Constitution

1.	Name 

The name of the club shall be called Springfield Park Junior Football Club.  

2.	Objects
 
The objects of the club will be:-  
2.1 To teach and promote participation in football in all aspects, consistent with the Football Association, law and as far as facilities allow. 
2.2 Arrange and organise fixtures and other events encouraging the development of the club and its members. 
2.3 Encourage members to partake in the administration of the sport and to provide quality coaching to all players.
2.4 To maintain the standard of our home pitch at Springfield Park to provide a suitable surface for our players to develop their abilities.

3.	Status of Rules 

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

4.	Rules and Regulations

4.1 The club shall have the status of an affiliated members club of the Football Association by virtue of its affiliation to Manchester County FA. The rules and regulations of the Football Association Limited and Manchester County 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.
4.2 The club will abide by The Football Associations Child Protection Policies and Procedures, Codes of Conduct and the Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination Policy. 
4.3 A breach of the rules by any of the members will be subject to the clubs Code of Conduct and Disciplinary procedures.
4.4 Code of Conduct and Disciplinary procedures are outlined within the clubs directory, Springfield Park committee reserve the right to make any amendments it deems appropriate without prior notification. The committee will make every effort to keep the constitution of the club up to date on the clubs website at www.springfieldparkjfc.com  

5.	Membership

There are 2 levels of membership within the club:-

5.1 Club Membership   
a) This is applicable to all members of the committee and all managers/coaches who have been in their role for at least 6 months. 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) All club members will have a vote on decisions affecting the Club. For that vote to count, they must be in attendance at the relevant meeting when the vote takes place. No votes will be accepted by any other means. 
d) In the event of a member’s resignation or expulsion, his or her name shall be removed from the Membership Register. 
e) The Football Association and parent County Association shall be given access to the Membership Register on demand.
f) It is expected that Club members regularly attend committee and/or coaches meeting. If a member regularly misses meetings, then the Committee reserve the right to remove their ability to vote at meetings.

5.2 Playing Membership
All players at the club will be registered on this basis. Membership on this basis will be annually and subject to re-registration with the club for future seasons.

6.	Annual Membership Fees 

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 playing membership and annually by each member. Fees shall not be refundable. 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.	Resignations and Expulsion
 
7.1 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 can be ask to appear in front of the committee for an explanation and possible expulsion from the club.
7.2 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.

8.	 Officials and Club Committees
 
8.1 The Executive Committee - shall consist of the Chairperson, Club Secretary, Treasurer, Child Welfare Officer, Vice-Chairperson/Head of Coaches and Vice-Chairman/Charter Standard Coordinator.
8.2 The Club Committee – shall consist of the members of the Executive Committee, team managers/coaches and parent representatives for each team within the club.
8.3 Each club officer and 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 three positions of club officer at any time. 
8.4 Decisions of the clubs committee shall be made by a single majority of those attending the management committee meeting. The Chairperson of the management committee shall have the casting vote in the event of a tie. The quorum for the transaction of business of the management committee shall be one third of the membership. 
8.5 Decisions of the club committee of meetings shall be minuted and records maintained by the Club chairman. 
8.6 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. 
8.7 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 club committee members and approved by a simple majority of the remaining club committee members. 
8.8 Save as provided for in the Rules and Regulations of The Football 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.
8.9 There shall be not more than four trustees of the Club appointed by a majority of members present at a General Meeting called especially for that purpose. Any land and property acquired by the Club shall be vested in the trustees, as nominees on behalf of the Club, to be dealt with as the Committee shall from time to time direct (of which an entry in the minute book shall be conclusive evidence). The Club shall indemnify such trustees from and against all actions, claims, proceedings, loss, damage and liability arising from the performance of their duties and obligations as trustees. The trustees shall hold office until death or resignation or until removed from office by a resolution of a General Meeting which may be for any reason which may seem sufficient to a majority of members present and voting at such General Meeting. Where by reason of such death, resignation or removal it shall be necessary to appoint an additional trustee or trustees, such appointment or 
appointments shall be made by a resolution of a General Meeting called especially for that purpose. 

9. Annual and Special General Meeting 
9.1 An Annual General Meeting shall be held in July each year to:- 
a) Receive a report of activities of the club over the previous year 
b) Receive a report of the clubs finances over the previous year
c) Elect the members of the Clubs Committee 
d) Consider any other business 
9.2 Nominations for election of members as Club Committee shall be made in writing by the proposer and seconder, 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. 
9.3 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. 
9.4 The quorum for a General Meeting shall be one third of the club membership. 
9.5 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. 
9.6 The Club Secretary, or in their absence a member of the Club Committee, shall record the Minutes of General Meetings to be held.   

10. Club Teams   
At its first meeting following each AGM the Club Committee shall appoint a Club member to be responsible for each of the Clubs 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 of the activities of the team.

11. Managers/Coaches
11.1 Any manager/coach is appointed for the season (June to May) and will be maintained in that role in subsequent seasons unless a change is agreed via the Club Committee by way of a simple majority.
11.2 All new manager/coach appointments must be agreed by the Club Committee by way of a simple majority.
11.2 Any managers/coaches wishing to take a coaching badge and requiring the Club to pay for the said qualification must have been at the Club for at least 6 months in the role prior to consideration being given. At that point, the Club will provide the funding subject to the manager/coach signing a 12 month contract to stay at the club.
11.3 If the manager/coach doesn’t fulfil this contract, then the Club can request reimbursement for the costs unless the given reason is acceptable to the Club Committee via a simple majority.
11.4 Any manager/coach can pay for their own coaching badge initially and once they have been at the Club for at least 6 months in the role then consideration can be given to provide reimbursement subject to a 12 month contract being signed.
11.5 All funding requests for coaching badges must be agreed via the Club Committee by way of a simple majority.
11.6 Any manager/coach leaving their role will cease to be a club member and will no longer have any voting rights unless otherwise agreed by the Club Committee by simple majority.
11.7 Any manager/coach wishing to leave the club mid-season must give the Club 4 weeks’ notice unless otherwise agreed by the Executive Committee. The only time a manager/coach can leave without notice is during the months of June and July.
    
12. Club Finances  
12.1 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 and the Treasurer. No sum shall be drawn from the Club Account except by cheque signed by one of the two designated signatories. All monies payable to the club shall be received by the Treasurer and deposited into the Club Account. 12.2 The income and assets of the Club (the Club Property) shall be applied only in furtherance of the objects of the Club. 
12.3 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. 
12.4 The Club shall prepare an annual Financial Statement in such form as shall be published by The Football Association from time to time.

13. Disciplinary Procedures
The Disciplinary Committee will comprise a minimum of 4 members of the Executive Committee.   
This Committee will have the power to:-  
a) Issue a verbal warning as to future conduct for minor breaches of rules. 
b) Issue a written warning for a second minor breach of rules or for a more serious indiscretion. 
c) Issue a fixed term suspension for a third breach or fairly major breach of rules. 
d) Recommend to the Executive Committee dismissal from the Club for persistently breaking the rules or for a very serious breach.  

In all cases, a written appeal against the decision can be lodged within 7 days.

14. Dissolution  
14.1 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. 
14.2 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 assets and liabilities of the Club. 
14.3 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.   

15. Recommended Financial Policy

This is to clarify the situation for all teams associated with the Club. Club income can be divided into 5 areas as follows:-  

15.1 Registration Fees   
A registration fee of £20.00 per player must be paid in during the Club registration week in June. A second/third player joining from the same family will pay a fee of £10.00.  
Players registering for the club for the current season after 1st February will have a reduced registration fee of £10.00.  
The league may also charge a registration fee (approx. £2.50 per player)  

15.2 Monthly Subscriptions  
All team squad players will pay a monthly fee of £20 by direct debit over a maximum period of 9 months (running August to April inclusive or September to May inclusive) to cover all training, friendlies and match fees for a season which will run from 1st of August to 31st of July. must pay a weekly fee of £3.00 before commencing training.  A second or subsequent player from the same immediate family will be charged at a rate of £16 per month each.  

Payments are collected by direct debit via Go Cardless. All charges made by Go Cardless are covered by the club.

15.3 Social/Fundraising Events 
All monies raised from these events will be paid into the Club’s account.  

15.4 Sponsorships 
Kit sponsors will be charged at a rate of £350 for a 2-year sponsorship period for a 5-a-side team, £450 for a 7-a-side or 9-a-side team and £550 for an 11-a-side team. The funds will be used initially to pay for kits for the individual teams with any surplus funds being used in other areas associated with the club and to meet the club objectives. Any direct sponsorship made by Sponsor other than for kits or match balls can be used for a purpose selected by the Sponsor to further the objectives of the club. Any club sponsors must sign a sponsorship agreement with the club.   

15.5 Grants
Grant money will be used for specific projects as identified in the grant application and used to further the objectives of the club.   

16. Recommended Procedure when dealing with Scouts
It is essential that all Team Managers adopt the same procedure when dealing with scouts. Providing the scout makes himself know to the manager, the following procedure should be adopted: 

The scout should be given full co-operation re: player’s names but at the same time must be informed of the following club procedure:
•	If the scout is interested in any player. Before any approach is made they must inform the club secretary in writing.  
•	The club secretary will then notify the Team manager concerned, of the official approach.
•	The Team Manager will then convene a meeting involving the parents of the player concerned. At this meeting, the implications of joining a school of excellence or academy will be outlined. E.g. Players as young as nine have to prove themselves on a continual basis, putting youngsters under unnecessary pressure to retain their place at the school of excellence. Academy and school of excellence players are only allowed to play a specific number of games in the season, which means that the number of school games may be restricted and under no circumstances will he be allowed to play for his local junior team. 
•	The club secretary will then notify the youth development officer (scout), either by phone or in writing, regarding the decision reached. It is very important that all Team Managers follow this procedure to the letter in order that any illegal approach can be reported to the appropriate authorities at Manchester FA. In the event of any illegal approach to any of your players, contact the club secretary with details immediately so that appropriate action can be taken.   

17. Club Rules for Managers

17.1 Prior to Season  
All team managers should hold a registration evening during which player registrations will take place and registration fees collected. Parent representatives for their respective teams should assist on the night along any committee members that have children in the relevant team. It is expected that managers will present their playing objectives to the parents at this meeting. 
The fees must be paid in at the Club’s registration week (see recommended Financial Policy). 
Players must be registered in the appropriate age group unless permission is granted by the Executive Committee and any league that player will be required to play in. Managers must ensure that their players are registered with their leagues. The Club secretary will also assist with league registrations.  

17.2 Meetings   
All teams must be represented at the Club’s Coaches meeting if possible. Attendance is also welcomed at the Club Committee meetings. Club Committee meetings must be attended by the Head of Coaches or if he is unable to attend then he can send a deputy in his place.
All teams must ensure either a manager or coach makes every effort to attend their respective League meetings.   

17.3 Fines  
Parents/Guardians of players are responsible for payment of their fines. This must be paid at the first available training session/match day whichever is first. Failure to pay at this time will result in suspension from the team until the fine is paid.  
Any player cautioned more than once in a season will be issued with a verbal warning by their Manager and warned about future behaviour.
Any player who is sent off for dissent during a match, will be asked to attend a disciplinary meeting.  
Any player cautioned repeatedly during the season, will be asked to attend a disciplinary meeting.  
Any Manager, coach, or parent cautioned by the referee will be asked to attend a disciplinary meeting.   

17.4 General  
One person cannot hold an official position as Manager with more than one competitive team at the same time. 
The Executive Committee have the power to call a disciplinary meeting if any of the above rules are breached or if they feel that any of the Club’s volunteers have behaved inappropriately or is deemed to be bring the clubs reputation in to disrepute.  

17.5 Complaints Procedure 
Any member or Parent/Guardian/Carer who has a grievance or complaint should submit it in writing to the Secretary or any Officer of the Club. The written statement should address information requirements defined in the Club Complaints Procedure. The Management Committee will consider the grievance/complaint at its next scheduled meeting, in accordance with the Club Complaints Procedure.   

17.6 Inter Club Team Transfers (mini soccer)/Inter Club Transfers Club Rules for Managers 
No players shall be transferred between Springfield Park teams without the permission of both managers concerned.  
No Approach shall be made to parents or players from fellow Springfield Park teams until such time as both managers have discussed the possible move and reach an agreement in principle.   
Interclub transfers rules apply throughout the season and closed season respectively.  
Any player transferred without the agreement of both managers will be asked to return to his original team or leave the club.  
Should a manager feel strongly about a transfer where there are extenuating circumstances, he may appeal to the Executive committee for a final decision.   
These rules are maintained to avoid any conflict between fellow volunteers at the club.   

17.7 Approaching players from other clubs   
As per FA guide lines, Managers should refrain from making approaches to players from other clubs during the football season. Should a manager wish to approach a player from another club to join their team during the off season, this should be done in an appropriate non-aggressive manner.  
Should a manager be approached by a parent or player from another club looking to join their team, they should discuss the matter with the chairman to safeguard the manager from any complaints that may occur. 
  
17.8 Player Expulsions  
a) Non-competitive age groups (under 7’s to 11’s)  
Managers are not permitted to dismiss a player from their squad without good cause.  
Managers wishing to dismiss a player from their squad are required to discuss their concerns with the chairman prior to any action being taken. Should the managers concerns be validated by the chairman, a meeting with the parents should be held to discuss and if possible rectify any issues arising. Any action to dismiss a player must be authorized by the chairman.  

b) Competitive leagues (Under 12’s onwards)  
Managers wishing to dismiss a player from their squad are required to discuss their concerns with the chairman prior to any action being taken. Every effort should be made by managers to offer an alternative place within another team at Springfield should the dismissal be based on ability.
   
17.9	Managers Guidance Notes
Equipment 
Ensure that the team have at least one full set of kit, one match ball (appropriate size), a number of training balls, basic first aid kit. Any requirements should be discussed with the Kit/Equipment Co-ordinator.

Risk Assessment 
To carry out a visual risk assessment and pitch inspection prior to all coaching sessions and match’s.   
Coaching Plan and supervise weekly training sessions. Select the team. Inform players of meeting time.  

Other Duties 
Attempt to rally support for all club fund raising functions. 
Follow recommended procedure when dealing with scouts 
Follow Springfield recommended financial policy. 
Follow recommended policy re: Child Protection. 
Enforce the basic rules laid down in the handbook.   
 
18. FA Respect Code of Conduct

18.1 Clubhouse Code of Practice   
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. Springfield Park support the FA’s Respect programme to ensure football can be enjoyed in a safe, positive environment.   
The full FA Respect Code of Conduct is available in the club house or alternatively on the website.   
Highlights of the players and spectators Respect Code of Conduct are outlined below.        
 
18.2 Spectators and Parents/Carers – Code of Conduct.  
I Will:  
•	Remember that children play for FUN.  
•	Applaud effort and good play as well as success.  
•	Always respect the match official’s decisions.  
•	Remain outside the field of play and within the designated spectator’s area.  
•	Let the coach do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do.  
•	Encourage the players to respect the opposition, referee and match officials.  
•	Avoid criticizing a player for making a mistake – mistakes are part of learning.  
•	Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour.    

18.3 Players – Code of Conduct   
When playing football, I will:  
•	Always play to the best of my ability.  
•	Play fairly – I won’t cheat, complain or waste time.  
•	Respect my team mates, the other team, the referee or my coach/manager.  
•	Play by the rules, as directed by the referee.  
•	Shake hands with the other team and the referee at the end of the game.  
•	Listen and respond to what my coach/team manager tells me.  
•	Talk to someone I trust or the club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club.    

19. Guidance to Promote Good Practice in the Care of Children and Young People

The following guidelines are suggested to managers, coaches and volunteers in an attempt to reduce situations which could lead to abuse of children, as well as attempting to protect those who are ‘working’ with children and young people.   
a) Always try and work with children and young people, in the open and in public view. 
b) Always try and avoid situations where a manager, coach or volunteer works with children or young people in situations where they are completely unobserved. 
c) Always try to avoid forms of coaching and training that involve long periods of physical contact/support. If such coaching is necessary always try to do this in public. 
d) With younger children, when possible, try to encourage parents to take responsibility for their children in the changing rooms. 
e) Always ensure that managers, coaches and volunteers work in pairs when children have to be supervised in the changing room. 
f) Always try to avoid being alone in a car with a child or young person on journeys. Sometimes this will be inevitable. When this is the case try and make sure the child or young person sits in the back of the car. In these circumstances a manager, coach or volunteer should advise a co-worker of their decision to travel alone with a child. 
g) Always try to avoid taking children or young people home with you, especially if they would be alone with a manager, coach or volunteer. 
h) At all times managers, coaches or volunteers should avoid sharing a room with children or young people if away on tour.
i) Always challenge the use of foul and abusive, racist or sexist language. 
j) Always act on any allegations made by a child or young person in your care.   

20. Guidance for Children and Young People to Get Help

How to get help if you are unhappy or worried about anything at the club:
•	At Springfield Park J.F.C we believe that our young people are the clubs future.  
•	We will always try to provide the best standards of supervision and coaching, while you belong to the club.  
•	We will do all we can to ensure that you enjoy your football with us and try to ensure that you are safe from bullying, racism or abuse.  
•	We will not get everything right all the time and you may have ideas about how to improve things. If so, don’t be afraid to make your views known.  
•	Despite our best efforts you could experience bullying, racism or abuse or you may be unhappy with our methods of coaching/training.  If you are worried about anything or have ideas about how we could improve things, it is best to speak to your team manager or one of the coaches involved with your team.  
•	If you feel that your ideas/concerns are not being dealt with then speak to someone else.  
•	It is always a good idea to first discuss your worries no matter how small or how serious your parents or your guardian, to see if they can help. They could raise the issue on your behalf.  

If you are unhappy about the way the club has dealt with your worry or complaint, you will be informed as to what to do next.   

21. Childline – 0800 1111 or NSPCC – 0808 800 5000 
You could speak in confidence, but if you wanted, your concern could be passed on to other people who are in a position to help you.   
We want you to enjoy your time with us and at all times feel comfortable and secure in a safe environment.  
If you are worried about the way anyone at the club, either another child or young person or an adult is treating you, it is IMPORTANT that you share these worries with someone. 
   
IF YOU NEED HELP, ASK FOR IT.
THAT IS ONE OF YOUR RIGHTS WHILE YOU ARE INVOLVED
WITH SPRINGFIELD PARK J.F.C