Club Policies
Table of Contents

Purpose and Aims of the Club, Staff, Dress Code, Code of Conduct for Football, Code of Conduct for Coaches, Parents Agreement, Child Protection , Weekly Coaching , Games, Coaching Programme, Trialing, Complaints, Educational Support, Medical Support

Purpose and Aims of the Club

Roundshaw & District Colts would like to welcome all the players, parents and staff to the Club and recognize that we all share the great opportunity to be involved in what is a very positive new era of development in youth football.

At the Club we aim to create an environment that both the player and the parents feel comfortable and that provides the necessary support for each player to reach their full potential. It will be structured and have specific aims that the experienced, highly motivated, professional staff will guide the young players toward.

Promotes and supports good outcomes in terms of health, development and educational achievement for its players.
Enables parents and other members of the players’ family to be as involved as is practicable in a working partnership with the Club.
Recognises the significance of ethnic and cultural diversity.
Acknowledge its responsibility to set high football & social standards.
Expects that all adults having contact with players will provide good models of behaviour, be honest and take the feelings of others into account.
Seeks opportunities for celebrating players' success and recognises achievement, effort and good behaviour.
Recognises that good behaviour will be achieved if all those involved in the Club have a clear and mutual understanding of the aims of the Club and if systems of training are implemented efficiently.
Provides a disciplined environment where players will work together taking a pride in themselves and their surroundings.

The Club aims to develop:

Players' outstanding football potential, progressing ultimately to the highest level possible.

Through development of both technical and tactical aspects.
Through education in the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, fitness and nutrition.

Highest standards in a player's personal, social and academic activities.

Through communication in different situations players' will learn how to interact with others.
The Club's support will help to enhance and encourage players to reach their full potential.

The level of conduct and self-discipline, which is expected of young footballers.

Recognise the value of a disciplined approach, the need for practice and punctuality.
Recognising that through the players' actions he/she is representing not only himself/herself, their friend and family but also Roundshaw & District Colts Football Club.

Partnership with parents.

By encouraging communication parents and the coaches, management and committee at Roundshaw & District Colts Football club, the players' will receive all round support

To achieve these aims the club will make the following commitments:

It will enlist a dedicated team of committed and focused people whose shared goal is Excellence both on and off the field.
It will ensure that by in service training and the distribution of information Club players will be trained in the latest skills and techniques.
To provide a co-ordinated, centralised Club coaching and administration structure to create continuity in the development of players.
To create comprehensive monitoring programmes covering coaching, mental and physical development, medical and related issues.
To refine and update where necessary any Club practices that the monitoring has shown need improvement.
To establish player and parent forums to encourage parents to play a supportive role to players progressing through the Club.
To provide and maintain access to top quality coaching, matches, and social facilities.

The Club recognises that for any of these aims to be achieved the player must, most importantly, enjoy playing and participating in his/her own development.

It must be acknowledged by all involved at Roundshaw & District Colts Football Club that regardless of the input not all players will achieve professional status. Ability and skill are important but sometimes very talented players do not become professional footballers. It is hugely important to the Club that the development of the "whole player" has enabled the individual to succeed in whatever walk of life they eventually choose.

Club Staff

Coaching/ Managing Staff Requirements

Roundshaw & District Colts Football Club will ensure that all managers and volunteers will be suitably screened in accordance with the Child Protection Act.
All coaches will be qualified to a minimum of F.A.Level one coaching badge status
All coaches Managers wiil be emergency first aid certified
All coaches must abide by the code of conduct set out by the F. A. Coaches Association.
All coaches must be familiar and operate within the FA's policy on child protection.
All coaches participate in service training that is provided.

Responsibilities

Prepare stimulating appropriate coaching sessions that are well organised, planned and presented with enthusiasm.
Ensure safety and well being of all players when training and playing.
Maintain high standards of behaviour and appearance and instil this in the players.
Encourage development in player's personality - increase self-confidence, motivation, concentration and communication.
Give feedback to players on a regular basis
Promote the positive aspects of sport (e.g. Fair play).
Make the learning and development of the players enjoyable.

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Dress Code

This is an important aspect because as a member of Roundshaw & District Colts Football Club the way a player presents themselves not only reflects on the player but also on the club. Consequently players will be expected to adhere to the following:

When attending coaching sessions they will be required to wear a club drill top or club tracksuit.
To have their club bag
Towel, water bottles, shin pads, rain jacket/coat.
Turf trainers /boots
When attending games they will be required to wear the clubs drill top or tracksuit.
For all other occasions official club events and meetings they will be required to wear their club drill top or club tracsuit

Inappropriate Dress Includes

Jeans.
Jewellery, earrings, nose rings etc.

Training & Match-day Kit

Please ensure that the above listed training kit is worn for all the coaching sessions plus shin pads and appropriate footwear.
Any training or match kit is to be returned to the coach the right side out immediately after a game.

Code of Conduct for Football

Community Football, at all levels, is a vital part of a community. Football will take into account community feeling when making decisions.
Equality Football is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.
Participants Football 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. Football is committed to appropriate consultation.
Young People Football acknowledges the extent of its influence over young people and pledges to set a positive example.
Propriety Football 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 Football will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved in the game, whether they are individuals, clubs or other organisations.
Violence Football rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game.
Fairness Football is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game.
Integrity and Fair Play Football is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with Fair Play.

Code of Conduct for Coaches

Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they, as players, are entitled to expect from their coach.
Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
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.
Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
Not to use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Parents Agreement

Can parents of players U-17 and under please observe the following:

Training

Ensure that the players arrive 10 minutes before training
Ensure that the players are dressed accordingly to Club code and weather conditions.
Inform specific coach, or assistant of any injury or illness.
View training sessions from the designated areas. In some cases this may be quite a distance from the activity. This is done in the interest of all the players to maintain an appropriate professional learning environment.

In cases where the designated viewing area is close to the session, parents are asked not to give additional advice to the players while the coach is working.

Games

Ensure that players arrive at the requested time.
Notify the Coach, Manager or Assistant of any injuries or illness.
Notify Coach if player is unable to attend through injury or illness.
Ensure players adhere to club dress code.
View the game from the designated area.
Only offer comments of encouragement.
Applaud good play from both teams.
Not dispute the official's decisions.
Be courteous to all other spectators

Child Protection

Roundshaw & District Colts Football Club

Acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person who has been entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all members. A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any club football activity. We subscribe to The Football Association’s child protection and best practice policy and procedures and endorse and adopt the policy statement contained in that document.

The key principles of The FA Child Protection 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 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 or carers is essential. We acknowledge that every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse.

Roundshaw & District Colts Football Club

Recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our 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’s child protection regulation (see The FA Handbook) applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes those who are a volunteer, match official, helper on club tours, football coach, club official or medical staff.

We endorse and adopt The FA’s Child Protection and Best Practice Guidelines for Recruiting Volunteers and will:

Develop a role profile Request identification documents as a minimum meet and chat with the applicant(s) 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 Football Club members 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 us to become part of Roundshaw & District Colts Football Club, guidance will be sought from The Football Association. It is noted and accepted that The FA will consider the relevance and significance of the information

The FA Charter Standard Club Programme

Child Protection Policy obtained via The FA CRB Unit Enhanced CRB Disclosure and that all decisions will be made in the best interests of children and young people. It is accepted that 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 practice with children or young people. This is to prevent direct sexual or physical harm to children and to minimise the risk of ‘grooming’ within football.

Roundshaw & District Colts Football Club supports The FA’s ‘whistle blowing’ policy.

Any adult or young person with concerns about a colleague can ‘whistle blow’ by contacting The FA Child Protection Manager on 0207 745 4771, by writing to The FA Case Manager at The Football Association, 25 Soho Square, London W1D 4FA or by going direct to the police, social services or the NSPCC. Roundshaw & District Colts Football Club encourages everyone to know about it and utilise it if necessary.

Roundshaw & District Colts Football Club Football Club has appointed a Club Welfare Officer (CWO)

in line with The FA’s role profile and required completion of the child protection and best practice workshop. The post holder will be involved with designated person’s training provided by The FA. The CWO is the first point of contact for all club members and parents or guardians regarding concerns for the welfare of any child or young person. They will liaise directly with the CFA CPO and will be familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns. They will also play a proactive role in increasing an awareness of poor practice and abuse amongst club members.

Roundshaw & District Colts Football Club 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, parents or guardians should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly. Incidents need to be reported to the CWO, a member of the committee or, in cases of serious bullying contact the CFA CPO.

Codes of conduct for players, parents or spectators, officials and coaches have been implemented by Roundshaw & District Colts Football Club.

In order to validate these codes of conduct the club has clear sanctions to deal with any misconduct at club level and acknowledges the possibility of potential sanctions which may be implemented by leagues or the CFA in more serious circumstances. All prospective members will be informed of these codes. Further advice on child protection matters can be obtained from: The County Football Association’s Child Protection Officer, whose details can be found in the County Handbook The Football Association/NSPCC Child Protection 24-Hour Helpline 0808 800 5000 www.TheFA.com/Goal The FA child protection team on 0207 745 4649.

Weekly Coaching Sessions

Players are to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to session starting. It is important that players do not miss warm up or the session brief.
Players need to adhere to the dress code
No chewing gum
Players need to train in any kit provided by Roundshaw & District Colts F.C.
Trialists need to provide their own training kit
Please try and inform the Coach if a player is unable to attend the coaching sessions at least a day before the session, (except in the case of an emergency).
Please notify the Coach of any future absences.
Report any injuries, no matter how small, or illness etc.
Participate fully in warm ups and cool downs before and after training.
Eat appropriate food prior to and after training session i.e. carbohydrate.
Make sure that relaxation is part of a weekly schedule to allow the body to recover.
Make sure players see the coach after the training session to receive any messages before leaving.
Players are welcome to highlight any problems they are experiencing prior to or after a training session.

Games

The games are a vital component of the learning process. It must be stressed that as a result the role of these matches is as a part of the development programme in which the result is not of primary importance. Players may be asked to play in different positions. There is always a reason the coach has done this. If you are unsure of anything please ask.

Please remember all of Roundshaw & District Colts players are valued. In the interest of the young players development there are a limited number of games they can play in a season. Too many games can lead to problems such as over use injuries, mental and physical fatigue, and lack of time to participate in academic and social pursuits

Match Days

Players need to sleep well the night before a game. Late nights will not help performance the next day.
Players need to prepare with regard to diet during the week building up to a large carbohydrate meal the night before the game.
Players must make sure they arrive at the agreed venue at the right time.
For away fixtures players and parents will receive notice during the week prior to the game.
Players must adhere to dress code.
Any injuries or illness are reported.
If players are unable to attend due to injury or illness, either the coach or a Club official is notified as soon as possible.
Player is responsible for having clean boots, shin pads towel etc.
Adhere to the rules and guidelines for Club players.
Players must make sure they warm up fully before a game. Substitutes should keep themselves warm and stretched throughout the game.
Players should make sure they warm down after the game. This is the start of your next session. Win, lose or draw this must be done correctly.

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Coaching Programme

The coaching programme will be tailored to the particular needs and level of development of that age group. There will be common areas that will be important to practice throughout a player's development. With the young players it is important to make sure they have a solid foundation in techniques. Great emphasis will be given to:

quality passing
good first touch
developing two footed players
creating space
turning and dribbling
being comfortable on the ball
support play
shooting
heading

As the player develops, these aspects are no less important but the emphasis then goes to performing these techniques in competitive team situations. Here speed, strength, communication and decision making are all factors in the execution of the technique. Players will also be coached in the specifics of their role or position when they or their team have possession and when their direct opponent or member of the opposing team is in possession.

Goalkeeping is a specialist area and will be treated accordingly but will have a similar logical progression in the learning process.

Coaches will also provide football specific fitness training that will be appropriate to the age group. As the players progress they will also need to address the psychological aspects that accompany performance. These include concentration, motivation, self- confidence, desire, and commitment. These aspects are crucial to performing well on a consistent basis therefore both the player and the coach will want to enhance these areas.

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Trialing

The Club recognises that one off trials can be ineffective as an accurate indicator for a players development potential. Therefore the Club will be attempting to optimise conditions to make any trial as meaningful as possible.

Within this framework the Club will not be holding one off trials as this is not conducive to success. A trial period will range from four weeks initially but up to six weeks to allow the players to acclimatise to their environment, feel comfortable, and therefore have the opportunity to perform to the best of their ability.

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Complaints

Experience confirms the importance of apparently small matters needing to be taken seriously, listened to and addressed. A recurring pattern of 'minor' complaints could indicate deep-seated problems that need to be addressed. All coaches and volunteers at the Club, who are involved with children and young persons will take complaints seriously and report them to the designated person. Players will have direct access to the designated person and complaints will always be acknowledge and logged.

Grievance Procedure

At Roundshaw & District Colts Football Club we aim to do things well. One of the ways in which we can achieve this is by listening and responding to the views of players and parents at our football Club.

If you are not happy with anything that happens and it's to do with the Club, please let us know straight away.

How to Make a Complaint

You can make a complaint about any area of our Club's work. Speak to the Club Secretary (Mikr Reynolds) about your concerns. Try to be clear about the problem and be as calm as you can about it. If you are not happy with the explanation you receive, or feel that you cannot talk about it, make your complaint in writing to Chairperson (David Bennett). Try to be as clear as you can in the letter about the problem and say how you feel it should be dealt with.

What We Will Do

We will deal with your complaint as quickly as possible. We will aim to send a full reply within two weeks of receiving your letter. If we are unable to do so, for example because we are carrying out an investigation we will tell you when you can expect a full reply.

If we have done something wrong or made a mistake we will apologise. We will tell you what went wrong and how we are putting it right.

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Educational Support

The Club recognises that the importance of Academic Schooling as being vital to the development of the 'whole player. This will not be compromised by the focus placed on his/her technical development. It is vital that players and parent understand that highest attainment level in schooling and education rate more important that playing soccer for Roundshaw & District Colts. The Club will provide every bit of support to this policy it can.

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Medical Support

Roundshaw & District Colts Football Club recognises the extreme importance in maintaining the medical health and welfare of each of the players.

Qualified 1^st Aiders will be present during home matches and training times. When appropriate, cover will also be available from a First Aid qualified staff member who will be responsible for assessing injuries occurring during training sessions and at matches.

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Club Policies Table of Contents

Club Policies
Table of Contents