FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PARENTS / CARERS & PLAYERS

The age group that a player joins is determined by his or her date of birth – this also mirrors the school year. The key date is 31st August and the chart below shows which age group applies for this season. FA rules do permit any child to ‘play up’ a year (an U9 can play for an U10’s) but under no circumstances can a child play for the age group below.  Girls only teams can play down a year as a team (an U12 team can play in an U11 division but this is specific to certain leagues). As a club, Woodham Radars Football Club require that for any player wishing to play up a year, a consensus of agreement is reached between both age group managers, the child’s parents and of course the player themselves. We always try to consider what is best for the child, taking in account factors such as ability and physical development. Any further questions that you may have can be answered by the age group managers, see club contacts for details.
Age by 31st August School Year Football Age Group
2 Pre-School Mini-Kickers
3 Pre-School Mini-Kickers
4 Reception KickStarters
5 Year 1 Development Squad
6 Year 2 Under 7 Teams
7 Year 3 Under 8 Teams
8 Year 4 Under 9 Teams
9 Year 5 Under 10 Teams
10 Year 6 Under 11 Teams
11 Year 7 Under 12 Teams
12 Year 8 Under 13 Teams
13 Year 9 Under 14 Teams
14 Year 10 Under 15 Teams
15 Year 11 Under 16 Teams
16 Year 12 U17-U21 or Open Age
17 Year 13 U18-U21 or Open Age
18 N/A U19-U21 or Open Age
35-44 N/A Open Age or Vets
45+ N/A Open Age, Vets / Supervets

A few free sessions can be arranged on request to make sure potential new members are happy and settled before joining fully.

If a new member has a sibling in the club paying the train and play fee then all subsequent siblings will be charged at the train only rate.

Please do let us know before joining as discounts can only be applied going forward once we are aware.

There are links on the home page to join the club via the FA’s Club site

The club supplies all youth team members a training kit every two years.

Training kits are handed out after the first monthly subscription is paid. 

If stock is not available one will be ordered at this point.

Members that are not train only will require a match kit to play.

Match kits are paid for by team sponsorship.  If a member joins late in the season a match kit will be sourced from money left over from team sponsorship or paid for by the parent or carer.

The club does not keep any money given from team sponsors and is solely spent on and allocated to the team sponsored.

The club supplies all youth team members a new training kit every two years.

If kit is lost, damaged or grown out of, new kit can be purchased via the club shop at SXSports website.

SXSports Club Shop

Team sizes are governed by the FA and change every two years from 5v5 to 7v7 to 9v9 and finally to 11v11 also the amount of substitutes able to attend games are limited by the leagues.

The club tries where possible to offer everyone a place within the club but sometimes the amount of places available to play matches is already reached.

By taking on new members as train only they will be learning the game whilst waiting for a space in a squad which could come from a change of game format ie. 5v5 to 7v7 or by creating new teams if enough train only members are available.

The club does operate a hardship policy to make sure members football is not affected by financial troubles.

Please reach out to us via the Email Us link at the top of this page to discuss how we can help.

All members being assisted via our hardship policy is kept strictly confidential and is not divulged to team managers or coaches.

CODES OF CONDUCT

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game.

On and off the field, all members, managers, assistants, and coaches will:

  • Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials, and spectators
  • Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game
  • Promote Fair Play and 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, all members, managers, assistants, and coaches 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 all parents/carers of all players under the age of 18 understand these expectations
  • Never engage in or 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, age, and maturity
  • Co-­‐operate fully with others in football (e.g., officials, doctors, physiotherapists, welfare officers) for each player’s best interests.

The following actions will be taken by my club, County FA, league, or the FA, in the event of the

  • Required to meet with the club, league, or County Welfare Officer
  • Required to meet with the club committee
  • Monitored by another club coach
  • Required to attend a FA education course
  • Suspended by the club from attending matches
  • Suspended or fined by the County FA
  • FACA membership withdrawn
  • Required to leave or be sacked by the club.

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game.

As a player, you have a big part to play. That is why The FA is asking every player to follow a Respect Code of Conduct.

When playing football, I will:

  • Always play to the best of my ability
  • Play fairly – I will not cheat, complain, or waste time.
  • Respect my team-­‐mates, the other team, the referee, or my coach/manager.
  • Play by the rules, as directed by the referee
  • Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game
  • Listen and respond to what my coach/team manager tells me
  • Talk to someone I trust or the club welfare officer if I am unhappy about anything at my club.
  • I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any or all the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA, or the

I may:

  • Be required to apologise to my team-­mates, the other team, referee, or team manager
  • Receive a formal warning from the coach or the club committee
  • Be dropped or substituted
  • Be suspended from training
  • Be required to leave the cl

In addition:

  • My club, County FA or The FA may make my parent or carer aware of any infringements of the Code of Conduct
  • The FA/County FA could impose a fine and suspension against my club.

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. Play your part and observe The FA’s

Respect Code of Conduct for players at all times.

When playing football, I will:

  • Adhere to the Laws of The Game
  • Display and promote high standards of behaviour
  • Promote Fair Play
  • Always respect the match official decisions
  • Never engage in public criticism of the match officials
  • Never engage in offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour
  • Never engage in bullying, intimidation or harassment
  • Speak to my team-mates, the opposition and my coach/manager with respect
  • Remember we all make mistakes
  • Win or lose with dignity. Shake hands with the opposing team and the referee at the end of every game.

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken:

I may:

  • Be required to apologise to team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager
  • Receive a warning from the coach
  • Receive a written warning from the club committee
  • Be required to attend an FA education course
  • Be dropped or substituted
  • Be suspended from training
  • Not be selected for the team
  • Be required to serve a suspension
  • Be fined
  • Be required to leave the club.

In addition:

  • The FA/County FA could impose a fine and/or suspension on the club.

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 in a safe, positive environment.

Remember children’s football is a time for them to develop their technical, physical, tactical, and social skills. Winning is not everything.

Always play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for spectators and parents/carers.

I will:

  • Remember that children play for FUN
  • Applaud effort and good play as well as success
  • Always respect the match officials’ decisions
  • Remain outside the field of play and within the Designated Spectators’ Area (where provided)
  • Let the coach do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do
  • Encourage the players to respect the opposition, referee, and match officials
  • Avoid criticising a player for making a mistake – mistakes are part of learning
  • Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour.

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any or all the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA, league, or the FA.

I may be:

  • Issued with a verbal warning from a club or league official
  • Required to meet with the club, league, or CFA Welfare Officer
  • Required to meet with the club committee
  • Obliged to undertake an FA education course
  • Obliged to leave the match venue by the club
  • Requested by the club not to attend future games
  • Suspended or have my club membership removed
  • Required to leave the club along with any dependents.

In addition:

  • The FA/County FA could impose a fine and/or suspension on the club

CLUB POLICIES & CODES

The aim of this policy is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect and that our club is equally accessible to all.

Woodham Radars 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 anyone who wants to participate in it.

Woodham Radars Football Club in all its activities will not discriminate or in any way, treat anyone less favourably on grounds of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability. The club will ensure it treats people fairly and with respect and that it will provide access and opportunities for all members of the community to take part in and enjoy its activities.

Woodham Radars Football Club will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse, or victimisation of an individual, which for the purposes of this policy and the actions and sanction applicable is regarded as discrimination.

This includes sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal. The club will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs

Woodham Radars Football Club is committed to taking positive action where inequalities exist and to the development of a programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities to promote the eradication of discrimination and promote equality in football.

Woodham Radars Football Club is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members to abide and adhere to these policies and the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

Woodham Radars Football Club commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims when brought to its attention, of discrimination on the above grounds and where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice stop and sanctions are imposes as appropriate.

OUR COMMITMENT
is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability, or disability and to encourage equal opportunities.

This policy is fully supported by the Sessional coaches who are responsible for the implementation of this policy.

Woodham Radars Football Club is committed to providing a caring, friendly, and safe environment for all its members so they can participate in football in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at the 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?

It 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 focusing on the issue of sexuality
  • Verbal -­‐  name-­‐calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing.

Why is it Important to Respond to Bullying?

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.

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
  • 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
  • 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.

Club Procedures

Report bullying incidents to the Club Welfare Officer or a member of the clubs committee or contact the County FA Welfare Officer.

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.  Parents should be informed and will be asked to come into a meeting to discuss the problem. If necessary and appropriate, the police will be consulted.

The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated, and the bullying stopped quickly. An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour.  If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue the club will initiate disciplinary action.

Recommended Club action

If the club decides it is appropriate to deal with the situation, the following procedure will be followed:

  • Reconciliation by getting the parties together. It may be that a genuine apology solves the problem.
  • If this fails/not appropriate a small panel from the Club Committee including the Club Welfare Officer will meet with the parent and child alleging bullying to get details of the allegation. Minutes will be taken for clarity, which will be agreed by all as a true account.
  • The same panel will 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 will again be taken and agreed.
  • If bullying has in the panel’s view taken place the individual will be warned and put on notice of further action e. temporary or permanent suspension if the bullying continues. Consideration will be given as to whether a reconciliation meeting between parties is appropriate at this time.
  • 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 will monitor the situation for a given period to ensure the bullying is not being repeated.
  • All coaches involved with both individuals will be made aware of the concerns. In the Case of Adults
  • Reported to be Bullying Anyone Within the Club Under 18:
  • The County FA Welfare Officer will always be informed and will advise on action to be taken where appropriat
  • 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.
  • More serious cases may be referred to the Police and/or Children’s Services

Woodham Radars 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 Safeguarding Children -­‐   Policy and Procedures and endorse and adopt the Policy Statement contained in that document.

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, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation
  • All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
  • Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and their parents/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.

Woodham Radars Football Club recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club. Woodham Radars Football Club has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual, or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is noted and accepted that The Football Association’s Child Protection Regulation (see The FA Handbook) applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This means whether you are a volunteer, match official, helper on club tours, football coach, club official or medical staff.

We endorse and adopt The FA’s Responsible Recruitment guidelines for recruiting volunteers and we will:

  • Develop a role profile
  • Request identification documents
  • As a minimum meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible conduct interviews before appointing
  • Request and follow up with two verbal references before appointing
  • Require an FA CRC Unit Enhanced Disclosure where appropriate in line with FA guidelines.

All current Woodham Radars 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 CRC Enhanced Disclosure via The FA CRC Unit. If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of Woodham Radars, 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 CRC Unit Enhanced CRC 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.

Woodham Radars Football Club supports The FA’s Whistle blowing Policy.

Any adult or young person with concerns about a colleague can ‘whistle blow‘ by contacting The FA Child Protection Team on 0207 745 4787, 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, we encourage everyone to know about it and utilise it if necessary.

Woodham Radars Football Club has appointed a Club Welfare Officer (CWO) in line with The FA’s role profile and required completion of the Safeguarding Children and Welfare Officers Workshop.

Club Welfare Officer: Tracy Pickett
Email: welfare@radars.football
Phone: 07739 071150

The CWO is the first point of contact for all Club committee members regarding concerns about the welfare of any child or young person. The CWO 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 their Club members.

We acknowledge and endorse The FA’s identification of bullying as a category of abuse. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable in our league.  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 CWO or alternatively, in cases of serious bullying, we may contact the CFA Welfare Officer.

Respect codes of conduct for Players, Parents/Spectators, Officials and Coaches have been implemented by Woodham Radars Football Club. 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 CFA in more serious circumstances. All registering members will be required to adopt the Respect codes.

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.

  • If you are worried about a child, then you need to report your concerns to the CWO
  • If the issue is one of poor practice, they will either deal with the matter themselves or seek advice from the CFA Welfare Officer
  • If the concern is more serious -­‐  possible child abuse -­‐   they will, where possible, contact the CFA Welfare Officer first, then immediately contact the Police or Children’s Services
  • 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 CFA Welfare Officer know what action you have taken
  • If at any time you are not able to contact your CWO or the matter is serious then you can either:
  • Contact your CFA Welfare Officer directly or
  • Call the FA/NSPCC 24-­‐hour Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000 or
  • Contact the Police or Children’s Services.

Further advice on Safeguarding Children matters can be obtained from:

  • The FA website
  • County Football Association’s Welfare Officer: Helen Hever

Telephone number: 01245 393098

Email:  helen.hever@essexfa.com

  • The FA Safeguarding Children enquiry line 0845 210 8080
  • Emailing footballsafe@thefa.com

The FA Recommended Contents of a Teams Medical Bag

  • Crepe Bandages.
  • Elastic Adhesive Bandage. (EAB) (Various Sizes)
  • Elastic /Self Adhesive/ Tearable Bandages. (Various Sizes)
  • Zinc Oxide Tape. (Inelastic/Various sizes)
  • Disposable Nitrile Gloves.
  • Gauze Swabs.
  • Plasters. (Non allergenic / Waterproof)
  • Sterile Non Adherent Wound Dressing.
  • Triangular Bandages.
  • Eye Pads.
  • Spray Bottle (For Iced Water)
  • Scissors (Safety Tape)
  • Resuscitation Face Shield.
  • Ice Packs.

It is the Managers responsibility to check the Medical Equipment in his
teams bag is in good condition, in date and that any used items are
replenished

Replacement items can be requested from or supplied by any WRFC Committee member.

If any members feels that he or she has a grievance in any way, or that the club policies, rules, or codes of conduct have not been adhered to, the following procedure below should be followed by the complainant.

They should report the grievance to the Club Secretary or any other member of the committee they feel comfortable telling.

The report should include:

  1. Details of what, when and where the occurrence took place.
  2. Any witness statements and names.
  3. Name of any others who have been treated in a similar way.
  4. Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to whom made.
  5. A preference for a solution to the incident.

Two Committee members will be appointed to independently investigate and deal with the grievance reported and compile a written report of the findings.

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

The Club’s Management Committee will have the power to use the guidance below for any person found to have broken the club’s policies or codes of conduct.

All grievances must be reported to the Committee within 14 days of the occurrence.

Members

The Club asks that parents/guardians to appreciate that the Club is run by volunteers and respect the hard work and effort that this requires. Parents/guardians are subject to the Club’s code of conduct. Any person who adopts behaviour which is contrary to the code of conduct may be subject to disciplinary procedures as follows.

For less serious matters, the team Manager will discuss the issue with the person concerned, explain why it is not appropriate and warn them as to their future behaviour. If the behaviour continues the team Manager will discuss it with the parent/guardian and a written-­‐warning will be provided by the Club secretary. This written warning will make it clear why the behaviour is unacceptable and will warn that further action will be taken if it persists.

For more serious matters it may be necessary to move immediately to a written-­‐warning or more stringent sanction.

Beyond a written warning, the Club’s management committee has absolute authority to consider an appropriate level of sanction. Sanctions could include:

  • Suspending the individual from Club events including matches and training.
  • Removing the parent/guardian from membershi
  • Barring their child from playing for the Club. This should be considered as a last resort

The above list is not intended to be exhaustive. The parent/guardian will have a right to appeal to the Chairman for any sanction so issued including a written-­‐warning.

Appeals should be put in writing to the Chairman and a separate appeal hearing may be called.

Players

Players are subject to the code of conduct. Players who adopt behaviour which is contrary to the Club’s code of conduct may find themselves subject to disciplinary procedures as follows.

Any fines received for a player under 12 will be settled by the Club. Any fines received for players above 12 will be settled by the player directly.

For less serious matters, the team Manager will discuss the issue with the person concerned and their parent/guardian, explain why it is not appropriate and warn them as to their future behaviour. The team Manager will have the right to suspend a player from training and/or matches for up to two weeks. If the behaviour continues the team manager will discuss it with the player and parent/guardian and a written-­‐warning will be provided by the Club secretary. This written warning will make it clear why the behaviour is unacceptable and will warn that further action will be taken if it persists.

A further suspension of up to two weeks may also be given.

For more serious matters it may be necessary to move immediately to a written-­‐warning or more stringent sanction.

Beyond a written warning and two-week suspension, the Club’s management committee has absolute authority to consider an appropriate level of sanction. Sanctions could include:

  • Suspending the individual from Club training and matches for an agreed period.
  • Recovery of any financial penalty suffered by the Club because of a player’s actions.
  • Removing the player permanently from playing for the Club. This should be considered as a last resort

The above list is not intended to be exhaustive. The player will have a right to appeal to the Head of Football Development and Chairman for any sanction so issued including a written-­‐warning and suspension. Appeals should be put in writing to the Chairman and a separate appeal hearing may be called.

Coaches and other Club Officials

Coaches and Club officials are representatives of the Club and as such are always expected to demonstrate behaviours which are in accordance with the Club’s values and policies. Coaches and Club officials are subject to the Club’s code of conduct.

Where players or members consider that a Manager has not acted in accordance with the Club’s code of conduct or are unhappy with matters pertaining to the running of the team then, depending on the seriousness of the matter, the Club would respectfully request that they discuss it with the Manager to try and resolve matters going forward. Manager are expected to be approachable in these circumstances and not to react negatively or defensively to the points raised. They should listen to the person’s point of view and deal with the matter courteously and professionally. It may be appropriate to include another of the team Managers in the discussion to help all parties remain objective.

The Club expects players or members to express their concerns in a non-­‐aggressive, non-­‐confrontational manner and to appreciate that the coach must balance the interests of the entire team with those of individual players.

For more serious matters and any issues of child protection, the matter should be brought to the immediate attention of the Club’s Child Welfare Officer. The Child Welfare Officer will then deal with the matter in accordance with the Child Safeguarding Policy.

If the problem persists or the player or member is not happy with the explanation provided by the Manager, then the player and/or member should bring the matter to the attention of the Club Secretary. If the Manager concerned is the Club Secretary, then the matter should be brought to the attention of the Club Chairman.

The Club Secretary / Chairman will investigate the matter with the complainant and the Manager concerned and will attempt to resolve the issue without the need for any further action.

The Club Secretary / Chairman shall be objective and independent in their discussions and advice. If it is considered that the complaint is without merit, they shall advise the complainant of this and their reasoning.

Where the Club Secretary / Chairman considers that the complaint is valid then they shall advise the Manager of this and agree a resolution with them which allows all parties to move forward. It should be noted that managers dedicate a significant amount of time to their role. Coaching can be stressful, and managers are not infallible and will make mistakes. This does not mean that they cannot learn from their mistakes and use the experience to become even better managers. All parties to a dispute should appreciate these points.

Where the Club Secretary / Chairman considers that the Manager has acted in a manner inconsistent with the Club’s code of conduct and values then they will discuss it with the coach concerned, explain why their behaviour is inappropriate and warn them as to their future conduct.

For more serious matters it may be necessary to move immediately to a written-­‐warning or more stringent sanction.

Beyond a written warning, the Club’s management committee has absolute authority to consider an appropriate level of sanction. Sanctions could include:

  • Providing a mentor to support the Manager modify their behaviour.
  • Suspending the individual from Club events including matches and training.
  • Removing the Manager from the Club. This should be considered as a last resort

The above list is not intended to be exhaustive. The Manager will have a right to appeal to the Chairman for any sanction so issued including a written-­‐warning. Appeals should be put in writing to the Chairman and a separate appeal hearing may be called.
 
Matters involving other officials

Where a person has an issue with the behaviour of another Club official then they should discuss the matter with the person concerned to try and resolve matters going forward.

Officials are expected to be approachable in these circumstances and not to react negatively or defensively to the points raised. They should listen to the person’s point of view and deal with the matter courteously and professionally. It may be appropriate to include another official in the discussion to help all parties remain objective.

The Club expects players or members to express their concerns in a non-­‐aggressive, non-­‐confrontational manner. For more serious matters and any issues of child protection, the matter should be brought to the immediate attention of the Club’s Child Welfare Officer. The Child Welfare Officer will then deal with the matter in accordance with the Child Safeguarding Policy.

If the problem persists or the complainant is not happy with the explanation provided by the official, then the official should bring the matter to the attention of the Club Secretary. If the official concerned is the Club Secretary, then the matter should be brought to the attention of the Chairman.

The Club Secretary or Chairman will investigate the matter with the complainant and the official concerned and will attempt to resolve the issue without the need for any further action. The Club Secretary or Chairman shall be objective and independent in their discussions and advice.

If it is considered that the complaint is without merit, they shall advise the complainant of this and their reasoning. They shall then bring this to the attention of the Management Committee.

If the complainant is still dissatisfied with the explanation provided, then they may bring the matter to the attention of the Club Chairman. The Chairman will discuss the matter with them and will be the final arbiter on the issue.

Where the Club Secretary or Chairman considers that the complaint is valid then they shall advise the official of this and agree a resolution with them which allows all parties to move forward. It should be noted that officials dedicate a significant amount of time to their role. They are not infallible and will make mistakes. All parties to a dispute should appreciate these points.

Where the Club Secretary or Chairman considers that the official has acted in a manner inconsistent with the Club’s code of conduct and values then they will discuss it with the official concerned, explain why their behaviour is inappropriate and warn them as to their future conduct.

For more serious matters it may be necessary to move immediately to a written-­‐warning or more stringent sanction.

Beyond a written warning, the Club’s management committee has absolute authority to consider an appropriate level of sanction. Sanctions could include:

  • Providing a mentor to support the official modify their behaviour.
  • Suspending the individual from Club events including matches and training.
  • Removing the official from the Club. This should be considered as a last resort

The above list is not intended to be exhaustive. The official will have a right to appeal to the Management Committee for any sanction so issued including a written-­‐warning. Appeals should be put in writing to the Chairman and a separate appeal hearing may be called.

If the official concerned is the Club Chairman then the matter should be brought to the attention of the Club Secretary, who will then be the final arbiter on the issue.

General equipment such as corner flags, goals posts shall be maintained out of central funds. All Goal posts shall comply with the safety requirements published by the FA. Team Managers are responsible for ensuring goal post are in a safe condition prior to any games or training sessions commencing and for safe storage post use.

Any issues with goal posts shall be brought to the attention of the Committee.

Standard Minimum Equipment per Team.

  • One ball for every member
  • One set of marker cones
  • One set of training bibs
  • One first aid kit per team
  • Assistant referee flags (where required)

Team Managers are responsible for the maintenance of all training kit and equipment issued to their team. If any is lost or damaged it must be reported to the Committee. Each Manager must keep a kit & equipment inventory which must be updated to monitor and manage the training kit & equipment budget effectively. The Committee shall have the final decision on whether equipment is suitable to remain in use.

Training kit will be issued to all new registered members that have paid their registration fee.

The required kit for every member registered to the Club and a league will be the following:

  • A Training Kit comprising a Shirt (Turquoise & Navy), one pair of Shorts (Navy) and one pair of socks (Navy)
  • A Match Kit comprising a Shirt (Royal Blue & White), one pair of Shorts (Royal Blue) and one pair of socks (Royal Blue)

The required kit for every member in the Club will be the following:

  • A Training Kit comprising a Shirt (Turquoise & Navy), one pair of Shorts (Navy) and one pair of socks (Navy)

All match kit will be embroidered/heat sealed with Club crest, squad number and sponsor logo where applicable.

Playing and training kit shall conform to the League rules in terms of numbering, permitted colours and registration with the League and FA.

Players and their parents / guardians are expected to take appropriate care of kits but can purchase replacements if required.