POLESWORTH SWIFTS
JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB
EST 1971
Club Constitution
Club Constitution
Polesworth Swifts Junior Football Club
1. The Club shall be known as Polesworth Swifts Junior Football Club.
2. The Club shall be affiliated to the Birmingham County Football Association and shall have its registered grounds and headquarters within the North Warwickshire area.
3.
a. The purpose of the Club is to provide association football for both Boys and Girls, teaching them the basic rules and skills of the game, as well as an understanding of teamwork.
b. All teams will play in the official Club colours of claret and sky blue. Shirts will be predominantly claret in colour.
4.
a. The Club shall have the status of an Affiliated Member Club of the Football Association. The rules and regulations of The Football Association and its 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. To ensure that rule 4.a. is adhered to, a Committee shall be elected.
c. The Committee shall comprise of Officers and Members. The Officers being a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.
d. An Annual General Meeting shall be held each year, where Officers and Committee shall be elected.
e. Nominations for the posts of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, should be sent to the present Secretary, so that they are in his/her possession no later than 14 days prior to the AGM.
f. All nominations shall be proposed and seconded by Adult members (Over 18) of the Club, and shall be with the consent of the Nominees.
5.
a. The Annual General Meeting shall be held every twelve months and ALL members shall be notified of the meeting, not less than six weeks prior to the agreed date of the meeting.
b. Only members of the Club shall be able to speak or vote at the AGM.
c. All players’ families shall be deemed to be members of the Club. However, in the event of a vote being taken at an AGM, only one vote per family will be permitted and only by an adult member of that family and a direct family member.
d. Managers, Trainers, Officers, Committee Members and other persons taking an active role in the running of the Club, shall also be deemed to be members and therefore eligible to vote.
e. Proxy votes will not be allowed.
f. A Special General Meeting (SGM) may be called at any time by the Committee, and shall be called within twenty one days of the receipt by the Club Secretary, of a requisition, in writing, signed by no less than five Members, stating the purpose for which the Meeting is required and the resolutions proposed. Business at the SGM may be any business that may be transacted at an AGM.
g. The Chairman, Vice-Chairman or in their absence someone appointed by the Committee, shall take the chair. Each member present will have one vote and resolutions shall be passed by a simple majority. In the event of the votes being equal, the Chairman appointed by the Committee will have the casting vote.
h. The minutes of all meetings, held for whatever reason, shall be taken by the Club Secretary, or a Committee appointed Minute Secretary.
6.
a. Team Managers shall be elected to their posts by the Committee.
b. Team Managers will be completely responsible for running and selection of their teams.
c. It is the duty of ALL Team Managers, to report any disciplinary matters to the Committee at the earliest possible meeting.
7.
a. The Club shall be managed by the Officers and Committee, who shall meet at regular intervals, to deal with any business, as it arises.
b. The Committee will appoint a Club Welfare Officer, who will oversee ALL matters concerning Child Protection within the Club. The Club Welfare Officer will also be responsible for implementing the FA Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures. All incidents arising will be reported to the Committee without delay.
c. A minimum of six persons, two of whom will be Officers of the Club, are required to form a quorum, for the discussion and transaction of Club business.
d. All communication, except for Bank statements, shall be addressed to the Club Secretary, who will present same at the earliest meeting.
e. The Committee shall, if they feel appropriate, form/elect subcommittee/committees, to carry out specific duties. Each sub committee shall report back to the main Committee.
f. In the event of a proposal at a Committee meeting having to put to a vote, then each committee member shall have one vote. However, no Committee member may vote on a motion directly appertaining to him/her. In the event of the voting being equal, the Chairman will have the casting vote.
g. The Committee shall have the powers to apply, act upon and enforce, the rules of the Club and shall have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Club, including any matters not covered by the rules of the Club.
h. The Committee shall have the powers to co-opt Members to fill vacancies that may arise before an AGM.
i. The rules governing the Club may only be changed by a Motion of Substance being made at the AGM. Any such Motion should be made, in writing to the Club Secretary, at least eight weeks prior to an AGM. The Motion will then be voted on by the Club Members (see 5.b., 5.c., 5.d. and 5.e.).
8.
a. It is the duty of ALL Officers, Committee, Members, Players and Supporters, to conduct themselves in a manner that will not bring the Club into disrepute.
b. Acts of misconduct, will be dealt with by the Committee, any person/persons found guilty of same, will be dealt with as the Committee deems fit. This could, in certain circumstances lead to expulsion of the person/persons involved. Any Member being expelled from the Club, will not be entitled to claim any, or a share, of the Clubs property.
c. Persons, who require to be dealt with under rule 8.b., shall be notified within fourteen days, of the Committees decision.
d. Any person wishing to appeal shall do so in writing, within seven days of receiving the Committees decision.
e. Persons that become liable for fines imposed on them by the Birmingham County FA, or any responsible body, shall be responsible for the payment of any such fines. The Club will accept NO responsibility for the payment of any fines.
9.
a. All Players and Members shall abide by the rules of the Club, as listed herein and of those attached in the following Appendixes:
i. Code of Conduct for Managers.
ii. Code of Conduct for Players.
iii. Code of Conduct for Parents/Guardians/Spectators.
iv. Equal Opportunities Policy.
v. Anti Bullying Policy
vi. Club Complaints Procedure
vii Safeguarding Children Policy
viii Safety Policy (Goal Posts).
b. All Team Managers shall keep a record of the games each player has played for the Club. The Secretary shall be required to inspect these records, as and when deemed necessary.
c. No player shall be transferred to another Club, until he/she has discharged their financial liabilities to the club and that ALL equipment, including kit, has been handed back to the Club.
d. Players will be required to give reasonable notice of any holidays, or non-availability for matches or training.
e. Players must notify their respective Managers, within twenty four hours, of the reasons for non-compliance of rule 9.d.
f. All Players/Parents/Guardians are required to complete the Club Parental Consent and Medical Forms prior to the start of each new season. These forms will be kept by each Team Manager, with a copy being retained by the Club Secretary.
10.
a. All Financial matters, shall be agreed by the Committee and dealt with by the Treasurer.
b. The Club shall deposit income, in a bona fide bank and/or building society.
c. Accounts opened with a bank or building society shall be in the name of the Club.
d. The account will be operated by two of four named signatories.
e. No husband/wife/other family member shall be allowed to be two of the four signatures.
f. The Treasurer shall keep a true record of all income and expenditure, and shall present a copy of the Club Accounts, at each AGM.
g. The Committee, shall set a match fee that they deem fit, to cover the running costs of the Club.
h. All Players subscriptions shall be the responsibility of each players Parent/Guardian.
i. Continued non-payment of subscriptions, may result in the suspension of the Player concerned, until such time as the arrears have been settled.
j. The collection of player subscriptions shall be the responsibility of the Team Manager. Team Managers shall pass all monies collected to the Treasurer within 14 days of the match being completed.
11.
a. Any Member, wishing to express their dissatisfaction with the running of the Club, shall do so in writing, within seven days of a particular incident.
b. All grievance letters shall be sent to the Club Secretary, so that he/she can present them to the Committee, at the earliest opportunity, for them to discuss and take the appropriate action, as they deem fit.
c. A resolution to dissolve the Club shall only be proposed at an AGM or SGM. Any resolution so put forward, must be carried by at least 75% of the Members present.
d. The dissolution shall take effect from the date of the resolution, and the Members of the Club Committee Shall be responsible for winding up the assets and liabilities of the Club.
e. 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 a way, as the Members of the Club, with the consent of the parent Association, shall determine.
Adopted by the Committee of Polesworth Swifts Junior Football Club.
Chairman Secretary
Dated: August 2009
APPENDIX i
Code of Conduct for Managers
1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
2. Place the well being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
3. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
4. Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club/team.
5. Adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
6. Develop an appropriate working relationship with each player, based on mutual trust and respect.
7. Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
8. Ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
9. At the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parent/guardian) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from the Manager.
10. Co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other managers, officials, doctors, and physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
11. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
12. Show due respect to match officials and others involved in the game.
13. Accept decisions of the match officials without protest.
14. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a match official
15. Always have regard for the best interest in the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
16. Show due respect for the interests of the players, managers, and supporters from their own club/team and other teams.
17. Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
18. Do not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
Code of Conduct for Players.
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 the team is in a position where the desired result has already been established.
3. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time-wasting.
5. Always have best regard for the interests of the game, especially where expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
6. Do not use inappropriate language.
7. Know and abide by the laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally. Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques.
8. Treat opponents with respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and to help injured opponents.
9. Accept the decision of the match official, without protest.
10. Avoid actions or words that may mislead match officials.
11. Show due respect towards match officials.
12. Abide by the instructions of their manager and team officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this code.
13. Show due respect towards the team officials of the opposition.
14. Show due respect in the interest of supporters.
APPENDIX iii
Code of Conduct for Parents and Spectators
1. Parents/supporters have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because they first and foremost enjoy and love the game – its fun. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes, positive encouragement will contribute to:
· Children enjoying football
· A sense of personal achievement
· Self-esteem
· Improvement in the child’s skills and techniques
2. A parent/supporter’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:
· Other players
· Officials
· Managers
· Spectators
3. Parents/supporters should always be positive and encouraging towards all of the children.
4. Please leave coaching and any form of instructions to the Manager as often well intended advice can conflict with the Managers’ plans and instructions and at least confuse and distract players. We need loads of voices of encouragement.
5. Please avoid argument with officials, players and the opposition. If there are any problems, channel them through the Manager or Club Secretary. Please try and attend as many matches as possible – it’s a big help and great fun.
Parents/supporters should:
· Ensure your child arrives on time and is collected on time.
· Never force your child to play football, they need to enjoy playing.
· Advise the Manager if your child is unable to attend training or a match.
· Praise effort and performance more than results.
· Praise good behaviour quickly to show that adults value it.
· Help them understand the rules and encourage your child to play within them.
· Applaud good play from the opposition as well as your own team.
· Never put pressure on your child, especially during matches.
· Give attention to each of the children involved in football, not just the most talented.
· Give encouragement to all children to participate in football, not just your own.
· Don’t argue with the referee or question his/her decision.
· Stay off the pitch – don’t interfere; let the referee deal with any situations on the field of play.
· Don’t shout at a child if they make a mistake. Only use positive and motivational encouragement.
· Don’t use offensive, insulting, racist or abusive language towards players, officials or spectators.
· Ensure suitable clothing and footwear is worn by your child.
· Pay match subscriptions and training fees on time.
· Ensure that any fines incurred, if reprimanded by the League or by Birmingham County FA, are paid promptly.
· Inform the Manager and Club Secretary if there has been a change in a child’s medical condition.
· Adhere to the Club’s Rules and Constitution, Codes of Conduct and Safeguarding Children Policy. This also includes rules of The Football Association and all Competitions in which the Club participates.
· Only discuss concerns about training or matches with the Manager or Club Secretary in private. Remember, the Manager and Club Officials are volunteers and give up their own time to support the club.
Failure to adhere to the codes of conduct or Club rules will result in verbal then a written warning and finally expulsion from the Club.
APPENDIX iv
Equal Opportunities Policy
1. Polesworth Swifts Junior Football Club ("the Club") believes in fairness and is thus committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and volunteers. The Club requires all members and volunteers 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 and volunteers of Polesworth Swifts Junior Football Club 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 by:
· Treating any individual on grounds of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation 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 from 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 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, by virtue of discrimination.
· Any other act or omission of an act, which has as its effect the disadvantaging of a member or volunteer against another, or others, purely on the above grounds. Thus, in the entire Club's recruitment, selection and training processes, as well as disciplinary matters, it is essential that merit, experience, skills and temperament are considered as objectively as possible.
2. Polesworth Swifts Junior Football Club 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.
3. Any member or volunteer of Polesworth Swifts Junior Football Club 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.
4. Polesworth Swifts Junior Football Club commits itself to the disabled person whenever possible and will treat such members or volunteers in aspects of their recruitment and membership, in exactly the same manner as other members or volunteers. The difficulties of their disablement permitting, assistance will be given, wherever possible, to ensure that disabled members or volunteers are helped in gaining access. Appropriate training will be made to such members who request it.
5. Polesworth Swifts Junior Football Club is committed to the development of the programme of continuous training and awareness raising events and activities, in order to promote eradication of discrimination from within its own organisation, and within football as a whole.
6. A copy of this policy has been issued to all existing members and volunteers and will be brought to the attention of all new members and volunteers.
APPENDIX v
Anti Bullying Policy
Statement of Intent
1. Polesworth Swifts Junior Football Club (the ‘Club’) is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all our members so they can participate in football in a relaxed and secure atmosphere.
2. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our Club. If bullying does occur, all Club members or parents/guardians should be able to tell and know that any incident will be dealt with promptly and effectively.
3. We are a TELLING club. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the Club Welfare Officer or any Committee Member.
What is Bullying?
4. Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person.
5. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim.
6. Bullying can be:
· Emotional: being unfriendly, excluding (emotionally and physically), sending hurtful text messages, tormenting (e.g. hiding football boots/shin guards, threatening gestures).
· Physical: pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence.
· Racist: racial taunts, graffiti, gestures.
· Sexual: unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments.
· Homophobic: because of, or focusing on the issue of sexuality
· Verbal: name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumors, teasing.
Why is it Important to Respond to Bullying?
7. Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. Individuals who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving.
8. This Club has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying.
Objectives of this Policy
• All Club members, managers, officials and parents/guardians should have an understanding of what bullying is.
• All Club members, officials and coaching staff should know what the Club’s policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises.
• As a Club, we take bullying seriously. Players and parents/guardians should be assured that they would be supported when bullying is reported.
• Bullying will not be tolerated.
• All Club members, Managers, officials and parents/guardians should have an appreciation of the signs and indicators of bullying.
9. A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible signs and they should investigate if a child:
· Says he or she is being bullied
· Is unwilling to go to Club sessions
· Becomes withdrawn, anxious or lacking in confidence
· Feels ill before training sessions
· Comes home with clothes torn or training equipment damaged
· Has possessions that go ‘missing’
· Asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay the bully)
· Has unexplained cuts or bruises
· Is frightened to say what’s wrong
· Gives improbable excuses for any of the above.
or, in more extreme cases, if a child:
· Starts stammering
· Cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
· Becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
· Is bullying other children or siblings
· Stops eating
· Attempts or threatens suicide or runs away.
10. These signs and behaviours may indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated.
Procedures:
11. Report bullying incidents to the Club Welfare Officer, a member of the Club’s Committee or Birmingham County Football Association Child Protection Officer (BCFA CPO).
12. In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be referred to the BCFA CPO for advice and possibly to the Football Association.
13. Parents/guardians should be informed and will be asked to come in for a meeting to discuss the problem.
14. If necessary and appropriate, the Police will be consulted.
15. Any bullying behavior or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly.
16. An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) to change their behavior
17. If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue, the Club will initiate an investigation and possible disciplinary action under the Club constitution.
18. In some cases the parent/guardian of the bully or bullied player can be asked to attend training sessions, if they are able to do so and if appropriate. The Club Committee should monitor the situation for a given period to ensure the bullying is not repeated.
19. The managers involved with both individuals should be made aware of the concerns and outcomes of the process.
20. In the case of adults reported to be bullying anyone within the Club under the age of 18 the BCFA CPO should always be informed and will advise on action to be taken where appropriate. This may include initiating an investigation and possible disciplinary action under the Club constitution.
21. More serious cases may be referred to the Police and/or Social Services.
Prevention:
22. The Club has a written Constitution, which includes what is acceptable and proper behavior for all members, of which the Anti-Bullying Policy is one part.
23. All Club members and parents/guardians will sign to accept the Constitution upon joining the Club.
24. The Club Welfare Officer will raise awareness about bullying and why it matters and, if issues of bullying arise in the Club, will consider meeting with members to discuss the issue openly and constructively.
APPENDIX vi
Club Complaints Procedure
1. In the event that any member feels that he/ or she has suffered discrimination in any way, or that the club policies, rules or codes of conduct have been broken, should follow the procedures below.
2. Report the matter in writing to the Club Secretary or another member of the Committee. If your complaint is pertinent to Child Welfare then address the complaint to the Club Welfare Officer. This will then be dealt with by the Clubs Complaint Committee.
3. The complaint should include:
· Details of what, when and where the occurrence took place
· Any witnesses along with their statements
· Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way
· Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to who made.
4. The Complaint committee will then convene a meeting to be held at the earliest opportunity so that all parties can discuss the complaint.
5. The Complaint Committee will comprise of at least five committee members of whom two must comprise of the Club Chairperson, the Club Secretary or the Club Treasurer and in all cases of Child Welfare issues, the Club Welfare Officer.
6. The Committee will have the power to:
· Warn as to future conduct
· Suspend from membership
· Remove from membership any person found to have broken the Clubs policies or Codes of conduct.
· Determine whether any child protection issues should be referred to an official body i.e. police, social services etc.
APPENDIX vii
Safeguarding Children Policy
1 Polesworth Swifts Junior 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 Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures and endorse and adopt the Policy Statement contained in that document.
2 The key principles of The FA Safeguarding Children 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. Polesworth Swifts Junior Football Club recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.
3 Polesworth Swifts Junior Football 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 Safeguarding Children Regulation (see The FA Handbook) applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes those who are volunteers, match officials, helpers on club tours, coaches, club officials or medical staff.
4 With respect to the recruitment of volunteers, we will:
- Request identification documents
- As a minimum, meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible conduct interviews before appointing
- Require an FA CRB Unit Enhanced Disclosure where appropriate in line with FA guidelines.
All current Polesworth Swifts Junior 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 Polesworth Swifts Junior 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 obtained via The FA CRB Unit Enhanced 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.
5 Polesworth Swifts Junior 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 4912, by writing to:-
The FA Case Manager
The Football Association,
25 Soho Square,
London W1D 4FA
or by going directly to the Police, Social Services or the NSPCC.
Polesworth Swifts Junior Football Club encourages everyone to know about it and utilise it if necessary.
6 Polesworth Swifts Junior Football Club has appointed a Club Welfare Officer (CWO) in line with The FA’s role profile and required completion of the Safeguarding Children 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 Birmingham County FA 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.
7 We 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 Birmingham County FA CPO.
8 Codes of Conduct for Players, Parents or Spectators and Managers have been implemented by Polesworth Swifts Junior 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 Birmingham County FA in more serious circumstances.
All prospective members will be informed of these codes.
9 Further advice on Safeguarding Children matters can be obtained from:
· The Birmingham 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
· The FA Child Protection Team on 0207 745 4895.
APPENDIX viii
Goalpost Safety Guidelines.
1. For safety reasons, goalposts of any size (including those which are portable and not installed permanently at a pitch or practice ground) must always be anchored securely.
2. Portable goalposts must be secured by the use of chain anchors or appropriate anchor weights or heavy duty pegs, to prevent them from toppling over.
3. It is essential, that under no circumstances, should children or adults be allowed to climb, swing on or play with the structures of the goalposts.
4. Particular attention should be drawn to the fact, that if not properly assembled and secured, portable goalposts may topple over.
5. Regular inspection of goalposts should be carried out, to check that they are kept properly maintained.
6. Portable goalposts should not be left in place after use. They should be dismantled and removed to a place of secure
