Sprowston Football ClubCONSTITUTION |
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Sprowston Football Club
Club Rules / Constitution
1. NAME The Club shall be called Sprowston Football Club
2. OBJECTS The objects of the Club shall be to arrange association football matches and social activities for its members. Lads teams shall compete primarily in the ‘Norfolk Youth Football Combination’ with secondary teams competing in the ‘North East Norfolk Youth Football League’. Girls teams shall compete in the Norfolk Womens and Girls Football League.
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 be affiliated to Norfolk County Football Association and shall follow its Rules and Regulations. The Club will also follow the Rules of any League or Competition to which the Club is affiliated which will 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, and inform all members of these policies and any updates.
5. CLUB MEMBERSHIP 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. Membership is restricted to Club Committee members only. 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 and Norfolk County Football Association shall be given access to the Membership Register on demand.
6. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE a. There is no membership fee.
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 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. c. A member who resigns or is expelled shall not be entitled to claim any, or a share of any, of the Club Property. d. Members of the Club will follow the Club’s disciplinary procedures.
8. CLUB COMMITTEE a. The Club Committee shall consist of the Executive Committee: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, General Manager, Child Welfare Officer, Treasurer and Secretary plus the General Committee: Team Managers and their Deputies, elected at an Annual General Meeting. b. Each Executive Committee and General 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 that two positions of Club Officer at any time and no more than one position on the Executive Committee. 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 Chairperson or in their absence the Vice Chairperson. The quorum for the transaction of business of the Club Committee shall be three. c. The Club Committee shall meet once a month where practical – usually on the first Monday of the month. d. Decisions of the Club Committee of meetings shall be entered into the Minute Book of the Club to be maintained by the Club Secretary. Minutes of Meetings to be signed by the Secretary / Chairperson and dated to show a true account. e. Any member of the Club Committee may call a meeting of the Club Committee by giving not less than seven day’s notice to all members of the Club Committee. The Club Committee shall hold not less than four meetings a year. f. An outgoing member of the Club Committee may be re-elected. Any vacancy on the Club Committee which rises 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. g. Save as provided for in the Rules and Regulations of The Football Association and the Norfolk County Football 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 elections 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 twenty-one 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 twenty-one days before the Meeting. c. A Special General Meeting (SGM) may be called at any time by the Committee and shall be called within twenty-one 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 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 fourteen days before the Meeting. e. The quorum for a General meeting shall be five. 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, these minutes should be signed by the Secretary/Chairperson and dated.
10. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE a. The Executive Committee shall consist of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, General Manager, Welfare Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, b. The quorum for the transaction of business of the Executive Committee shall be three. c. The Executive Committee shall meet as is necessary to deal with the business of the club as it arises. d. The duties of the Executive Committee must include the investigation of any reports regarding possible child abuse and pass on all information to the appropriate authority. e. The Executive Committee will have the power to overturn any decision made by the Club Committee where that decision is deemed to be detrimental to the overall standing of the Club.
11. CLUB TEAMS a. At each AGM, the Club Committee shall appoint a Club member to be responsible for each of the Club’s football teams. b. The appointed members shall be responsible for managing the affairs for the team. c. 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.
12. 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 three from the Executive Committee. 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. e. The Club Property, other than the Club Account, shall be vested in not less that 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.
13. 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.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR FOOTBALL
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 at Sprowston Football Club 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 THE COACHES & MANAGERS
Coaches and Managers are key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their concept of ethics and 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 and Managers 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 for a ‘win-at-all-costs’ attitude.
Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education or young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the club, school, coach or parent.
Set out below is The Football Association 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:
1. Coaches must ensure that players enjoy their football whatever the standard. 2. Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport. 3. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance. 4. Coaches must ensure that every player has left the venue safely after training sessions and matches. 5. Coaches must report any incidents, however trivial, which might suggest that a player is suffering physical, mental or emotional abuse or abuse by negligence by team officials, other team members or external parties to a member of the Executive Committee. 6. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies. 7. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect. 8. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward. 9. Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance. 10. Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players. 11. 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. 12. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (eg other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player. 13. Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (eg Fair Play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of Game or relevant rules and regulations, or the use of prohibited substances or techniques. 14. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance. 15. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language. 16. Coaches must report any problem with the opposition team officials, players or supporters calmly to the opposition manager. 17. Coaches must report and problem or dispute within his/her team at the next monthly meeting.
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 levels.
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 influences 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 toward 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 the Match Officials.
Respect towards the 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 the 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 regards to the interests 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 had 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 expressed an opinion of the game and any particular aspects 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’s 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 supports.
Respect towards the Match Officials The 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 within your club it is important to reinforce the message to parents / spectators that positive encouragement will contribute to: 1. Children enjoying football. 2. A sense of personal achievement. 3. Self-esteem. 4. Improving the child’s skills and techniques.
A parent’s / spectators expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards: 1. Other players. 2. Officials. 3. Managers. 4. Spectators. Ensure that parents / spectators within your club are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children not just their own.
Encourage parents / spectators to: 1. Applaud the opposition as well as your own team. 2. Avoid coaching the child during the game. 3. Not to shout and scream. 4. Respect the referee’s decision. 5. Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented. 6. Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football. Ensure that parents / spectators within your club agree and adhere to your club’s Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.
ANTI DISCRIMINATION POLICY FOR CLUBS
Sprowston 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 Sprowston 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: 1. The advertisement for volunteers 2. The selection of candidates for volunteers. 3. Courses. 4. External coaching and education activities and awards. 5. Football development activities. 6. Selection for teams. 7. Appointments to honorary positions.
Sprowston 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.
Sprowston 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 CLUBS
Sprowston 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 issue 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:
1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. Victimisation of an individual. 5. Harassment of an individual, by virtue of discrimination. 6. 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.
Sprowston 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.
Sprowston 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 gaining access. Appropriate training will be made to such members who request it.
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
Sprowston Football Club is committed to the FA Child Protection policy, the aims of this policy are:
1. To develop a positive and pro-active position in order to best protect all children and young people who play football, enabling them to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment. 2. The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration. 3. 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 identity. 4. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately, in accordance with the Football Association’s Regulations which is defined in the FA handbook and Child Protection booklet. 5. Not to treat any individual on grounds of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability less favourably than others. 6. To appoint a FA Child Protection Designated Person in the Club and have such procedures and policies in place in case any issues arise.
CLUB COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way or that the Club Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct have been broken, 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 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
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