Constitution & Rules and Code of Practice

FENIT SAMPHIRES F.C.

CONSTITUTION & RULES AND CODE OF PRACTICE

1. Name of the Club

The name of the Club shall be Fenit Samphires Football Club. . The club will operate under the legal title of Fenit Samphires F.C..

The Colours of the Club shall be dark green and black.

2. Objectives of the Club

The objectives of the club are:

2.1 To foster, promote and develop, at all levels, the game of association football among it’s members.

2.2       To constantly seek to improve, progress and maintain standards within the club and within the game.

2.3     The Club shall  be non-denominational, non-sectarian and non-political.

2.4     To creative a positive, encouraging environment for children playing football whereby

a)      All children receive qualified and competent coaching,

b)      All children enjoy proper equipment and facilities,

c)      All children learn the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship,

d)     All children enjoy themselves

2.5 The Club shall operate in accordance with the Rules (hereinafter called “the Rules”)

2.6 Any third party dealing with the Club shall be entitled to rely on a copy of the Rules as certified by the current Club Secretary.

3. The Powers of the Club

3.1    In addition to all other powers the Club may enjoy at common law or under Statute the Club shall have the   following powers:

a)      To acquire, hold, deal with and dispose of property both real and personal;

b)      To open and operate bank accounts;

c)      To invest the Club’s money in any securities in which trust money may be invested or in any other manner as authorised by these rules or by the members in General Meeting;

d)     To borrow money on such terms and conditions as the Club thinks fit;

e)      To give such security for the discharge of liabilities incurred by the Club, as the Club thinks fit;

f)       To appoint agents and employees to transact any business of the club on its behalf for reward or otherwise;

g)      To build, construct, erect, alter, repair, renew and replace any playing fields, buildings or structures of any kind and to fit out, equip and improve same;

h)      To accept donations and gifts in accordance with the objectives of the Club;

i)        To carry out all such fundraising activities as deemed necessary to enable the Club to attain its objectives;

j)        Provide gifts and prizes in accordance with the objects of the Club;

k)      Organise social events for the Members and the promotion of the Club;

l)        To enter into all such contracts as the Club considers desirable for the purposes of the objects of the Club.

3.2 The setting out of the Club Powers above is intended to be illustrative and not conclusive in nature.

4. TRUSTEES AND PROPERTY OF THE CLUB.

  • The assets and property of the Club shall be vested in three Trustees and held by them for the use and benefit of the Club.
  • The Trustees shall be elected by a majority of the members present and voting at a General Meeting. Only members of the Club are entitled to be elected as Trustees.  On a vacancy occurring a new Trustee shall be elected in the same way.  The Trustees shall hold office for seven years unless on death or resignation or if removed by resolution of the General Meeting.   Any Trustees who shall cease to be a member of the Club shall be deemed to have resigned his or her trusteeship. The Trustees shall deal with such assets and property as directed by a Resolution of the General Meeting, of which an entry in the minute books signed by the chairperson shall be conclusive evidence.
  • The Trustees shall have the power to buy, sell, lease, mortgage or pledge any Club property on accordance with the directions of the Club given in General Meeting
  • There shall be no acquisition or disposal of land or building without the prior approval of the Ordinary Members given by way of resolution at an Annual General Meeting or a General Meeting called for that purpose of which not less than 75 % of those present and voting, shall pass such resolution.
  • An entry in the Minute Book relating to any meeting of the Members or the Management Committee which is signed by the Chairperson shall be conclusive evidence in favour of any person dealing in good faith with the Trustees of the matters therein recorded and any such person shall be entitled to assume that any such meeting was duly convened and conducted.
  • The Trustees shall be indemnified by the members of the Club against all liabilities properly incurred by them in the performance of their duties as Trustees of the Club.
  • No personal liability shall attach to any Trustee except to the extent of Club property or Club Assets received by him/her.
  • Any notice or document relating to dealings with the Club’s property shall be sufficiently addressed if sent to the Club’s Secretary.

5. Management & Membership of the Club

5.1 The club will consist of:

(a) Chairperson
(b) Officers of the Club who will act as Secretary and Treasurer
(c) Committee Members
(d) Managers/Coaches
(e) Ordinary Members

5.2 Election of Officers
The Chairperson of the Club shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting. The outgoing Chairperson will be entitled to submit for re-election. Officers of the Club, who will act as Secretary and as Treasurer shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting; they must be willing to accept and adhere to all the rules of the Club Constitution, if they wish to take office. Outgoing Officers will be entitled to submit for re-election.

To ensure continuity in the management of the Club, at least 2 of the 3 persons presenting for officer or Chairperson positions must have been active as a committee member during the previous year and for a period of at least one year.

5.3 Committee Members
5 extra committee members will make up the remainder of the committee and, together with the Chairperson and Officers, will form the decision-making body of the club. Additional duties, such as Public Relations Officer and Fundraising Officer, may be taken up by these extra committee members.

5.4 Members of the Club
5.4.1 Admission to membership shall be open to any person who wishes to further the objects and interests of the Club.

5.4.2 The Following shall constitute the membership of the Club:

5.4.2.1 Ordinary Members

Being persons aged 18 years and over.

Ordinary Members shall.

A         be entitled to the use of the Club’s facilities in accordance with these rules.

B         have the right to attend and vote at all General Meetings of the Club.[ a new member will only be entitled to vote after a period of 12 months] has elapsed from the time his/ her first subscription fee is paid.]

C.        may nominate and be nominated for office subject to any conditions imposed by these rules.

5.4.2.2 Honorary Members:

Those only who have rendered exceptional service to the Club, or whose distinguished or influential position of public service would render their membership an asset to the Club, shall be elected for life or any defined period.

5.4.2.3 Junior Members:

Being Persons under the age of eighteen years of the first day of January in any year or under the age of 23/25 years and in full time education on the first of January in any year.

Junior Categories:

Class 2:           being persons under the age eighteen years on the first day of January in any year.

Class 1:           being persons over the age of eighteen years and in full time third level education on the 1st day of January in any year.

5.4.3    For the avoidance of doubt only Ordinary Members and Class 1 Junior Members shall have the right to attend and vote the General Meetings of the Club.[ A new Ordinary Member will only be entitled to vote after a period of 12]months has elapsed from the time his or her first subscription is paid.]

5.4.4    Junior Members, shall be entitled to use the Clubhouse and the Club facilities in accordance with these rules and the rules and regulations of the Management Committee.

5.4.5    All members shall be recorded in the  Club’s Register of members which shall be maintained by the Secretary.

5.5 Annual Subscription and Fees

5.5.1    Annual subscriptions as determined by the Committee must be received at the start of each season by a date to be determined by the Committee.

5.5.2    Any member failing to pay his/her subscription by the said date may forfeit his/her right to committee selection or election until the money is paid. Non payment of match fees, training fees or fines may also forfeit a player’s right to selection.

6. Annual General Meeting

6.1 An Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) of the Club shall be held each year +/- one month of September.

6.2 All members are to be notified at least fourteen days in advance of the A.G.M.

6.3 Only current members may attend A.G.M or E.G.M. Non-members may be refused admittance, unless their presence has been approved by the current Chairperson.

6.4 A minimum of ten members is required for a quorum at the A.G.M.

6.5 Subject  to any other provision of these rules, a two-thirds majority of those present at the A.G.M. shall be sufficient to alter, delete or add to any rules of the Club, providing such alteration, deletion or addition have been specifically included on the agenda of the A.G.M. or E.G.M.

6.6 Each Officer of the Club shall present a report to the A.G.M.

6.7 Items for inclusion on the agenda must be forwarded to and received by the Secretary 7 days prior to the A.G.M.

6.8 The agenda of the Annual General Meeting shall be prepared by the Secretary and agreed at a committee meeting prior to the A.G.M.

6.9 All committee positions shall become vacant prior to commencement of current year election. A committee member from previous year shall chair election until incoming Chairperson has been appointed. Incoming Chairperson shall oversee remainder of committee election.

6.10 Committee positions shall be appointed as follows:

1. Chairperson
2. Secretary
3. Treasurer
4. President
5. Committee members

6.11 All committee positions require a proposer and a secondary nomination.

6.12 In the event of numerous nominations being received for a position, ballot by show of hands or secret ballot shall be under taken to decide position.

7. The Chairperson

7.1 The Chairperson shall be responsible for the overall running of the club.

7.2 He/ She shall oversee all committee meetings.

7.3 He /She shall ensure that the club as a whole performs in the best interest for its members.

8. The Secretary

8.1 The Secretary shall deal with all correspondence.

8.2 The Secretary shall take the minutes of the Committee meetings and any other meetings of the Club, including the A.G.M.

8.3 The Secretary shall keep records of the membership of the Club.

8.4 The Secretary shall be the point of contact between the club and the Kerry  District League, and the Kerry Schoolboys and Schoolgirls Leauge and  the FAI for all football-related matters.

8.5 Other members of the Committee may be delegated to assist the Secretary in the performance of any of the above or other duties as required.

8.6 The Secretary will be entitled to act as Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson.

9. The Treasurer

9.1 The Treasurer shall keep up to date accounts of the finances of the Club.

9.2 The Treasurer shall report on a regular basis to the Club Committee on the Club’s finances.

9.3 The Treasurer shall collect and enter into the accounts of the Club all money and proceeds entrusted to him/her.

9.4 The Treasurer will be entitled to act as Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson and Secretary.

10. The Committee

10.1 The Committee will consist of a minimum of 8 persons.

10.2 Nominations for officer positions on the Committee must be received in writing by Committee Secretary 30 minutes in advance of the A.G.M.

10.3 The Committee will have the power to rule and instruct on all matters relating to the Club, in accordance with the Club’s Constitution.

10.4 The Committee will meet on a regular basis, in accordance with Standing Orders.

10.5 Minutes are to be kept of all Committee meetings.

10.6 The Committee will have the right to co-opt new members onto the Committee, for the following reasons:

a)      the replacement for members who resign

b)      the replacement for members whose membership is withdrawn  in    accordance with the rules of the Club

c)      to carry out duties of the Club as determined by the Committee

10.7 Each team can be represented by their Coach/Manager at Club meetings, when such meetings are called by the Club Committee.

10.8 Committee members who are absent for more than three consecutive meetings without excuse or reason, may be deemed to have resigned as a member of the Committee.

10.9 Should any officer or committee member resign or be removed from office the Committee will have the power to appoint a suitable replacement, if considered necessary.

10.10 The Club Committee shall be entitled to impose disciplinary measures, up to and including termination of membership for behavior likely to bring the Club into disrepute and/or behavior which is inconsistent with the good order and proper running of the Club and/or results in breaches of discipline and/or breaches of Club Codes of Practice and Conduct and any other rules of the Club, or arising from outcome of the investigation of a complaint.

10.11 Disciplinary measures imposed by the Club Committee may take the form of expulsion, suspension, a fine, a combination of a fine and suspension, or any other sanction considered appropriate in relation to the nature of the misconduct.

10.12 In the event of a complaint made against any member of the Club, the Club Complaints procedure should be invoked. The Complaints Procedure will involve one or more designated members of the Committee, as decided by the Club Committee, undertaking an investigation. The manner of the investigation will have due regard to the response of the person complained against. It will be a matter for the Club Committee to impose any sanctions that may be required, following the investigation.

10.13 The Committee may convene an extraordinary general meeting when they consider necessary. A two-thirds majority of the Committee is necessary to approve the calling of such a meeting.

10.14 The Chairperson shall be the final arbitrator on any point of procedure. He/she shall have a casting vote within the Club on occasions when such a vote is required.

11. Role of Managers/Coaches

11.1 All Managers/Coaches will operate in accordance with the Code of Conduct for the club, and the FAI’s Code of Conduct and Good Practice for Coaches.

11.2 Any Manager/Coach taking on the responsibility of managing a team must complete the FAI Introductory Badge Course or must be accompanied by a person who has completed this level of training.

11.3 Potential managers may apply for vacant manager’s posts by submitting either a verbal or written application. Applications will be reviewed by the committee, who will notify managers whether their application is successful or not. The Committee reserves the right to seek suitable vetting of managerial applicants, particularly in relation to managers of juvenile teams, in accordance with the club’s child protection policy. In the case of more than one application for a manager’s position, the club committee will decide on the successful applicant.

11.4 Team selection, including the playing of substitutes, will be the sole responsibility of the Team Manager/Coach and his/her decision will remain final.

11.5 The committee may, at its discretion, remove a manager from his/her position as a result of disciplinary issues or where necessary to improve team performance or morale.

13. Accounts of the Club

13.1 The Treasurer will operate bank accounts on behalf of the Club.

13.2 All cheques of the Club must be signed by any two officers of the Club.

13.3 The Accounts of the Club must be audited and signed off by the Committee before the A.G.M. and be available at the following A.G.M.

13.4 The Committee members of the Club shall be indemnified against any expenses incurred by them in the course of carrying out the duties of the Club, the said expenses must be approved by the Committee of the Club before payment can be made.

14. Standing Orders for meetings of the Committee of the Club

Meetings of the club shall generally be conducted in an informal and cordial manner, and the club’s intention is that all club matters are transparent and open to all members. However, the club recognizes that a set of rules for club meetings is necessary to maintain order at club meetings, and to ensure that the order of business can be discussed at meetings in a timely manner. Therefore the following rules will assist in conducting club meetings in an orderly and efficient manner.

14.1 Venue, date and time of each meeting to be decided at the previous meeting.

14.2 The quorum for all meetings of the Committee shall be four.

14.3 The Secretary shall draw up Agenda items. Committee members will be entitled to raise any matters of concern by way of advance notice to the Secretary or under the agenda item “any other business”.

14.4 Order of Procedure:
The procedure at Committee meetings will be:

• Minutes of the last meeting will be read, proposed, seconded and passed, signed by the Chairperson.
• All matters arising from the minutes to be settled
• Reports from Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer, sub-committees etc., as follows:

Chairperson: To report on all happenings concerning the Club and to be the spokesperson on matters relating to the Club’s best interest.

Secretary: To read all correspondence, and to inform the meetings of all relevant matters.

Treasurer: To make a statement on the state of the accounts of the Club and all relevant matters and if requested to make available a statement of the accounts. To pay all bills accrued and as approved by the Committee.

Sub-Committees (if appointed): A Spokesperson to report to the Committee, when requested and necessary.

Any Other Business (A.O.B.): This will be the last item on the agenda.

14.5 Mode of voting: A show of hands shall determine all ballots, except when members wish a secret vote.

14.6 In the event of the Chairperson being absent the Sectary shall be appointed to act as Chairperson for that meeting, and shall have the same voting powers under the constitution and rules of the Club.  In the event that the Secretary is also absent the Treasurer shall be appointed to act as Chairperson for that meeting, and shall have the same voting powers under the constitution and rules of the Club.

14.7 Suspension of Standing Orders: A two thirds majority of those present is required to suspend standing orders.

14.8 Mode of Speaking: Each member should address him/herself to the Chairperson and not to any other member. During the time any other member is speaking, the Chairperson shall not allow interference until the speaker finishes, or a point of order has to be made. Members should indicate they wish to speak on any discussion by getting the attention of the Chairperson, who will allow them to speak in order, and reply to any questions thereafter. The aim of all discussions should be to reach conclusions.

14.9 Points of Order: Any member may bring to the notice of the meeting, through the Chairperson, points of order relating to the constitution, rules and standing orders of the club.

14.10 Rescinding resolutions: When a motion has been voted on and passed, a decision to rescind the original motion shall not be allowed unless a two-thirds majority of the meeting present and voting agrees.

15. Codes of Practice

The Club endorses the contents of the Irish Sports Council’s

• Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport (2000)

The Club endorses the contents of the FAI’s

• Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children’s Soccer.
• Code of Conduct for Coaches.
• Code of Conduct for Parents/Guardians.
• Bulling Information Document
• Club Policy and Procedure’s Document
• Away Trips Advice and Guidance Document
• Bullying Information Document.
• Anti Doping Policies

Members of the Club shall at all times observe FAI rules and the laws of the game of soccer, the  Fenit Samphires F.C. General Code of Conduct and the Club rules. Should any act of misconduct or deliberate act in breach of rules by a Club member result in the Club being fined, then that member may be asked to reimburse the Club the amount of the fine.

Misconduct by any member, members are as defined by Section 12, may be reviewed by the Club Committee. The Club Committee shall have the power to expel a member when, in their opinion, it would not be in the interest of the Club for them to remain a member. There shall be no appeals procedure.

16. Fenit Samphires F.C. General Code of Conduct

16.1.1 Team discipline on/off the field
Players of all ages should be aware that they are considered to be representing the club both on and off the pitch. The manager(s) should not tolerate any physical or oral misbehavior, towards the management team, team-mates, match officials, opponents or spectators. The manager will be given every assistance by the club committee to deal with persistent offenders.

Instances of abuse of this rule may be brought to the disciplinary committee of the club for further action in the case of serious or repeat offences. Players may be required to pay and discharge fines imposed.

16.1.2 Substance Abuse
The use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco should be actively discouraged as being incompatible with a healthy approach to sporting activity. Any player who arrives at training or for a match while in an intoxicated condition will not be allowed to participate, will be sent home, and will also be subject to disciplinary action. If such an incident involves a minor, the club shall  contact a parent/guardian to make them aware of the incident.

16.1.3 Discrimination
The club operates a non-discriminatory policy. The club will not tolerate any form of discrimination, whether verbal or expressed in other ways, against any person(s), based on race, sex, religion or other form of discrimination.

16.1.4 Adult-Child Relationships
Efforts should be made to ensure that all club activities are as inclusive as possible, and that all children, regardless of ability or skill level, as far as possible, are encouraged and treated respectfully.

At all times, coaches and club officials should be respectful of the rights of the children in their supervision. Under no circumstances should any adult coach/official verbally or physically abuse any child in their supervision, or any child representing another club. The use of foul or abusive language is not permitted, and may result in disciplinary action. Motivation of young players should seek to emphasis positive rather than negative aspects of performance.

Children and young players should also be respectful of their coaches and club officials, and verbal or physical abuse of coaches or officials may be subject to disciplinary action.

16.1.5 Health and Safety Statement
Managers/Coaches are responsible for the supervision of their squad at all Club related events, especially training sessions. Under no circumstances should young players be left on their own without adult supervision at any Club organized activity. A club session (Game/Training) does not commence until the Coach (es) starts the session. Until then the child remains the responsibility of the parent. In an event where the Coach (es) does not turn up for the event then the event is cancelled. The club require that parents wait until the coach starts the event before leaving the child, and also that they return on time to collect the child. Parents/Guardians are responsible for transporting their children home after training etc. The Club will endeavor to ensure that events start and finish on time. If the manager should be unable to attend training/match etc., (s) he should organize a suitable replacement adult. Two adults should be present with each squad. A first aid kit should be readily available whenever club training or a match is taking place.

The club’s insurance covers all members participating in club sporting activities in the event of an accident causing death or loss of limb. If more comprehensive insurance is required by any individual, it can be obtained individually, however the club is not responsible for sourcing or sponsoring any further cover.

16.1.6 Club Discipline
Positive reinforcement is the primary form of discipline adopted by the Club, with emphasise being placed on encouraging and fostering the personal development through

1. Effort.
2. Social skills as well as sporting skills.
3. Good sportsmanship.

Club members should treat others in a respectful manner, particularly club coaching staff or officials, whose time is always given voluntarily and on a goodwill basis.

16.1.7 Serious Breaches of this Code: Disciplinary Code & Confidentiality
In the event of serious breaches of this code of conduct, such breaches may be reported to the club disciplinary officer, and may be brought before a disciplinary committee as selected by the disciplinary officer. The disciplinary committee will be comprised of at least 3 individuals, selected as appropriate depending on the nature of the alleged offence. The disciplinary committee shall adhere at all times to fair procedures including “audi alterem partem”, and” nemo judat in causa sua”At all times, the disciplinary committee should be selected to be as neutral as possible, and no person, including the club disciplinary officer  having a conflict or potential conflict of interest shall be eligible to sit on any particular committee formed. Any breaches of the code of conduct will be treated in strict confidentiality by the disciplinary committee, and communications following any decision by the committee will be directly between the disciplinary officer and the club member(s) involved. The nature of the sanctions which can be imposed by the disciplinary committee will vary, depending on the seriousness of the breach, but may take the following forms:

A. Letters of warning
B. Suspensions for a stated period of time/number of games
C. Expulsion from the club

The disciplinary action to be taken by the disciplinary committee will be decided on a case by case basis, but precedent will be taken into account when deciding on such actions. Any decision taken by the Disciplinary Committee may be subject to appeal to the Club Committee, however under no circumstances will club membership fees, etc. be refunded, in the event of a player being suspended or expelled from the club.

16.2 Code of Conduct for Managers/Coaches

16.2.1 It is the aim of the managers and coaches of the club to promote the highest standards to their players in training and match days.

16.2.2 All team managers/coaches should have the appropriate interest and competence. It is the club’s policy that all managers should have a coaching badge (National Coaching Development Program) before being given the responsibility of managing a team, in so far as possible. The Club shall sponsor any manager in obtaining  such qualification up to youth Certificate Level.

16.2.3 Team managers and coaches, shall act under the direction of the Clubs Director of Sports, and  must plan and prepare their coaching sessions in advance, which should include:
• Facilities available
• Availability of equipment in working order (balls inflated etc.)
• Players available
• The coaching structure for the training session

16.2.4 Team managers must give advice, encouragement and support to their players in coaching sessions and on match days, promoting sportsmanship and fair play at all times, also ensuring that players shake hands with their opponents and the referee.
16.2.5 Team managers are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is honourable and in keeping with the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship. They should not indulge themselves in tactics, either by words or action that are likely to bring the game, this Club, or the League in which they play, into disrepute.

16.2.6 Team managers/coaches should familiarize themselves with, and abide by, the FAI’s Code of Conduct and Good Practice for Coaches, available on the FAI website, www.fai.ie.
16.2.7 A minimum of two coaches/managers must be in attendance of all
underage games, training sessions and team activities.
16.2.8 Players, parents, team managers and coaches must observe that up to the  age of ten playing football is considered to be developmental, but once a team enters “The Kerry School Boys and School Girls League” playing shall be considered competitive.

16.3 Code of Conduct for Players

16.3.1 It should be the aim of all players to attend training sessions and match days on time with all their playing equipment, and be ready (i.e. togged out) 15 minutes before training starts and 30 minutes before the game starts.

16.3.2 All players must conduct themselves in training and match days, ensuring that their level of behavior is of the highest standards at all times and show respect to their Manager/Coach, other players in their team, opponents, referees and their assistants, and the equipment/facilities they are using.

16.3.3 All players representing the Club who fall below the expected standards and levels of will be subject to disciplinary action. Examples of unacceptable action include:

• Disrupting training
• Abusive behavior or language towards managers, team mates, opponents or match officials
• Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while participating in   matches or training
• Threatening behavior
• Violent conduct
• Bad sportsmanship
• Persistently being cautioned or sent off

Any player displaying unsporting behavior will be liable to immediate substitution or suspension by the Club for a period as determined by the Team Coach/Manager in the first instance, and/or by the Club Committee.

16.3.4 All players should seek to shake hands with their opponents and also the referee at the end of the game, treating victory with humility and defeat with dignity.

16.3.5 Any player found to be in breach of the code of conduct will be subject to sanction, which will, in the first instance, be a matter for the Team Manager/Coach and could include a fine and/or suspension and/or face the Committee of the Club to explain their behaviour. This could result in their membership being suspended or in certain cases, being expelled from the Club.

16.3.6 All players should:

• Play for enjoyment, not just to please parents and coaches
• Play by the rules of the game
• Always accept the referee’s decision
• Play with control and do not lose your temper
• Play for yourself and your team – your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own
• Be a “good sport”. Applaud all good play whether your team or the opponent
• Respect your opponent. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not “bully” or take advantage of any player
• Co-operate with Team Manager/ Coach, team mates and opponents.
• Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good
• At the final whistle applaud and thank your opponents and the referee for the match
• Always remember that you owe a duty of care to your opponents. Tackle hard but fairly, do not intend to hurt your opponent.

16.3.7 Disclaimer
All players play at their own risk. There is no requirement on the Club to meet any costs arising for any player who may be injured while playing or training.

16.4 Code of Conduct for Parents, Guardians, Spectators

16.4.1 It is the aim of this Club to promote the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair-play and to ensure the spirit of the game is not abused.

16.4.2 Any adult taking part in any activity organized by the Club, or attending such an activity with the Club as a guest or another, shall conduct himself or herself in an exemplary manner.

16.4.3 Adult behavior must be of the highest standard to set the correct example to the juvenile players.

16.4.4 Players should expect advice, encouragement and support and not be embarrassed or humiliated by the adults watching them.

16.4.5 Adults should not shout, swear, argue, become violent or use sarcasm. Wherever possible players who require help should be assisted and encouraged to overcome any difficulties.

16.4.6 Adults should:
• Always look for aspects to praise rather than rebuke
• Praise good behavior to show that adults value it
• Praise effort and performance, rather than just achievement, most often in the case of a victory
• Emphasis the importance of involvement first, winning second
• Display patience
• Ensure players have a clear understanding of the standards of behavior expected
• Help players understand the rules; talk to them, not at them!

16.4.7 Matters of team selection, including the playing of substitutes, remain the sole responsibility of the Team Manager/Coach and his/her decision will remain final. Any parent/ guardian or person associated with a playing member who attempts to unduly influence the Team Manager/Coach with regard to team selection shall be in contravention of club code of conduct above and shall be dealt with in accordance with club disciplinary committee.

16.4.8 At all times, during the course of the game, the decisions made by the referee, qualified or unqualified, appointed to officiate, will remain final. In many cases newly qualified referees are appointed to youth matches in order to gain experience and these officials, male or female, should be given support and encouragement.

16.4.9 Any parent/guardian or spectator (associated with a playing member) whose behavior is considered to fall below the required standard, may result in the membership of that player being suspended or cancelled.

16.4.10 Any complaint regarding the opposition, referee, spectators, or any other aspect of the game must be dealt with by the Team Manager. If the matter is considered serious enough, the Club Secretary will inform the appropriate authority. It will not be acceptable for individuals to take the law into their own hands.

16.4.11 All parents, guardians and spectators shall abide by the rules of the Football Association of Ireland and its constituent youth and schoolboys leagues. Parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with, and abide by, the FAI’s Code of Conduct and Good Practice for Parents, available on the FAI website, www.fai.ie.

16.4.12 Spectators should:

• Be on your best behavior and lead by example
• Remember that although young people play organized soccer, they are not seasoned professionals and are still learning the game
• Applaud good play by the visiting team as well as your own
• Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would not be a match
• Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity
• Verbal abuse of players or match officials cannot be accepted in any shape or form. Players and match officials are not fair targets for abusive behavior
• Encourage young players to play by the laws of the game.

17. Club Rules

17.1 The cost of subscriptions, match fees, training fees and any other fees will be decided by the Club Committee.

17.2 All members must be registered with the Club and appropriate league before they are allowed to play matches.

17.3 Completed membership forms along with appropriate fee to be handed in along with player registration form a week before commencement of respective league.

17.4 Coach/Managers are to be appointed each season to run the various teams.

17.5 Teams within the Club shall play home games at grounds designated by the Club Committee.

17.6 Players must only wear kit provided by the Club or team sponsors at matches and it must not be worn at any other time unless with the permission of the Team Coach/Manager.

17.7 Club notepaper and any other paper bearing the Club logo can be used only by the Officers of the Club, or by designated officials as assigned by officers of the club.

17.8 All members of the Club shall operate and behave in accordance with the Club’s Code of Conduct (See Section 11).

17.9 The Club’s purchasing policy requires the approval of the Club Secretary and/or Treasurer for any expenditure in excess of €100.00. The collection of training fees and match fees etc. will be returned on standard forms, as drafted by the Club, and expenditure on any one item shall not exceed €100.00 without approval and any such expenditure will be receipted.
17.10 Any purchase over €500 must have committee approval.
17.11 A player must give first commitment to his/her own age group but can play for a team in the next upper age group, provided it is by agreement with both managers, on a match by match basis.

17.12 The Club shall not be liable for payment of non sanctioned items of expenditure.

17.13 All adults involved directly with children will be aware of the guidelines regarding behavior towards children. It is the duty of each Coach/Manager to ensure that all children are safe and every effort will be taken to protect them. Any concerns regarding the safety of a child must be reported as directed in the club’s Child Protection policy.

17.14 Training schedules should be drafted in consultation with the Team Coaches/Managers.

18. Anti-Discrimination Policy

18.1 Fenit Samphires F.C. is committed to setting standards and values to apply throughout the Club. 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, religion or disability. Equality of opportunity at Fenit Samphires F.C.means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favorably, on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or disability.

This includes:
• The selection of candidates for volunteers
• Courses
• External coaching and education activities and awards
• Football development activities
• Selection for teams
• Appointments to honorary positions

Fenit Samphires  will not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal and will work to ensure that such behavior is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.

Fenit Samphires F.C. supports awareness raising events and activities in order to promote the eradication of all forms of discrimination within football.

19.  Interpretation of the Rules

19.1     The foregoing rules shall be the fundamental laws of the Club and shall not be altered except by way of resolution at an Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting provided the resolution is carried by a majority of not less than a majority of the Ordinary members present and entitled to vote. Notwithstanding anything herein before provided  any resolution to amend or revoke or in any way to alter Rule 20 must be passed by 95% of the ordinary members of the Club

19.2     All questions as to the interpretation of the rules shall be referred to the Management Committee whose decision shall be final.

20.  DISSOLUTION

20.1     The Club may be dissolved by a resolution passed at a Special General Meeting, specifically called for that purpose and carried by 80 % of the Ordinary member who have been full ordinary members for two years, or by a resolution of the Committee if the number of members is less than ten for a period of not less than six months.

20.2     If any property remains after the discharge of all debts and liabilities of the Club/Association such property shall be given or transferred to some other charitable institution or organisation having main objects similar to the main objects of this Club/Association.  Before the time of dissolution, the members of the Club/Association shall select the relevant institution or association to which the surplus assets will be given, and in and so far as effect cannot be given to such provision, then the property shall be given or transferred to some similar charitable object).

20.3     The Committee shall be responsible to the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Club.

21.  DATA PROTECTION 

Pursuant to the provisions of the Data Protection Acts 1988 -2003, members consent of the Club obtaining, recording, holding and retaining department at (including sense of personal that) solely through the Club purposes, either on its computer or its manual filing system, and consent to the use of all such that, including its disclosure to third parties, for the proper and effective management of the Club.

This document comprises the Constitution of Fenit Samphires F.C. incorporating Standing Orders and Codes of Practice

Certified a true copy.

__________________________

Mary Kelly Secretary.