Club Constitution and Governing Rules.
1. #9; The Club shall be known as Cottage Farm Rangers FC.
2. #9; The Club shall be affiliated to a recognised County Football Association and shall have its registered ground and/or headquarters within the Tamworth area.
3.a. The purpose of the Club, will be to provide Association Football for both Boys and Girls, teaching them the basic rules and skills of the game, as well as an understanding of teamwork.
3.b. All teams will play in the official Club colours of Azure Blue and Black shirts, Black shorts and Black socks.
4.a. The Club shall have the status of an Affiliated Member Club of the Football Association. The rules and regulations of The Football Association and its 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.
4.b. To ensure that rule 4.a. is adhered to, a Committee shall be elected.
4.c. The Committee shall comprise of Officers and Members. The Officers being a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.
4.d. An Annual General Meeting shall be held each year, where Officers and Committee shall be elected.
4.e. Nominations for the posts of Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, should be sent to the Secretary, so that they are in his/her possession no later than 14 days prior to the AGM.
4.f. All nominations shall be proposed and seconded by Adult members (Over 18) of the Club, and shall be with the consent of the Nominees.
5.a. The Annual General Meeting shall be held every twelve months and ALL members shall be notified of the meeting, not less than six weeks prior to the agreed date of the meeting.
5.b. Only members of the Club shall be able to speak or vote at the AGM.
5.c. All players’ families shall be deemed to be members of the Club. However, in the event of a vote being taken at an AGM, only one vote per family will be permitted and only by an adult member of that family and a direct family member.
5.d. Managers, Trainers, Officers, Committee Members and other persons taking an active role in the running of the Club, shall also be deemed to be members and therefore eligible to vote.
5.e. Proxy votes will not be allowed.
5.f. A Special General Meeting (SGM) may be called at any time by the Committee, and shall be called within twenty one days of the receipt by the Club Secretary, of a requisition, in writing, signed by no less than five Members, stating the purpose for which the Meeting is required and the resolutions proposed. Business at the SGM may be any business that may be transacted at an AGM.
5.g. The Chairman, or in their absence someone appointed by the Committee, shall take their chair. Each member present will have one vote and resolutions shall be passed by a simple majority. In the event of the votes being equal, the Chairman appointed by the Committee will have the casting vote.
5.h. The minutes of all meetings, held for whatever reason, shall be taken by the Club Secretary, or a Committee appointed Minute Secretary.
6.a. Team Managers shall be elected to their posts by the Committee.
6.b. Team Managers will be completely responsible for running and selection of their teams.
6.c. It is the duty of ALL Team Managers, to report any disciplinary matters to the Committee at the earliest possible meeting.
7.a. The Club shall be managed by the Officers and Committee, who shall meet at regular intervals, to deal with any business, as it arises.
7.b. The Committee will appoint a Child Protection Officer, who will oversee ALL matters concerning Child Protection within the Club. The Child Protection Officer will also be responsible for implementing both the FA Child Protection Policies and those of the Club. All incidents arising will be reported to the Committee without delay.
7.c. A minimum of six persons, two of whom will be Officers of the Club, are required to form a quorum, for the discussion and transaction of Club business.
7.d. All communication, except for Bank statements, shall be addressed to the Club Secretary, who will present same at the earliest meeting.
7.e. The Committee shall, if they feel appropriate, form/elect a subcommittee/committees, to carry out specific duties. Each subcommittee shall report back to the main Committee.
7.f. In the event of a proposal at a Committee meeting having to put to a vote, then each member shall have one vote. However, no Committee member may vote on a motion directly appertaining to him/her. In the event of the voting being equal, the Chairman will have the casting vote.
7.g. The Committee shall have the powers to apply, act upon and enforce, the rules of the Club and shall have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Club, including any matters not covered by the rules of the Club.
7.h. The Committee shall have the powers to co-opt Members to fill vacancies that may arise before an AGM.
7.i. The rules governing the Club may only be changed by a Motion of Substance being made at the AGM. Any such Motion, should be made, in writing to the Club Secretary, at least eight weeks prior to an AGM. The Motion will then be voted on by the Club Members (see 5.b., 5.c., 5.d. and 5.e.).
8.a. It is the duty of ALL Officers, Committee, Members Players and Supporters, to conduct themselves in a manner that will not bring the Club into disrepute.
8.b. Acts of misconduct, will be dealt with by the Committee, any person/persons found guilty of same, will be dealt with as the Committee deems fit. This could, in certain circumstances lead to expulsion of the person/persons involved. Any Member being expelled from the Club, will not be entitled to claim any, or a share, of the Clubs property.
8.c. Persons, who require to be dealt with under rule 8.b., shall be notified within fourteen days, of the Committees decision.
8.d. Any person wishing to appeal, shall do so in writing, within seven days of receiving the Committees decision.
8.e. Persons that become liable for fines imposed on them by the Birmingham County FA, or any responsible body, shall be responsible for the payment of any such fines. The Club will accept NO responsibility for the payment of any fines.
9.a. All Players and Members, shall abide by the rules of the Club, as listed herein and of those attached in the following Appendixes:
i. Code of Conduct for Coaches.
ii. Code of Conduct for Players.
iii. Code of Conduct for Team Officials.
iv. Code of Conduct for Parents/Guardians/Spectators.
v. Anti Discrimination Policy.
vi. Equal Opportunities Policy.
vii. Safety Policy (Goal Posts).
9.b. All Team Managers, shall keep a record of the games each player has played for the Club. The Secretary shall be required to inspect these records, as and when deemed necessary.
9.c. No player shall be transferred to another Club, until he/she has discharged their financial liabilities to the club and that ALL equipment, including kit, has been handed back to the Club.
9.d. Players will be required to give reasonable notice of any holidays, or non-availability for matches or training.
9.e. Players must notify their respective Managers, within twenty four hours, of the reasons for non-compliance of rule 9.d.
9.f. All Players/Parents/Guardians are required to complete the Club Parental Consent and Medical Forms prior to the start of each new season. These forms will be kept by each Team Manager, with a copy being retained by the Club Secretary.
10.a All Financial matters, shall be agreed by the Committee and dealt with by the Treasurer.
10.b. The Club shall deposit income, in a bona fide bank and/or building society.
10.c. Accounts opened with a bank or building society, shall be in the name of the Club.
10.d. The account will be operated by two of four named signatories.
10.e. No husband/wife/other family member shall be allowed to be two of the four signatures.
10.f. The Treasurer shall keep a true record of all income and expenditure, and shall present a copy of the Club Accounts, at each AGM.
10.g. The Committee, shall set a subscription fee that they deem fit, to cover the running costs of the Club.
10.h. All Players subscriptions, shall be the responsibility of each players Parent/Guardian.
10.i. Continued non-payment of subscriptions, may result in the suspension of the Player concerned, until such time as the arrears have been settled.
11.a. Any Member, wishing to express their dissatisfaction with the running of the Club, shall do so in writing, within seven days of a particular incident.
11.b. All grievance letters shall be sent to the Club Secretary, so that he/she can present them to the Committee, at the earliest opportunity, for them to discuss and take the appropriate action, as they deem fit.
11.c. A resolution to Dissolve the Club, shall only be proposed at an AGM or SGM. Any resolution so put forward, must be carried by at least 75% of the Members present.
11.d. The dissolution shall take effect from the date of the resolution, and the Members of the Club Committee Shall be responsible for winding up the assets and liabilities of the Club.
11.e. 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 haw the assets shall be utilised for the benefit of the game. Alternatively, such assets may be disposed of in such a way, as the Members of the Club, with the consent of the parent Association, shall determine.
Adopted by the Committee of Cottage Farm Rangers FC 7.7.1994.
Amended by motion of substance, CFRFC AGM 29.7.1999.
Amended by motion of substance, CFRFC AGM 28.6.2001.
R.White. R.Bynt
Chairman. Secretary
APPENDIX i
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 personnel 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/guardian) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their Coaches.
9. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, and 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, behaviour contrary to the spirit 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. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
APPENDIX ii
1. Make every effort to develop their own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.
Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if the team is in a position where the desired result has already been established.
Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time-wasting.
Always have best regard for the interests of the game, especially where expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
Do not use inappropriate language.
2. Make every effort consistent with fair play and the laws of the game, to help their own team win.
Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question their commitment to the team winning.
3. Know and abide by the laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules.
Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.
Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques.
4. Treat opponents with respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.
Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and to help injured opponents.
5. Accept the decision of the match official, without protest.
Avoid actions or words that may mislead match officials.
Show due respect towards match officials.
6. Abide by the instructions of their coach and team officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this code.
Show due respect towards the team officials of the opposition.
7. Show due respect in the interest of supporters.
APPENDIX iii
Code of Conduct for Team Officials.
1. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
Promote and develop their own team, having regard to the interests of the players,
supporters and reputation of the national game.
Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so, taking into account the interest
of the body that has requested this, rather than personnel interest.
Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
Show due respect to match officials and others involved in the game.
Always have regard for the best interest in the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
Do not use or tolerate inappropriate language or behaviour.
2. Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club/team, and obtain the best results for the team, using all permitted means.
Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.
Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.
Promote ethical principles.
Show due respect for the interests of the players, coaches and officials, their own club/team and others.
3. Show due respect for the interests of supporters.
4. Accept decisions of the match officials without protest.
Avoid words or actions which may mislead a match official.
Show due respect towards match officials.
APPENDIX iv
Code of Conduct for Parents and Spectators.
Parents/Spectators, have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because they first and foremost enjoy the game - it’s fun. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football within the club, it is important to reinforce the message to Parents/Spectators that positive encouragement will contribute to:
Children enjoying football.
A sense of personnel achievement.
Self-esteem.
Improving 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 the club are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children, not just their own. Parents/Spectators should be encouraged to:
Applaud the opposition as well as their own team.
Avoid coaching the child during the game.
Not to shout and scream.
Respect the Referee’s decision.
Give attention to all of the children involved, not just the most talented.
Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football.
Ensure that Parents/Spectators within the club, agree and adhere to the club’s code of conduct and child protection policy.
APPENDIX v
Cottage Farm Rangers FC 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 Cottage Farm Rangers FC means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.
This includes:
The advertisement for volunteers.
The selection of candidate volunteers.
Courses.
External coaching.
Football development activities.
Selection of teams.
Appointments to Honorary positions.
Cottage Farm Rangers FC will not tolerate sexually or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with the appropriate action, in whatever context it occurs.
Cottage Farm Rangers FC is committed to the development of the programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities, in order to promote eradication of discrimination from within it’s own organisation, and within football as a whole.
APPENDIX vi.
Cottage Farm Rangers FC is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members, and requires all members of whatever level and authority, to abide and adhere to this general principal and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Commission for Racial Equality.
All members are expected to abide by the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1986 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Specifically discrimination is prohibited by:
Treating any individual on grounds of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability less favourable than others.
Expecting an individual solely on the grounds stated above to comply with requirements for any reason whatsoever related to their membership, which are different from the requirements of others.
Imposing in individuals, requirements which are more onerous than they are on others. For example, this would include applying a condition 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, by virtue of discrimination.
Any other act or omission of an act, which has as it’s 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, it is essential that merit, experience, skill and temperament are considered as objectively as possible.
Cottage Farm Rangers FC commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims of discrimination on the above grounds, and where such discrimination is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice cease forthwith, restitution of damage or loss, and to investigate any member accused of such discrimination.
Any member of Cottage Farm Rangers FC 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 procedures.
Cottage Farm Rangers 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 given to such members who request it.
APPENDIX vii.
1. For safety reasons, goalposts of any size (including those which are portable and not installed permanently at a pitch or practice ground) must always be anchored securely.
Portable goalposts must be secured by the use of chain anchors or appropriate anchor weights or heavy duty pegs, to prevent them from toppling over
It is essential, that under no circumstances, should children or adults be allowed to climb, swing on or play with the structures of the goalposts.
Particular attention should be drawn to the fact, that if not properly assembled and secured, portable goalposts may topple over.
Regular inspection of goalposts should be carried out, to check that they are kept properly maintained.
2. Portable goalposts should not be left in place after use. They should be dismantled and removed to a place of secure storage.
3. It is strongly recommended that nets should be secured by plastic hooks or tape, and should not be secured by metal cup hooks. Any metal cup hooks should be removed and replaced. New goalposts should not be purchased if they include metal cup hooks which cannot be replaced.
4. Goalposts which are "Home made", or which have been altered from their original size or construction, should not be used. These have been the cause of a number of deaths and injuries.
5. Guidelines to prevent toppling:
Ensure each goal is anchored securely in its place.
Exert a significant downward force on the crossbar.
Exert a significant forward force on both the uprights.
Exert a significant backward force on both the uprights.
Repeat these guidelines until it is established that the structure is secure. If not, alternative goalposts/pitches should be used.
Remember, these guidelines are only for goalposts, but due care and attention should be given to all forms of equipment used.