The Cumnor Minors Code

Guidance and standards for everyone involved in our Club

September 2008
About the Code

This guide helps everyone involved with

Cumnor Minors enjoy football, by upholding the rules and spirit of the game, and the values and standards of the Club.The Code reinforces and illustrates the Club’s Rules and Constitution, which all our members must observe at all times.

Cumnor Minors supports the FA Respect campaign and is a Standard Chartered Club. Respect is The FA's programme of activities to combat unacceptable behaviour in our game at every level - on the pitch and from the sidelines.

About Cumnor Minors

Cumnor Minors exists because football for young people:

ü Helps their personal, physical and social development

ü Helps to build and support our local community – now and in the future.

But we will only succeed and survive by playing football the right way.  So our most important values are:

· Having fun

· Fair play 

· Personal development for children

· Children's welfare and well being

· Playing attractive, skilled football.

Why this matters

Apart from being what we believe in, the contents of this Code help us:

· Meet our legal and moral obligations (for example, health and safety and child protection)

· Maintain proper insurance cover

· Avoid and minimise costly fines from local leagues

· Keep people involved with the Club and attract new players and supporters

· Maintain and build our reputation as a well-organised, successful community club

· Secure Cumnor Minors’ future.

It’s a team effort

Like the game itself, keeping to these values and standards means everyone playing their part.

Players 

You’re the most important people.  We want you to play for the Club and for your team to win – but not at any cost.  So:

· Make every effort to develop your sporting abilities, and always try your hardest in training and matches.

· Commit to the Club and your teammates – attend every training session and match that you can.

· Learn and know the rules of the game, and the principles of Fair Play.  Stick to them – always.

· Accept success and failure, victory and defeat equally – it’s all part of the game.

· Respect your teammates, opponents, coaches and spectators at all times.  No swearing, abuse, threats or violence – ever.  Don’t react or retaliate to foul or dangerous play – it’ll only get worse.

· Accept Match Officials’ decisions immediately and without protest.  They won’t change their minds!

· Look after yourself – wear the right kit and take good care of it.

· Do what you are asked to by your team Manager or Coach, and tell them if you are injured or concerned about anything.

· Above all, enjoy football.

Parents and spectators

You have a huge influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football.  So keep it positive and set a good example:

· Always encourage your child and other players – never be negative about their football.

· Recognise and reward effort, performance and Fair Play, not just results.  Help your child to do the same.

· Don’t put pressure on your child – especially in matches.

· Work co-operatively with the Club’s Managers, Coaches and members and Match Officials. Respect them and their decisions at all times, and discuss any concerns in private.

· Stay off the pitch during games, unless you are specifically asked to go on by a first aider, Manager, Coach or Match Official.

· Respect other teams and their parents and supporters - applaud the opposition too.

· No swearing, abuse, threats or violence towards anyone – ever.

· Support your child by making sure they arrive and are collected/leave on time, have the right kit, and alert the Club to any injuries or changes in medical conditions.

· Pay any disciplinary fines incurred by your child promptly and without question.

· Pay all Club subscriptions and fees promptly, or contact your team Manager if this presents any problems for you.

· Complete and return Club and league registration forms promptly and accurately.  Your child is not insured unless you have completed the Club’s annual registration, and we will not allow him/her to play if this is outstanding.

· Remember: on the touchline, you’re representing yourself, your family and your local community.

· Take the Football Association’s online Soccer Parent’s course at www.thefa.com

· Borrow and study the Club’s video, CD and written materials on child protection.

Managers and Coaches

You’ve got a special role and responsibilities.  Your attitude, approach and conduct will affect everyone else’s.   So:

· Respect players at all times, and make their enjoyment, safety and well being your top priority.

· Do not shout abuse or negative comments at players – they don’t make mistakes on purpose!  Praise and encourage instead. 

· Work co-operatively with parents, spectators and opponents.  Be honest with everyone and explain your decisions.

· Don’t put pressure on players – it takes away the fun, and is the biggest reason why children give up on football.

· Don’t show favouritism towards players – encourage and include everyone equally and fairly.

· Promote Fair Play and respect and welcome other teams and their supporters.

· Accept Match Officials’ decisions immediately and without protest – set an example for players, parents and spectators.

· Don’t use alcohol or drugs while you’re in charge of players.

· No swearing, abuse, threats or violence towards anyone – ever.

· Take an FA approved coaching, first aid and child protection qualification – see www.thefa.com

· Remember: it’s only a game.  Do your bit to make it a beautiful one!

Committee members and

Life Vice-Presidents

You’re the public face of the Club in the community, and play a crucial role in keeping things running smoothly.

So, make life easy for you and everyone else.

• Actively communicate and promote Club events and issues within and between teams

• Attend every meeting, or send a deputy and you’re your apologies in advance

• Reply to emails within three days

• Reply to phone calls within two days

• Take responsibility for meeting agreed commitments and deadlines – do what you say you’ll do

• Treat other Committee and Club members with courtesy and respect at all times.

• Actively promote the Club’s interests outside, and use your networks and influence to help us achieve our goals.

• Do not make any media statement about the Club without the Chair’s prior permission.

Child protection and equalities

Cumnor Minors offers safe, fair football that meets or exceeds the guidelines set out in the FA’s Child Protection, Equal Opportunities and Anti Discrimination policies.

Our comprehensive policy on Child Protection and Equalities sets out how we:

• Promote the welfare, health and full development of children

• Recognise that children have rights as individuals and treat them with dignity and respect

• Respect differences fairly and promote equality of opportunity

• Confront and tackle all forms of discrimination and harassment

• Use effective procedures to respond to alleged or suspected incidents of abuse or discrimination.

Football is for everyone.  Cumnor Minors welcomes anyone who wants to take part, regardless of their abilities.  We won’t tolerate racist, sexist or other offensive language, behaviour and discrimination.

The Child Protection and Equalities Officer has full authority to record and monitor any incidents or suspicions of abuse or inequality.  S/he may also refer these onto the Police, Social Services and other relevant agencies.

Enforcing the Code

All members and their guests must follow the Code, in its entirety, at all times.  It’s an absolute requirement for everyone involved with the Club.

Any breaches or potential breaches of the Code are dealt with in the first instance by team Managers, in consultation with the Chair or his/her acting deputy.

Team Managers and Coaches are authorised to substitute and suspend any players who fail to comply with the spirit and standards of this Code – for example, through repeated foul play or unacceptable behaviour.

Any subsequent action to enforce the Code is dealt with under the disciplinary and complaints procedures set out in the Club’s Rules and Constitution.

It’s your Club

Like all voluntary groups, Cumnor Minors is only as strong as the people who take part.

You can help by:

· Following the contents and spirit of this Code – players and parents must read and accept it as part of the Club’s registration.

· Being there – attend every training session, match, meeting and social event you can, help to set up and clear away equipment and maintain the pitches, Clubhouse and other facilities.

· Helping – running a youth football club takes a phenomenal amount of effort.  Do whatever you can to share the workload.

· Taking care – treat the pitches and Clubhouse at The Closes (and those of our opponents) with care and respect.  Help to keep them clean, tidy and safe.

· Supporting - the Club’s Managers, Coaches and Committee members and actively contributing your ideas and suggestions.

· Giving – we need money as well as time.  There is a range of tax-efficient ways in which you can support us.

To find out more

To find out more about the points covered in this Code, or discuss anything to do with Cumnor Minors, please speak to your team Manager or Coach.

Or visit the Cumnor Minors website at www.cumnorfc.co.uk.

Or visit the Football Association website at www.thefa.com

Or for the FA’s Respect Initiative at

http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/Respect

Our goal

Football is a great part of our culture and community.

Let’s keep it that way.