Forest Hall Juniors are part of Forest Hall Young Peoples Club, Registered Charity No. 1106633

Forest Hall Juniors Football Club

Club Rules for Players

Document Issue Status:

Date Issue Amendment
9th April 2005 1 First Issue
19th April 2005 2 Amended to suit revised constitution incorporating NFA comments.
24th June 2006 3 Updated to include child protection policy section.
Distribution:
All Players and Managers
Chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer
Training Facilities Representative
Club Welfare Officer
Mini-Soccer Representative
Forest Hall Juniors Clubhouse
Northumberland F.A.

This pack documents the requirements and obligations of players of Forest Hall Juniors Football Club. It is a �live� document and hence is subject to update and change. Any inaccuracies should be reported to the Team Manager / Coach for discussion and debate at committee meetings. The document will be updated and re-issued as agreed with the management committee. In the event of a conflict of information, the Constitution of Forest Hall Juniors Football Club will take precedence.

Contents:

1 Introduction

2 Constitution

3 Objectives

4 Affiliation

5 Public Liability Insurance

6 Committee / Meetings

7 Anti-Discrimination Policy

8 Equal Opportunities Policy

9 Child Protection Policy

10 Sponsors and Club Kit

11 Player Membership Rules

a. Membership

b. Subscriptions

c. Training and Matches

d. Football Kit

e. Fines / Discipline / Resignation / Expulsion

f. Appeals Procedure

g. Grievances

12 Codes of Conduct

Annexes:
Annex 1: Player Membership Application & Registration Form.

(To be completed and returned to Team Manager)

Annex 4: Medical Consent and Emergency Contact Form.

(To be completed and returned to Team Manager)

Annex 6: Annual Review Forms: Players.

(To be completed and returned to Club Secretary at end of season)

Annex 8: Annual Review Forms: Parents

(To be completed and returned to Club Secretary at end of season)

Annex 13: Senior Player Membership Application & Registration Form.

(To be completed and returned to Team Manager)

Annex 14: Senior Players Emergency Contact Form.

(To be completed and returned to Team Manager)

1. Introduction

Forest Hall Juniors Football Club are committed to attaining and retaining Charter Standard Club status as a minimum. This commitment is a demonstration to all that we are a well organised football club providing a safe environment for all football participants; following the best practice guidelines issued by the Football Association. In real terms, this means:

a) Each age group has at least one Coach qualified to a minimum of FA level 1.

b) Each age group has at least one Coach with a First Aid or Emergency Aid qualification.

c) All Managers / Coaches and Volunteers / Helpers are CRB checked.

d) All Managers / Coaches have attended a Child Protection Course.

e) The Senior team have a first aid qualified person.

All players are required to be members of the club. See player membership rules.

2. Constitution

The club is called �Forest Hall Juniors Football Club� and is part of Forest Hall Young Peoples Club. Forest Hall Young Peoples Club is a registered charity (No 1106633).

3. Objectives

The objectives of Forest Hall Juniors Football Club are:

a) To provide organised and safe association football matches and training for all age-groups.

b) To promote football for all regardless of ethnic origin, colour or creed.

c) To retain players, provide a football career path within the club through all age groups and provide exit routes into senior football.

d) To encourage fair play and good sportsmanship of club members.

4. Affiliation

Forest Hall Juniors Football Club is affiliated to the Northumberland Football Association therefore has the status of an Affiliated Member Club. By virtue of this affiliation, the rules and regulations of the Football Association and Parent County Association and any league or competition to which the club is affiliated to for the time being, is incorporated into the club rules.

5. Public Liability Insurance

Forest Hall Juniors have Public Liability Insurance. Any potential for claims should be discussed with the management committee and raised on the committee meeting agenda.

6. Committee Meetings

Committee meetings are held on a monthly basis at Palmersville Community Centre, Great Lime Road, Forest Hall on the last Tuesday of each month, commencing at 6:30pm. Player members over the age of 18 years and parents who are club members are welcome to attend.

7. Anti-Discrimination Policy:

Forest Hall Juniors 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 Forest Hall Juniors Football Club means that in all our activities, we will not discriminate or in any way treat less favourably, on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.

This includes:

�	The advertising for volunteers.

�	The selection of candidates for volunteers

�

Courses

�	External coaching and education activities and awards

�	Football development activities

�	Selection for teams

�	Appointments to honorary positions

Forest Hall Juniors 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.

Forest Hall Juniors 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 the wider context, within football as a whole.

8. Equal Opportunities Policy:

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

All members of Forest Hall Juniors Football Club are expected to abide by the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1995. Specifically, discrimination is prohibited in:
This includes:

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

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

�

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

�	Victimisation of an individual.

�	Harassment of an individual (which for the purposes of this policy and the actions and sanction applicable thereto is regarded as discrimination).

�

Any other act or omission of an act which has as its effect the disadvantaging of a member against another, or others, purely on the above grounds. Thus, in all the Club�s recruitment, selection, promotion and training processes, as well as disciplinary matters etc� - in other words all instances where those in control of members are required to make judgements between them � it is essential that merit, experience, skills and temperament are considered as objectively as possible.

Forest Hall Juniors Football Club commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims of discrimination on the above grounds. Where such is found to be the case, the requirement is that the practice ceases forthwith with the restitution of damage or loss (if necessary) and to the investigation of any member accused of the 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.

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

9. Child Protection Policy:

9.1 Forest Hall Juniors 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 of its members. A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any club football activity. We subscribe to The Football Association�s Child Protection and Best Practice Policy and Procedures, Safeguarding Children and Young People in football (revised edition 2006) and endorse and adopt the Policy Statement contained in that document. The flowcharts contained in main club constitution should be referred to by club members when faced with a child abuse situation.

9.2 The key principles of The FA Child Protection Policy are that:

� The child's welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration

� All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation.

� All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to

swiftly and appropriately.

� Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and their parents/carers is essential.

9.3 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. Forest Hall Juniors Football Club recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.

9.4 Forest Hall Juniors 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 Regulations 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, coach, club official or medical staff. We endorse and adopt The FA�s Child Protection and Best Practice Guidelines for recruiting volunteers and will:

� Develop a role profile

� Request identification documents

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

� Request and follow up with two references before appointing.

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

All current Forest Hall Juniors Football Club members with direct access to children and young people will be required to complete a CRB Enhanced Disclosure via The FA CRB Unit. If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of Forest Hall Juniors 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 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 or young people and to minimise the risk of �grooming� within football.

9.5. Forest Hall Juniors 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 4771 or by writing to The FA Case Manager, The Football Association, 25 Soho Square, London W1D 4FA or by going direct to the Police, Social Services, or the NSPCC.

Forest Hall Juniors Football Club encourages everyone to know about it and utilise it if necessary.

9.6. Forest Hall Juniors Football Club has appointed a Club Welfare Officer (CWO) in line with The FA�s role profile and completion of the Child Protection and Best Practice Workshop. The post holder will be involved with designated persons training provided by The FA. The CWO is the first point of contact for all club members and parents/carers regarding concerns for the welfare of any child or young person. They liase directly with the CFA CPO and will be familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns. They will also play a proactive role in increasing an awareness of poor practice and abuse amongst club members.

9.7. 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 CWO or member of the committee or alternatively in cases of serious bullying contact the CFA CPO.

9.8. Codes of conduct for coaches, players, officials and parents/carers, officials and coaches have been implemented by Forest Hall Juniors Football Club. In order to validate these codes of conduct the club has clear sanctions to deal with any misconduct at club level and acknowledges the possibility of potential sanctions which may be implemented by leagues or the CFA in more serious circumstances. All prospective members will be informed of these codes.

9.9. Further advice on Child Protection matters can be obtained from:

� The Northumberland FA County Football Association�s Child Protection

Officer, whose details can be found in the County Handbook

� The FA/NSPCC Child Protection 24-Hour Helpline 0808 800 5000

� www.TheFA.com/Goal

� The FA Child Protection Team.

10. Sponsors and Club Kit:

Sponsors are important for the survival of Forest Hall Juniors Football Club. Sponsorship should be approved by the committee. Sponsors may advertise their business on the front of players shirts providing the business being advertised is appropriate (i.e. not alcohol or smoking related, for junior members for example) All club members are encouraged to recruit sponsors.

11. Player Membership Rules

Player membership rules are extracted from the Forest Hall Juniors Constitution / Club rules and have been agreed by the Forest Hall Juniors committee.

a) Membership

All players must be members of Forest Hall Juniors Football Club. Membership runs from 1st August until 31st July of any given year.
Player members under the age of 18 years are not eligible to attend Committee and AGM meetings.
Player members over the age of 18 years are eligible to attend Committee and AGM meetings and have full voting rights.

b) Subscriptions

All players have to pay subscriptions (subs) at an amount as agreed by the committee. This amount is payable regardless of attendance.
The money collected helps to pay for the usage of club facilities such as pitch fees, winter training, footballs and training equipment.
In general, players more than 8 weeks behind with their subs will not be allowed to play. However, this is at the discretion of the managers and/or the committee and no player will be excluded in the case of financial hardship.
Membership fees are non-refundable once a member is registered.
The club committee shall have the authority to levy further subscriptions from the members as are reasonably necessary to fulfil the objectives of the club.
Player members leaving the club must pay their subs up to date. Failure to do so will result in players being reported to the FA. It must be noted that affiliated leagues will not allow players to play for other teams whilst monies are still outstanding.

c) Training and Matches

All players should attend training sessions and matches ensuring they arrive at the arranged time. Players who cannot attend for any reason have a duty to inform the Manager / Coach of their non attendance and a valid reason.
A register of attendance/non attendance at training sessions will be kept by each manager and this form is also used to record players payment of subs.

d) Football Kit

Football Strips remain the property of the club should be treated with respect at all times and not worn for training sessions. Players attending games should wear clean laundered strips and boots should be clean. Players are liable for repair or replacement of mistreated football strips.

e) Fines / Discipline / Resignation / Expulsion

Fines

Players are liable to pay their own fines and all administration costs imposed by the Football Association in the case yellow or red card offences. A cheque will be sent to the officiating body (i.e. The F.A.) by the Treasurer, however, this amount must be reimbursed by the player as soon as possible.
Players with outstanding fines will not be allowed to play matches.

Discipline

Where a player member has been sent off the pitch by the Referee for foul and abusive language, dissent or violent conduct, the player member will also be liable to a two match suspension imposed by the club in addition to the suspension made by the Football Association.
The Manager / Coach may also impose a suspension (up to one match) on players for inappropriate behaviour (such as swearing or insulting comments). Any suspension made by the club will commence immediately.
All players will continue to pay subs at the required rate and at the allotted time during any suspension.
Any player who refuses to pay their fines shall have their case referred to the Football Association for their action.

Resignation & Expulsion

A member shall cease to be a member of the club, if, and on the date on which, he / she gives notice to the committee of their resignation.
A member whose annual membership fee is more than 8 weeks in arrears shall be deemed to have resigned.
The club committee shall have the power to expel a member when, in their opinion, it would not be in the best interests of the club for them to remain a member. There is an appeals procedure. (see below)

f) Appeals Procedure

A member has the right to appeal against any decision relating to expulsion or suspension. Such an appeal should be lodged in writing, to the Secretary within 14 days of receiving the decision. Reference to the club constitution should be made in this instance.
Appeals from player members will not be heard in respect of offences of dissent, foul and abusive language or violent conduct.
Any appeals meetings will be held before the monthly committee meeting which is at Palmersville Community Centre, Great Lime Road, Forest Hall on the last Tuesday of each month, commencing at 6:00pm.

g) Grievances

Any club member (or non-member) who feels they have any grievance of any kind (e.g. victimisation, etc�) may register their grievance to the club committee for debate.
Details of the grievance must be made in writing to the Secretary before the club monthly committee meeting. This may be raised as �Any Other Business� at the end of the meeting.
If necessary, a special meeting may be convened to resolve the grievance. Refer to the club constitution.

12. Codes of Conduct

All coaches, players, Team managers / Officials and parents should sign up to and adhere to the Forest Hall Juniors Codes of Conduct. The code of conduct for players and parents is as follows:

Code of Conduct for Players

Obligations towards the Game
A player should:

1. Make every effort to develop their own sporting ability, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.

2. Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game regardless of the situation in a game.

3. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time-wasting.
5. Always act in the best interests of the game when expressing opinions.
6. Do not use inappropriate language.

Obligations towards one�s own team
A player should:

1. Make every effort to help his own team win with fair play and within the laws of the game.

2. Retain committed to the team winning.

Respect for the Laws of the game and competition rules:
A player should:

1. Know and abide by the rules of the game and the competition rules.

2. Accept success and failure equally.
3. Do not use banned substances or use banned techniques.

Respect towards opponents:
A player should:

1. Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.

2. Avoid violent behaviour and rough play. Help injured opponents.

Respect towards Match Officials:
A player should:

1. Accept the decision of the match official without protest.

2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a match official.
3. Show due respect towards match officials.

Respect towards Team Officials:
A player should:

1. Abide by the instructions of their Manager / Coach providing it does not contradict the spirit of this code.

2. Show due respect towards team officials of the opposition.

Obligations towards the Supporters:
A player should:

1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.

Code of Conduct for Parents / Guardians and Spectators

1. Remember young people are involved for their enjoyment and not yours.

2. You have a responsibility to encourage the players to abide by the rules.

3. Help to remove all verbal and physical abuse in soccer by setting an example.

4. Applaud good play by both teams and never publicly question referee�s decisions.

5. Team Work and effort are as important as winning.

6. Help young people to accept losing without undue disappointment.

7. Avoid coaching the child during a game.

8. Do not shout and scream.

Non adherence to these codes will result in warnings to the individuals concerned and could ultimately lead to exclusion from the club for persistent offenders.