the committee. h. No one person may hold more than two offices within the club at any one time. i. Each club officer and committee member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the next Annual General Meeting unless otherwise resolved at a Special General Meeting. j. The club committee shall be responsible for the management of all the affairs of the club. k. 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 shall have the casting vote in the event of a tie. l. Meetings of the club committee shall be chaired by the Vice Chairperson or other Officer of the Club (Treasurer or Secretary) in the absence of the Chairperson. m. The quorum for the transaction of club business shall be three. n. Decisions of the club committee shall be entered into the Minute Book of the club to be maintained by the Club Secretary. The Minute Book of the club may be maintained in either hard copy or electronic format as preferred by the acting Club Secretary at that time. The Minute book must be able to be produced and distributed freely on request of any committee member or the Football Association Ltd. o. 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. The normal form of notification shall be by to the committee members registered address. It is the responsibility of individual committee members to ensure that their registered contact details are correct. p. An outgoing member of the club committee may be re-elected. Any vacancy on the club committee which arises between the Annual General Meetings shall be filled by a 13

14 Club Constitution member proposed by one and seconded by another of the remaining club committee members. q. 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 Meetings a. The Annual General Meeting will be held no earlier than the end of the closing season and no later than December of the next playing season. The timing will be determined by the standing committee to maximise parental involvement and attendance. For this reason, whilst committee positions will elected/co-opted each year, the period of election / co-option will vary depending on AGM dates. This shall: i. Receive a reports as appropriate on 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 committee iv. Consider any other business. b. The AGM will normally be agreed at the previous General Meeting and it s date distributed to committee members within the minutes of that meeting. c. Nominations for the election of members as club officers shall ideally be made in writing by the proposer and seconder (following 9d), both of whom must be existing members of the club, to the Club Secretary. However nominations can still be made in person on the night and proposed and seconded in person at the AGM by existing committee members d. Ideally notice of any resolution to be proposed at the AGM or nomination for election shall be provided in writing to the Club Secretary. Unless otherwise and specifically agreed by the standing committee at the time of the AGM all such resolutions shall be received by the Club Secretary not less than 14 days before the AGM. Where a vote is required for the appointment of an officer / committee member then all persons over the age of 16 attending the meeting shall have a vote on the basis of one vote per club member. For the purposes of election, a club member is deemed to be a paid up playing member of the club who is registered with the club at that time. Where a members interests are represented by a parent or guardian that parent / guardian may cast a vote to reflect a members wishes. Where two parents / guardian attend a meeting only one may cast a vote on behalf of the player member. Where a parent/guardian represents two players then two voting rights will be applied etc. However proposals may be evolved and made within a meeting (with the approval of the Chair) provided that they are proposed and seconded in person at the AGM or SGM by existing committee members e. 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 5 members stating the purposes for which the meeting is required and the resolutions proposed. Such requisition may be made by where by 5 committee members send identical s to the Club Secretary, copying the other four committee members who are also making representation. f. Business at a Special General Meeting may be any business that may be transacted at an Annual General Meeting. 14

15 Club Constitution g. The Club Secretary shall send to each member at their last known address written notice of the date of a General Meeting together with the resolutions (if any) to be proposed at least 14 days before the meeting. Where possible this notice shall be included within the minutes of the previous meeting. Additional resolutions will be communicated, if representation to include them is made and meeting the above criteria. h. The quorum for a General Meeting shall be 5 with a minimum of 1 Elected Club Officer and 2 other elected committee members, the remaining balance of 5 must as a minimum be made up of Appointed Club Officers. i. Meetings of the club committee shall be chaired by the Vice Chairperson or other Officer of the Club (Treasurer or Secretary) in the absence of the Chairperson (duplicated from section 8). 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 the casting vote. j. The Club Secretary, or in their absence a member of the club committee, shall enter minutes of the General Meeting into the Minute book of the Club. 10. Club Teams a. Club Age Group Managers are elected members of the club committee and shall be elected following the procedures laid out for Annual and Special General Meetings. b. The Officials for each team will be responsible for managing the affairs of that age group (and age group teams). c. The Age Group Managers shall present verbal reports at each General Meeting of the activities and issues associated with their age group. 11. Club Finances a. The Club will run its administrative, general, football and financial affairs independently of the (Senior) Club. It will not be responsible for any debts or liabilities of the (Senior) Club and will maintain independent association to the Wheldrake Recreation Association. b. A minimum of one bank account shall be maintained in the name of the club (the club account). c. Designated account signatories shall be the Club Treasurer, The Club Chairperson, the Club Secretary and up to 2 other nominated committee members. d. No amount shall be drawn from the club account except by cheque. Cheques must be signed by a minimum of 2 recognised signatories. A signatory can authorise a cheque to themselves. e. All monies payable to the club shall be received by the Treasurer and deposited into the Club Account. f. The Treasurer may at the discretion of the committee maintain other accounts such that full financial advantage may be taken from any accruing balances that the club may maintain from time to time. g. The income and assets of the club (the club property) shall be applied only in furtherance of the objects of the club. h. The club committee shall have power to authorise the payment of remuneration and expenses to any member of the club and to any other persons for services rendered to the club. i. The club shall prepare an annual financial statement in such a form as shall be published by the Football Association from time to time. 15

16 Club Constitution j. The club property, other than the club accounts, shall be invested 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. k. The Custodians shall be the elected officers of the club unless otherwise appointed at a general meeting and shall hold office until death or resignation unless removed by a resolution passed at a General Meeting. l. Custodians of club property 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. m. The club property, other than the club account (or other monetary holdings), shall be vested in designated secure places of storage, as agreed and vetted by the committee and under the stewardship and accountability of designated committee members, principally Age Group Managers. n. 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 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 75% 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 winding up 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 the Wheldrake Recreation Association who shall determine how the assets shall be utilised for the benefit the local community. Alternatively, such assets may be disposed of in such a manner as the members of the club with the consent of the WRA shall determine. 16

17 The Season The Season 17

18 The Season 18

19 Code of Conduct: Young Players Code of Conduct: Young Players It is important everyone behaves themselves when playing football. As a player, you have a big part to play. That's why The FA is asking every player to follow a Respect Code of Conduct. When playing football, I will: Always do my best, even if we're losing or the other team is stronger Play fairly - I won't cheat, complain or waste time Never be rude to my team-mates, the other team, the referee, spectators or my coach/team manager Do what the referee tells me Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game Listen to my coach/team manager and respect what he/she says Talk to someone I trust, for example my parents or the club welfare officer if I'm unhappy about anything at my club. I understand that if I do not follow the code, action may be taken. 19

20 Code of Conduct: Spectators & Parents/Carers Code of Conduct: Spectators & Parents/Carers We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. This club is supporting The FA's Respect programme to ensure football can be enjoyed by everyone in a safe and positive environment. Play your part and observe The FA's Respect Code of Conduct for spectators and parents/carers at all times. I will: Remain outside the field of play and behind the Designated Spectator Area (where provided) Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour Always respect the match officials' decisions Applaud effort and good play as well as success In addition, when attending youth games I will: Remember that children play for FUN Let the coaches do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do Encourage the players to respect the opposition and match officials Never criticise a player for making a mistake -mistakes are part of learning I understand that breaches of the code may result in action being taken by my County FA and /or The FA 20

21 Code of Conduct: Coaches, Team Managers & Club Officials Code of Conduct: Coaches, Team Managers & Club Officials We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. In The FA's survey of over 37,000 grassroots participants, behaviour was the biggest concern in the game. This included both the abuse of match officials and the unacceptable behaviour by over competitive parents, spectators and coaches on the sidelines. The FA's Respect programme is aimed at tackling unacceptable behaviour across the whole game. Play your part and observe The FA's Respect Code of Conduct for coaches, team managers and club officials at all times. I will: Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators Adhere to the Laws of the Game Display and promote high standards of behaviour Always respect the match officials' decisions Never enter the field of play without the referee's permission Never engage in public criticism of the match officials Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour. When working with players, I will: Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning Explain exactly what I expect of players and what they can expect from me Ensure the parents/carers of all players under the age of 18 understand these expectations 21

22 Code of Conduct: Coaches, Team Managers & Club Officials Refrain from, and refuse to tolerate any form of bullying Develop mutual trust and respect with every player to build their self-esteem Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance Ensure all activities I organise are appropriate for the players' ability level, experience, age and maturity Co-operate fully with others in football (e.g. officials, doctors, physiotherapists, welfare officers) for each player's best interests I understand that breaches of the code may result in action being taken by my County FA and /or The FA. 22

23 Code of Conduct: Match Officials Code of Conduct: Match Officials We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. The behaviour of the match officials has an impact, directly and indirectly, on the conduct of everyone involved in the game - both on the pitch and on the sidelines. Play your part and observe The FA's Respect Code of Conduct for Match Officials at all time. When officiating I will: Be honest and completely impartial at all times, irrespective of the teams, players or team officials involved in the match Apply the Laws of the Game and competition rules fairly and consistently Manage the game in a positive, calm and confident manner Deal with all instances of violence, aggression, unsporting behaviour, foul play and other misconduct Not tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour from players and officials Support my match official colleagues at all times Set a positive personal example by promoting good behaviour and showing respect to everyone involved in the game Communicate with the players and encourage fair play Respond in a clear, calm and confident manner to any appropriate request for clarification by the team captains Prepare physically and mentally for every match Complete and submit, accurate and concise reports within the time limit required for games which I officiate I understand that breaches of the code may result in action being taken by my County FA and /or The FA. 23

24 Child Welfare Policy Child Welfare Policy 1. Wheldrake Junior 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 (The FA) Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures and endorse and adopt the Policy Statement contained in that document. 2. The key principles of The FA Safeguarding Children 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, race, sexual orientation, faith or belief 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/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. Wheldrake Junior Football Club recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club. 3. Wheldrake Junior 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 Safeguarding Children Regulations (see The FA Handbook) applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This means whether you are a volunteer, match official, helper on club tours, football coach, club official or medical staff. 4. We endorse and adopt The FA s Responsible Recruitment guidelines for recruiting volunteers and we will: Specify what the role is and what tasks it involves Request identification documents As a minimum meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible interview people before appointing them Ask for and follow up with 2 references before appointing someone Require an FA CRB Unit Enhanced Disclosure where appropriate in line with FA guidelines. All current Wheldrake Junior Football Club members who are regularly caring for, supervising, training or being in sole charge of children and young people will be required to complete a CRB Enhanced Disclosure via The FA CRB Unit. 24

25 Child Welfare Policy If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of Wheldrake Junior 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 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. Wheldrake Junior 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 Safeguarding Team on , by writing to The FA Case Manager at The Football Association, 25 Soho Square, W1D 4FA or alternatively by going direct to the Police, Children s Services or the NSPCC. Wheldrake Junior Football Club encourages everyone to know about it and utilise it if necessary. 6. Wheldrake Junior Football Club has appointed a Club Welfare Officer in line with The FA s role profile and required completion of the Safeguarding Children and Welfare Officers Workshop. The post holder will be involved with Welfare Officer training provided by The FA and/or County FA. The Club Welfare Officer is the first point of contact for all club members regarding concerns about the welfare of any child or young person. The Club Welfare Officer will liaise directly with the County FA (CFA) Welfare Officer and will be familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns. They will also play a proactive role in increasing awareness of Respect, 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 or parents/carers should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly. Incidents need to be reported to the Club Welfare Officer in cases of serious bullying the CFA Welfare Officer may be contacted. 8. Respect codes of conduct for Players, Parents/Spectators, Officials and Coaches have been implemented by Wheldrake Junior Football Club. In order to validate these Respect codes of conduct the club has clear actions it will take regarding repeated or serious misconduct at club level and acknowledges the possibility of potential sanctions which may be implemented by the County FA in more serious circumstances. 9. Reporting your concerns about the welfare of a child or young person. Safeguarding is everyone s responsibility if you are worried about a child it is important that you report your concerns no action is not an option. i. If you are worried about a child then you need to report your concerns to the Club Welfare Officer. ii. If the issue is one of poor practice the Club Welfare Officer will either: 25

26 Child Welfare Policy deal with the matter themselves or seek advice from the CFA Welfare Officer iii. If the concern is more serious possible child abuse, where possible, contact the CFA Welfare Officer first, then immediately contact the Police or Children s Services iv. If the child needs immediate medical treatment take them to a hospital or call an ambulance and tell them this is a child protection concern. Let your Club Welfare Officer know what action you have taken, they in turn will inform the CFA Welfare Officer. v. If at any time you are not able to contact your Club Welfare Officer or the matter is clearly serious then you can either: contact your CFA Welfare Officer directly contact the Police or Children s Services call The FA/NSPCC 24 hour Helpline for advice on or Deaf users text phone NB The FA s Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures are available via click on the downloads under Policy and Procedures. The policy outlines in detail what to do if you are concerned about the welfare of a child and includes flow diagrams which describe this process. How to make a referral is also covered in the Safeguarding Children workshop. Participants are given the opportunity to discuss how this feels and how best they can prepare themselves to deal with such a situation. For more information on this workshop contact your County Welfare Officer. 10. Further advice on Safeguarding Children matters can be obtained from: Lizzie Hancock Wheldrake Junior Football Club s Welfare Officer T: E: marniejhoward@yahoo.co.uk Steve Lazenby East Riding County Football Association s Welfare Officer T: E: steve.lazenby@eastridingfa.com ing Footballsafe@TheFA.com The FA Safeguarding Children general enquiry line

27 Anti-Bullying Policy Anti-Bullying Policy Statement of Intent We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our members so they can participate in football in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all club members or parents should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a TELLING club. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the club welfare officer or any committee member. What is Bullying? Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim. Bullying can be: Emotional being unfriendly, excluding (emotionally and physically), sending hurtful text messages and tormenting, (e.g. hiding football boots/shin guards, threatening gestures) Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence Racist racial taunts, graffiti, gestures Sexual unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments Homophobic because of, or focussing on the issue of sexuality Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing Why is it Important to Respond to Bullying? Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. Individuals who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving. This club has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying. Objectives of this Policy All club members, coaches, officials and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is All club members, officials and coaching staff should know what the club policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported All players and parents should know what the club policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises As a club we take bullying seriously. Players and parents should be assured that they would be supported when bullying is reported Bullying will not be tolerated Signs and Indicators A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible signs and that they should investigate if a child: says he or she is being bullied is unwilling to go to club sessions becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence 27

28 Anti-Bullying Policy feels ill before training sessions comes home with clothes torn or training equipment damaged has possessions go missing asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay the bully) has unexplained cuts or bruises is frightened to say what s wrong gives improbable excuses for any of the above In more extreme cases starts stammering cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable is bullying other children or siblings stops eating attempts or threatens suicide or runs away These signs and behaviours may indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated. Procedures 1. Report bullying incidents to the Club Welfare Officer or a member of the clubs committee or contact the County FA Welfare Officer. 2. In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be referred to the County FA Welfare Officer for advice and possibly to The FA Case Management Team. 3. Parents should be informed and will be asked to come in to a meeting to discuss the problem. 4. If necessary and appropriate, the police will be consulted. 5. The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly 6. An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour. 7. If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue the club will initiate disciplinary action under the club constitution. Recommended club action If the club decides it is appropriate for them to deal with the situation they should follow the procedure outlined below: 1. Reconciliation by getting the parties together. It may be that a genuine apology solves the problem. 2. If this fails/not appropriate a small panel (made up from Chairman, Club Welfare Officer, Secretary, committee members) should meet with the parent and child alleging bullying to get details of the allegation. Minutes should be taken for clarity, which should be agreed by all as a true account. 28

29 Anti-Bullying Policy 3. The same 3 persons should meet with the alleged bully and parent/s and put the incident raised to them to answer and give their view of the allegation. Minutes should again be taken and agreed. 4. If bullying has in their view taken place the individual should be warned and put on notice of further action i.e. temporary or permanent suspension if the bullying continues. Consideration should be given as to whether a reconciliation meeting between parties is appropriate at this time. 5. In some cases the parent of the bully or bullied player can be asked to attend training sessions, if they are able to do so, and if appropriate. The club committee should monitor the situation for a given period to ensure the bullying is not being repeated. 6. All coaches involved with both individuals should be made aware of the concerns and outcome of the process i.e. the warning. In the Case of Adults Reported to be Bullying Anyone Within the Club Under 18: 1. The County FA Welfare Officer should always be informed and will advise on action to be taken where appropriate. 2. It is anticipated that in most cases where the allegation is made regarding a team manager, official or coach, The FA s Safeguarding Children Education Programme may be recommended. 3. More serious cases may be referred to the Police and/or Children s Services. Prevention 1. The club will have a written constitution, which includes what is acceptable and proper behaviour for all members of which the anti-bullying policy is one part. 2. All club members and parents will sign to accept the constitution upon joining the club. 3. The Club Welfare Officer will raise awareness about bullying and why it matters, and if issues of bullying arise in the club, will consider meeting with members to discuss the issue openly and constructively. This policy is based on guidance provided to schools by KIDSCAPE. KIDSCAPE is a voluntary organisation committed to help prevent child bullying. KIDSCAPE can be contacted on or you can access their website via You may also wish to access any of the following websites designed to give advice and guidance to parents and children who are faced with dealing with bullying: We would like to thank the Amateur Swimming Association who have shared their Anti-Bullying Policy for Clubs on which this recommended FA Club Anti-Bullying Policy has been developed. 29

30 Photographic Policy Photographic Policy There has been much talk about who is allowed to take pictures of children (under 18s) playing sport and in particular what parents/carers are permitted to do. The FA would like to assure parents, carers, coaches, spectators, players and local media that we encourage the taking of appropriate images of children in football. Potential risks The FA has developed this guidance to help avoid the following: The inappropriate use, adaptation or copying of images for use on child abuse websites on the internet (often incorrectly referred to as pornography sites) The identification of children when a photograph is accompanied by significant personal information that will assist a third party in identifying the child. This can lead, and has led, to children being groomed The identification and locating of children in inappropriate circumstances which include: (i) where a child has been removed from his/her family for their own safety; (ii) where restrictions on contact with one parent following a parental separation exist e.g. in domestic violence cases; (iii) in situations where a child may be a witness in criminal proceedings; or (iv) other safeguarding children concerns. It s important to remember the majority of images taken are appropriate and taken in good faith. If we take the following simple measures we can help to ensure the safety of children in football. Common sense considerations to ensure everyone s safety Do: 1. share The FA s guidance on taking images with all parents, carers and members when they join the club 2. ensure the club has parental consent to use a player s image if it is to be used in the public domain e.g. club website or newspaper article. This is essential in relation to point 3 below 3. ensure that any child in your club who is under care proceedings, is protected by ensuring that their image is not placed in the public domain. This can be done by using a Consent Form, so that parents/carers can identify whether this applies to children in their care 4. focus on the activity rather than the individual 5. ensure all those featured are appropriately dressed (a minimum of vest or shirt and shorts) 6. aim to take pictures which represent the broad range of youngsters participating safely in football e.g. boys and girls, disabled people, ethnic minority communities. 30

31 Photographic Policy Don t: 1. publish photographs with the full name(s) of the individual(s) featured unless you have written consent to do so and you have informed the parents as to how the image will be used 2. use player profiles with pictures and detailed personal information on websites 3. use an image for something other than that which it was initially agreed, e.g. published in local press when initially produced for a clubhouse commemorative picture 4. allow images to be recorded in changing rooms, showers or toilets this includes the use of mobile phones that record images. Filming as a coaching aid The FA advises that coaches using videoing as a legitimate coaching aid should make parents/carers and players aware that this will be part of the coaching programme. Care should be taken when storing the videos. If you are concerned about the inappropriate use of images please report this to your CFA Welfare Officer or to The FA Case Manager (contact details provided below). Remember It s not an offence to take appropriate photographs in a public place even if asked not to do so No one has the right to decide who can and cannot take images on public land If you have serious concerns about a possible child protection issue relating to the recording of images then call the Police. This action should only be taken where you believe that someone may be acting unlawfully or putting a child at risk The land or facility owner can decide whether or not photography and or videoing at football activities will be permitted when carried out on private land. However you need to make this known before allowing individuals access to the private property. If they do not comply then you may request that they leave Try not to use images that include individuals wearing jewellery (as wearing jewellery whilst playing is contrary to the Laws of the Game as well as being a health and safety issue). Commissioning professional photographers and the local media If you are commissioning professional photographers or inviting the press to cover a football activity, ensure you and they are clear about each other s expectations. The key is to plan ahead and communicate early on. Provide a clear brief about what is considered appropriate in terms of content and behaviour 31

32 Photographic Policy Inform them of your club s commitment to safeguarding children and young people. Establish who will hold the recorded images and what they intend to do with them, e.g. place on a website for sale, distribute thumb nails to the club to co-ordinate sales Issue the professional photographer with identification, which must be worn at all times Inform participants and parents or carers prior to the event that a professional photographer will be in attendance and ensure you have established that no under 18s will be compromised due to safeguarding children concerns if their image is taken remember this can be done by using a Consent Form at the start of the season. To report potentially unlawful materials on the internet please contact: The Internet Watch Foundation report@iwf.org.uk Telephone: Fax the hotline: The FA s Case Management Team case.management@thefa.com Telephone: