THIS IS THE COMMITTEE OF A.F.C LIGHTNING

COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN JIM DALE

SECRETARY GRAEME CARTER

TREASURER GAYNOR MURRAY

CHILD WELFARE OFFICER DEBBIE CARTER

PRESS AND PUBLISHING GAVYN BOWLES

MERCHANDISING MARCO PARMEGIANI

CODE OF CONDUCT

CLUB COMPLAINTS POLICY

COMMITTEE

Purpose: - Within an FA Charter Standard Club a grievance/complaints procedure will be in place, in order to: -

To ensure an appropriate resolution to the grievance/complaint and

to all involved.

To avoid any further conflict during and in the purpose of resolving the grievance/complaint.

To protect the staff within The Club.

To protect the children within The Club.

Policy:- In the event any member of The Club (Player, Assistant/s, Coaches, Managers and Parent/s.) feels he or she has suffered discrimination and/or has a grievance in anyway or that The Club Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct have been broken they should follow the procedures.

Procedures:- 1)

They should report he matter to The Club Welfare Officer/ or another member of The Committee.

THE REPORTS MUST INCLUDE: -

Details of what, when, where and how the occurrence took place.

Any witness statements and/or names of witnesses.

Names of any others whom have been treated in a similar way.

Details of any former grievances/complaints about the incident with dates, when and to whom it was made.

A preference for a solution to the grievance/complaint.

2) Then The Clubs Management Committee (elected Officers) can sit for any necessary hearings.

3) The Clubs Management 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 Policy, Rules or Code of Conduct, (whatever position the person may hold.)

As at Season 2007-2008

CODE OF CONDUCT

THE TEAM MANAGER/TEAM COACHES/HELPERS SHOULD-:

Attempt to set a positive example all others to follow.

Promote & develop the team having regard for the best interests of the players & supporters and the reputation of team/club & the national game.

Share your knowledge & experience when invited to do so.

Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.

Not use or tolerate inappropriate/inflammatory language, gestures or sarcasm.

Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical & tactical levels of the team, and to obtain the best possible results using all permitted means.

Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.

Resist all illegal or unsporting influences.

Promote ethical & non-racist, non-sexist principles.

Show due respect to the players, coaches & supporters of all teams.

Show due respect and accept the decisions of the match officials without undue protest.

Avoid words or actions that may mislead a match official.

Never bring AFC Lightning into disrepute.

PLAYERS SHOULD-:

Show due respect to managers, coaches, supporters players & match officials at all times.

Make every effort to be punctual & correctly equipped/dressed for training & matches.

Make every effort to be attentive & develop abilities in terms of skill, technique, tactics & stamina.

Set a positive example & strive for your best possible performance - both in training & matches.

Avoid all forms of gamesmanship, including time-wasting & feigning injury.

Never criticise the mistakes of your fellow players.

Never use inappropriate language or gestures.

Make every effort to be consistent with Fair Play & the Laws of the Game.

Know & abide by the Laws, roles & spirit of the game, and/or the competition rules.

Success & failure, victory & defeat in an appropriate & sporting way.

Never bring AFC Lightning into disrepute.

PARENTS/SPECTATORS SHOULD-:

Accept the jurisdiction of the manager, coaches & helpers during matches, training & socials.

Show due respect to managers, players, coaches, players & match officials at all times.

Encourage & applaud effort, performance & good sporting behaviour - more than the result.

Maintain & give clear examples of appropriate standards of behaviour at all times.

Look for aspects to applaud & praise less-talented or 'struggling' players - or players who might otherwise be overlooked.

Judge players by their efforts & skills and not by their failures or deficits.

Always remember that children do not mean to make mistakes.

AND SHOULD NOT -:

Abuse or argue with managers, coaches, players or match officials.

Abuse, comment negatively or chastise a player for a mistake on the field of play.

Attempt to 'coach' or 'manipulate' players while they are playing.

Offer 'tactical advice' to a player that may contradict the managers game plan.

Use inappropriate language, gestures, sarcasm, racism, sexism or become violent.

Attempt to 'referee' a game by appealing for free kicks, off-sides etc.

Bring AFC Lightning into disrepute.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

It is club policy with regard to exceptionally talented AFC Lightning players (male or female), that in the opinion of AFC Lightning coaches, those players who have the ability to go on and play for or train with semi-professional or professional football clubs, will be actively encouraged to do so, when and wherever it is in the best interests of the player and there is all-round agreement between player, family and clubs. AFC Lightning are currently establishing links to several professional clubs and it is our stated aim to ensure that talented individuals are given every opportunity to be seen and assessed, when and wherever applicable.

CONSTITUTION

January 2006 (amended to reflect name change)

CLUB NAME

The Club will be known as AFC Lightning.

PURPOSE

The purposes of the Club are to promote the amateur sport of football through Mini Soccer Association Football at a number of ages, notably from under 6s through to under 16s in the Lightning area and community participation in the same. This is to be done through arranging competitive / non competitive matches in a safe environment, to form lasting friendships and from time to time arrange Social Events for the enjoyment of all associated with the club.

RULES

These Rules form a binding agreement between all involved with the Club.

REGULATIONS

a) The Club shall have the status of an Affiliated Member Club of the Football Association by virtue of its affiliation to the Football Association. The Rules and Regulations of the Football Association Limited and Parent County Association and any League or Competition to which the Club is affiliated for the time being, shall be effective without prior approval by the Club.

b) No alteration to the Club Rules shall be effective without prior approval by the Club Committee and any Rule changes will then only be made at an AGM or EGM. Any proposed changes must be submitted to the Committee 28 days prior to the meeting

c) Any person(s) associated with AFC Lightning will also abide by the Football Associations Child Protection Policies and Procedures, Codes of Conduct and the Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination Policy, along with AFC Lightnings own Code of Conduct

d) If at any General Meeting a resolution for the dissolution of the Club shall be passed by a majority of the voting members present, the Club Committee shall:

i) Call an Extraordinary General Meeting (subject to the rules governing an EGM).

ii) If as a result of the EGM the Motion to wind-up the Club is passed the Club Committee shall immediately execute the provisions as set out in Rule .

CLUB MEMBERSHIPS:

a) The Club Members and Signed On players shall be those persons listed on the Club Register. This Register will then be held and maintained by the Membership Secretary.

b) Membership is open to any person wishing to play football for the above-mentioned Club, subject to squad number limitations as defined by the manager and/or regulatory authority. Parents will be encouraged to become involved in Club events.

c) The Football Association and Parent County Association shall be given access to the Membership Register on demand.

d) Parents / Guardians will abide by the AFC Lightning Code of Conduct duly signed by themselves before the registration of their child to the Club.

e) The definition of Members is as follows: A parent or guardian of the children that are on the Membership Secretarys Register. Any adult without a registered child may apply to the Club Committee to become a member and will be required to pay an annual subscription fee.

f) Membership of the Club shall be open to anyone interested in the sport on application regardless of sex, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or other beliefs. However, limitation of membership according to available facilities is allowable on a non discriminatory basis

g) The Club may have different classes of membership and subscription on a non-discriminatory and fair basis. The Club will keep subscriptions at levels that will not pose a significant obstacle to people participating.

h) The Club Committee may refuse membership, or remove it, only for good cause such as conduct or character likely to bring the Club or sport into disrepute. Appeal against refusal or removal may be made to the members.

SIGNING ON FEE:

a) An annual fee, payable by each signed on player shall be determined by the Club Committee.

b) The Club Committee shall have the authority to levy further contributions from the Members as are reasonably necessary to fulfil the objects of the Club

. PROPERTY AND FUNDS

a) The property and funds of the Club cannot be used for the direct or indirect private benefit of members other than as reasonably allowed by the Rules and all surplus income or profits are reinvested in the club.

b) The Club may provide sporting and related social facilities, sporting equipment, coaching, courses, insurance cover, medical treatment, away-match expenses, post match refreshments and other ordinary benefits of Community Amateur Sports Clubs as provided for in the Finance Act 2002.

c) The Club may also in connection with the sports purposes of the Club:

i) sell and supply food, drink and related sports clothing and equipment;

ii) employ members (though not for playing) and remunerate them for providing goods and services, on fair terms set by the Committee without the person concerned being present;

iii) pay for reasonable hospitality for visiting teams and guests iv) indemnify the Committee and members acting properly in the course of the running of the Club against any liability incurred in the proper running of the Club (but only to the extent of its assets).

d) The Committee will have due regard to the law on disability discrimination and child protection.

THE CLUB COMMITTEE

a) The Officers of the Club shall consist of - CHAIR-PERSON, VICE CHAIR-PERSON, GENERAL SECRETARY, TREASURER, CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER. No one person shall hold more than one post at any one time.

b) The officers will have the following Powers:

i) Spend or commit to spend up to £100 without prior approval of the Club Committee

c) The Club Committee will consist of the Officers, 1 Manager and/or 1 nominated representative per age group. This group collectively will be called the CLUB COMMITTEE. The Committee shall also be directed by a minimum of 5 persons being present at meetings, two of which must be officers. At any meeting held, the CHAIRPERSON will always have the casting vote.

d) The Club Committee shall have the following powers:

i) With due consultation, to dispose of or acquire assets as it deems fit.

ii) To suspend or expel any Member or Officer deemed guilty of bringing the Club into disrepute with the Football Association and of the conduct prejudicial to the good name of the Club. All formal complaints MUST be submitted to the Club Committee, through the Secretary, in WRITING ONLY.

iii) To act upon all information acquired, and to report on all changes to its Members.

iv) To fill any vacancy arising at the AGM or through resignations.

e) The Officers and the Club Committee shall be elected at the AGM, which will be held in the Close Season. An EGM may be called with 28 days notice by anyone associated within the Club. This request must be in writing to the Club Secretary, and must be supported by a minimum of 3 fully paid up members

f) Communication between Members concerning Club issues will not be made after 9 p.m. except in an extreme emergency.

g) Club Committee Members of AFC Lightning shall register any interest with the Club Secretary, in any other committee on which they serve or are associated with. Members will abstain from voting on any issues that the Club Committee deem are in anyway related to these other committees.

h) COMMITTEE DECISIONS: The Club Committee, whose decision shall be final and binding, shall deal with any matters not covered by these forgoing Rules.

i) All Committee Members must sign and return back to the Secretary the tear off slip attached to their copy of the Rules & Constitution.

MEETINGS

Meetings shall be held on regular basis and decisions will be made by a simple majority vote, except for:

Any winding up of the Club and disposal of assets will be decided at an AGM or EGM and only when a majority vote of three quarters of the Club Committee has been achieved (See Rule ).

Before any Member is suspended or expelled from the Club, the Member shall have the right of appeal to the Club Committee in writing within 14 days of their grievance, where a majority of two thirds of the committee will then be required to make a final decision.

The Committee will receive a balance sheet at every meeting and review the Central Funds.

All items for the Agenda must be submitted to the CHAIRPERSON 7 days prior to a meeting.

All AOB must be submitted to the CHAIRPERSON 48 hours prior to a meeting.

It is expected that Committee Members attend all meetings. Any Member not attending 3 CONSECUTIVE MEETINGS shall be deemed to have RESIGNED FROM THEIR POSITION. The Club Committee then reserve the right to assign the age group Vote to another age group representative.

Meetings will be always be minuted, and copies will be made available to members, unless agreed by the Club Committee that a matter shall remain confidential.

INSURANCE

The Club will provide insurance as follows: Personal Accident cover for all teams, Public Liability cover for all its Members and Public Indemnity to cover Players and Managers. Included in the Insurance will also be cover for Players travelling from the Clubs home ground to and from matches.

AUDITS

The Committee shall appoint an independent auditor each year and shall require that all annual statements of accounts be made up by 31st March each year and submitted to the Auditor. An Annual Balance Sheet shall be presented to all Members seven days prior to the AGM and to the Football Association on demand.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Club Committee will maintain a Club Code of Conduct. All members shall abide by this code at all times VOTING

a) Fully paid up Members over the age of 16 will be entitled to vote at AGM / EGM see Rule )

b) Voting at General meetings will be on the following basis

c) 1 Vote per officer

d) 1 Vote per age group (unless an additional vote is assigned under clause 8 f).

e) Chairman to have the casting vote.

f) In the event that an officer is also a manager, the officer will have one vote, if an assistant is nominated and present they will vote on behalf of the age group.

WINDING UP

a) The members may vote to wind up the Club if not less than three quarters of those present and voting support that proposal at a properly convened general meeting.

b) The Committee will then be responsible for the orderly winding up of the Clubs affairs.

c) After settling all liabilities of the Club, the Committee shall dispose of the net assets remaining to one or more of the following:

I. to another Club with similar sports purposes which is a registered charity and/or

II. to another Club with similar sports purposes which is a registered CASC and/or

III. to the Clubs governing body for use by them for related community sports.

PRIORITY

Where there is any conflict between any of the above Rules (key Rules) and any other rule or rules the key Rule(s) will take priority. Interpretation of all the Rules must be consistent with the statutory requirements for CASCs (which means Community Amateur Sports Clubs as first provided for by the Finance Act 2002.)

ANTI-DISCRIMAINATION POLICY

Anti-Discrimination Policy

AFC Lightning 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 AFC Lightning means that in all 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.

Appointments to honorary positions.

AFC Lightning 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.

AFC Lightning is committed to the development of the programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities, in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation, and within football as a whole.

RESPECT OUR NEIGHBOURS POLICY

Respect to our Neighbours Policy

Wherever junior football training or matches take place on a space allocated for such activities, there will always be issues surrounding the potential for noise, additional traffic, loud swearing, property damage and the like. AFC Lightning have taken these points onboard and it is our intention at all times to work in harmony with our neighbours and minimise any possible disruption. Therefore, under the guidance and supervision of The Misbourne School and with their permission at all times -:

1) AFC Lightning pledge :

that weekend matches and/or training will never begin before 1000 hours and will always finish before 1430 hours (with the exception of a once a year football fete).
that any weekday outdoor training/matches will finish no later than 1930 hours.
that the car parks at HGSS will be utilised and that all visiting teams will be directed towards them, maintaining the access of all local roads.
to leave the school grounds tidy and free of rubbish.

2) AFC Lightning will make it clear that any instances of foul or abusive language will not be tolerated - and the person responsible will be requested to leave the grounds immediately.

3) AFC Lightning have in place an FA operated liability insurance, in case of any damage to neighbouring property.

Please note: In these early years, the main users of the pitches will be 6, 7, 8 and 9 year olds, with matches lasting for no more than 45 minutes at a time. These age groups do not play every week. Home matches will often be coordinated so that the total length of time of matches in action will be minimized. Teams will play away as often as they play at home, consequently some weekends in the season will be match free.

With these pledges and despite the absence of any byelaws enforcing such, AFC Lightning are proud to say that our Respect to our Neighbours policy is to our knowledge the most stringent such policy of any sports grounds in the County and we will honour those pledges. In doing so, we hope that our neighbours will support AFC Lightning in our aims to promote childrens football in the community - and assist the school and its pupils in the ways we intend.

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

AFC Holmer Green take the matter of Child Protection seriously and we as a club wholeheartedly endorse and operate in accordance with the Football Association best practice guidelines which can be viewed by clicking here.

Any concerns in this area should be immediately reported to the AFC Lightning Child Protection Officer - Debbie Carter at debbie@afclightning.co.uk or to any Coach or Club Official.

Football Association best practice guidelines are set out below:

Every child and young person who plays football should be able to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football. We recognise, however, that child abuse is also a very emotive and difficult subject. It is important to understand the feelings involved but not to allow them to interfere with our judgement about any action to be taken. The Football Association recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is determined to meet its obligation to ensure that those clubs and organisations providing football opportunities for children and young people do so, to the highest possible standard of care. Clear practices and procedures, in addition to a detailed training programme already under way, will ensure that everyone knows exactly what is expected of them in relation to the protection of children and young people within our sport. It is essential that those children and young people attracted to and participating in football are able to do so in a quality, safe and enjoyable environment. In striving to attain this, The Football Association has the following objectives: A requirement that The F.A. Premier League and The Football League include in their rules a policy statement concerning child protection. A requirement that all bodies affiliated to The Football Association as Charter Standard Organisations, affiliated through the County Associations, which provide the opportunity to work with children and young people up to the age of eighteen, include in their rules a policy statement concerning child protection.

To provide ongoing development and training opportunities to all organisations as mentioned above. To provide ongoing development and training opportunities:

- for members of The F.A. Coaches Association

- as an integral part of all F.A. Coach and Medical Education courses and courses for Referees

- in staff development courses for members of The F.A. Premier League and The Football League

- through the County Football Association structure

- through the process of attaining and maintaining the Charter Standard Award

The aims of The F.A. Child Protection Policy are:

To develop a positive and pro-active position in order to best protect all children and young people who play football, enabling them to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment. To deliver quality assured child protection training and build a network of tutors to facilitate this delivery, in conjunction with, and supported by, the NSPCC.

To demonstrate best practice in the area of child protection
To promote ethics and high standards throughout football.

The key principles underpinning this 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 identity. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. Working in partnership with children and young people and their parents/carers is essential. Social Services Departments have a statutory responsibility to ensure the
welfare of children and young people. The Football Association is committed to working together with Social Services Departments and local Area Child Protection Committees (ACPC) in accordance with their procedures.
The Football Association's Regulations on child protection are defined in The F.A. Handbook.

1. Any act, statement, conduct or other matter which harms a child or children, or poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children, shall constitute behaviour which is improper and brings the game into disrepute.

2. In these Regulations the expression "Offence" shall mean any one or more of the offences contained in Schedule 1 to the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and any other criminal offence which reasonably causes The Association to believe that the person accused of the offence poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children.

3. Upon receipt by The Association of:

3.1 notification that an individual has been charged with an Offence; or

3.2 notification that an individual is the subject of an investigation by the Police, social services or any other authority relating to an Offence; or

3.3 any other information which causes The Association reasonably to believe that a person poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children then The Association shall have the power to order that the individual be suspended from all or any specific football activity for such period and on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.

4. In reaching its determination as to whether an order under Regulation 3 should be made The Association shall give consideration, inter alia, to the following factors:-

4.1 whether a child is or children are or may be at risk of harm;

4.2 whether the matters are of a serious nature;

4.3 whether an order is necessary or desirable to allow the conduct of any investigation by The Association or any other authority or body to proceed unimpeded.

5. The period of an order referred to in 3 above shall not be capable of lasting beyond the date upon which any charge under the Rules of The Association or any Offence is decided or brought to an end.

6. Where an order is imposed on an individual under Regulation 3 above, The Association shall bring and conclude any proceedings under the Rules of The Association against the person relating to the matters as soon as reasonably practicable.

7. Where a person is convicted or is made the subject of a caution in respect of an Offence, that shall constitute a breach of the Rules of The Association and The Association shall have the power to order the suspension of the person from all or any specific football for such period (including indefinitely) and on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.

8. For the purposes of these Regulations, The Association shall act through its Council or any committee or sub-committee thereof, including the Board.

9. Notification in writing of an order referred to above shall be given to the person concerned and/or any club with which he is associated as soon as reasonably practicable.

CONCLUSION
The Football Association, through confirming this Policy Document, has indicated its determination to ensure that children and young people can participate in all forms of football activity and do so with their safety being of paramount importance.

It is essential that this document is representative of a process of continual improvement in the area of child protection within football. It is for all adults engaged in football activities to promote good practice and procedures, whilst being ever vigilant and aware of their responsibilities towards the children and young people in their care.

CASC

Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC)

We are pleased to announce that AFC Lightning is a registered Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) and as such provides us with:

1) A key step in managing our finances soundly by using benefits on offer from the Inland Revenue
2) Providing commitment to the strong governance principles

How does AFC Lightning benefit from being a CASC?

The Inland Revenues tax concessions for Community Amateur Sports Clubs were introduced in April 2002. The major benefits are:

All interest income and capital gains are exempt from corporation tax
Property and fund raising income is exempt from corporation tax up to certain limits
Individuals can claim gift aid and inheritance tax relief in respect of monetary contributions/gifts to the club
- income tax relief on the gift resulting in a tax repayment for a higher rate taxpayer of £23 for every £100 given
The clubs can reclaim income tax on contributions received under gift aid.
- a tax refund for the club of £28 for every £100 donated

The main conditions for registration were:

Membership must be open to the whole community.
The club's facilities must be available to all members without discrimination.
The club's rules/constitution must prevent the distribution of profits to members i.e. funds must be reinvested into the club.
Club members cannot be paid for playing, although they can receive payment for providing other services to the club such as coaching.
Membership categories and fees must be reasonable and should not be a barrier to open membership.
An irrevocable commitment to retain assets within the sport
Once a CASC always a CASC (you cannot de-register)

AFC Lightning in order to satisfy the requisite entry criteria the Management Committee elected to amend its constitution click here for details. This is not the last step in the ongoing background management to ensure AFC Lightning maintains a sound and effective financial footing.