OMONIA YOUTH F.C

CONSTITUTION AND CODE OF CONDUCT

Affiliated to Middlesex youth Football Association

1. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

2. CLUB RULES

3. DISSOLUTION

4. CODE OF CONDUCT

Parents and Supporters

Players

What can Adults expect from Children

What can Children expect from Adults

Football Manager/Coach Code of Conduct

5. CHILD PROTECTION

6. GOAL POST SAFETY

7. CONCLUSION

1. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The Club was founded in 1994, it shall be called Omonia Youth F.C. and shall be affiliated to the Middlesex County Youth Football Association and therefore by association members of the Football Association.

It is the aim and objective of the Club to provide good facilities for its playing members(boys and girls) to develop their soccer education and with our adherence to all the Code of Conducts noted in our constitution in an environment whereby the playing members can flourish as individuals and as groups.

It is also our objective to keep developing and improving our facilities for the benefit of all our members, continue with ongoing training and development for our managers and coaches to enable themto provide our playing members(boys and girls)with a level of standard of coaching that we help develop their footballing skills and attitude in a positive way.

We will also be constantly look to recruit new playing members from different ethnic backgrounds from our local communities.

We will like all of our members to read the Code of Conduct and adhere to it, we also would encourage you to participate in the development of our Club through help in our fund raising activities and ideas in further development.

Thank you for your support!

2. CLUB RULES

OFFICERS

The officers shall consist of a CHAIRMAN, a VICE CHAIRMAN a SECRETARY and a TREASURER, all of whom shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting.

COMMITTEE

The Club shall be controlled by a MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (MC), consisting of the Officers and FOURTEEN other members, who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting.

The MC shall meet preferably once per month and the proceedings shall be duly recorded in a minute book.

At meetings of the MC, NINE MEMBERS shall form a QUORUM.

POWERS OF COMMITTEE

(i) The Property and other assets of the Club shall be vested in the MC.

(ii) The MC shall have the power to appoint such Sub-Committees as may from time to time be deemed necessary and shall receive reports of such Sub-Committees at its meetings.

(iii) The MC shall have power to suspend or expel any member or manager/coach deemed guilty of conduct prejudicial to the good name of the Club.

(iv) Two thirds majority is required for such a decision. All other decisions require a simple majority.

(v) The MC shall have power to fill such vacancies as may rise in its constitution between Annual General Meetings.

The MC shall have power to declare a seat vacant should a member absent himself from FOUR consecutive meetings without an explanation deemed to be satisfactory.

(vi) The MC shall be the ultimate body that appoints a manager/coach.

(vii) The MC shall be the ultimate body that may dismiss a manger/coach.

MEMBERSHIP

(i) Membership( shall consist of playing and non-playing members - voting writes exists only for non-playing members. Election to membership shall be at the sole discretion of the club committee.

(ii) Candidates for elections shall be proposed and seconded by Club members.

(iii) A register of members of the Club shall be kept by the Secretary.

(iv) In the event of non-payment of subscription by non-playing members, membership shall be deemed to be terminated.

(v) A member wishing to resign or expelled shall give or be given notice to this effect in writing to or by the Secretary, such notice to be accompanied by payment of all Club dues at that date and they shall be removed from the register.

(vi) These rules form a binding agreement between each member of the club.

(vii) The club committee shall have the power to expel a member when in their opinion it deemed necessary. There are no appeal procedures.

SUBSCRIPTION

The Annual Subscription to the Club shall be:-

(i) Decided by the MC prior to the beginning of every season.

(ii) Subscriptions shall be payable annually or in 2 equal instalments. August - December.

(iii) Each age group shall pay the central fund by 30th September every year.

(iv) The club committee shall have the authority to levy further subscriptions from the members as are reasonably necessary to fulfill objects of the club.

ANNUAL MEETING

(i) The Annual Meeting shall be held preferably not later than JUNE each year. the Secretary shall give TWENTY-ONE clear day’s notice of such Meeting to all members.

(ii) The Financial Statement and Secretary’s report shall be received by the Meeting, which will also elect the Officers and the other members of the MC by ballot , appoint auditors and transact any other business.

EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING

(i) An Extraordinary General Meeting may be convened by the MC when deemed desirable.

(ii) The Secretary shall give SEVEN clear day’s notice to all members of such Meeting at which a majority of existing Members shall form a quorum. The notice can be in writing, in local Press or Internet.

FINANCE

(i) The MC shall cause for proper books of accounts to be kept, which shall be audited yearly.

(ii) Official receipts for all monies received shall be signed by the TREASURER.

(iii) A bank account shall be opened and maintained in the name of the club (the club account).Designated account signatories shall be two of three made up of the management committee members. No sum shall be drawn from the club account except by cheque signed by two of three disignated signatories. All monies payable to the club shall be received by the treasurer and deposited in the club account.

(iv) The income and assets ( the club property) shall be applied only to furtherance of the objects of the club.

(v) The club committee shall have the authority to remunerate expenses to any person for services rendered to the club.

(vi) The club property, other than the club account, shall be vested in not less than two and no more than four custodians one of whom shall be the treasurer who shall deal with the club property as directed by decisions of the club committee and entry in the minute book shall be conclusive evidence of such a decision.

(vii) The custodians shall be appointed at the AGM.

(viii) On their removal or resignation a custodian shall execute a conveyance in such form as published by the Football Association.

(ix) custodians are entitled to expenses for liabilities reasonably incurred by them carrying out their duties.

ALTERATION TO THE RULES

(i) No alteration in these Rules shall be made except at the Annual General Meeting or at an Extraordinary General Meeting convened for that purpose and only if supported by TWO THIRDS of those present and voting at such meeting.

(ii) Notice of proposed alteration to these Rules must be given in writing to the Secretary before the notice of meeting and notified to members on notice of meeting.

OTHER BUSINESS

(i) Any other matters not governed by the foregoing Rules, shall be dealt with by the MC the decision of which shall be final and binding.

(ii) All fundraising events shall be authorised and arranged by the MC which will be for the benefit of the whole club.

(iii) The MC shall appoint a Child Protection Officer every year.

CLUB COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

(i) A complaint should be reported to the club secretary or any other member of the MC that should include details of incidence. witnesses, statements etc.

(ii) The MC will sit for any hearings that are requested.

3 DISSOLUTION

(i) A resolution to dissolve the club shall only be proposed at a General Meeting and shall be carried by two/thirds majority of the members present.

(ii) A dissolution shall have effect from the date of resolution by the members. It is the responsibility of the MC for the winding up of the assets and the liabilities of the club.

(iii) Any surplus assets after discharge of debts and liabilities shall be transferred to the parent association who shall determine how the assets shall be utilised for the benefit of the game.

4. CODE OF CONDUCT

PARENTS AND SUPPORTERS

The role that parents play in the life of a football player has a tremendous impact on their experience. With this in mind, we have taken some time to write down some helpful reminders for all of us as we approach the upcoming season. If you should have any questions about these thoughts, please feel free to discuss it with us, the coaches.

(i) Let the coaches coach: Leave the coaching to the coaches. this includes motivating, psyching your child for practice, after game critiquing, setting goals, requiring additional training, etc., you have entrusted the care of your player to these coaches and they need to be free to do their job. If a player has too many coaches, it is confusing for him/her and their performances usually decline.

(ii) Support the Club: Get involved. Volunteer. Help our with fundraisers, car-pool; anything to support the club.

(iii) Be you child’s best fan: Support your child unconditionally. Do not ignore your child when your child performs poorly. Your child should never have to perform to win your support.

(iv) Support and root for all players in the team: Encourage teamwork. Your child’s teammates are not the enemy. When they are playing better than your child, see this as a wonderful opportunity for your child to learn.

(v) Do not bribe or offer incentives: Your job is not to motivate. Leave this to the coaching staff. Bribes will distract your child from properly concentrating in practice and game situations.

(vi) Encourage your child to talk with the coaches: If your child is having difficulties in practice or games, or can’t make practice, etc., encourage them to speak directly to the coaches. this is “responsibility taking” is a big part of growing up. By handling the off-field tasks, your child is claiming ownership of all aspects of the game - preparation for as well as playing the game.

(vii) Understand and display appropriate game behaviour: Remember your child’s self esteem and game performance is at stake. Be supportive, cheer, be appropriate. To perform to the best of their abilities, a player needs to focus on the parts of the game that they can control (his fitness, positioning, decision making, skill, aggressiveness, what the game is presenting them). If they start focusing on what they cannot control (the condition of the pitch, the referee, the weather, the opponent, even the outcome of the game at times), they will not play up to their ability. If they hear a lot of people telling them what to do, or yelling at the referee, it diverts their attention away from the task at hand.

(viii) Monitor your child’s stress level at home: Keep an eye on the player to make sure that they are handling stress effectively from the various activities in their lives.

(ix) Monitor eating and sleeping habits: Be sure your child is eating the proper foods and getting adequate rest.

(x) Help your child keep his priorities straight: Help your child maintain a focus on schoolwork, relationships and the other things in life beside football. Also if your child has made a commitment to football, help them fulfil their obligation to the team.

(xi) Reality Test: If your child has come off the field when their team has lost, but they have played their best, help them see this as a “win”. remind them that they are to focus on the “process” and not “results”. Their fun and satisfaction should be derived from “striving to win”. conversely, they should be as satisfied from success that occurs despite inadequate preparation and performance.

(xii) Keep football in its proper perspective: Football should not be larger than life for you. If your child’s performance produces strong emotions in you, suppress them. Remember your relationship will continue with your children long after their competitive football days are over. Keep your goals and needs separate from your child’s experience.

(xiii) Have fun: That is what we will be trying to do! We will try to challenge your child to reach past their “comfort level” and improve themselves as a player, and thus, a person. We will attempt to do this in environments that are fun, yet challenging. We look forward to this process. We hope you do too!

(xiv) Please make sure all subscriptions are paid on or by the given dates. It is impossible to run a football club without funds.

(xv) Remember the role that parents play in the life of a football player has a tremendous impact on their experiences with the game. Do not put too much pressure on your child, if they play hard and fair but still lose the game, give them that confidence that will help them win the next. It is not all about winning, it is doing the best they can to help their team and teammates and manager and you as parents proud of them for doing their best.

PLAYERS

(i) Always be on time. If you are running late ask your parents to call the manager. If you turn up late for a match, it may result in you being dropped from the team. Please call.

(ii) If you are unavailable for a match or training, please let the manager know. Help them run the team as smoothly as possible.

(iii) Always turn up for matches in appropriate kit, football boots, team kit and shin pads. No watches or jewellery of any kind to be worn when playing. No chewing gum.

(iv) Training kit should be worn at all times for training, football socks, shorts, top, tracksuit, appropriate trainers or boots for the surface and shin pads. At no time must you wear your team kit. this may result in it being taken away from you. This is to only be worn on match days. Again no watches or jewellery to be worn. If you do not turn up in appropriate training kit, you will not be able to take part.

(v) If at any time you disrespect your team mates, manager/coach, club official, match official or parent, this may result in disciplinary action taken, you must make every effort consistent with fair play and the laws of the game to help your own team win, treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.

(vi) RACISM: Racism will not be tolerated within the club. This will result in disciplinary action taken. At no time is a player, parent or club official to disrespect another culture. Respect others and they will respect you.

(vii) Remember always listen to the manager/coach.

(viii) You should know and abide by the Laws, Rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules.

We thank you in advance for abiding by the rules and regulations of the Club.

WHAT CAN ADULTS EXPECT FROM CHILDREN?

Many adults become frustrated when watching young children attempt to play soccer: they expect too much too soon. It is wholly unrealistic, for example, to expect children under the age of 11 to develop flowing passing movements. Adults’ frustration, particularly parents’, often comes about because they focus on the children’s failings rather than their successes. In the absence of an understanding of what can be expected of children in terms of performance, adults too easily highlight the result; not ‘How well did you play?’ but ‘What was the score?’ We therefore need to identify what children CAN do as opposed to criticising what they CANNOT do. To make a valid judgement about performance, adults need to know what to expect. Help with this is set out below.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Adults will not be able to expect very much if they do not reduce the importance of the outcome of the game. Children will not respond well to highly critical adults; their anxiety levels increase and their decision making becomes less effective, so it is important that adults do not become another problem to overcome while the child is playing. (See next section: What can children expect from adults?)

The children, at all ages, should be able to show respect and the common courtesies to all the players, adults, game leaders and officials involved in Mini-Soccer. Adults should be able to expect simple good manner from all children.

All children should be able to recognise the equipment used and their own playing equipment. They should recognise the importance of care for all the equipment used, including their own!

WHAT CAN CHILDREN EXPECT FROM ADULTS?

Children can expect:

help, encouragement and support

not to be embarrassed by the adults watching them.

Children can expect that adults do not:

attempt to ’coach’ or ’manipulate’ the players while they are playing

use any jargon or dictate tactics

shout, argue, swear, become violent or use sarcasm

ignore children who need help

assess players by their incompetence.

But children can expect adults to:

look for aspects to praise, particularly in players who might not otherwise get attention

praise good behaviour quickly to show that adults value it

praise effort and performance more than results

assess players with regard to their skills and attitudes

emphasise players first and winning second

display patience

give them a clear idea of behaviour expected

give them examples of excellent behaviour

show consistency

help them understand the rules.

Remember that children are often easily led, anxious to please and prone to over-enthusiasm, and so plenty of praise and positive reinforcement is needed - especially with beginners.

Children find it hard to understand negative instructions and easier to understand positive reinforcement and this can frequently mean playing down the result and playing up the performance. This reduces the child’s anxiety and decreases their worry about failing.. Remember that children do not mean to make mistakes; we should accept mistakes as a necessary part of learning.

Make sure the players play by the rules. The majority of children at these ages will not knowingly cheat. Finally, work with other adults, not against them, and by so doing reinforce positive attitudes among the children.

THE RESPONSIBLE FOOTBALL COACH CODE OF CONDUCT

(i) Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.

(ii) Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.

(iii) Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by the Rules of The Football Association.

(iv) Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.

(v) Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.

(vi) Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

(vii) Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.

(viii) Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the player (and, where appropriate, their parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.

(ix) Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.

(x) Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.

(xi) Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.

Any breach of any provision(s) of the Code of Conduct by a Coach shall constitute a breach of the Rules of The Football Association and shall be dealt with under the procedures as set out in the Rules of The Football Association/Omonia Youth.

5. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Every child and young person who plays football should be able to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football.

We recognise, however, that child abuse is only a very emotive and difficult subject. It is important to understand the feelings involved but not to allow them to interfere with our judgement about any action to be taken.

The Football Association 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.

It is determined to meet its obligation to ensure that those clubs and organisations providing football opportunities for children and young people do so, to the highest possible standard of care.

Care practices and procedures, in addition to a detailed training programme already under way, will ensure that everyone knows exactly what is expected of them in relation to the protection of children and young people within our sport.

It is essential that those children and young people attracted to and participating in football are able to do so in a quality, safe and enjoyable environment.

In striving to attain this, The Football Association has the following objectives:-

A requirement that The F.A. Premier League and The Football League include in their rules a policy statement concerning child protection.

A requirement that all bodies affiliated to The Football Association as Charter Standard Organisations, affiliated through the County Associations, which provide the opportunity to work with children and young people up to the age of eighteen, include in their rules a policy statement concerning child protection.

To provide ongoing development and training opportunities to all organisations as mentioned above.

To provide ongoing development and training opportunities:

- for members of The F.A. Premier League and The Football League

- as an integral part of all F.A. Coach and Medical Education courses and courses for Referees

- in staff development courses for members of The F.A. Premier League

and The Football League

- through the County Football Association structure

- through the process of attaining and maintaining the charter Standard Award.

Omonia Youth F.C. concurs with the aims of The F.A. Child Protection Policy which are:-

To 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.

To deliver quality assured child protection training and build a network of tutors to facilitate this delivery, in conjunction with, and supported by, the NSPCC.

To demonstrate best practice in the area of child protection.

To promote ethics and high standards throughout football.

The key principles underpinning this Policy are that:-

The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration.

All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual identity.

All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

Working in partnership with children and young people and their parents/carers is essential. social Services Departments have a statutory responsibility to ensure the welfare of children and young people. the Football association is committed to working together with Social Services Departments and local Area Child Protection Committees (ACPC) in

accordance with their procedures.

The Football Association’s Regulations on child protection are defined in The F.A. Handbook.

(i) 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.

(ii) 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.

(iii) Upon receipt by The Association of:

- notification that an individual has been charged with an Offence; or

- notification that an individual is the subject of an investigation by the Police, social services or any other authority relating to an Offence; or

- 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.

(iv) In reaching its determination as to whether an order under Regulation 3 should be made the Association shall give consideration, inter alia, to the following factors:-

- whether a child is or 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.

(v) The period of an order referred to in 3 above shall not be capable of lasting beyond the date upon which any charge under the Rules of The Association or any Offences is decided or brought to an end.

(vi) Where an order is imposed on an individual under Regulation 3 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.

(vii) 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.

(viii) For the purposes of these Regulations, The Association shall act through its Council or any committee or sub-committee thereof, including the Board.

(ix) 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.

6. GOALPOST SAFETY

(i) For safety reasons goalposts of any size must always be anchored securely to the ground.

(ii) Portable goalposts must be secured by the use of chain anchors or appropriate anchor weights to prevent them from toppling forward.

(iii) It is essential that under no circumstances should children or adults be allowed to climb, swing on or play with the structure of the goalposts.

(iv) Goalposts and nets not properly assembled and secured, portable goalposts may topple over.

(v) Regular inspections of goalposts should be carried out to check that they are kept properly maintained.

7. CONCLUSION

We agree with The Football Association, through confirming this Policy Document, has indicated its determination to ensure that children and young people can participate in all forms of football activity and do so with their safety being of paramount importance.

It is essential that this document is representative of a process of continual improvement in the area of child protection within football. It is for all adults engaged in football activities to promote good practice and procedures, whilst being ever vigilant and aware of their responsibilities towards the children and young people in their care.

The club will also abide by The Football Association’s Child Protection Policies and procedures, all codes of conduct and the equal opportunities and anti-discrimination policy as per The Football Association’s Code Of Good Practise.