rules

2. 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 Blue and Black shirts, Black shorts and Blue or 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.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.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.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.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 Club Welfare Officer, who will oversee ALL matters concerning Child Welfare within the Club. The Club Welfare 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:

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.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 unless the player is aged 16 or over, in which case it is the players responsibility.

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.

Code of Conduct: Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. In the FA’s survey of 37,000 grassroots participants, behaviour was the biggest concern in the game. This included the abuse of match officials and the unacceptable behaviour of over competitive parents, spectators and coaches on the sideline. Play your part and observe the Football Association’s Respect Code of Conduct in everything you do.

On and off the field, I will:

• Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators

• Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game

• Promote Fair Play and high standards of behaviour

• Always respect the match official’s decision

• Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission

• Never engage in public criticism of the match officials

• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour

When working with players, I will:

• Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning

• Explain exactly what I expect of players and what they can expect from me

• Ensure all parents/carers of all players under the age of 18 understand these expectations

• Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying

• Develop mutual trust and respect with every player to build their self-esteem

• Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance

• Ensure all activities I organise are appropriate for the players’ ability level, age and maturity

• Co-operate fully with others in football (e.g. officials, doctors, physiotherapists, welfare officers) for each player’s best interests

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA, league or The FA:

• Required to meet with the club, league or County Welfare Officer

• Required to meet with the club committee

• Monitored by another club coach

• Required to attend a FA education course

• Suspended by the club from attending matches

• Suspended or fined by the County FA

• Required to leave or be sacked by the club

In addition:

• My FACA (FA Coaches Association) membership may be withdrawn

Code of Conduct: Young Players

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. As a player, you have a big part to play. That’s why The FA is asking every player to follow a Respect Code of Conduct.

When playing football, I will:

• Always play to the best of my ability

• Play fairly – I won’t cheat, complain or waste time

• Respect my team-mates, the other team, the referee or my coach/manager

• Play by the rules, as directed by the referee

• Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game

• Listen and respond to what my coach/team manager tells me

• Talk to someone I trust or the club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club.

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA or The FA:

I may:

• Be required to apologise to my team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager

• Receive a formal warning from the coach or the club committee

• Be dropped or substituted

• Be suspended from training

• Be required to leave the club

In addition:

• My club, County FA or The FA may make my parent or carer aware of any infringements of the Code of Conduct

• The FA/County FA could impose a fine and suspension against my club

Code of Conduct: Adult Players

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game Players tell us they want a referee for every match, yet 7,000 match officials drop out each season because of the abuse and intimidation they receive on and off the pitch. Respect your referee today and you may just get one for every match this season. Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for players at all times.

On and off the field, I will:

• Adhere to the Laws of The Game

• Display and promote high standards of behaviour

• Promote Fair Play

• Always respect the match officials decisions

• Never engage in public criticism of the match officials

• Never engage in offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour

• Never engage in bullying, intimidation or harassment

• Speak to my team-mates, the opposition and my coach/manager with respect.

• Remember we all make mistakes.

• Win or lose with dignity. Shake hands with the opposing team and the referee at the end of every game.

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA or The FA:

• Be required to apologise to team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager

• Receive a warning from the coach

• Receive a written warning from the club committee

• Be required to attend a FA education course

• Be dropped or substituted

• Be suspended from training

• Not be selected for the team

• Be required to serve a suspension

• Be fined

• Be required to leave the club

In addition:

• The FA/County FA could impose a fine and/or suspension on the club

Code of Conduct: Spectators and Parents/Carers

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game This club is supporting The FA’s Respect programme to ensure football can be enjoyed in a safe, positive environment. Remember children’s football is a time for them to develop their technical, physical, tactical and social skills. Winning isn’t everything. Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for spectators and parents/carers at all times

I will:

• Remember that children play for FUN.

• Applaud effort and good play as well as success

• Always respect the match officials’ decisions

• Remain outside the field of play and within the Designated Spectators’ Area (where provided)

• Let the coach do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do

• Encourage the players to respect the opposition, referee and match officials

• Avoid criticising a player for making a mistake – mistakes are part of learning

• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA, league or The FA:

I may be:

• Issued with a verbal warning from a club or league official

• Required to meet with the club, league or CFA Welfare Officer

• Required to meet with the club committee

• Obliged to undertake an FA education course

• Obliged to leave the match venue by the club

• Requested by the club not to attend future games

• Suspended or have my club membership removed

• Required to leave the club along with any dependents

In addition:

• The FA/County FA could impose a fine and/or suspension on the club

APPENDIX v

Code of Conduct: Match Officials

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. The behaviour of the match officials has an impact, directly and indirectly, on the conduct of everyone involved in the game – both on the pitch and on the sidelines. Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct of match officials at all time.

I will:

• Be honest and completely impartial at all times

• Apply the Laws of the Game and competition rules fairly and consistently

• Manage the game in a positive, calm and confident manner

• Deal with all instances of violence, aggression, unsporting behaviour, foul play and other misconduct

• Never tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour from players and officials

• Support my match official colleagues at all times

• Set a positive personal example by promoting good behaviour and showing respect to everyone involved in the game

• Communicate with the players and encourage fair play

• Respond in a clear, calm and confident manner to any appropriate request for clarification by the team captains

• Prepare physically and mentally for every match

• Complete and submit, accurate and concise reports within the time limit required for games in which I officiate

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA or The FA:

I may be:

• Required to meet with The FA/County FA Refereeing Official

• Required to meet with The FA/County FA Refereeing Committee

• Obliged to attend or re-attend The FA Respect training or other FA education course

• Issued with a written warning

• Fined by the County FA

• Offered less senior appointments

• Suspended from all appointments for a defined period

• Excluded from affiliating as a FA Referee

I understand that breaches of the code may result in action being taken by my County FA and /or The FA.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Code of Conduct: Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials

Code of Conduct: Young Players

Code of Conduct: Adult Players

Code of Conduct: Spectators and Parents/Carers