Codes of conduct.

Equality & Inclusion Policy

Maidenbower Colts Football Club is committed to providing football in an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, safe and respectful for everyone.

We believe that football should be open to all and that every player, coach, volunteer, match official, parent, carer, supporter and visitor has the right to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

Our Commitment

Maidenbower Colts Football Club will:

• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the Club.
• Provide opportunities to participate in football without unfair discrimination.
• Respect and value individual differences and the contribution that every person makes to the Club.
• Take reasonable steps to remove barriers that may prevent or disadvantage people from participating in Club activities.
• Promote an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported and able to be themselves.
• Challenge discriminatory, intimidating, abusive or exclusionary behaviour whenever it occurs.
• Take concerns and complaints seriously and deal with them fairly, promptly and appropriately.

Everyone is Welcome

No person should receive less favourable treatment or be excluded because of characteristics including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

The Club also recognises that individuals may experience barriers for other reasons, including social or economic circumstances, communication needs or additional support requirements. Wherever reasonably possible, we will work with individuals and families to help them participate fully in Club activities.

Expected Standards of Behaviour

Everyone representing, participating in or supporting Maidenbower Colts Football Club is expected to:

• Treat others fairly, respectfully and with dignity.
• Welcome and support people from different backgrounds, experiences and abilities.
• Use appropriate and respectful language.
• Never engage in or tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying, victimisation or abusive behaviour.
• Challenge inappropriate behaviour safely and report concerns through the appropriate Club channels.
• Respect the individual needs of players and make reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
• Promote inclusion and Fair Play both on and off the pitch.
• Set a positive example to children and young people.

Players and Young People

Every child and young person should be given the opportunity to enjoy football in an environment where they feel valued and included.

Coaches and Club officials should consider the individual needs, ability, maturity and circumstances of each player and should not allow stereotypes or assumptions to limit a player’s opportunity to participate, develop or enjoy the game.

Disability & Additional Needs

Maidenbower Colts Football Club is committed to making football as accessible as reasonably possible. We will consider reasonable adjustments and appropriate support to enable disabled players and people with additional needs to participate safely and meaningfully.

Where additional support is required, the Club will work constructively with the player, their parent or carer where appropriate, coaches and relevant Club officials to understand their needs.

Discrimination, Harassment & Bullying

The Club will not tolerate discriminatory language or behaviour, harassment, bullying, intimidation or victimisation.

This includes behaviour occurring during matches, training, Club events, online communications, social media or any other activity connected with Maidenbower Colts Football Club.

Reporting a Concern

Anyone who experiences, witnesses or becomes aware of behaviour that may breach this policy should report it to an appropriate Club official.

Concerns involving a child or young person, or where there may be a safeguarding issue, should be reported to the Club Welfare Officer in accordance with the Club’s safeguarding procedures.

Serious matters may also be referred to the relevant league, Sussex County FA, The Football Association or another appropriate authority.

Breaches of this Policy

Failure to follow this policy may be treated as misconduct. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the matter, the Club may take appropriate action in accordance with its rules, Codes of Conduct and disciplinary procedures.

Where appropriate, a matter may also be referred to the relevant league, County FA or The Football Association.

Our Responsibility

Equality and inclusion are the responsibility of everyone at Maidenbower Colts Football Club. We expect all members of the Club community to play their part in creating a positive football environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.

Maidenbower Colts Football Club Committee

Safeguarding Children Policy

Every child or young person, defined as any person under the age of 18, 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, and every club is required to endorse and adhere to The Association’s Safeguarding Children Policy.

The FA recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. The FA is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all children and young people to participate in the sport to the best of their abilities for as long as they choose to do so.

The Safeguarding Children Policy is supported by The FA’s Respect programme to address verbal abuse and bullying of youngsters by parents and coaches on the sidelines.

Safeguarding Principles

• 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, faith 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 and carers is essential.

The FA is committed to working in partnership with the Police, Children’s Services Departments and Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards in accordance with their procedures. This is essential to enable these organisations to carry out their statutory duties to investigate concerns and protect all children and young people.

The Association’s Safeguarding Children Policy is in response to government legislation and guidance, developed to safeguard the welfare and development of children and young people.

Assessing Suitability to Work with Children

As set out in The Football Association’s Safeguarding Children Policy, The Association is committed to safeguarding children within football and has Case Management procedures in place to assess the suitability of individuals to be involved with children in football.

In assessing that suitability, children’s welfare is the paramount consideration. The Association has the power under the Safeguarding Children Regulations to issue a suspension where one or more of the following applies:

• The individual fails to comply with any part of The Association’s Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) process.
• The individual has been barred by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.
• The individual has been disqualified from working with children under the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000.
• The individual is subject to any other restriction to their involvement with children due to an order made pursuant to statute.
• The individual has been convicted of, or made the subject of a caution for, an “Offence” as defined in the Regulations.
• Following a risk assessment, The Association is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the individual poses or may pose a risk of harm to children.

Definition of an Offence

In these Regulations the expression “Offence” shall mean any one or more of the offences contained in the Schedules of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 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.

Where any case is referred to the Safeguarding Review Panel pursuant to these Regulations, it shall be considered by the Panel on the basis of written material only. No party shall be permitted to attend to address the Safeguarding Review Panel.

The Association’s CRB Process

All persons applying for or currently in positions that The Association deems relevant, whose duties include regularly caring for, training, supervising or being in charge of children, must comply with the requirements of The Association’s CRB process.

• Obtain an FA Enhanced CRB Disclosure.
• Provide any further detail, explanation or clarification of any part of that Enhanced Disclosure, or any matter revealed by it, as may be required by The Association.
• Where required, provide at least two references that attest to their suitability to be involved in youth football. The spouse or partner of the person subject to this requirement cannot act as a referee for this purpose.
• Comply with each of the above requirements within any time limit stipulated by The Association.

Any person who fails to comply with these requirements shall be subject to an immediate suspension from football activity, on such terms and for such period as The Association may stipulate.

Interim Suspension Orders

Upon receipt by The Association of any of the following, The Association shall have the power to order that the individual be suspended from all or any specific football activity for such a period and on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate:

• Notification that an individual has been charged with an Offence.
• Notification that an individual is the subject of an investigation by the Police, Children’s Services or any other authority relating to an Offence.
• 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.

Such suspensions will be issued by the Case Manager or his/her nominee. The initial notification of any such suspension sent to an individual shall set out the right of appeal.

Factors Considered

• Whether a child is, children are, or may be at risk of harm.
• Whether the matters are of a serious nature.
• 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, having regard to the need for any suspension order to be proportionate.

All suspension orders will be reviewed at the next meeting of The Association’s Safeguarding Review Panel. The Panel may ratify, modify or remove any such suspension, or make any other order in relation to that suspension as it deems appropriate.

The total period of an order shall not last beyond the final determination of any related case under the Rules of The Association.

Appeals

Any individual subject to a suspension order may appeal against it once a period of three months from the imposition of the suspension order by the Case Manager or nominee has elapsed.

Appeals shall be considered by the Safeguarding Review Panel. At least one member of any Panel considering an appeal shall not have been a member of any Panel which conducted the initial review of the suspension order being appealed.

To bring an appeal, the individual must give notice in writing to the Case Manager or nominee requesting such an appeal. The individual may submit written material in support of the appeal, which must be submitted within 14 days of giving such notice or it may not be considered by the Safeguarding Review Panel.

The Safeguarding Review Panel shall consider all written material submitted by the individual requesting the appeal and in support of that appeal. The Case Manager or nominee may also submit written material for consideration by the Panel.

On considering an appeal, the Safeguarding Review Panel shall have the power to make any order in relation to the interim suspension order as it deems appropriate, including ratifying, modifying or removing it. The Panel may also require more information from either the individual or the Case Manager or nominee.

Any appeal shall be heard by the Safeguarding Review Panel at the earliest opportunity following receipt of notice in writing and any supporting material.

Where an order is imposed on an individual, The Association shall bring and conclude any proceedings under the Rules of The Association relating to the matters as soon as reasonably practicable.

Respect & Codes of Conduct

Everyone representing Maidenbower Colts is expected to show respect to players, coaches, match officials, opponents and spectators. Positive behaviour, fair play and appropriate language are expected at training, matches and Club activities.

Team & Match Officials Code of Conduct

Obligations towards the Game

The Team Official should:

• Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters, by promoting good behaviour and showing respect to everyone involved in the game.
• Promote and develop his/her team having regard to the interests of the players, supporters and reputation of the national game.
• Recognise that the behaviour of match officials has an impact, directly and indirectly, on the conduct of everyone involved in the game — both on the pitch and on the sidelines.
• Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so, taking into account the interests of the body that has requested this rather than personal interests.
• Be responsible in promoting high standards of behaviour in the game.
• Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct and respect match officials at all times.
• Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
• Show all due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game.
• Always have regard for the best interests of the game, including when publicly expressing an opinion of the game or any particular aspect of it.
• Do not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Obligations towards the Team

The Team Official should:

• Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the Club/team, and to obtain the best results, using all permitted means.
• Give priority to the interests of the team, using all permitted means.
• Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.
• Promote ethical principles.
• Show due respect for the interests of the players, coaches and officials, their own Club/team and others.

Obligations towards the Supporters

• Show due respect for the interests of supporters.
• Do not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Respect towards the Match Officials

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

Match Official Commitment — I Will

• Be honest and completely impartial at all times.
• Apply the Laws of the Game and competition rules fairly and consistently.
• Manage the game in a positive, calm and confident manner.
• Deal with all instances of violence, aggression, unsporting behaviour, foul play and other misconduct.
• Never tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour from players or officials.
• Support my match official colleagues at all times.
• Communicate with the players and encourage Fair Play.
• Respond in a clear, calm and confident manner to any appropriate request for clarification by the team captains.
• Prepare physically and mentally for every match.
• Complete and submit accurate and concise reports within the time limit required for games in which I officiate.

If I do not follow the Code

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, action may be taken by my County FA or The FA.

I may be:

• Required to meet with The FA / County FA Refereeing Official.
• Required to meet with The FA / County FA Referees Committee.

Thank you for your co-operation and assistance.

Coaches Code of Conduct

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
• Place the well-being, enjoyment and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance and above winning. Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying.
• Adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
• Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game and respect match officials’ decisions.
• Do not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
• Encourage, promote and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
• Promote Fair Play at all times.
• Ensure that the activities directed or advocated are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
• At the outset, clarify with players and, where appropriate, parents exactly what is expected of them and what they are entitled to expect from their Coach.
• Co-operate fully with other specialists, such as other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors and physiotherapists, in the best interests of the player.
• Always promote the positive aspects of the sport 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.
• Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour.
• Be gracious in victory and defeat.
• Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission and always adhere to the Respect Line.

If I do not follow the Code

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, action may be taken by my Club, County FA or The FA.

I may be:

• Required to meet with the Club, league or County Welfare Officer.
• Suspended by the Club from attending matches.
• Suspended or fined by the County FA.
• Required to leave or be dismissed by the Club.

In addition

• My FA Coaching Licence may be withdrawn.

Thank you for your co-operation and assistance.

Safeguarding Children Statement

Maidenbower Colts Football Club (“the Club”) recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people, defined as any person under the age of 18, involved in football which it organises or supervises and is committed to working to provide them with a safe environment.

The Club subscribes to The Football Association’s Child Protection Best Practice Policy and Procedures, Safeguarding Children and Young People in Football, and endorses and adopts the Policy Statement contained in that document.

“Every child or young person, defined as any person under the age of 18, who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and should be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football. The FA recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. The FA is, therefore, committed to working to provide a safe environment for all children and young people to participate in the sport to the best of their abilities so long as they choose to do so”.

Key Principles

• The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration.
• 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 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/carers is essential.

Acknowledgment

We acknowledge that every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable, safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse. The Club recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in football organised or supervised by the Club.

Role of the Club

The 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 regulations apply to all persons involved in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes volunteers, match officials, helpers on club tours, coaches, club officials and medical staff.

The Club endorses and will apply the Football Association regulations and will treat any infraction of those regulations as misconduct which will be the subject of disciplinary procedures in addition to any other procedures which may be undertaken by another body or authority.

Recruiting Volunteers

The Club endorses and adopts The FA’s Safeguarding Children and Best Practice Guidelines for recruiting volunteers and will:

• Develop a role profile.
• Request identification documents.
• As a minimum, meet and discuss with applicants 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 Club officials 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 the Club to become an official, guidance will be sought from The Football Association. Decisions will be made in the best interests of children and young people.

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 practices involving them. This is to prevent direct sexual or physical harm and minimise the risk of grooming within football.

Whistle Blowing

The Club supports The FA’s whistle-blowing policy. Any adult or young person with concerns about an adult in a position of trust within football can whistle blow by contacting the Club Welfare Officer.

Alternatively, concerns can be raised with:

• Sussex FA Safeguarding Team: 01903 768578 or Safeguarding@SussexFA.com
• NSPCC: help@nspcc.org.uk
• Child Protection in Sport Unit: cpsu@nspcc.org.uk

The Club encourages everyone to know about The FA’s Whistle Blowing Policy and to use it if necessary.

Club Welfare Officer

The Club has appointed a Club Welfare Officer in line with The FA’s role profile and required completion of the Safeguarding Children and Welfare Officers Workshop. The post holder will be involved with Welfare Officer training provided by The FA and/or County FA.

The Club Welfare Officer is the first point of contact for all Club members regarding concerns about the welfare of any child or young person. The Club Welfare Officer will liaise directly with the County FA Welfare Officer and will be familiar with procedures for referring concerns. They will also play a proactive role in increasing awareness of Respect, poor practice and abuse among Club members.

Bullying

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 or parents/carers should be able to report it and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly. Incidents should be reported to the Club Welfare Officer. In cases of serious bullying, the County FA Welfare Officer may be contacted.

Codes of Conduct

Codes of Conduct for coaches, players, officials and parents/carers have been implemented by the Club and are displayed on our website. Failure to comply with a Code of Conduct constitutes misconduct which may be subject to disciplinary sanction in accordance with FA or league rules.

Reporting Concerns

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you are worried about a child, it is important that you report your concerns — no action is not an option.

• If you are worried about a child, report your concerns to the Club Welfare Officer.
• If the issue is one of poor practice, the Club Welfare Officer will deal with the matter or seek advice from the Sussex FA Welfare Officer.
• If the concern is more serious and involves possible child abuse, where possible contact the Sussex FA Welfare Officer first, then immediately contact the Police or Children’s Social Care.

If the child needs immediate medical treatment, take them to hospital or call an ambulance and state that this is a child protection concern. Let the Club Welfare Officer know what action has been taken; they will inform the County FA Welfare Officer.

If You Cannot Contact the Club Welfare Officer

• Contact the Sussex FA Safeguarding Team on 01903 768578 or Safeguarding@SussexFA.com.
• Contact the Police or Children’s Social Care.
• Call the NSPCC 24-hour Helpline on 0808 800 5000, text 88858, or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Further Advice

• NSPCC Child Protection 24-hour Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• The FA safeguarding guidance
• Sussex FA: Safeguarding@SussexFA.com

Maidenbower Colts Football Club Committee