Codes and Policies

Here are our club's Codes of Conduct and Policies. These have been adopted by the Little Oakley Memorial Club and apply to all sections and activities of the club.

Little Oakley Memorial Club - Code of Conduct for Football

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.

Little Oakley Memorial Club - Child Protection Policy

1. Little Oakley Memorial Club and its football sections acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person who has been entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all members.

A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any club football activity. We subscribe to The Football Association’s child protection and best practice policy and procedures and endorse and adopt the policy statement contained in that document.

2. The key principles of The FA child protection policy are that:

The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration. All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation

All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and their parents or carers is essential.

We acknowledge that every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse.

Little Oakley Memorial Club recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.

3. Little Oakley Memorial Club has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is noted and accepted that The Football Association’s child protection regulation applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes those who are a volunteer, match official, helper on club tours, football coach, club official or medical staff.

4. We endorse and adopt The FA’s child protection and best practice guidelines for recruiting volunteers and will:

Develop a role profile

Request identification documents

As a minimum meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible conduct interviews before appointing

Request and follow up with two references before appointing

Require an FA CRB Unit Enhanced Disclosure where appropriate in line with FA guidelines.

All current Little Oakley Memorial Club members with direct access to children and young people will be required to complete a CRB Enhanced Disclosure via The FA CRB Unit.

If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of Little Oakley Memorial Club guidance will be sought from The Football Association. It is noted and accepted that The FA will consider the relevance and significance of the information obtained via The FA CRB Unit Enhanced CRB Disclosure and that all decisions will be made in the best interests of children and young people.

The Football Association

It is accepted that The FA aims to prevent people with a history of relevant and significant offending from having contact with children or young people and the opportunity to influence policies or practice with children or young people. This is to prevent direct sexual or physical harm to children and to minimise the risk of ‘grooming’ within football.

Little Oakley Memorial Club supports The FA’s whistle blowing policy. Any adult or young person with concerns about a colleague can ‘whistle blow’ by contacting The FA child protection manager on 0207 745 4771, by writing to The FA case manager at The Football Association, 25 Soho Square, London W1D 4FA or by going direct to the police, social services or the NSPCC.

Little Oakley Memorial Club encourages everyone to know about it and utilise it if necessary.

6. Little Oakley Memorial Club has appointed a Club Welfare Officer (CWO) in line with The FA’s role profile and required completion of the child protection and best practice workshop. The post holder will be involved with designated person’s training provided by The FA.

The CWO is the first point of contact for all club members and parents or guardians regarding concerns for the welfare of any child or young person. They will liaise directly with the CFA CPO and will be familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns. They will also play a proactive role in increasing an awareness of poor practice and abuse amongst club members.

7. We acknowledge and endorse The FA’s identification of bullying as a category of abuse. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at our club.If bullying does occur, all players, parents or guardians should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly. Incidents need to be reported to the CWO, a member of the committee or, in cases of serious bullying contact the CFA CPO.

8. Codes of conduct for players, parents and spectators, officials and coaches have been implemented by Little Oakley Memorial Club.

In order to validate these codes of conduct the club has clear sanctions to deal with any misconduct at club level and acknowledges the possibility of potential sanctions which may be implemented by leagues or the CFA in more serious circumstances. All prospective members will be informed of these codes.

9. Further advice on child protection matters can be obtained from:

The County Football Association’s Child Protection Officer, whose details can be found in the County Handbook

The Football Association/NSPCC Child Protection

24-Hour Helpline 0808 800 5000

www.TheFA.com/Goal

The FA child protection team 0207 745 4649.

Little Oakley Memorial Club - Code of Conduct for Coaches

Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their concept of ethics are 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 F.A. 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, 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.

Little Oakley Memorial Club - Code of Conduct for Players

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 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.

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.

Little Oakley Memorial Club - Code of Conduct for Team Officials

This 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 for 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 for 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 for the interests of the players, coaches and officials, their own club/team and others.

Obligations towards the Supporters

The team official should

1. Show due respect for 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.

Lt. Oakley Memorial Club - Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination Policy

Equal Opportunities

Little Oakley Memorial 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.

Little Oakley Memorial 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 Club’s policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure.

The 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.

This policy applies to the Club and all of its associated sections and activities.

Little Oakley Memorial 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 Little Oakley Memorial 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:

Advertisements for volunteers.

The selection of candidates as volunteers.

Courses.

External coaching and education activities and awards.

Sports development activities.

Selection for teams.

Appointments to honorary positions.

Little Oakley Memorial 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.

Little Oakley Memorial 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 sport as a whole.

Health and Safety Policy Statement:

Little Oakley Memorial Club is strongly committed to encouraging our adult and our youth members to take part in the club’s activities, but the health, well-being and safety of each individual is always our paramount concern.

Overall and final responsibility for Health and Safety lies with the Management Committee, with day to day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice lying with the staff, sectional committees and volunteers of the club as appropriate.

Risk Assessments (formal and documented) will be carried out and are the responsibility of all staff, sectional committees and volunteers. The findings of the risk assessments will be reported to the Management Committee via the sectional committees, who will action any controls that need to be applied and it will be responsibility of the Management Committee to ensure that the actions are implemented.

Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically and as and when new procedures or equipment is introduced to the club’s activities.

Consultation with section committees and team members will be via committee meetings and team meetings.

The Health and Safety poster is displayed in appropriate offices of the club and Health and Safety advice is available from the Management Committee.

Health and Safety Policy:

To support our Health & Safety policy statement we are committed to the following duties:

· Undertake regular, recorded risk assessment of the club premises and all activities undertaken by the club

· Create a safe environment by putting health & safety measures in place as identified by the assessment

· Ensure that all members are given the appropriate level of training and competition by regularly assessing individual ability dependant on age, maturity and development

· Ensure that all members are aware of, understand and follow the club’s health & safety policy

· Appoint a competent club member to assist with health and safety responsibilities

· Ensure that normal operating procedures and emergency operating procedures are in place and known by all members

· Provide access to adequate first aid facilities, telephone and qualified first aider at all times

· Report any injuries or accidents sustained during any club activity or whilst on the club premises

· Ensure that the implementation of the policy is reviewed regularly and monitored for effectiveness.

As a staff member, volunteer, coach and club member or official you have a duty to:

· Take reasonable care for your own health & safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or not do

· Co-operate with the club on health & safety issues

· Correctly use all equipment provided by the club - people responsible for erecting mobile goals must be familiar with the Mobile Goal Post Safety Code

· Goal posts will be checked on a regular basis and a record kept of the check and it’s results. Adults should put goal nets in place. Use steps to hook on to cross bar.

· Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health, safety or welfare.

Little Oakley Memorial Club Health & Safety Officer : James Martin

First Aid: Location of first aid facilities: In kitchen – cupboard is clearly marked.

On match days and training times additional first aid equipment and facilities are available in the treatment room.

Location of telephones: Club Bar

Note: A mobile phone is very useful for outdoor activities and off-site activities.

Qualified First Aiders: (July 2009) James Martin, John Fidgett, Duncan Carmichael, Matthew Windred, Sarah Bailey, Paul Beasley, Ashley Wood, Gary Rowe, Cassie Howlett, Mark Sharp, Bill Stowe, Lucy Stowe, Jeff Woodgate, Paul Hatherall, Paul Bertram, Jack Thrulow, Peter Tweed, Keith Brown, Colin Young.

Reporting Accidents and Incidents

An accident book is kept in the kitchen along with the first-aid kit.

Volunteers/staff members are responsible for recording accidents and/or dangerous occurrences in the accident book. This applies to on-site and off-site incidents.