POLICIES
Foreword
MAFC Club Constitution
MAFC Club Players Rules
Child Protection Policy
Anti-Discrimination Policy
Equal Opportunities Policy
FA Football Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct for Club Officials
Code of Conduct for Team Managers, Coaches and Helpers
Code of Conduct for Players
Foreword
Here at Mytchett Athletic Football Club, we aim to provide a safe and enjoyable environment, in which to allow children and young adults to play football.We encourage participation by both girls and boys, and looking forward to having our first girl's league teams very soon, however, we do have girls who play within our younger age groups.
We at Mytchett wish you to know that child safety is paramount; a few children have died as a result of unsafe goals falling on them. At Mytchett, we only use the portable plastic style "Samba" goal, which is securely fastened down, using a minimum of four ground spikes. On full size pitches we use the normal ground sunk football goals.
Mytchett also encourage partnership schemes with local schools, with the coaches getting out and about to give advice and support.
All age groups have at least one FA qualified Coach and First Aider, but we encourage more. The Club also has a Child Protection and Ethical Standards Officer
The "Goal" of Mytchett Athletic Football Club is: To provide the club members with the best possible facilities, coaching, equipment and child safety at the best possible value for money. Back to top
MAFC Club Constitution
1. Name of ClubThe name of the club shall be Mytchett Athletic Football Club (MAFC).
2. Objective
The object of the Club is to provide leisure time activities for young people residing in Mytchett and surrounding areas, by promotion of competitive and friendly association football, in a child safe environment.
3. Status of Rules
These rules (the club rules) form a binding agreement between each member of the club.
4. General Rules and Regulations
a. The Club shall have the status of an affiliated member of the Football Association (FA) by virtue of its affiliation to the Football Association through County FA affiliation/membership. The Rules and Regulations of the Football Association Limited and Parent County Association and any League or Competition to which the club is affiliated to shall also be incorporated into the club rules.
b. No alteration to the club rules shall be made except at an Annual General Meeting (AGM) or an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) convened for that purpose and only if supported by the majority present at such a meeting. No alterations shall be effective until ratified by written approval of the Parent County Association.
5. Club Management
a. An Executive Committee and a Management Committee shall manage the affairs of the club. Except where otherwise stated within this Club Constitution the decision making body shall be the Management Committee.
b. The Executive Committee shall consist of the following Club Officers: President, Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, General Manager (Vice Chairman), Assistant Secretary, Assistant General Manager, Child Protection Officer, Disciplinary Officer, Kit Manager and Public Relations Officer. The Executive Committee shall meet under the Terms of Reference for the committee (Appendix A1).
c. The Management Committee shall consist of; President, Vice President(s), Chairman, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, General Manager (Vice Chairman), Assistant General Manager, Child Protection Officer, Disciplinary Officer, Kit Manager, Public Relations Officer and Club Team Managers and Club Assistant Team Managers. The Management Committee shall meet under the Terms of Reference for the committee (Appendix A2).
d. All members of the Executive and Management Committees shall be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting, with the exception of Vice President(s) who are elected for life in recognition of service to the Club.
e. All Committee members? roles shall be fulfilled under the relevant Terms of Reference for the particular role (Appendices A4 and A16). Advice given by officers at this club is incidental to their professional expertise and is not being given in their professional capacity.
6. Club Membership
a. A Club Member shall be deemed to be a Club Officer, Club Team Manager, Club Assistant Team Manager/Coach and one parent or guardian of a Player entered on the current Players Register.
b. The Executive 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 shall cease to be a member of the club if, and from the date of which, he/she gives notice to the Executive Committee of their resignation.
d. The Club Membership Procedures form part of this constitution (Appendix C)
7. Club Finances
a. A bank account shall be opened and maintained in the name of Mytchett Athletic FC (The club account). Designated account signatories shall be the Club Treasurer and other authorised Executive and/or Management Committee members. No sum shall be drawn from the club account except by cheque signed by the Treasurer and one other of the designated signatories.
b. The income and assets of the club (the club property) shall be applied only in furtherance of the objectives of the club.
c. The Club Executive and Management Committees shall have the power to authorise payment of remuneration and expenses to any member of the club and to any other person or persons for approved services rendered to the club.
d. The annual accounts shall be audited by an independent and suitably qualified person appointed by the Executive Committee and shall be presented at the Annual General Meeting of the club.
8. Club Trustees
Club Trustees are members to whom the legal title to property is entrusted to hold or use on behalf of the clubs benefit. Trustees, for the purpose of signing leases or other legal documents, to be appointed by the Executive Committee as required with a minimum of two (2) trustees.
9. Annual and Extraordinary General Meetings
a. An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held in April or May in each year to:
i. To receive and approve the Minutes of the preceding Annual General Meeting (and Minutes of Extraordinary General Meetings since the preceding AGM if applicable).
ii. To receive reports from the Club Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer and adopt the Annual Reports, Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts.
iii. To receive report(s) of the activities of the club over the previous year.
iv. Alteration of rules (if applicable) of which notice has been given.
v. Elect members of the Club Committees
vi. Consider any other business
b. Nominations for election of Club Officers or as members of Club Committees shall be made in writing and countersigned by the proposer and seconder, both of whom must be existing members of the club, to the Club Secretary, not less than 15 days before the AGM. In the event of there being no nomination for positions on the Club Committees, nominations may be received at the Annual General Meeting.
c. Notice of any resolutions to be proposed at an AGM shall be given in writing to the Club Secretary not less than 15 days before the meeting.
d. An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) may be called at any time by the Executive Committee and shall be called within 28 days of the receipt of the Club Secretary of a requisition in writing signed by not less than three members of the Executive Committee, stating the purpose for which the meeting is required and the resolution or resolutions. Business at an EGM may be any business that may be transacted at an AGM.
e. A quorum for a Club AGM or EGM shall be 15 members.
f. A notice period of at least 28 days for the AGM or EGM must be given to each member.
g. The Chairperson or in his/her absence the Vice Chairperson shall take the chair at General Meetings. Each member present shall have one vote and simple majority shall pass resolutions. In the event of an equality of votes the Chairperson of the meeting shall have a second casting vote.
h. A person nominated by the Executive Committee shall enter Minutes of General Meetings into the Minute Book of the Club.
10. Club Discipline
a. Any member, player or a supporter who, by word, act or demeanour, who is considered to have brought the club into disrepute, will be dealt with by the Executive and/or Management Committee, as required by the club disciplinary procedure.
b. Where any facility is booked or goods purchased by an Officer, Club Team Manager or Assistant Team Manager, without prior permission from the Executive Committee, the Officer or Manager/Assistant Manager will be solely responsible for any finance incurred outside of the clubs agreed allowances and may be liable to club disciplinary procedures.
c. Procedures:
i. The Club Secretary will write to the alleged offender detailing the circumstances and will require an answer within fourteen (14) days, with a copy sent to the relevant Club Team Manager in the case of the alleged offender being a player.
ii. If the alleged offender responds, the Executive Committee will deal with the situation as necessary. They shall consider all available evidence.
iii. Failure of the alleged offender to respond to correspondence of the Club Secretary will result in a further letter being sent to the alleged offender, stating that disciplinary action is being considered.
iv. If the alleged offender still does not respond, the Executive Committee will deal with the situation as necessary. They will consider all available evidence.
d. Disciplinary Action may include:
Verbal warning
Written Warning
Severe Reprimand in writing
Suspension or a ban from the club
e. In the event of a severe reprimand in writing or suspension or a ban involving Club Team Management the Executive Committee may at their discretion require a change of team management or withdrawal of the team from all competitions and possible expulsion from the club
11. Annual Membership Fees
a. An annual membership fee payable by each member shall be determined by annual review by the Executive Committee and agreed at the AGM or at a Management Committee before July.
b. Club Team Managers are responsible for ensuring club membership fees from each member are paid by 1st September for teams for the age groups Under 9s to Under 17s and by 1st October for the age groups Under 7s and Under 8s. Fees shall not be repayable unless agreed by the Club Executive Committee.
c. Team players who complete competition Registration form(s) and are entered on the Club Players Register are deemed to have accepted terms of membership and club membership fees are due.
d. Failure to submit membership fees to Club Team Managers by the latest due date will result in the Club Treasurer writing to the player concerned via the Team Manager requesting an explanation. The player, player?s parent or guardian must answer this request within 14 days. A failure to provide an explanation acceptable to the Executive Committee may result in suspension.
12. Club Team Administration
a. Any correspondence or contact with Football Authorities (including the FA, County FA, League Executive Committee or any other Football Authority) must be made by or under authority of the Club Secretary. The Club Secretary is the official contact between the Club and the Football Authorities. This does not apply to correspondence with League Divisional Secretaries.
b. Club Team Managers shall manage all correspondence (including email) received from Club Officials and the League Divisional Secretary and other external organisations, promptly and efficiently, and keep adequate records of correspondence.
c. Club Team Managers shall perform their duties under the Terms of Reference for Club Team Managers.
d. All fines imposed on the Club by County FA and the Club will initially pay League Authorities. When fines are due to Club Team Managers failing to fulfil their obligations under the Club Team Managers Terms of Reference the cost of fines will be reimbursed by the Team Manager within 28 days of notification. Failure to reimburse within the stipulated time will result in the cost of fines being deducted from Team Managers expenses and/or disciplinary proceedings at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
e. All fines imposed on Club Players, Club Team Managers or Club Assistant Team Managers or Coaches for cautions, sending off or other misdemeanours will initially be paid by the Club. The player(s) parent(s) or guardian(s) and/or managers concerned are obliged to reimburse the club within 28 days. Failure to reimburse within the stipulated time may result in disciplinary proceedings at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
f. The Executive Committee are responsible for appointing Managers to run teams playing for Mytchett Athletic FC (Club Teams). The Executive Committee may appoint interim Team Managers and Assistant Team Managers to fill vacancies at their discretion. Persons so co-opted will have full voting rights at Managers Meetings but may not serve beyond the next Annual General Meeting unless they are duly elected.
13. Policies
The Club shall abide by the Club Child Protection Policies and Procedures, Codes of Conduct and the Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination Policy.
The following Club Policies and Codes of Conduct form part of this constitution:
Child Protection Policy (Appendix B)
Anti-Discrimination Policy (Appendix E)
Equal Opportunities Policy (Appendix F)
Football Code of Conduct (Appendix G)
Code of Conduct for Club Officials (Appendix H)
Code of Conduct for Team Managers, Coaches and Helpers (Appendix J)
Code of Conduct for Players (Appendix K)
Web site Policy (Appendix L)
In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way or that the club policies, rules or codes of conduct have been broken, they should inform any member of the Executive Committee, Management Committee or Team Management.
14. Sports Equity in Football
Mytchett Athletic Football Club is committed to removing prejudice and discrimination and promoting fairness and correct principles relating to the law and rules of Association Football. The Club encourages best practice in sports equity using FA guidelines
15. Club Players Rules
The Club Players Rules form part of this constitution (Appendix D)
16. Club Insurance
The Club shall hold suitable Insurance for Public Liability, Players Personal Injury and other policies considered necessary at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
17. Dissolution
A resolution to dissolve the Club shall only be proposed at an AGM or EGM and shall be carried by a majority of at least three-quarters of the members present.
a. In the event that a resolution to dissolve the club is carried, the disposal of the balance of any funds in the club's account and any club assets shall be decided by the Executive Committee after all liabilities are settled.
b. The Executive Committee or any other member of the club will retain no monies, unless funds enable a new Football Club acceptable to the Executive Committee to commence.
c. In the event that no suitable Football Club is to receive monies, then the monies are to be officially handed over to a registered charity or hospital, local to the area. Back to top
MAFC Club Players Rules
(Appendix D of the Club Constitution)All Club Players will play in their own age group and will only be permitted to play in an older age group if authorised by the Executive Committee.
Each player will provide suitable football boots and shin guards which must be worn during each game. The remainder of the kit. (shirts, shorts and socks) will be provided by the Club and must be returned to the Club Team Manager when requested. Shirts to be collected after each match by the Club Team Manager and arrangements should be made for laundering between games. Shirts are not to be handed out to individuals.
All players must wear shirts, shorts and socks provided by the Club in all games including tournaments. The only exceptions to this rule will be:
Where a change of shirt is required by rules of relevant competitions.
Where the Club's Executive Committee has previously been contacted and agreed to a request to change any Club Kit.
Any player who is unable to play for his team due to unforeseen circumstances must notify his Manager or Assistant Manager/Coach not less than 24 hrs prior to the match or within a reasonable time to allow a replacement to be found. This rule also applies to reserves.
The Executive and Management Committees revise the Club Membership Fees each year. Members are responsible for paying their fees on time each year to their Team Manager. Failure to do so will be dealt with by the Executive Committee under Club Disciplinary procedures.
As the Club relies on membership fees, donations and various methods of fund raising, each member will be required to support fund raising ventures.
If any player is replaced by a substitute during a match, they are expected to acknowledge each other by touching hands in passing if possible. Managers discourage dramatic celebrations on goal scoring e.g. diving on the ground.
All players within the club shall be respectful to Managers and Club and Match Officials on and off the field of play. If a player commits an offence by act, word or demeanour, which contravenes this rule, it will be considered by the Executive Committee and dealt with accordingly.
If desirous to leaving the Club each member should carry out the following obligations before leaving:
Give at least 14 days notice to their team Manager or Club Official. (This will allow for replacement time factor).
Ensure that Membership fees and any other monetary dues are paid up to date.
Hand in any Club property in their possession.
It will be to every players advantage to study the laws of football very closely; it is the opinion of Club Management that you will be better players if you do so.
All Managers, Assistant Managers, members and players are to ensure they adhere to all relevant Club "Codes of Conduct". Back to top
Child Protection Policy
(Appendix B of the Club Constitution)In partnership with the Football Association, the North East Hampshire Youth League (NEHYL), Child Safe and Surrey Police, Mytchett Athletic Football Club is committed to encourage all Club Officials, Team Managers and Coaches to maintain the safest possible environment for young people in which to practice and play football. We have a Child Protection Register and all new Team Managers and Coaches are vetted through the FA CRB scheme.
We adhere to our policy. We do this by:
Recognising all young people have the right to freedom from abuse.
Encouraging all Executive Committee members to carefully select Team Managers, Coaches and Volunteers and accept responsibility for helping to prevent the abuse of young people in their care.
Ensuring that Club Team Managers and Coaches attend the FA Child Protection Awareness Course as soon as possible after their appointment
Responding swiftly and appropriately to all suspicions or allegations of abuse and by providing parents and young people with the opportunity to voice any concerns they may have.
Appointing a Child Protection Officer to act as a focal point of contact and encouraging Team Managers, Coaches and Volunteers to direct concerns towards that Officer.
Ensuring access to confidential information is restricted to the Child Protection Officer and appointed members of the Executive Committee or appropriate external agencies. Appointed members to be the Chairman, General Manager, Secretary and Disciplinary Manager.
Reviewing the effectiveness of our Child Protection Policy and activities at the Club AGM and at Executive Meetings. Back to top
Anti-Discrimination Policy
(Appendix E of the Club Constitution)Mytchett Athletic Football Club (MAFC) is committed to setting standards and values to apply throughout the club. 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 Mytchett Athletic FC 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 selection of candidates for volunteers
2. Courses
3. External coaching and education activities and awards
4. Football development activities
5. Selection for teams
6. Appointments to honorary positions
Mytchett Athletic FC 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.
Mytchett Athletic FC supports awareness raising events and activities in order to promote the eradication of all forms of discrimination within football. Back to top
Equal Opportunities Policy
(Appendix F of the Club Constitution)Mytchett Athletic Football Club (MAFC) is actively committed to equality of opportunity for all its players, supporters, committee members and prospective members of the club.
No proposed player or committee member shall receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, marital status, disability where appropriate, sexual orientation, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins.
No club member shall be subject to victimisation or to sexual or racial harassment.
Every member must follow fair and non-discriminatory practices in their relationships with one another and in the manner in which they treat people whilst engaged in activities with MAFC. Those in managerial or committee member roles carry a responsibility to ensure that these policies are consistently upheld and applied.
Mytchett Athletic Football Club is an equal opportunities organisation. Back to top
FA Football Code of Conduct
(Appendix G of the Club Constitution)Mytchett Athletic Football Club endorses the Football Association (FA) General Code of Conduct:
Community
Football, at all levels, is a vital part of a community. Football will take into account local 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. Back to top
Code of Conduct for Club Officials
(Appendix H of the Club Constitution)Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters
Promote and develop the club having regard to the interest of the players, supporters and reputation of the national game.
Show due respect to other officers, team managers and coaches within the club.
Do not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
Do make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club and give priority to the interest of the club over individual interests.
Promote ethical principles.
Show due respect to the interests of players, coaches and other officials at Mytchett Athletic FC and at other clubs.
Accept the decisions of Competition and Match Officials
Always have regard to the best interests of the club and the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the club or the game and any particular aspects, including others involved in the club and the game. Back to top
Code of Conduct for Team Managers, Coaches and Helpers
(Appendix J of the Club Constitution)Be reasonable in your demands on the young players time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests.
Teach your players that the rules of the game are mutual agreements that no one should evade or break.
In contact games, group players according to age, height, skill and physical maturity.
Avoid over playing talented players.
Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only a part of it. Never ridicule, bully or shout at the children for making mistakes or losing a game.
Ensure that equipment and facilities are appropriate to the age and abilities of all players.
The scheduling and length of practice times and games should take into consideration the child's maturity level.
Develop team respect for the ability of the opponents, as well as for the judgement of referees and opposing coaches.
Follow the advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play again.
Remember that children need a Team Manager and/or Coach and or Helper(s) they can respect. Be generous with your praise and set a good example. Back to top
Code of Conduct for Players
(Appendix K of the Club Constitution)Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents, guardians or coach.
Play by the rules.
Never argue with the match officials decisions.
Control your temper.
Work equally hard for yourself and your team, thus your teams performance will benefit and so will your own.
Be a good sport. Applaud all good play, whether it is by your team or your opponents.
Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Dont interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any players.
Remember that the aim of the game is to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Dont be a show off.
Co-operate with coaches, team mates and opponents, without them you dont have a game. Back to top