Fleet Town Girls and Ladies Football Club
Established 2001
Constitution
Club Rules &
Codes of Practice
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
LIST OF CONTENTS
CLUB CONSTITUTION
1
2
Name
Objects
3
Status of Rules
4
Rules & Regulations
5
Club Membership
6
7
Annual Membership Fee
Resignation and Expulsion
8
Club Committee
9
Annual and Special General Meeting
10
Club Teams
11
Club Finances
12
Dissolution
CODES OF PRACTICE &
PROCEDURE
13
14
Code of Conduct for Football
Code of Conduct for Coaches, Team
Managers and Officials
15
Code of Conduct for Players
a. Adult Players
b. Youth Players
16
Code of Conduct for Match Officials
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
17
Code of Conduct for Spectators and
Parents/Carers
18
Anti Discrimination Policy
19
20
Equal Opportunities Policy
Goalpost Safety Guidelines
21
Club Complaints Procedure
22
Child Protection Policy Statement &
Regulations
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
CONSTITUTION
1. NAME
The club shall be called Fleet Town Girls and Ladies Football Club
2. OBJECTS
The objects of the Club shall be to arrange association football matches and social activities for its members.
3. STATUS OF RULES
These rules (the Club Rules) form a binding agreement between each member of the Club.
4. RULES AND REGULATIONS
a. The Club shall have the status of an Affiliated Member Club of The Football Association by virtue of its affiliation to/membership of The Football
Association. The Rules and Regulations of the Football Association Limited and 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.
b. No alteration to the Club Rules shall be effective without prior written approval by Management Committee
c. 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.
5. CLUB MEMBERSHIP
a. 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 Registrations Secretary.
b. Any person who wishes to be a member must apply on the Registration Form and deliver it to the Club Secretary. Election to membership shall
be at the sole discretion of the Club Secretary. Membership shall become effective upon an applicant's name being entered in the Membership
Register and a registration fee being paid. Members are defined as players and parents or legal guardians as indicated on the player’s
registration form.
c. In the event of a member's resignation or expulsion, her or her name shall be removed from the Membership Register.
d. The Football Association and parent County Association shall be given access to the Membership Register on demand.
6. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
a. An annual fee payable by each member shall be determined from time to time by the Club Committee. Any fee shall be payable as part of the
registration of membership and annually by each member. Fees shall not be repayable.
b. The Club Committee shall have the authority to levy further subscriptions from the members as are reasonably necessary to fulfil the objects of
the Club.
7. RESIGNATION AND EXPULSION
a. 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. A member whose annual membership fee or further subscription is more than 2 months in arrears shall be deemed to have
resigned.
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.. An appeal against such a decision may be made to the Club Committee in accordance with the Complaints Procedure in force
from time to time.
b.
c. A member who resigns or is expelled shall not be entitled to claim any, or a share of any, of the Club Property.
8. CLUB COMMITTEE
a. The Club Committee shall consist of the following Club Officers: Chairperson, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Child Protection Officer, and
Secretary, plus Team Managers and other Committee Members, elected at an Annual General Meeting, or between AGM’s by the Club
Committee
b. Each Club Officer and Club Committee Member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the next Annual General Meeting subject to
the normal member resignation & expulsion clause,7b. 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 another member of the Club Committee. The
quorum for the transaction of business of the Club Committee shall be five.
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October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
c. Decisions of the Club Committee of meetings shall be recorded in the form of minutes to be circulated and maintained by the Club Secretary.
d. 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.
e. 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.
f. 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.
9. ANNUAL AND SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING
a. An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held in each year to:
i. receive a report of the activities of the Club over the previous year
ii. receive a report of the Club's finances over the previous year
iii. elect the members of the Club Committee
iv. consider any other business.
c.Nominations for election of members as Club Officers or as members of the Club Committee shall be made in writing to the Club Secretary not
less than 21 days before the AGM. 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.
d. A 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.
e. 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.
f. The quorum for a General Meeting shall be five.
g. The Chairperson, or in their absence a member selected by the Club Committee, shall take the chair. Each member aged over 18 present shall
have one vote limited to one vote per registered player 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.
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
h. The Club Secretary, or in their absence a member of the Club Committee, shall produce and circulate a copy of the minutes to all Committee
Members.
10. CLUB TEAMS
At its AGM, the Club Committee 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 last meeting prior
to an AGM a written report on the activities of the team.
11. CLUB FINANCES
a. A bank account shall be opened and maintained in the name of the Club (the Club Account). Designated account signatories shall be the
Treasurer. No sum shall be drawn from the Club Account except by cheque signed by the Treasurer. All monies payable to the Club shall be
received by the Treasurer and deposited in the Club Account.
b. The income and assets of the Club (the Club Property) shall be applied only in furtherance of the objects of the Club.
c. 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 on the production of a valid receipt.
d. The Club shall prepare an annual Financial Statement in such form as shall be published by The Football Association from time to time.
e. The Club Property, shall be controlled and distributed via the Club Secretary.
12. DISSOLUTION
a. A resolution to dissolve the Club shall only be proposed at a General Meeting and shall be carried by a majority of at least three-quarters of the
members present.
b. 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.
a. 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 parents.
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
CODES OF PRACTICE
The Club Codes of Conduct follow the FA Chartered Standard Club Respect Codes of Conduct for Football.
NB if using the PDF version of this document, please open the Code of Conducts 13 – 17 below separately from the Documents section of
our website
These are:13. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR FOOTBALL
14. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES, TEAM MANAGERS AND OFFICIALS
15. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS
a. ADULT PLAYERS
b. YOUTH PLAYERS
16. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MATCH OFFICIALS
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October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
17. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SPECTATORS AND PARENTS/CARERS
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
18. ANTI DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Fleet Town Girls and Ladies 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 Fleet Town Girls and Ladies 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.
Fleet Town Girls and Ladies 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.
Fleet Town Girls and Ladies 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.
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
19. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY FOR CLUBS
Fleet Town Girls and Ladies 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 their general principles 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:
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. 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.
d. Victimisation of an individual.
e. Harassment of an individual, by virtue of discrimination.
f. 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.
Fleet Town Girls and Ladies 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 any member who requests it.
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
20. GOALPOST SAFETY GUIDELINES
Fleet Town Girls and Ladies Football Club, the Football Association, along with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Health and
Safety Executive and the British Standards Institution, would like to draw your attention to the following guidelines for the safe use of goalposts.
Too many serious injuries and fatalities have occurred in recent years as a result of unsafe or incorrect use of goalposts. Safety is always of
paramount importance and everyone in football must play their part to prevent similar incidents occurring in the future.
a. 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.
b. Portable goalposts must be secured by the use of chain anchors or appropriate anchor weights to prevent them from toppling forward.
c. 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.
d. Particular attention is drawn to the fact that if not properly assembled and secured, portable goalposts may topple over.
e. Regular inspections of goalposts should be carried out to check that they are kept properly maintained.
f. Portable goalposts should not be left in place after use. They should be dismantled and removed to a place of secure storage.
g. 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.
h. 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.
i. Guidelines to prevent toppling :
i Follow Manufacturer's guide-lines in assembling goalposts.
ii. Before use, adults should :
 ensure each goal is anchored securely in its place
 exert a significant downward force on the crossbar
 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.
REMEMBER TO USE ALL EQUIPMENT, NOT JUST GOALPOSTS, SAFELY AT ALL TIMES.
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
21. 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 procedure attached below.
Club Complaints
Procedure.pdf
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
22. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT & REGULATIONS
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 abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football. Fleet Town Girls and Ladies Football Club and The Football
Association recognise their responsibilities to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or
emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. We are determined to meet our obligations to ensure that as a provider of football opportunities for
children and young people we do so to the highest possible standard of care. These procedures apply to anyone in football whether paid in a paid
or voluntary capacity. For example volunteers in the club, the referees, club officials, helpers on any club tours, coaching and medical staff.
Fleet Town Girls and Ladies Football Club in conjunction with The Football Association will consider, having taken advice , whether anyone is who
has a previous criminal conviction or caution for offences related to the abuse of children or young people, violence or any sexual offences should
be excluded from working with children and young people. This position is reinforced by U.K. legislation and guidance.
Football Association’s Regulations
a. Any act, statement, conduct or other matter which harms a child or children, or poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children, shall
constitute behaviour which is improper and brings the game into disrepute.
b. In these Regulations the expression “Offence” shall mean any one or more of the offences contained in Schedule 1 to the Children and Young
Persons Act 1933 and any other criminal offence which reasonably causes The Association to believe that the person accused of the offence
poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children.
c. Upon receipt by The Association of:
i. notification that an individual has been charged with an Offence; or
ii. notification that an individual is the subject of an investigation by the Police, social services or any other authority relating to an Offence; or
iii. any other information which causes The Association reasonably to believe that a person poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or
children then The Association shall have the power to order that the individual be suspended from all or any specific football activity for such
period and on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.
d. In reaching its determination as to whether an order under Regulation 2 should be made The Association shall give consideration, inter-alia, to
the following factors:i. whether a child is or children are or may be at risk of harm;
ii. whether the matters are of a serious nature;
iii. whether an order is necessary or desirable to allow the conduct of any investigation by The Association or any other
authority or body to proceed unimpeded.
e. The period of an order referred to in 2 above shall not be capable of lasting beyond the date upon which any charge under the Rules of The
Association or any Offence is decided or brought to an end.
f. Where an order is imposed on an individual under Regulation (b) above, The Association shall bring and conclude any proceedings under the
Rules of The Association against the person relating to the matters as soon as reasonably practicable.
g. Where a person is convicted or is made the subject of a caution in respect of an Offence, that shall constitute a breach of the Rules of The
Association and The Association shall have the power to order the suspension of the person from all or any specific football for such period
(including indefinitely) and on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.
h. For the purposes of these Regulations, The Association shall act through its Council or any committee or sub-committee thereof, including the
Page 16 of 20
Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
Board.
i. Notification in writing of an order referred to above shall be given to the person concerned and/or any club with which he is associated as soon
as reasonably practicable.
Legal and Procedural Framework
The practices and procedures, based on the principles contained within the UK and International legislation and Government guidance, have been
designed to complement local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures and take the following into consideration ;
The Children Act1989
The Protection of Children Act 1999
Working Together to Safeguard Children
“Caring for the young and vulnerable”
Home office guidance for preventing the abuse of trust 1999
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Human Rights Act 2000
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
OFFICERS OF FLEET TOWN GIRLS AND LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB
As of June 2010
Chairman – Gary Niblett
2 Church Road, Fleet, Hants, GU51 3RU
Tel: 01252 626291
Vice Chairman – Kevin Jordan
9 Pineview Close, Badshot Lea, Farnham, GU9 9JS
Tel: 01252 654879
Secretary – Paul Skidmore
30 Elms Road, Fleet, GU51 3EQ
Tel: 01252 811169
Treasurer – Mike Platten
6 Uplands Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8BP
Tel: 01252 718376
Child Welfare Officer – Peter Robinson
Whitestones, 187a Aldershot Road, Church Crookham, Fleet, GU52 8JS
Tel: 01252 628806
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
Amendments to Constitution
Approved at 14 July 2014 AGM
1.Page 4 Members register owner changed from Club Secretary to Registrations Secretary
2.Page 5 Club Officers and Members clarification
3.Page 5 Right of appeal changed
4. Page 14 Club Complaints Procedure removed and replaced with standard FA Complaints Procedure
5.Page 17 Name and contact details updated
Approved at 13 June 2011 AGM
6. Following Codes of Conduct removed and replaced with the current FA Guidance as advised by Hampshire FA under our 2010/11 FA Charter
Standard Club Renewal: Code of Conduct for Football
 Code of Conduct for Coaches, Team Managers and Officials
 Code of Conduct for Players (Adult and Youth)
 Code of Conduct for Match Officials
 Code of Conduct for Spectators and Parent/Carers
2. Samantha Read replaces Gary Niblett as Club CWO
Approved at 16 June 2009 AGM
Resolution - to adopt the constitution of the Club previously adopted by the Club Committee on 8th December 2007, as amended.
The amendments are made so as to formally define membership and voting rights, and to bring resignation and expulsion of members of the
Committee in line with Club members.
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009
Amendment 1
Clause 5 Membership
“b. Any person who wishes to be a member must apply on the Registration Form and deliver it to the Club Secretary. Election to membership shall
be at the sole discretion of the Club Secretary. Membership shall become effective upon an applicant's name being entered in the Membership
Register and a registration fee being paid. Members are defined as players and parents or legal guardians as indicated on the player’s
registration form.”
Amendment 2
Clause 8 Club Committee
“b. Each Club Officer and Club Committee Member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the next Annual General Meeting, subject to
the normal member resignation & expulsion clause,7b. 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 another member of the Club Committee. The
quorum for the transaction of business of the Club Committee shall be five.”
Amendment 3
Clause 9 Annual and Special General Meeting
“g. The Chairperson, or in their absence a member selected by the Club Committee, shall take the chair. Each member aged over 18 present shall
have one vote, limited to one vote per registered player, 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.”
Amendment 4
To reflect the affiliation of both Girls’ teams and a Ladies team from our club to the Hants F.A:
Proposal to rename from “Fleet Town Girls Football Club” to “Fleet Town Girls and Ladies Football Club”
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Issue #3
October 2007 – Formally adopted 8th December 2007 – Amended 14th July 2014, 13th June 2011 and16th June 2009