| |
CLUB RULES & REGULATIONS
A large number of the County
Associations have more than a thousand clubs in their area, and, naturally, a
big percentage of these are junior clubs. Many of them begin in the humblest
possible way, but it is essential for them to realise that it is necessary to
conform to certain regulations. In effect, the club must be properly
constituted.
The First Steps
(i) Granted this natural
eagerness to form a club and to play matches, the next step is to persuade some
keen and responsible person – perhaps a teacher, a parent, or some ex-player to
assist them to conform to FA regulations.
(ii) Club rules must be drawn up, affiliation to the County Association must be
arranged, and membership must be organised, however nominal a subscription.
(iii) No County wants to reject or over-rule initial keenness; in fact
information to help embryo clubs is sent out regularly.
Some years ago The Football Association, in response to many requests, drew up a
list of suggested rules for newly-formed clubs. These rules, now updated, are
printed below for the benefit of secretaries and organisers:
Suggestions for Club Rules:
1. Name
The club shall be called Rocester Elkes Eagles Junior Football Club (The Club).
2. Objects
The Objects of the Club shall be to arrange association football matches and
social activities for its members.
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 have the status of an Affiliated Member Club of The Football
Association by virtue of its affiliation to/membership of The Football
Association. The Rules and Regulations of The Football Association Limited and
parent County Association and any League or Competition to which the Club is
affiliated for the time being shall be deemed to be incorporated into the Club
Rules.
(b) No alteration to the Club Rules shall be effective without prior written
approval by the parent Association.
(c) 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.
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) In the event of a member’s resignation or expulsion, his or her name shall
be removed from the Membership Register.
(d) The Football Association and parent County Association shall be given access
to the Membership Register on demand.
6. Annual Membership Fee
(a) An annual fee payable by each member shall be determined from time to time
by the Club Committee. Any fee shall be payable on a successful application for
membership and annually by each member. Fees shall not be repayable.
(b) The Club Committee shall have the authority to levy further subscriptions
from the members as are reasonably necessary to fulfil the objects of the Club.
7. Resignation and Expulsion
(a) A member shall cease to be a member of the Club if, and from the date on
which, he/she gives notice to the Club Committee of their resignation. A member
whose annual membership fee or further subscription is more than 2 months in
arrears shall be deemed to have resigned.
(b) 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. There shall be no appeal procedures.
(c) A member who resigns or is expelled shall not be entitled to claim any, or a
share of any, of the Club Property.
8. Club Committee
(a) The Club Committee shall consist of the following Club Officers:
Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary and Child Protection
Officer. Plus the manager and a second representative of each representative
team at an Annual General Meeting.
(b) Each Club Officer and Club 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 than two positions of
Club Officer at any time. 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 Chairman or in
their absence the Vice Chairman. The quorum for the transaction of business of
the Club Committee shall be three.
(c) Decisions of the Club Committee of meetings shall be entered into the Minute
Book of the Club to be maintained by the Club Secretary.
(d) Any member of the Club Committee may call a meeting of the Club Committee by
giving not less than 7 days’ notice to all members of the Club Committee. The
Club Committee shall hold not less than four meetings a year.
(e) An outgoing member of the club Committee may be re-elected. Any vacancy on
the Club Committee which arises 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.
(f) Save as provided for in the Rules and Regulations of The Football
Association and the County Association to which the Club is affiliated, the Club
Committee shall have the power to decide all questions and disputes arising in
respect of any issue concerning the Club Rules.
9. Annual and Special General 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 election
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 21 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 21 days before the Meeting.
(c) A Special General Meeting (SGM) may be called at any time by the Committee
and shall be called within 21 days of the receipt by the Club Secretary of a
requisition in writing signed by not less than five members stating the purposes
for which the Meeting is required and the 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 14 days before the Meeting.
(e) The quorum for a General Meeting shall be 3.
(f) The Vice Chair, 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.
10. Club Teams
At its first meeting following each AGM the Club Committee shall appoint a Club
member and an assistant to be responsible for each of the Club’s football teams.
The appointed members shall be responsible for managing the affairs of the
team.
The appointed members shall present to the Club Committee at its last meeting
prior to an AGM a written report of the activities of the team.
11. 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 the Club Chairperson, the
Club Secretary and the Treasurer. No sum shall be drawn from the Club Account
except by cheque signed by two of the three designated signatories. 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 in such form as shall
be published by The Football Association from time to time.
(e) The Club Property, other than the Club Account, shall be vested in not less
than two and no more than four custodians, one of whom shall be the Treasurer
(The Custodians), who shall deal with the Club Property as directed by decisions
of the Club Committee and entry in the Minute Book 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.
12. Dissolution
(a) A resolution to dissolve the
Club shall only be proposed at a General Meeting and shall be carried by a
majority of at lest three-quarters of the members present.
(b) The dissolution shall take effect from the date of the resolution and the
members of the Club Committee shall be responsible for the winding up of the
assets and liabilities of the Club.
(c) Any surplus assets remaining after the discharge of the debts and
liabilities of the Club shall be transferred to the parent Association who shall
determine how the assets shall be utilised for the benefit of the game.
Alternatively, such assets may be disposed of in such other manner as the
members of the Club with the consent of the parent Association shall determine.
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
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.
Coaches 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 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 from a “win-at-all-costs” attitude.
Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young
people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a
first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the club, school,
coach or parent.
Set out below is The FA 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 respect the
rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within
the context of the sport.
2. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other
considerations, including the development of performance.
3. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
4. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player
based on mutual trust and respect.
5. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
6. Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their
own behaviour and performance.
7. Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are
appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
8. 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.
9. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches,
officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests
of the player.
10. Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair
play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and
regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
11. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and
appearance.
12. Not to use or tolerate inappropriate language.
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 to 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 influence, 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 towards 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 Match Officials.
Respect towards 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 supporters.
The 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 regard to the interest 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 has 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 to the best interests of the game, including where
publicly expressing an opinion of the game and any particular aspect 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 by the team, using all permitted means.
2. Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.
3. Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and
techniques.
4. Promote ethical principles.
5. Show due respect to the interests of players, coaches and other officials, at
their own club/team and others.
Obligations towards the Supporters
The team official should:
1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.
Respect towards the Match Officials
A 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.
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:
§ Children enjoying football.
§ A sense of personal achievement.
§ Self-esteem.
§ Assist to improve the child’s skills and techniques.
A parent’s/spectator’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on
a child’s attitude towards:
§ Other players.
§ Officials.
§ Managers.
§ 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:
§ Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.
§ Avoid coaching the child during the game.
§ Not to shout and scream.
§ Respect the referee’s decision.
§ Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most
talented.
§ 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.
|
|
