Alderbury Football Club                             

Club Rules and Constitution

Name

1.    The Club shall be called Alderbury Football Club (the Club)

Object

2.    The object of the Club shall be to promote amateur football in Alderbury, Whaddon and the surrounding area, and community participation in the same.

Status of these rules

3.    These rules (the Club rules) form a binding agreement between each member of the Club.

Conditions

4.    The Club shall have the status of an affiliated member Club to the Football Association by virtue of its affiliation of the Wiltshire F.A.

5.     The Club will abide by the rules and regulations of the Wiltshire F.A., and of any league or cup competitions to which the Club is deemed to be affiliated through agreed entry into any of these competitions. 

Club membership

6.     Membership of the Club shall be open to anyone interested in football regardless of age, sex, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or other beliefs. However, limitation of membership according to available facilities is allowed on a non-discriminatory basis.

7.     The Club may have different classes of membership and subscription on a non-discriminatory and fair basis.

8.     All players become members of the Club upon payment of the annual membership fee for the season in which the payment is made.

9.     Club membership is be terminated by the player’s resignation or expulsion from the Club.

10.A register of members shall be kept by the Club Secretary, and will be made available on demand to the Wiltshire F.A. as required.

11.The amount of the membership fee shall be determined by the Club Committee from time to time, and payable annually by each member. Fees shall not be repayable. The Club will keep subscriptions at levels that will not pose a significant obstacle to people participating.

12.Only current paid up members of the Club may play in matches for the Club. There will be no exceptions to this rule.

Resignation and expulsion

13.A member shall cease to be a member of the Club if, and from the date which he/she gives notice to the Club Committee of their resignation. A member whose annual subscription is more than 2 months in arrears shall be deemed to have resigned.

14.The Club Committee may refuse membership, or expel members, only for good cause such as conduct or character likely to bring the Club or sport into disrepute. Appeal against refusal or removal may be made to the Chairman.

15.A member who resigns or is expelled from the Club shall not be entitled to claim any, or a share of any, of the Club Property.

Club Committee

16.The Club Committee shall consist of not less than six, and not more than fifteen persons to be elected or re-elected at the Annual General Meeting.  All members shall hold office from the date of appointment until the next Annual General Meeting.

17.Within the Club Committee, there shall be the following Club Officers: Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary to be elected by the Club Committee. The Club Committee may appoint such other Club Officers as they deem necessary.

18.The Club Committee shall meet at least once a month, and five members shall constitute a quorum.

19.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 shall have the casting vote in the event of a tie.

20.The Club Committee shall have the power to co-opt additional members that are able to render special services.

21.Decisions of the Club Committee at meetings shall be recorded in written minutes, which shall be distributed to all members of the Club Committee.

22.Save as provided for in the Rules and Regulations of The Football Association and the Wiltshire F.A., the Club Committee shall have the power to decide all questions and disputes arising in respect of any issue concerning the Club Rules.

Annual and Special General Meetings

23.An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held in each year to:

·         Receive a report of the activities of the Club over the previous year

·         Receive a report of the Club’s finances over the previous year

·         Elect the members of the Club Committee

·        Consider any other business requested in advance through the Club Secretary

24.Nominations for the election of members as Club Officers or as members of the Club Committee shall be made by a proposer and seconder, both of whom must be existing members of the Club, to the Club Secretary.

25.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.

26.An Extra-ordinary General Meeting (EGM) shall be called at any time by the Club Committee, and within 21 days of the receipt of a written request signed by one quarter of the Club members, detailing the purposes for which the meeting is required, and the resolutions proposed. Business at the EGM may be any business that may be transacted at an AGM.

27.The Club Secretary shall notify all members through their team manager of the dates of a General Meeting, together with the resolutions to be proposed at least 14 days before the Meeting.

28.The quorum for a General Meeting shall be 10 % of the total membership, or 10 people, whichever is the fewer.

Club Finances and Insurance

29.The Club’s financial year shall run from 1 June to 31 May, and the accounts submitted to the AGM shall be prepared accordingly.

30.The Treasurer shall keep true accounts of all monies received and paid by or on behalf of the Club, and of all matters in respect of which such monies are received or paid, and of the assets and liabilities of the Club.

31.A bank account will be maintained in the name of the Club (the Club Account). Designated signatories for the Club Account shall be the Club Chairperson, the Club Secretary and Treasurer. No sum shall be drawn from the Club Account except by cheques signed by any two of the above three designated signatories.

32.During the continuance of the Club, all surplus income or profits are reinvested in the Club. No surpluses or assets will be distributed to members or third parties.

33.The Club Committee shall ensure that appropriate public liability insurance is in place at all times to protect the Club against any claims for damages that might occur.

34.The Club Committee shall ensure that all playing members are insured for injuries sustained while on Club business to the extent and level defined by the leagues in which teams are entered, and as prescribed by the Wiltshire F.A. from time to time.

35.Aside from the above, the Club shall not be responsible for any injuries to or loss or damage involving any person at any time.

36.Membership and match Fees shall be assessed and agreed at the Annual General Meeting.

37.If a player has failed to pay his/her membership fee, or owes the Club £10 or more in match fees, they shall be suspended from the Club and therefore not eligible to play until the arrears are paid.

38.All players are responsible for their own disciplinary fines.

Alteration to the Club Constitution

39.Alterations to this Constitution shall only be made at an Annual General Meeting, or at an Extra-ordinary General Meeting.

40.Alterations can only be made by a proposer and seconder who are both members of the Club, and must be given in writing to the Club Secretary no later than seven days before the meeting, or in the case of the Annual General Meeting by 30 April in each year. These proposed amendments will then be included in the Agenda for the meeting.

41.No proposal shall be open for discussion other than that on the Agenda.

Dissolution of the Club

42.A resolution to dissolve the Club shall only be proposed at a General Meeting, and shall be carried by a majority of at least three quarters of the members present.

43.The dissolution shall take effect from the date of the resolution, and the members of the Club Committee shall be responsible for winding up of the affairs of the Club, and determining any remaining Club Property (including funds in the Club Account).

44.Upon dissolution, remaining Club Property shall be given or transferred to another registered CASC, a registered charity or to the Football Association. Guidance shall be sought (within the constraints above) from Alderbury Parish Council and other local community figures.

Approved by Special General Meeting of Alderbury Football Club on 20 July 2005.

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Alderbury Football Club - Code of Conduct for Football Community

Football, at all levels, is a vital part of a community. Alderbury Football Club will take into account community feeling when making decisions.

Equality

Alderbury Football is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.

Participants

Alderbury 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. Alderbury Football is committed to appropriate consultation.

Young People

Alderbury Football acknowledges the extent of its influence over young people and pledges to set a positive example.

Propriety

Alderbury 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

Alderbury Football will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved in the game, whether they are individuals, clubs or other organisations.

Violence

Alderbury Football rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game.

Fairness

Alderbury Football is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game.

Integrity and Fair Play

Alderbury Football is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with Fair Play.

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Parents code of Conduct

Children can expect Adults NOT TO:

 Attempt to coach or influence players while they are playing 
 Shout, swear, become violent or use sarcasm
 Ignore children who need help

 Attempt to "referee" the game in anyway -  by appealing for freekicks etc
 Assess players for their competence

 Abuse or argue with the referee or linesman

 Attempt to undermine the coach or team manager
 Enter the field of play at any time

But children can expect adults TO:

 praise effort and performance more than results
 Look for aspects to praise in players who might not otherwise get attention
 Give them clear examples of excellent behaviour
 Show consistency
 Encourage fair play at all times
 Assess players with regards to their skills AND attitudes
 Praise good behaviour quickly to show adults value it
 Help, encourage and support


REMEMBER – CHILDREN DO NOT MEAN TO MAKE MISTAKES

What can adults expect of children?

 Always encourage the rest of your team in a positive way
 Treat your opponents with respect
 Accept success or failure, victory or defeat equally
 Try as hard as you can (within the laws of the game!)
 Accept the decisions of the match officials without protest
 Listen to and work with your coach
 Always look to improve

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FA 'Respect' codes of Conduct

      FA 'Respect' Code of Conduct for Young Players

       FA 'Respect' Code of Conduct for Adult Players

       FA 'Respect' Code of Conduct for Spectators and Parents/Carers 

       FA 'Respect' Code of Conduct for Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials

       FA 'Respect' Code of Conduct for Match Officials

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Alderbury Football Club Equality Policy 

The aim of this policy is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect and that Alderbury Football Club is equally accessible to them all. Alderbury 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.

Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, 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 Club Officers who are responsible for the implementation of this policy.

Alderbury Football Club, in all its activities will not discriminate, or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability. It means that Alderbury Football Club will ensure that 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.

Alderbury 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.

Alderbury Football Club will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs. Alderbury 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 in order to promote the eradication of discrimination and promote equality in football.

Alderbury 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 relevant equalities legislation - Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as well as any amendments to these acts and any new legislation.

Alderbury Football Club commits itself to the immediate investigation of any  claims, when it is 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 imposed as appropriate. 

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Club Complaints Procedure

In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way or that the Club Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct have been broken they should follow the procedures below.

1. They should report the matter to the Club Secretary or another member of the Committee. The report should include:

  • Details of what, when, and where the occurrence took place

  • Any witness statement and names

  • Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way

  • Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to whom made

  • A preference for a solution to the incident

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

3. The Club’s Management Committee will have the power to:

  • Warn as to future conduct

  • Suspend from membership

  • Remove from membership

any person found to have broken the Club’s Policies or Codes of Conduct.

If the complaint is with regard to the Club’s Management Committee the member has the right to report the discrimination direct to the relevant County Football Association.

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