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Club Constitution The Old Egbertian Association was founded in 1928 for the benefit of the pupils of St. Egberts College which was sited behind the present Town Hall in the Ridgeway, Chingford until its closure in 1970. Old Boys of the school formed a separate football club and played for many years in The Old Boys Football League until the league went open in 1982 and subsequently became the Amateur Football Combination in 2002. The club developed over subsequent years into its present form of a football and social club. The club newsletter is still sent to many old boys who still show a keen interest in our activities. It is acknowledged that the hard work and dedication of many individuals over the years have contributed to the present day success of the Egbertian FC.
Peter Burke February 1997
Contents General 1. Title, Objective and Affiliation 2. Club Membership and Player Registration 3. Governance 6. Selection Rules and Guidelines 8. Extraordinary General Meeting 10. Veteran Football 11. Training 19. Club Disciplinary Procedures 20. Club Fines 22. AFA Disciplinary Procedures 23. Dissolution of the Football Club 24. Other
The Egbertian Football Club Constitution, Rules and Guidelines
General All previous rules are hereby cancelled.
Any player representing the Egbertian Football Club, whether a fully paid up member or otherwise, whether a membership form has been signed or received by the club, is bound to abide by the rules of this Constitution.
Further copies of this Constitution are available upon request.
1 Title, Objective and Affiliation 1.1 The club shall be called The Egbertian Association Football Club. All references hereafter to the above are referred to as The Club.
1.2 The object of the club is to foster and provide competitive football for players in membership.
1.3 The club shall be an affiliated member of one of the parent counties of the Football Association (currently the Amateur Football Alliance).
1.4 The Club colours shall be green shirts with red shorts and stockings.
1.5 The minimum age for a club member shall be sixteen years of age as at 31st August for the forthcoming season.
1.6 The number of teams to be fielded for the following season shall be decided by the committee at the last committee meeting of the preceding season. This number shall be proposed and agreed at the AGM.
Notes: During the following rules and suggestions club members may also be referred to as players.
2 Club Membership and Player Registration 2.1 The definition of a club member is a person who has completed an official player registration form, pays the appropriate membership fee, and has his application approved by the committee. A club member is only to be considered as such when the aforementioned criteria has been satisfied.
2.2 Any person wishing to join the club shall make an application on an official player registration form. All such applications shall be considered at the next scheduled committee meeting. Applications shall be elected to membership upon a majority vote in favour by those committee members present. On election, the members name shall be entered on the membership register and circulated to the club captains. The applicant, if successful, shall not be deemed a club member until full payment of the appropriate membership fee has been received.
2.3 Existing club members have preference over new applications but only if their application is made with the appropriate payment before August 31st. After this date the club welcomes new applications.
2.4 Each club member must abide by the club rules and regulations of this Constitution and make themselves familiar with and pay due attention to the disciplinary procedures.
2.5 The number of club members shall be adjusted according to the number of teams fielded and the committees discretion.
2.6 A full list of club members is available upon request from the Treasurer.
2.7 Only club members are eligible to receive any of the club awards or trophies.
Associate Membership
Associate membership is available to those who still wish to be associated with the club but is unavailable to play for the whole of the season. This may be those who live out of the area or those studying away from home.
2.8 An applicant shall become an Associate member on completion of an application form, payment of the appropriate membership fee and approval by the committee.
2.9 The Associate membership fee shall be set at the AGM.
2.10 An Associate member may play a maximum of four games for the club during the course of a season.
2.11 An Associate member shall receive all correspondents, newsletters etc that full members receive.
2.12 An Associate member shall be eligible to participate in all the clubs social events, sporting competitions and shall be invited to all of the club’s social functions.
2.13 All other rules pertaining to club membership apply.
3.1 The Club shall be managed by an Executive Committee, elected annually by the club members at the AGM, consisting of the following: Chairman Vice- Chairman Honourary Secretary Honourary Treasurer Honourary Fixture Secretary Trustees (four including Chairman and Treasurer) Old Boys Representative Player Liaison Officer
The Executive committee shall in turn appoint Team Captains. Team Captains
3.2 Any member who wishes to stand for a captaincy position shall apply prior to the AGM or at the AGM should the Chairman deem it to be appropriate. Only club members may stand for a captaincy position.
The Executive committee shall appoint team captains as it deems fit based upon the requirements of the club.
Committee meetings
3.3 A committee meeting shall be called by the Honourary Secretary a least once every six weeks and preferably once per calender month. A minimum of five shall be held during the season. Five days notice shall be given with a full agenda to all committee members.The minutes of the previous meeting shall be enclosed. The Honourary Secretary shall take the minutes of the meeting. In his absence, the Vice Chairman and then the Chairman shall take the minutes.
3.4 The quorum at committee meetings shall be five.
3.5 The committee shall have the power to suspend or expel any of its members for continued non- attendance at Committee meetings and fill the vacancy in their number.
3.6 Captains, or in their absence vice captains, are obligated to attend the committee meetings.
3.7 Only committee members may attend committee meetings. Non committee members may only attend with the prior knowledge and approval of the Chairman.
Extraordinary committee meetings
3.8 Any
committee member has the power to call an Extraordinary committee meeting
3.9 A quorum at an Extraordinary Committee meeting shall be five.
Trustees
3.10 The trustees shall number not more than four and not less than two. Two of whom shall be the current Chairman and Treasurer.
3.11 The
trustees, other than the Chairman and Treasurer, shall be elected at the AGM
3.12 Any vacancy shall be filled by the club committee and be subject to the approval of the next AGM. 3.13 The trustee’s sole purpose is to distribute the funds and assets of the football club as directed and minuted by the resolution of the Extraordinary General Meeting (rule 8) convened to deal with the dissolution of the football club (rule 23).
Voting at Committee meetings
3.14 All decisions at committee meeting shall be conducted by a vote consisting of a show of hands following a proposal. All committee members present including the Chairman are entitled to vote. In the event of an inconclusive decision the Chairman shall have the casting vote.
3.15 Each committee position is entitled to one vote. A committee member is entitled to hold more than one position but is only entitled to have one vote.
3.16 Only committee members in attendance at a meeting are entitled to vote. However, the Chairman as his discretion may allow proxy votes for matters on the agenda.
3.17 If the captain and vice captain from the same team are present then only one vote can be cast. In the absence of the captain the vice captain may vote on his behalf.
3.18 The committee shall have the power to suspend or expel any committee member without assigning any reason whatsoever following a successful proposal by the Chairman or by two committee members.
Election of Committee Members
3.19 Only club members may stand for a committee position. In exceptional circumstances the committee may accept a non member onto the committee but only after an application, discussion and a successful vote.
3.20 Any club member wishing to stand for a committee position for the following season shall do so at the AGM and must make an application to the Club Secretary no later than five days before the AGM unless under provisions of rule 3.20.
3.21 No application may be made on the night of the AGM unless (a) the Chairman invites applications because he has not received any applications for a specific position. (b) he feels that by accepting an application, even if he has already received one for that position, it is in the best interests of the club.
3.22 All applicants will be forwarded to the AGM by the Chairman, must be seconded by a club member and shall be voted upon by a show of hands.
3.23 A club member may only stand for one captaincy position unless there is a captaincy position vacant, subject to the permission of the Chairman.
3.24 A club member may apply to the committee for any position left vacant after the AGM. The application needs to be proposed and seconded by two committee members and ratified for it to be successful. 3.25 Any change of personnel or to the elected positions at the AGM must be proposed and ratified by the committee at the next committee meeting before they come into effect.
Vice Captains
3.26 Captains may name one person as their vice captain at a committee meeting and that person shall be officially recorded as such. A change of vice captain is only accepted when minuted at a committee meeting or after the prior approval of the Chairman.
3.27 An official vice captain may play for a higher team if he wishes to do so but is not obligated to do so under the provisions of rule 6.12.
Committee position responsibilities
3.28 Player Liaison Officer
The player liaison officer’s role is to ensure the smooth running of the selection process and to oversee the selection of players. He is to ensure that club members have preference over non club members and maintain the Player Emergency List. He is to keep a comprehensive list of the players selected for each team and produce this list at committee meeting for discussion. He shall be involved in player discipline as the committee sees fit. He is to ensure the smooth running of the two game rule and shall bring its abuse or any other indiscretion by the captains to the committees attention. He shall also make captains aware of any new players and their playing standard and make captains aware of any players that are playing beneath their capable standard.
4.1 A bank account shall be opened in the name of the club and maintained by the Treasurer. All monies payable to the club shall be received by the Treasurer and paid in the club account.
4.2 There shall be three account signatories including the Treasurer, Chairman and one other suitable member of the committee that has been agreed by the committee and minuted as such.
4.3 No sum shall be drawn from the club account except by cheque signed by two of the three designated signatories.
4.4 The income and assets of the club (club property) shall be applied only in furtherance of the objects of the club.
4.5 The committee shall have power to authorise the payment of remuneration and expenses to any member of the club and to any person or persons for services rendered to the club.
4.6 The Treasurer shall prepare an annual financial statement which shall be made available at the AGM.
Membership fees
5.1 Each club member shall pay a membership fee and match fee.
5.2 The club membership fee shall be proposed by the committee and ratified at the AGM.
5.3 Late applicants shall pay the membership fee as set at the AGM if three or more games are played for any team before Christmas. If less than two games are played 50% of the membership fee is applicable.
5.4 Failure to pay the membership fee after two requests will render the player ineligible to play the following Saturday for any of the club teams.
Match fees
5.5 Only those club members who have paid the full amount of the appropriate membership fee shall have voting rights.
5.6 Failure to pay match fees for two consecutive weeks will lead to membership suspension and will render the player ineligible to play until the arrears are fully paid. The club reserves the right to require a security deposit.
5.7 The club shall operate a system of half membership and match fees for the unemployed, school pupils and full time students. The club reserves the right to have physical documentation of the above. The committee reserves the right to impose full match or membership fees at any time without assigning reason.
5.8 Applications for reduced membership or match fees must be made to the applicants captain and then ratified by the committee at the next scheduled committee meeting. Each case shall be judged on its merits and judged accordingly. The captain shall inform the applicant of the outcome. The club shall continue to charge the full fees until the application is heard. Should the application be successful there will be no refund of monies for the interim period. The player shall pay the revised fee for the next game.
5.9 The match fees for friendly matches shall be the full match fee as appropriate.
5.10 The match fee for a‘double header” i.e when two matches are played consecutively on the same day shall be one applicable match fee for the first game and 50% of the same match fee for the second game.
5.11 A member may request that his membership be refunded by applying in writing to the Secretary stating his reasons. His application will be put forward to the committee for consideration. The Secretary will inform the member of the committee’s decision but is not obliged to state a reason if the application has been rejected.
6 Selection Rules and Guidelines 6.1 All players representing the club must have completed a player registration form before he takes the field of play.
6.2 Team captains can only select club members. A full membership register is available from the Treasurer and the Player Liaison Officer (PLO). A club member automatically joins the player register list kept by the PLO from which the captains selects their players.
6.3 The selection process is as follows: (a) The first team captain selects his eleven players plus any substitutes from the whole of the player register list. (b) The second team captain selects his eleven players plus substitutes from the remainder of the unselected club players. (c) The third and then the remaining teams follows suit with the lowest team picking from the remaining club players that have not been selected for the higher teams.
6.4 Under no circumstances must a non club member play for any of the club teams without the prior knowledge of the player liaison officer. In the event of this happening the captain concerned will be accountable to the player liaison officer and the committee.
6.5 After a captain has selected his team he shall confirm it with the PLO later on in the week who will amend the membership register accordingly. All teams should be confirmed by Thursday at 9pm.
6.6 Each captain can select any applicable player from the membership register up until 8pm on the Thursday night prior to match day. After that time, if another player is required, the captain shall contact the player liaison officer (PLO) who will supply a list of available club members. In the event of there being no club member available, the captain, in conjunction with the player liaison officer, will endeavour to fill the place from outside the membership list and from the approved emergency player list.
6.7 In an emergency situation, which must be notified and agreed by the PLO, one player may be selected up until 8pm on Friday night.
6.8 The club’s selection rule (6.6) shall apply to friendly games. However, league fixtures shall have preference over friendly games even after the eight o’clock Thursday deadline. It is therefore suggested that captains with friendly games select more than eleven players to take into account the possibility of losing players during the latter part of the week.
6.9 If a player is suspended from playing by the club or the league, he is not eligible to play for any of the teams (including substitute) until he has completed that suspension and repaid any outstanding fines to the club. The player shall be notified of any ban and any fine by the disciplinary officer or, in his absence, the PLO.
6.10 If a player is deselected (i.e dropped) then the team captain below must select that player for at least one week, at least as a substitute. 6.11 If a player is unavailable as a result of work commitments, injury or for any other reason apart from deselection, the captain that the player was previously playing for has no obligation to select him when he is next available. The player joins the player register list and is eligible to play for whoever selects him.
6.12 A player has an obligation to play for the highest team appropriate to their ability when asked to do so. Failure to comply may lead to disciplinary action under 19.4.
6.13 Captains should encourage players of a higher standard than their own team to play for a higher team and should inform the PLO and the appropriate captain of their existence.
6.14 Captains must not adopt a squad system which is contrary to league rules.
6.15 It is the captains responsibility to ensure that the players that he selects are club members.
6.16 In the event of a team’s game being cancelled, players can be picked up on a ‘first to contact’ basis no matter from which team the captain represents after the Thursday deadline (6.6).
6.17 Two game rule The only exception to the club members only rule (6.2) is the two game rule as follows:
If a person has expressed a genuine desire to join the club and a captain is willing to sponsor and play him then he can play a maximum of two consecutive games for that team. After these games the captain, if he sees fit, shall ask him to join the club. If he wishes to do so and membership is received by the Treasurer before the next scheduled game then, subject to ratification at the next committee meeting, he may join the club and continue playing. If, however he does not wish to join or fails to pay the membership fee in time then he may not play for the club again unless under the jurisdiction of the Player Emergency List or until the club has received the appropriate membership fee.
The two game rule is to allow possible new members to join the club by initially playing in the team that their friends play in. It is only applicable if there are available memberships.
This rule is not designed for the convenience of last minute team selections.
6.18 Players are only eligible to play under the two game rule with the prior knowledge and consent of the PLO.
Approved Emergency player list
This is a list kept by the PLO of players who are available to play one off games. Typically they may be ex club members who live out of the area or players who are looking for an occasional game but cannot commit themselves regularly. Captains notes and suggestions
(S1) It is suggested that the captain contacts the player to deselect him before the lower captains selects him. This promotes harmony within the club and helps avoids resentment.
(S2) Each captain should report to the clubhouse after Saturdays game to submit their proposed team at a selection meeting for the following week. Failure to do this disrupts the selection process.
(S3) It is suggested that each captain, especially from the higher teams, bring a substitute into the equation. This should avoid having to play with ten men which is considered highly unnecessary with a full membership. This will help encourage some of the younger players to play for the higher teams.
(S4) Captains should select their players on merit and not for any other reason.
(S5) Captains should avoid allowing cliches developing within their team.
(S6) When selecting a player to fill an available place, captains are encouraged to select ‘like for like’ i.e a right back for a right back and not simply juggle their team about to accommodate the same set of players. This ensures that the best players play in the correct position for the highest team and promotes movement amongst the teams.
(S7) Captains are responsible for knowing the availability of their players such as when they will be unavailable for holiday and when they will be back. This is considered essential to the smooth running of the selection process. They should also inform the PLO of any known absentees throughout the club due to injury, illness, holidays etc.
(S8) Captains should select their players as early in the week as possible with the top two teams by Monday night at the latest. This avoids knock on effects later on during the week should teams change.
(S9) To avoid possible selection problems it is suggested that the captains pursue their intended players for their membership before the season starts.
(S10) It is the captains responsibility to ensure that his players who are representing the club are of good character and are an asset to the good name of the club.
(S11) It is the captain’s responsibility to ensure that his players are aware of the club rules and Constitution and that they will abide by them.
7.1 The AGM shall be held annually not later than June 30th of each year. The date shall be set at the last committee meeting of the season. The Secretary shall notify the club membership of the date giving at least ten days notice.
7.2 Only club members may vote at the AGM. However, the Chairman may grant voting rights to non clubmembers as he sees fit if he considers it appropriate. 7.3 The purpose of the AGM is to: (a) Receive a report on the activities of the club during the current season. (b) Receive a report on the Club’s finances during the current season. (c) Elect officers to serve on the committee for the following season. (d) Set membership and match fees. (e) Ratify the Club Constitution. (f) Establish the number of teams for the following season. (g) Consider any other business.
7.4 All voting shall be decided by a majority vote of those members present and eligible to vote.
7.5 Any member shall have the right to raise an issue at the AGM and have it minuted by the Secretary.
7.6 The quorum at the AGM shall be ten.
8 Extraordinary General Meetings 8.1 The Chairman of the committee shall have the power to call an Extraordinary General Meeting of the club membership as he sees fit. The Hon Secretary shall notify the club membership giving at least ten days notice.
8.2 Any member can request an Extraordinary General Meeting by notifying the Hon Secretary in writing supported by the signatures of twelve club members. The reason for the meeting shall be stated and this reason only shall be entertained. No decisions other than relating to the matter in question shall be made. Upon receiving the request the Hon Secretary shall convene five members of the Committee and five representatives of the twelve signatories for discussion. Should it subsequently be deemed appropriate by the Committee representatives that an Extraordinary General Meeting be called then the Hon Secretary shall do so giving ten days notice to the club membership.
8.3 The quorum at an Extraordinary General Meeting shall be ten.
9.1 The Club Constitution shall be previously agreed by the committee and proposed by the Chairman for ratification at the AGM.
9.2 Any amendments or additions to the Constitution may be proposed by any club member at the AGM by submitting a proposal to the Hon Secretary in writing stating the rule or revision changes and signed by two club members no later than five days before the AGM. The proposal shall be raised at the AGM, and if approved, shall be passed forward to the next seasons committee for discussion and ratification at the first scheduled committee meeting. However, the Chairman, at his discretion, may accept proposals at the AGM without prior notice.
The result of a successful (or unsuccessful) proposal from a club member shall be notified to the membership as soon as practical after the AGM.
9.3 Only the committee can effect changes to the Constitution following (a) a successful proposal at the AGM that is later ratified by the committee or (b) a successful proposal by the committee that is later ratified at the AGM.
9.4 The committee may propose any amendments or additions to the Constitution and if successful implement them during the course of the season if they consider it to be prudent to do so and in the best interests of the club. Any such changes shall form part of the proposed constitution to be presented at the next AGM.
10 Veteran Team Veteran football is played on a Saturday afternoon in a series of friendly games.
10.1 The minimum age for veteran club members shall be 35 years old as at 31st August for the forthcoming season. There is no provision for under age players.
10.2 Each player who wishes to play veteran football shall be registered as such with the club on completion of the appropriate application form, and payment of the appropriate membership fee. All applications shall be put forward to and must be approved by the committee.
10.3 Only registered players shall play veteran football.
10.4 The minimum age for veteran club members for cup competitions shall be dictated by the rules of the competition and adhered to by the club.
10.5 All veteran players must become members of the Egbertian Football Club. The membership fee shall be set at the AGM.
10.6 All veteran players must pay a match fee. The match fee shall be set at the AGM.
10.7 Veteran club members are bound to abide by the rules of the club and its Constitution.
10.8 Veteran players are not obligated to play for the mainstream teams when asked to do so (mainstream players are currently obliged to play for the captain of the highest team that requests him to do so).
However, Veteran players must recognise that they are part of the football club and be willing to help out from time to time. This may mean playing for the mainstream club or refereeing. This will minimise the loss of key players and referees to the veteran team.
10.9 A Veteran team captain must be proposed and be elected to the committee under rule 3.1.
11 Training 11.1 The club shall provide adequate training facilities, if the committee feels that it is financially viable to do so and there is adequate interest from clubmembers, which shall be free of charge to club members. The club reserves the right to impose a charge to non club members to be decided by the committee.
12.1 The club shall supply each team with the following: A full football kit comprising: Fourteen shirts Fourteen shorts and stocking. A kit bag for the above Access to a match ball for home games A training football A pump and adaptor One hot or cold spray. First Aid Kit
13.1 Each team shall vote for their own player of the year. The vote shall be organised by the captain and must be completed before the last game of the season.
13.2 It is the captains responsibility to notify the committee member responsible for purchasing the trophies of the outcome at least one week prior to the Awards presentation.
13.3 Only players who are members are eligible to cast or receive a vote, i.e a non member shall not be entitled to receive a trophy.
13.4 Only players who have played six league games for the individual team are entitled to cast or receive a vote.
(S) Suggestion It is suggested that the captains ask their players to vote for three players and allocate three marks for first choice, two for the second and three for the third. This ensures a democratic outcome as some players find it unfair to vote for one player only.
14.1 The committee shall vote for the clubman of the year at the last committee meeting of the season.
14.2 The award is made to the person (club member or otherwise) who in the opinion of the committee has made the most significant contribution to the running of the club in his elected position and/or otherwise.
14.3 Only committee members who have attended at least three committee meetings shall be eligible to vote. The Chairman shall also initially vote but, in the event of the initial vote being undecided, shall cast the deciding vote. 14.4 Each committee member shall be asked to make his selection in a secret ballot in writing which shall be collected by the Chairman. Any outstanding votes shall be collected at a later date by the Chairman.
14.5 The award shall be unannounced until the Awards presentation.
15.1 The club shall provide a clubhouse for after match facilities for the club membership and opposition. It shall have adequate bar and catering facilities. The club shall endeavour to provide, for a fee, suitable after match food for the membership.
16.1 The club shall have an open access policy and shall not discriminate or in anyway treat anyone less favourably by reason of race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic origin or sexual preference. The club will promote measures to prevent it; in any form whatsoever from being expressed.
16.2 The club sees itself as an active part of the community and shall have an equal opportunity policy including: (a) The advertisement and recruitment of volunteers. (b) The selection of committee members and team captains. (c) External coaching and education activities and awards. (d) Internal club awards. (e) Football Development Activities. (f) Team selection.
16.3 The club will not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal and will ensure that such behaviour is met with the appropriate disciplinary action.
16.4 The club will not tolerate victimisation or harassment of an individual, by virtue of discrimination.
16.5 The club will immediately investigate any claims of discrimination, victimisation or harassment on the above grounds and will investigate and deal with the person concerned appropriately.
16.6 The club commits itself to the disabled person whenever possible and will treat such members, with respect to recruitment and membership, in the same manner as able-bodied members.
16.7 The club is committed to a programme of ongoing awareness in order to promote the eradication of discrimination.
16.8 The club acknowledges the extent of its influence over young people and pledges to set them a positive example while adhering to the club’s child protection policy as laid out in section 18.
16.9 The club will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all those involved in the game whether players, coaches or volunteers and will not tolerate corruption or improper practice.
16.10 The club rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game. The club demands that players, match officials and anyone connected with the opposition are treated with the upmost respect and are treated in the same manner that you would expect to be treated in.
16.11 The club is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with fair play.
The club expects the players to adhere to the following principles:
17.1 That they set a positive example for others, especially young players and spectators.
17.2 Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time wasting.
17.3 Not use inappropriate and offensive language to any player, match official or spectator.
17.4 Make every effort to play consistent with fair play and the Laws of the game.
17.5 Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game and the appropriate competition rules.
17.6 Accept success and failure, victory or defeat in the same manner.
17.7 Resist any temptation to take banned substances to enhance performance.
17.8 Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.
17.9 Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violent and over-aggressive play and to help injured opponents.
17.10 Help the match officials during the course of play in a fair and honest manner.
17.11 Accept the decision of the match officials without protest.
17.12 Avoid words or actions which may mislead a match official.
17.13 Show due respect to match officials and the opposition players and officials.
18.1 This policy relates to all young players under the age of 18.
18.2 The club shall develop a positive and pro-active position in order to best protect all children and young people who play football, enabling them to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment. 18.3 The club shall deliver quality assured child protection training as offered by the FA and other similar organisations and to build a network of tutors to deliver this training.
18.4 The club shall demonstrate best practice in the area of child protection.
18.5 The club shall promote ethics and high standards throughout Junior (and Adult) football.
18.6 The club recognises that a child’s welfare is, and must always be, of paramount consideration.
18.7 The club recognises that all children and young people have the right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual identity.
18.8 The club will take all suspicions and allegations of abuse seriously and will respond in a swift and appropriate manner.
18.9 All persons working with children or young people are required to read and familiarise themselves with the Football Association’s Child Protection Policy and Child Protection Procedures and Practices Handbook and shall abide by the procedures and practices therein.
18.10 All persons working with children and young people are required to complete an application form and subsequently a Personal Disclosure form and shall supply two references as to their suitability to work with children and young people.
19 Club Disciplinary procedures 19.1 The club committee shall have the power to terminate a players membership if in its opinion continued membership is not in the best interests of the club and likely to bring the club into disrepute with the Amateur Football Combination (AFC) and/or the Amateur Football Alliance (AFA).
19.2 A player may be disciplined if, having declined to play for one team citing injury, illness, holiday etc, he subsequently plays for another team without the knowledge and permission of the original captain who selected him.
19.3 The committee shall have the right to impose additional punishment to any incurred by the player from the AFC and AFA because of indiscipline on the field of play following a successful proposal by the disciplinary officer or Chairman. The player in question does not have the right of appeal.
19.4 The committee shall have the right to impose fines or suspensions on players as they determine following a successful proposal. Only committee members shall have the right to propose disciplinary action against a club member. The proposed action must be ratified by the Chairman and shall be discussed and voted upon at the next scheduled committee meeting except under the provisions of rule 8. The committee member shall notify the player concerned of his intention and reason and shall invite the player in question to the meeting. The Chairman or PLO shall notify the player of the decision reached and any applicable disciplinary action.
If the player fails to respect the committees decision, whether he agrees with the decision or not, he will face further disciplinary action as the committee shall determine. Subsequent failure to comply may render the players membership terminated under rule 19.1
19.5 A suspended or disciplined player has the right of appeal should he not be present at the meeting (rule 19.4) by writing to the Chairman stating his objections accompanied by a £20 administration fee within five days of being informed of the decision. If it is felt appropriate, the Chairman may grant the member a personal appeal and convene three other committee members to review the case at a disciplinary hearing. The member in question shall be given five days notice. If the appeal is successful the administration fee shall be returned.
19.6 Players who refuse to play for a higher team shall be subject to disciplinary measures subject to the following procedures:
If a player refuses to play for a higher team the requesting captain, if he sees fit, shall ask the player’s usual captain to instruct him to play. If he still refuses to play the captain may ask the Chairman to instruct the player to play. If he still refuses, the Chairman has the right to impose a one match suspension for the forthcoming week, thus preventing him from playing for any team, or a subsequent ban at a later date if the suspension is ignored, without the necessity of consultation with the rest of the committee. He may however, raise the matter at committee level if he deems it to be appropriate and impose punishment as the committee determines. The Chairman shall notify the player of his or the committee’s decision and notify the team captains if a suspension is imposed. The player cannot be selected by any of the captains for the duration of the suspension.
19.7 The committee shall have the right to remove any captain or committee member and replace him if it is felt to be in the best interests of the club, following a successful proposal at a committee meeting or Extraordinary committee meeting. The captain or committee member shall be made aware of the proposal and be invited to attend the meeting.
20 Club Fines 20.1 A club member is obligated to reimburse the club for any fines paid on his behalf by the club to the League for his disciplinary misconduct whether he feels that the fine/offence was appropriate or otherwise.
20.2 Any
member who fails to pay any fines or costs incurred as a result of their
misconduct when required to do so shall be suspended from the club until such
20.3 In the first instance the player’s team captain shall attempt to collect the fine. Should this prove difficult the matter shall be passed onto the Disciplinary officer who shall take the appropriate course of action. Failure to pay the fine will result in disciplinary action under 19.4.
20.4 Any player cautioned by a non-league appointed official (club referee) shall pay a fine of five pounds to the club.
20.5 Any player dismissed from the field of play by a non league appointed official (club referee) shall have his dismissal discussed at the next committee meeting and the appropriate punishment decided by the committee. The player shall be given seven days notice of the committee meeting date and shall be invited to attend to comment.
20.6 After the appropriate disciplinary action has been decided the player shall have the right of appeal by writing to the Secretary within seven days of receiving his punishment stating his objections and requesting a personal appeal. The Chairman shall then convene a disciplinary committee comprising three members of the committee giving the player in question seven days notice to attend. The final decision of the disciplinary committee shall be binding.
21.1 Any player who feels that they have been discriminated against in any way or feel that the club policies, rules or code of conduct have been broken can report the matter in writing to the Secretary. The information required includes the following: (a) Details of the incident including what, when and where the incidence happened. (b) Any witness statements and names. (c) Names of others who have been treated in the same way. (d) Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to whom. (e) A preference for a solution to the incident.
21.2 Any written complaint received shall be discussed at the next committee meeting as a specific item on the agenda unless the Chairman feels that an Extraordinary Committee meeting is necessary.
22 AFA Disciplinary procedures For dealing with on the field offences committed by club members.
In line with the memorandum of procedures as laid out in the AFA handbook, each player will be subject to the following rules and regulations relating to misconduct on the field of play.
22.1 Caution offences A club member whom a caution is issued will be liable to pay the fine levied by the club (currently £10). There is no right of appeal.
22.2 Dismissal from the field of play A club member who is dismissed from the field of play will be liable to pay the fine, administrative fine and accept the punishment incurred by the AFA.
The player concerned has the right to request a personal hearing with the AFA in respect of the alleged offence. If the player chooses this option he must state his case in writing and forward it to the club secretary, along with the personal hearing fee (currently £20). The club secretary will be responsible for forwarding the players written submission to the AFA. Any written submission must be made to the AFA within fourteen days from the date of the AFA notification regarding the dismissal. The club member shall be informed of this date by the secretary.
22.3 Cautions in the same season A player who has five cautions recorded against him in the same season shall be charged by the AFA with continuing misconduct. The recommended punishment for five cautions in a season should be considered as 21 days suspension and a £10 fine.
22.4 Recommended punishments When a player is dealt with by an AFA Disciplinary Commission each case will be dealt with on its merits and punishment awarded in accordance with the nature of the offence. A full guide is listed in the AFA handbook.
22.5 General guide to recommended punishments
Offence Ban (days) Fine(£) Second cautionable offence having already received a caution. Seven. Ten Use of foul and abusive language Fourteen Ten Serious foul play Twenty one Ten Kicking or striking an opponent Thirty five Twenty Foul and abusive language or gestures directed at a match official Thirty five Twenty
In addition to the above fines, the administration charge at the time (currently £8) is levied by the AFA.
23. Dissolution of the football club 23.1 If the committee feels it appropriate the football club shall be dissolved and the funds and assets distributed in a proper and dignified manner.
23.2 The committee shall at such time call an Extraordinary General Meeting for this specific purpose and shall be carried by a simple majority of those members present.
23.3 The committee shall propose the distribution of funds and assets as it feels appropriate and invite comment from the floor. The final decision shall be minuted accordingly.
23.4 The trustees of the football club shall comply with the agreed proposal and act accordingly. 23.5 No trustee, committee member or club member shall benefit from the dissolution of the football club.
23.6 The football clubs records and minutes of the EGM shall be lodged at the Amateur Football Association.
24 Other 24.1 Interpretation of rules The Chairman shall have final authority to interpret these rules unless he wishes to delegate interpretation to the committee.
24.2 All matters not provided for by these rules shall be dealt with by the committee as they may determine.
24.3 The highest team shall have the choice of pitch when more than one team is playing at home.
24.4 Only full members or associate members are eligible to win any of the clubs social awards (darts, golf etc.) Non members may take part in the competition subject to approval by the organiser.
24.5 No member is eligible to stand for a committee position who has outstanding money owing to the club.
24.6 A member may vote by proxy providing that his voting wishes are made directly to either the Chairman or Secretary prior to the meeting. The Chairman shall put the vote forward in their absence.
Revised September 2009 |
