MK Special Dons FC

Good Practice Guide

·   Membership

 

·   Club Rules / Constitution

 

·   Codes of Conduct

 

·   Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities Policies for Clubs

 

·   Club Complaints Procedure


Membership  

 

Potential members are welcome to come along to and experience a session   at any time. Our coaching staff and any committee members present would gladly answer any questions you may have.

 

The initial session would be free of charge. Subsequent sessions are charged at £3.50 pounds per session with an annual membership fee of £12.

 

Membership requires the acknowledgment of and adherence to the club rules and codes of conduct as detailed below

 

 

Club Rules and Constitution

 

1. The club shall be called MK Special Dons FC

 

2. The objects of the Club shall be to arrange coaching sessions for young disabled people in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.   From time to time we are offered the opportunity to meet and play football with other disabled teams.    

We also try to arrange social activities for members and their families to enjoy.

 

3. 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 the parent Association.

(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 Club Secretary.

(b) Any person who wishes to be a member must apply on the Membership

Application Form and deliver it to the Club.   Election to membership shall be at the sole discretion of the Club Committee. Membership shall become effective

Upon an applicant’s name being entered in the Membership Register.

(c) In the event of a member’s resignation or expulsion, his 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

(a) An annual fee payable by each member shall be determined from time to

Time by the Club Committee. Any fee shall be payable on a successful

Application for 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 fulfill 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 give 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.

(b) 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. There shall be no appeal procedures.

(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,

Treasurer, Secretary.   Plus up to 5 other members, elected at an Annual General Meeting.

(b) Each Club Officer and Club Committee Member shall hold office from the

date of appointment until the next Annual General Meeting unless otherwise

resolved at a Special General Meeting. 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 the secretary.   The quorum

for the transaction of business of the Club Committee shall be three.

(c) Decisions of the Club Committee of meetings shall be entered into the

Minute Book of the Club to be 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:

(in)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.

(b) Nominations for election of members as Club Officers or as members of the Club Committee shall be made in writing by the propose and seconded, both of

whom must be existing members of the Club, 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.

(c) 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.

(d) 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.

(e) The quorum for a General Meeting shall be three.

(f) The chairperson, or in their absence a member selected

by the Club Committee, shall take the chair. Each member present shall have

one vote 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.

(g) The Club Secretary, or in their absence a member of the Club Committee, shall enter Minutes of General Meetings into the Minute Book of the Club.

 

10. 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 Club Chairperson, the Club Secretary and the Treasurer. No sum shall be drawn from the Club

Account except by cheque signed by two of the three designated signatories. 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 authorize 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.

(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, 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 (the Custodians), 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.

(f) The Custodians shall be appointed by the Club in a General Meeting and shall

hold office until death or resignation unless removed by a resolution passed at a

General Meeting.

(g) On their removal or resignation a Custodian shall execute a Conveyance in such form as is published by The Football Association from time to time to a newly elected Custodian or the existing Custodians as directed by the Club Committee. On the death of a Custodian, any Club Property vested in them

shall vest automatically in the surviving Custodians. If there is only one surviving

Custodian, a Special General Meeting shall be convened as soon as possible to appoint another Custodian.

(h) The Custodians shall be entitled to an indemnity out of the Club Property

for all expenses and other liabilities reasonably incurred by them in carrying out their duties.

 

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.

(c) 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 parent Association shall determine.  

 

13. Safety

 

(a) All players need to be delivered to the coach in the sports hall and collected from the coach in the sports hall at the end of each session.      

 

(b) Any player that takes specialist medication is required to have a parent / carer present throughout the session.

 


Code of Conduct for Football

 

Football is the national game. All those involved with the game at every level and whether as a player, match official, coach, owner or administrator, have a responsibility, above and beyond compliance with the law, to act according to the highest standards of integrity, and to ensure that the reputation of the game is, and remains, high.

 

Community Football, at all levels, is a vital part of a community. MK Special Dons FC will take into account community feeling when making decisions.

Equality MK Special Dons FC is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.

Participants MK Special Dons FC recognises the sense of ownership felt by those who participate at all levels of the game. This includes those who play, those who coach or help in any way, and those who officiate, as well as administrators and supporters. MK Special Dons FC is committed to appropriate consultation.

Young People MK Special Dons FC acknowledges the extent of its influence over young people and pledges to set a positive example.  

Propriety MK Special Dons FC acknowledges that public confidence demands the highest standards of financial and administrative behaviour within the game, and will not tolerate corruption or improper practices.

Trust and Respect MK Special Dons FC will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved in the game, whether they are individuals, clubs or other organisations.

Violence MK Special Dons FC rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game.

Fairness MK Special Dons FC is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game.

Integrity and Fair Play MK Special Dons FC is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with Fair Play.

 


Code of Conduct for Coaches

 

Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their concept of ethics are their attitude directly effects the behaviour of players under their supervision. Coaches are, therefore, expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct. Coaches have to be aware that almost all of their everyday decisions and choices of actions, as well as strategic targets, have

ethical implications. It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a “win-at-all-costs” attitude. Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the club, school, coach or parent. Set out below is The FA Coaches Association Code of Conduct (which reflects the standards expressed by the National Coaching Foundation and the National Association of Sports Coaches) which forms the benchmark for all involved in coaching, MK Special Dons FC insists that all coaches adhere to these standards.

 

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

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

3. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.

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

5. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.

6. Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

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

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

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

10. Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour

contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.

11. Coaches must consistently display high standards or behaviour and appearance.

12. Not to use or tolerate inappropriate language.


 

Code of Conduct for Players

 

Fair Play and respect for all others in the game is fundamentally important.

 

Players are the most important people in the sport. Playing for the team, and for the team to win, is the most fundamental part of the game. But not winning at any cost – Fair Play and respect for all others in the game is fundamentally important.

This Code focuses on players involved in top-class football. Nevertheless, the key concepts in the Code are valid for players at all levels including those playing football with the MK Special Dons FC.

 

Obligations towards the game, a player should:

 

1. Make every effort to develop their own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.

2. Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if his team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.

3. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.

4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship, and time wasting.

5. Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.

6. Not use inappropriate language.

 

Obligations towards one’s own team, a player should:

 

1. Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help his own team win.

2. Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question his

commitment to the team winning.

 

Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules, a player should:

 

1. Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules.

2. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.

3. Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques.

 

Respect towards Opponents, a player should:

 

1. Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.

2. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents.

 

Respect towards the Match Officials, a player should:

 

1. Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest.

2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.

3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.

 

Respect towards Team Officials, a player should;

 

1. Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Team Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code.

2. Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition.

 

Obligations towards the Supporters, a player should:

 

1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.

 


Code of Conduct for Parents /

Spectators

 

Parents / Spectators have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football especially at MK Special Dons FC.     All children play football because they first and foremost love the game – it’s fun.   It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football within our club it is important to reinforce the message to parents / spectators that positive encouragement will contribute to children enjoying football and create a sense of personal achievement. Here at the MK Special Dons FC we work hard to improve self-esteem and to assist to improve the child’s skills and techniques.

 

We encourage parents / spectators to:

 

• Applaud the opposition as well as you own team.

• Avoid coaching the child during the game.

• Not to shout and scream.

• Respect the referee’s decision.

• Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented.

• Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football.

 

 

 


Anti-Discrimination Policy

 

As the governing body of the game, The Football Association is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the game at every level.

Football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, everyone equally. Our commitment at MK Special Dons FC is to eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or ability and to encourage equal opportunities.

 

The following policy is at the heart of our club’s activities.

 

Equality of opportunity at MK Special Dons FC 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.

 

MK Special Dons FC 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.

 

MK Special Dons FC 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 in the wider

context, within football as a whole.

 

Our commitment is to eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or ability and to encourage equal opportunities.

 

MK Special Dons FC is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members of whatever level or authority, to abide and adhere to this general principle and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission and Commission for Racial Equality. All members are expected to abide by the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1986 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Specifically discrimination is prohibited in:

• Treating any individual on grounds of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientated or disability less

favourably than others.

 


Equal Opportunities

 

MK Special Dons FC is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members of whatever level or authority, to abide and adhere to this general principle and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission and Commission for Racial Equality.

 

All members are expected to abide by the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1986 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Specifically discrimination is prohibited in:

• Treating any individual on grounds of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientated or disability less

favourably than others.

• Expecting an individual solely on the grounds stated above to comply with requirement(s) for any reason whatsoever related to their membership, which are different to the requirements for others.

 

• Imposing on an individual requirments which are in effect more onerous on that individual than they are on others. For example applying a condition (which is

not warranted by the requirements of the position) which makes it more difficult for members of a particular race or sex to comply than others not of that race or sex.

 

• Victimisation of an individual.

• Harassment of an individual (which for the purposes of this policy and the actions and sanction applicable there to is regarded as discrimination).

• Any other act or omission of an act, which has as its effect the disadvantaging of a member against another, or others, purely on the above grounds. Thus, in

all the Club’s recruitment, selection, promotion and training processes, as well as disciplinary matters etc. – in other words all instances where those in control

of members are required to make judgments between them– it is essential that merit, experience, skills and temperament are considered as objectively as possible.

 

MK Special Dons FC 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 MK Special Dons FC policy,

any members offending will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure.

 

The MK Special Dons FC commits itself to the disabled person whenever possible and will treat such members, in aspects of their recruitment and membership, in exactly the same manner as other members, the difficulties of their disablement permitting assistance will be given, wherever possible to ensure that disabled members are helped in gaining access.   Appropriate training will be made to such members who request it.




 

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 procedures below.

 

1. They should report the matter to the Club Secretary or another member of the Committee.

Your report should include:

i. Details of what, when, and where the occurrence took place.

ii. Any witness statement and names.

iii. Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way.

iv. Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to

whom made.

v. A preference for a solution to the incident.

 

2. The Club’s Management Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested.

 

3. The Club’s Management Committee will have the power to:

i. Warn as to future conduct;

ii. Suspend from membership;

iii. Remove from membership;

  of any person found to have broken the Club’s Policies or Codes of Conduct.

 
 
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