Club Rules & Constitution.

Name.

   The club shall be called PURTON JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB (the Club).

Objectives.

   The objectives of the Club shall be to arrange association football matches and social activities for its members.

Status Of Rules.

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

Rules And Regulations.

• The Club is formed under the auspices of Purton Football Club and forms part of that club. Affiliation to The Football Association shall be by virtue of the association with Purton Football Club and its affiliation to/membership of The Football Association. The Rules and Regulations of The Football Association Limited and Wiltshire County Association and Purton Football Club 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.
• Any alterations to the Club Rules will be confirmed to the parent Association.
• 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. 

Club Membership.

• 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.
• 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.
• In the event of a member’s resignation or expulsion, his or her name shall be removed from the Membership Register.
• The Football Association and parent County Association shall be given access to the Membership Register on demand.

Monthly Membership Fee.

• A monthly 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 monthly by each member. Fees shall not be repayable.
• The Club Committee shall have the authority to levy further subscriptions from the members as are reasonably necessary to fulfil the objectives of the Club.

Resignation And Expulsion.

• 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. The Club can also, at its discretion, deem that a member has resigned when the annual membership fee or further subscription is more than 2 months in arrears.
• 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.
• A member who resigns or is expelled shall not be entitled to claim any, or a share of any, of the Club Property.

Club Commitee.

• The Club Committee shall consist of the following Club Officers: Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Child Protection Officer and other Club Membersappointed to be responsible for each of the Club’s football teams, elected at an Annual General Meeting.
• 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 chairperson or in their absence the vice chairperson. The quorum for the transaction of business of the Club Committee shall be five.
• Decisions by the Club Committee at meetings shall be recorded in a set of Minutes maintained by the Club Secretary.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Annual And Special General Meetings.

• 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
• Nominations for election of members as Club Officers or as members of the Club Committe shall be made by a proposer and seconder, both of whom must be existing members of the Club. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• The quorum for a AGM or SGM shall be 10.
• The Chairperson, 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.
• The Club Secretary, or in their absence a member of the Club Committee, shall record Minutes of the meeting.

Club Teams.

   The Club shall appoint a Club member 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 AGM a brief report on the activities of the team. 

Club Finances.

• A bank account shall be opened and maintained in the name of the Club (the Club Account). The Club shall agree designated account signatories. No sum shall be drawn from the Club Account except by cheque signed by the designated signatories or other appropriate instruction to the bank signed by the designated signatories. All monies payable to the Club shall be received by the Treasurer and deposited in the Club Account.
• The income and assets of the Club (the Club Property) shall be applied only in furtherance of the objects of the Club.
• 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.
• The Club shall prepare an annual Financial Statement in such form as shall be published by The Football Association from time to time.
• The Club Property shall be dealt with as directed by such decision(s) reached by the Club Committee. Entry in the Club’s Minutes shall be conclusive evidence of such decision(s).

Dissolution.

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

Code of Conduct

   This Code of Conduct is applicable to everyone involved with Purton Junior Football Club (the Club), whether as a player, match official, coach, spectator, etc. Everyone has 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 Club and the game of football is, and remains, high.

• Community. Football, at all levels, is a vital part of a community. The Club will use its best endeavours to take into account community feeling when making decisions.
• Equality. The Club is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.
• Participants. The Club 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. The Club is therefore committed to appropriate consultation.
• Young People. The Club acknowledges the extent of its influence over young people and pledges to set a positive example.
• Propriety. The Club has set high standards of financial and administrative behaviour, and will not tolerate corruption or improper practices.
• Trust and Respect. The Club will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved in the game, whether they are individuals, clubs or other organisations.
• Violence. The Club rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game.
• Fairness. The Club is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game.
• Integrity and Fair Play. The Club is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with Fair Play.

Code of Conduct for Coaches.

   Managers, assistant managers, team officials, or anyone involved with coaching at the Club (herein collectively known as "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, this 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.

   Set out below is the Club 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:

• Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
• Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
• Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
• Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
• Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
• Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
• Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players. 
• 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. 
• Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player. 
• 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.
• Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
• Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Code of Conduct for Players.

   Players are the most important people in the sport. Playing for a 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 of Conduct identifies the key concepts for all players at the Club. 

Obligations towards the game.

   A player should:

• 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 his team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.
• Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
• Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time-wasting.
• Always have regard for 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.
• Not use inappropriate language.

Obligations towards the Club.

A player should:

• Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help his own team win.
• 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:

• 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. 

Respect towards Opponents.

A player should:

• Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.
• Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents. 

Respect towards the Match Officials.

A player should:

• Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest.
• Avoid words or actions, which may mislead a Match Official.
• Show due respect towards Match Officials.

Respect towards the Club Team Officials.

A player should:

• 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.

Obligations towards the Supporters.

A player should:

• Show due respect to the interests of supporters (from both teams).

Code of Conduct for Parents / Spectators.

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 the 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.
• 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. 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 the Club agree and adhere to the Club Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.

Anti Discrimination Policy.

   Purton Junior 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 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 Purton Junior Football Club 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:

• The advertisement for volunteers.
• The selection of candidates for volunteers.
• Courses.
• External coaching and education activities and awards.
• Football development activities.
• Selection for teams.
• Appointments to honorary positions. 
• Purton Junior Football Club 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.
• Purton Junior Football Club is committed to the development of the programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities, in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation, and within football as a whole.

Equal Opportunities Policy.

   Purton Junior Football Club is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members of whatever level or authority, to abide and adhere to this general principle and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission and 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 or ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability less favourably than others.
• Expecting an individual solely on the grounds stated above to comply with requirement(s) for any reason whatsoever related to their membership, which are different from the requirements for others.
• Imposing on an individual requirements which are in effect more onerous on that individual 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 its 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, skills and temperament are considered as objectively as possible. 

   Purton Junior Football Club commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims of discrimination on the above grounds and where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice cease forthwith, restitution of damage or loss (if necessary) and to the investigation of any member accused of discrimination. 

   Any member 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 procedure. 

   The Football Club 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 made to such members who request it. 

Goalpost Safety Guidelines.

• For safety reasons goalposts of any size (including those which are portable and not installed permanently at a pitch or practice field) must always be anchored securely to the ground.
  • Portable goalposts must be secured by the use of chain anchors or appropriate anchor weights to prevent them from toppling forward.
  • 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 is drawn to the fact that if not properly assembled and secured, portable goalposts may topple over.
  • Regular inspections of goalposts should be carried out to check that they are kept properly maintained.
• Portable goalposts should not be left in place after use. They should be dismantled and removed to a place of secure storage. 
• It is strongly recommended that nets should only be secured by plastic hooks or tape and not 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.
• 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. 

Guidelines to prevent toppling.

• Follow Manufacturer’s guide-lines in assembling goalposts.
• Before use, adults should:
  • ensure each goal is anchored securely in its place
  • exert a significant downward force on the cross bar
  • exert a significant backward force on both upright posts
  • exert a significant forward force on both upright posts (These must be repeated until it is established that the structure is secure. If not, alternative goals/pitches must be used)

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, should follow the procedures below.

• They should report the matter to any 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.
• The Club’s Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested.
• The Club’s 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