RULES AND
CONSTITUTION
RULES INCORPORATING
CHANGES
AGREED AT AGM on 23/06/08
Download word version of constitution
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word version of complaints procedure
1. NOMENCLATURE AND CONSTITUTION
The name of the Club shall be GREAT HARWOOD ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB and it
shall run football teams consisting of players from the age of six (under 7s to
open age) as deemed by the
Committee of the Club. Those players under the age of six will be allowed to take
part in training sessions with the “Mini
League Academy”.
The Club shall
be affiliated to the Lancashire Football Association (LFA) and shall have
grounds or headquarters situated in the County of Lancashire
and the Club's name and particulars shall be returned annually by the appointed
date to the LFA.
The object of
the Club is to organise football, on a non-profit making basis, under the rules
and conditions of the Football Association.
The aim of the Club shall be to encourage
Players and Parents/Guardians to participate in football in a sporting and
self-disciplined manner. Players will be introduced to football via
mini-soccer; a game designed by the Football Association to provide quality
experiences for all young players at all levels and is deemed the most
appropriate and fun introduction to football. Mini soccer is for all youngsters
regardless of their ability. It is intended for girls and boys and young
footballers with disabilities and learning difficulties. Mini soccer’s main aim
is to ensure that children have more fun and learn more about playing the game
using smaller teams and modified rules. Each Manager will endeavour to give all
children a fair and reasonable amount of time on the pitch in all team games
dependant on the player’s attendance at training and their personal behaviour
and conduct, irrespective of their level of ability. The Club shall encourage
all Players to fulfil their potential. As players grow and progress up to
playing full 11 aside football, the emphasis shall alter slightly and whilst
maintaining an emphasis on enjoyment and participation an increasing importance
shall be placed on competition and performance based selection
2. MEMBERSHIP
The Members
shall be:
a) The Players registered
to play League football, and Unregistered Players who attend training sessions.
b) The Officers
of the Club.
c) The Managers
and assistant managers for each team.
d) The
parents/guardians of all registered and unregistered players under the age of
18.
3. SUBSCRIPTIONS
The amount
payable by the Players for the Annual Subscription shall be decided on at the
Annual General Meeting prior to the start of the new season.
4. OFFICERS
The Officers of the Club shall be the Chair, the Vice-Chair, the Secretary,
and the Treasurer, to be elected at the Annual General meeting.
The position of Honorary President is a non-electable role and will be
decided upon by the members. The position will be reviewed on an annual basis.
The Position of Kit/Equipment Manager, Junior Rep and
Fundraising Co-ordinator will be electable positions to be decided at the
Annual General Meeting.
5. MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION
a) The
Governing Body of the Club shall be the Committee comprised of the Officers of
the Club who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and two / three
adult Members from each team run by the Club. Voting rights will be restricted
to 2 votes per team.
b) Retiring
Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without
nomination. All other candidates for election as Officers or Committee Members
shall be nominated in writing by two Members to the Secretary not less than 14
days prior to the AGM in each year. Names of those nominated shall be
circulated with the notice of the Annual General Meeting. In the event of there
being no nomination in accordance with the foregoing for any office,
nominations may be received at the Annual General Meeting.
c) The
Committee shall meet as often as is necessary.
d) Except where
otherwise mentioned all communications shall be addressed to the Secretary who
shall conduct the correspondence of the Club and keep a record of its
proceedings.
6. QUORUM
The quorum
required for the Committee shall be nine members of the serving Committee
(including a minimum of two Officers).
7. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
a) This shall
be held after the finish of the playing season and no later than the 30th June.
(The financial year will end on the 31st of May). The Secretary
shall give 28 days' notice of the Annual General Meeting to the members. The
agenda shall be: -
1) Minutes of
last Annual General Meeting
2) Matters
arising
3) Chair's
address
4) Secretary's
report
5) Treasurer's
report
6) Any other
Reports as Required:
Child
Welfare Officer
Junior
Representative
Fundraising
and Social Co-Ordinator
Kit/Webshop
Manager
Lyndon
House Manager
7) Election of
Officers and Committee Members
8) Registration
Fees for next season
9) Alteration
of Rules, if any (of which notice has been given)
10) Other
business of which due notice shall have been given
b) A copy of
the Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts, and Agenda shall be made available,
on request, at least seven days prior to the meeting.
c) All voting
shall be conducted by a show of hands, unless a ballot is demanded by at least
one third of the delegates present or the Chair so decides. Members must be
present at the AGM in order to vote. All voting/ballots will require a two
thirds majority to be passed.
8. POWER OF THE COMMITTEE
The Committee
shall have the power: -
a) To make,
amend or rescind any bye-law, so long as it does not contravene the Rules of
the Club.
b) The
Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have the power to fill ad hoc
vacancies that may occur.
c) To exercise
disciplinary action when necessary.
d) Members of
the Committee shall be entitled to attend all Committee Meetings and, except
for the Chair, vote thereat - to a maximum of two per team, but no Member shall
be allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to himself. In the
event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chair shall have a casting
vote.
e) The
Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon, and enforce the Rules of the
Club and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Club, including
any not provided for by the Rules.
9. ALTERATIONS AND AMENDMENTS
Alterations and
amendments to the rules of the Club can only be made on the vote of an Annual
General Meeting or at a General Meeting specially convened for the purpose
called in conformity with Rule 14. Any proposition to alter or amend the rules
of the Club must be received by the Secretary 14 days prior to the Annual
General Meeting or the General Meeting.
10. ANNUAL BALANCE SHEET
The Treasurer shall present an Annual Balance Sheet of income and
expenditure to the Annual General Meeting. (No later than June 30th
as rule 7a).
Dissolution of the Club.
a) A resolution to dissolve the Club must be carried by at least 75% of
those present and eligible to vote.
b) Dissolution shall take effect on the day following acceptance of the
proposal and 3 members of the Management Committee shall be elected by those
present to be responsible for winding up the assets and liabilities of the Club
c) The Secretary of the Club shall inform all interested parties of the
dissolution.
d) All excess monies remaining after the Club has settled any outstanding
debts, shall be disposed of to any number of registered charities, suggested by
the Management Committee. No monies in any form shall be passed on to any
Public Limited Company or Limited Company for disposal.
e) Club equipment shall be disposed of to other non-profit making
voluntary organisations, who the Committee feel will benefit.
f) The Committee shall endeavour to find other suitable Clubs for the
playing membership of the Club to enable them to continue their participation
in association football.
g) A record of the disposal of the Club assets shall be kept by the Club
Secretary, and a copy of this record shall be sent to the Secretary of the County Association
that the Club is affiliated to.
11. ISSUE OF CHEQUES
The Treasurer shall issue all cheques, signed by two Officers.
12. EXPENDITURE
All expenditure greater than £20 on behalf of the Club to be approved by
the Committee.
The Club Secretary will be entitled to claim reasonable expenses, subject
to a maximum of £15 per month, to cover the cost of all telephone calls made on
the Club’s behalf.
13. FINES AND APPEALS
a) All fines
incurred by Players as a result of disciplinary action taken by any League/Referee
shall be paid by the offending Player. Any Player wishing a personal hearing by
the LFA must submit the relevant fee and correspondence to the Secretary, who
will only then, on the Player’s behalf, apply for a personal hearing.
b) All fines incurred by a Team Manager during
the course of a season as a result of contravening a League Rule will be paid
by the Club on their behalf up to a maximum of three fines. Should any Manager
incur more than three fines then the Manager will pay all further fines.
c) Any Manager who has not paid any fines owed by him will be requested
by the Committee to attend a Hearing to determine the reasons for non-payment.
14. SPECIAL MEETINGS
On receiving a requisition
signed by two-thirds of the Members of the Committee, the Secretary shall
convene a meeting of the Committee. The Committee may call a General Meeting at
any time when it shall consider the same necessary. At least 28 days' notice
shall be given of all meetings under this Rule, together with an agenda of the
business to be transacted at such meetings.
14A. TRUSTEES
(a) The
property of the Club shall be vested in Trustees and they shall deal with such
property so vested in them and they shall be indemnified against any claims,
questions, risk and expense out of the property of the Club. The Trustees shall
be appointed initially by the Committee of the Club and may be members of the Club (and they shall
hold office until death or resignation) or a Trust Corporation (in which case
it shall hold office until resignation and may be remunerated for its services
in accordance with its scale of charges for the time being in force);
(b) In
the event of the death or resignation of one or more Trustees not being a Trust
Corporation) the Committee shall be at liberty to suggest to the surviving or
continuing Trustees a replacement for such deceased or retiring Trustee (and
Corporation) shall be entitled to appoint new Trustees (not being a Trust
Corporation) or a new Trustee (being a Trust Corporation);
(c) The Trustees shall, with the consent of the Committee,
have power to sell, purchase or lease
property, and to raise monies upon mortgage or
loan of the whole or any part of the property of the Club, and further,
in the event of the Club's bankers being the Trustee, the Trustee may, at the
request of and with the consent of the Committee, advance, loan or borrow monies to or for the benefit of the Club and
in such case the security or property deposited with them for the time being as
Trustees shall stand charged therewith until repaid;
(d) The
property of the Club, including books and all other assets, shall be dealt
with, in the event of a winding-up, by the Committee and the Trustees then in
office, in accordance with a ruling of a General Meeting, specially summoned
for the purpose.
15. CODES OF CONDUCT
THE RESPONSIBLE FOOTBALL COACH / MANAGER'S
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR FOOTBALL
1. Coaches/ Managers must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and
every person and treat equally within the context of the sport.
2. Coaches/ Managers must place the well-being and safety of each player
above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
3. Coaches/ Managers must adhere to all guidelines laid down within the
constitution and the rules of the Football Association.
4.
Coaches /
Managers must develop an appropriate supportive relationship with each player
based on mutual trust and respect.
5. Coaches/ Managers must not exert undue influence to obtain personal
benefit or reward
6. Coaches/ Managers must encourage and guide players to accept
responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
7. Coaches/Managers must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate
are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
8. Coaches / Managers should at the outset clarify with the player (and
where appropriate with the parent), exactly what is expected of them and also
what they are entitled to expect from their coach .
9. Coaches/Managers must co-operate fully with specialists (e.g. other
coaches, officials, sports, scientists,. doctors, physiotherapists) in the best
interests of the player.
10. Coaches/ Managers must always promote the appropriate code of conduct and
positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) to players, parents and
spectators alike. 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 / Managers must consistently display high standards of behaviour
and experience and be a role model for players, parents and spectators
THE ABUSE OF REFEREES AND OFFICIALS,
VISITING MANAGERS/OFFICIALS, PARENTS AND PLAYERS EITHER VERBALLY, PHYSICALLY OR
IN ANY OTHER FORM BY ANY MANAGER OR COACH WILL NOT BE TOLERATED IN ANY
INSTANCE.
THE RESPONSIBLE PARENT'S/GUARDIAN’S CODE OF
CONDUCT FOR FOOTBALL
1. Parents/Guardians must appreciate their children's involvement in playing
football should be primarily for his/her own personal enjoyment.
2. Parents/Guardians must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and
every person and treat equally within the context of the sport. Praise positive
aspects of play and avoid becoming frustrated or ridiculing young players by
focusing on their failings.
3. Parents/Guardians must place the well-being and safety of each player
above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
4. Parents/Guardians must adhere to all guidelines laid down within the
constitution and the rules of the Football Association.
5. Parents/Guardians must develop an appropriate supportive relationship with
both the coach and their child based on mutual trust and respect.
6. Parents/Guardians must not exert undue influence to obtain personal
benefit or reward
7. Parents/Guardians must encourage and guide players to accept
responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
8. Parents/Guardians should at the outset and where appropriate seek
clarification with the coach and players, exactly what is expected of them and
also what they are entitled to expect from the coach and the player.
9. Parents/Guardians must co-operate fully with specialists (e.g. other
coaches, officials, sports, scientists,. doctors, physiotherapists) in their
own interest.
10. Parents/Guardians 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. Parents/Guardians must consistently display high standards of behaviour
12. Parents/Guardians must emphasise the importance of striving to win, not
winning itself. Praise effort and performance more than results.
13.
Parents/Guardians
will respect all pitchside perimeter barriers and will not enter the field of
play at anytime
14.
Great Harwood
Rovers operates a zero tolerance policy towards parental misbehaviour. Any
parent being found to have not adhered to all elements of the Club’s Rules and
Constitution and the Responsible Parents/Guardians Code of Conduct will
automatically be excluded from the club. In addition their child may face
exclusion from the club on either a temporary or permanent basis to be decided
by the Officers and the Committee members.
THE ABUSE OF REFEREES AND OFFICIALS,
VISITING MANAGERS/OFFICIALS, PARENTS AND PLAYERS EITHER VERBALLY, PHYSICALLY OR
IN ANY OTHER FORM BY ANY PARENT OR GUARDIAN OR COACH WILL NOT BE TOLERATED IN
ANY INSTANCE.
THE RESPONSIBLE PLAYER'S CODE OF CONDUCT FOR
FOOTBALL
1. Play because you enjoy football, not to please your parents or
coach.
2. Players must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every
person and treat equally within the context of the sport.
3. Players must adhere to all guidelines laid down by the constitution and
the code of conduct by the club.
4. Players must develop an appropriate working relationship with the coach
based on mutual trust and respect.
5. Players must accept responsibility for their own behaviour and
performance, and do not argue with the referee or assistant referee.
6. Players should, at the outset, clarify with the coach (and, where
appropriate, their parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they
are entitled to expect from players.
7. Players must co-operate fully with specialists (e.g. other coaches,
officials, sports, scientists,. doctors, physiotherapists) in their own
interest.
8. Players must always adhere to 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.
9. Players must consistently display high standards of behaviour
10. Players must appreciate the importance of striving to win, not winning
itself.
THE ABUSE OF REFEREES AND OFFICIALS,
VISITING MANAGERS/OFFICIALS, PARENTS AND PLAYERS EITHER VERBALLY, PHYSICALLY OR
IN ANY OTHER FORM BY ANY PLAYER WILL NOT BE TOLERATED IN ANY INSTANCE.
THE RESPONSIBLE FOOTBALL SPECTATOR'S CODE OF CONDUCT FOR FOOTBALL
1. Spectators must appreciate the child's involvement in playing football
should primarily be for their own personal enjoyment
2. Spectators must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every
person and treat equally within the context of the sport. Praise positive
aspects of play and avoid becoming frustrated or ridiculing young players by
focusing on their failings.
3. Spectators must adhere to all guidelines laid down by the constitution of
the club ethos of the code of conduct (sic).
4. Spectators must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for
their own behaviour and performance.
5. Spectators must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are
appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
6. Spectators should at the outset and where appropriate clarify with the
player seek clarification with the club exactly what is expected of them and
also what they are entitled to expect from the coach, parents and players.
7. Spectators 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
8. Spectators must consistently display high standards of behaviour
9.
Spectators must
emphasise the importance of striving to win, not winning itself. Praise effort
and performance more than results.
10.
Spectators will
respect all pitchside perimeter barriers and will not enter the field of play
at anytime
11.
Great Harwood
Rovers operates a zero tolerance policy towards spectator misbehaviour. Any
spectators being found to have not adhered to all elements of the Club’s Rules
and Constitution and the Responsible Football Spectators Code of Conduct will
automatically be excluded from the club. In addition the player they have come to
may face exclusion from the club on either a temporary or permanent basis to be
decided by the Officers and the Committee members.
THE ABUSE OF REFEREES AND OFFICIALS,
VISITING MANAGERS/OFFICIALS, PARENTS AND PLAYERS EITHER VERBALLY, PHYSICALLY OR
IN ANY OTHER FORM BY ANY SPECTATOR WILL NOT BE TOLERATED IN ANY INSTANCE.
16. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY
GREAT HARWOOD
ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB 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 the 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 less favourably than others
on grounds of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic or
national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability.
Expecting an individual, solely on the grounds
stated above, to comply with a requirement(s) for any reason whatsoever related
to their membership, which are different to the requirements for others.
Imposing, on an individual, requirements, which are
in effect more onerous on that individual than they are on others. For example,
this would include 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 with 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 sanctions applicable thereto 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 of 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 judgements
between them – it is essential that merit, experience, skills and temperament
are considered as objectively as possible.
GREAT HARWOOD
ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB commits itself to the immediate investigation
of any claims of discrimination on the above grounds, and when 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 Club’s policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the
disciplinary procedure.
The Club 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.
17. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
GREAT HARWOOD
ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the
Club at every level. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone
equally. Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by
reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour,
religion or disability.
Equality
of opportunity at GREAT HARWOOD ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB means that in all of 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.
Appointment to honorary positions.
GREAT HARWOOD
ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB 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.
GREAT HARWOOD
ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB is committed to the development 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.
18. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
Great Harwood Rovers Football Club have a detailed
Complaints Procedure document (See Appendix A). This document details fully the
steps required to make a complaint to the Football Club and the procedure that
Great Harwood Rovers will adopt in assessing the complaint and taking any
necessary action.
The Complaints Procedure document can be downloaded
from the Club’s website at
www.ghrfc.com/GHRFC~Complaints~Procedure.doc
or
is available on request from the Club Secretary.
BYE LAWS of GREAT HARWOOD ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB
1. The address
of the Headquarters of the Club shall be the Secretary's address.
2. The entire
Club funds shall be banked with Barclays Bank, Great Harwood.
3. The Club
colours shall be: -
Green and white
hooped shirts, green or black shorts, and green or black socks.
4. All
prospective new Managers will be required to complete a Club Volunteer
Application Form and submit this to the Committee. The form will be assessed
for the candidate’s suitability and the prospective Manager will be appointed
by invitation of the Committee. At their discretion the Committee may request
the candidate attend an interview to further assess their suitability.
5. Each Manager
to be responsible for the care and well being of the Club Football Kit and any
other Club property in use by his team.
