Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct
CODE OF CONDUCT DISTRIBUTION The Code of Conduct will be distributed at the following: • All Centre Players • All Managers/Coaches/Helpers • All Officers/Committee members of the Centre. DATE OF ISSUE - May 2008 Any additions or revisions during the year will be distributed and date-referenced Elite Development Centre A. Anti-Discrimination Policy • The Elite Development Centre 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 the Elite Development Centre 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: • External coaching and education activities and awards. • Football development activities. • Selection for teams. • Appointments to honorary positions. • Elite Development Centre 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. • Elite Development Centre 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. B. Code of Conduct for Coaches 1. Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport. 2. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance. 3. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies. 4. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect. 5. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward. 6. Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance. 7. Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players. 8. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parent) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach. 9. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player. 10. Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques. 11. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance. 12. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language. C. Code of Conduct for Parents / Spectators Parents / Spectators have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because they first and foremost love the game – its fun. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football within our club it is important to remember that Children gain a lot of enjoyment and: - • A sense of personal achievement. • Self-esteem. • Improving the child’s skills and techniques. A parent’s / spectator’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards: • Other players. • Officials. • Managers. • Spectators. Ensure that as parents / spectators within our club are you always positive and encouraging towards all of the children not just your own. • Applaud the opposition as well as your own team. • Avoid coaching the child during the game. • Not to shout and scream. • Respect the referee’s decision. All parents and spectators are reminded that your views are always respected, however, you are asked to raise any issues at the end of a match rather than interrupt a match or training session. Give attention to each of the children involved in football, not just the most talented. Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football. Ensure that as parents / spectators within our club you adhere to the Elite Development Centres’ Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy. DEVELOP THE PERSON – DEVELOP THE PLAYER EXTRACT FROM THE FA COACHES JOURNAL – SUMMER 2004 Please Mum and Dad: 􀂉 Give me the time and opportunity to make my own decisions both on and off the field – I need to learn the consequences of getting it right and wrong. 􀂉 Try not to tell me off or shout at me from the sideline when I do get things wrong. Give me the chance to relax and play – I need the mistakes to help me learn. 􀂉 Try not to keep offering me advice going to games or coming home again. Let me unwind and reflect – it helps me to learn. 􀂉 Listen to me if I come home with a problem – sometimes I just need someone to talk to – it helps me learn. 􀂉 Remember I am a young person not a small adult – sometimes I don’t see things like you do or understand what you are saying. 􀂉 Come and enjoy the game – I’ll always try my best. 􀂉 Please love me for me – not just the things I can do. D. Code of Conduct for Players Obligations towards the game A player should 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 his team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved. 3. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters. 4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time-wasting. 5. Always have regard for the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game. 6. Not use inappropriate language. Obligations towards one’s own team A player should 1. Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help his own team win. 2. Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question his commitment to the team winning. Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules A player should 1. Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules. 2. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally. 3. Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques. Respect towards Opponents A player should 1. Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game. 2. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents. Respect towards the Match Officials A player should 1. Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest. 2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official. 3. Show due respect towards Match Officials. Respect towards Team Officials A player should 1. Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Team Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code. 2. Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition. Obligations towards the Supporters A player should: 1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters. E. Code of Conduct for Team Officials Obligations towards the Game The team official should 1. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters. 2. Promote and develop his own team having regard to the interest of the Players, Supporters and reputation of the national game. 3. Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so, taking into account the interest of the body that has requested this rather than personal interests. 4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship. 5. Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the Game. 6. Always have regard for the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game. 7. Not use or tolerate inappropriate language. Obligations towards the Team The team official should 1. Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club/team, and to obtain the best results for the team, using all permitted means. 2. Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests. 3. Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques. 4. Promote ethical principles. 5. Show due respect for the interests of the players, coaches and officials, their own club/team and others. Obligations towards the Supporters The team official should 1. Show due respect for the interests of supporters. Respect towards the Match Officials A team official should 1. Accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest. 2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official. 3. Show due respect towards Match Officials. Football Association Rules Attendance and Participation at Matches. FA Rule 21. An individual may take part in or attend at a Match only on condition that such individual observes the Rules, and each Affiliated Association, Competition and Club is required to observe and enforce such Rules. FA Rule 22. Each Affiliated Association, Competition and Club shall be responsible for ensuring: (a) that its directors, players, officials, employees, servants, representatives, spectators, and all persons purporting to be its supporters or followers, conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and refrain from any one or combination of the following: racist, violent, threatening, abusive, obscene or provocative behaviour, conduct or language whilst attending at or taking part in a Match in which it is involved, whether on its own ground or elsewhere; and (b) that no spectators or unauthorised persons are permitted to encroach onto the pitch area, save for reasons of safety, or to throw missiles, bottles or other potentially harmful or dangerous objects at or on to the pitch. FA Rule 24 Any affiliated Association, Competition or Club which fails effectively to discharge its said responsibility in any respect whatsoever, shall be guilty of misconduct. It shall be a defence in respect of charges against a Club for misconduct by spectators and all persons purporting to be supporters or followers of the Club, if it can show that all events, incidents or occurrences complained of were the result of circumstances over which it had no control, or for reasons of crowd safety, and that its responsible officers or agents had used all due diligence to ensure that its said responsibility was discharged. Graham Gordon (Disciplinary Secretary) F. Equal Opportunities Policy • The Elite Development Centre is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members of whatever level or authority, to abide and adhere to this general principle and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission and Commission for Racial Equality. • All members are expected to abide by the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1986 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Specifically discrimination is prohibited 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 against another, or others, purely on the above grounds. Thus, in all the Elite Development Centre’s recruitment, selection, promotion and training processes, as well as disciplinary matters, it is essential that merit, experience, skills and temperament are considered as objectively as possible. • The Elite Development Centre 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. • Any member found guilty of discrimination will be instructed to desist forthwith. Since discrimination in its many forms is against the Elite Development Centre’s policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure. • The Elite Development Centre commits itself to the disabled person whenever possible and will treat such members, in aspects of their recruitment and membership, in exactly the same manner as other members. The difficulties of their disablement permitting assistance will be given, wherever possible to ensure that disabled members are helped in gaining access. Appropriate training will be made available to such members who request it. G. Child Protection Policy The FA Child Protection Statement Every child or young person, defined as any person under the age of 18, who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football. 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. (Appendix 1 – The FA Regulation)These procedures apply to anyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. For example, volunteers in clubs, referees, club officials, helpers on club tours, football coaches and medical staff. The Football Association will consider, having taken advice, whether anyone who has a previous conviction or caution for offences related to the abuse of children or young people, violence or any sexual offences should be excluded from working with children or young people. This position is re-inforced by UK legislation and guidance. The Elite Development Centre has adopted the above Policy and is committed to actively embrace the requirements of the Child Protection Procedures and practices Handbook issued by the Football Association in June 2001 (and as subsequently amended). The Elite Development Centre has a named Child Protection Officer who is appointed annually at the AGM. The Child Protection Officer is responsible for ensuring that the Elite Development Centre is kept informed of any changes notified to him/her since the handbook was issued at the Child Protection Training Course. The implications of any changes will be discussed and recorded at a Committee Meeting as appropriate. The Child Protection Officer is responsible for the administration of the various child protection forms that require completion by volunteers and others connected with the Club. If players/parents have any concerns regarding suspicions or alleged abuse issues then they should contact the Child Protection Officer who will address the matter as quickly as possible, whilst showing all consideration and confidentiality. H. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE AND DISCIPLINARY POLICY COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way, or that the Centre Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct have been broken should follow the procedure below. 1. They should report the matter to the Elite Development Centre Secretary at or another member of the Elite Development Centre. The report should include: i. Details or what, when, and where the occurrence took place ii. Any witness statement and names iii. Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way iv. Details of any former complaints made about the incident, when and to whom made v. A preference for a solution to the incident 2. The Club’s Management Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested 3. The Elite Development Centre will have the power to take any of the following actions as deemed to be appropriate for any person found to have broken the Clubs Policies or Codes of Conduct: i. Warn as to future conduct ii. Suspend from membership iii. Remove from membership iv. Impose other penalties as appropriate v. Report the matter to another body

CODE OF CONDUCT

DISTRIBUTION

The Code of Conduct will be distributed at the following:

• All Centre Players

• All Managers/Coaches/Helpers

• All Officers/Committee members of the Centre.

DATE OF ISSUE - May 2008

Any additions or revisions during the year will be distributed and date-referenced Elite Development Centre

A. Anti-Discrimination Policy

• The Elite Development Centre 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 the Elite Development Centre 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:
• External coaching and education activities and awards.
• Football development activities.
• Selection for teams.
• Appointments to honorary positions.

• Elite Development Centre 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.

• Elite Development Centre 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.

B. Code of Conduct for Coaches

1. Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.

2. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.

3. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.

4. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.

5. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.

6. Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

7. Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.

8. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parent) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.

9. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.

10. Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.

11. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.

12. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

C. Code of Conduct for Parents / Spectators

Parents / Spectators have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because they first and foremost love the game – its fun. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football within our club it is important to remember that Children gain a lot of enjoyment and: -

• A sense of personal achievement.
• Self-esteem.
• Improving the child’s skills and techniques. A parent’s / spectator’s
expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude
towards:
• Other players.
• Officials.
• Managers.
• Spectators.

Ensure that as parents / spectators within our club are you always positive and encouraging towards all of the children not just your own.

• Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.
• Avoid coaching the child during the game.
• Not to shout and scream.
• Respect the referee’s decision.

All parents and spectators are reminded that your views are always respected, however, you are asked to raise any issues at the end of a match rather than interrupt a match or training session.

Give attention to each of the children involved in football, not just the most talented. Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football. Ensure that as parents / spectators within our club you adhere to the Elite Development Centres’ Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.

DEVELOP THE PERSON – DEVELOP THE PLAYER
EXTRACT FROM THE FA COACHES JOURNAL – SUMMER 2004

Please Mum and Dad:

􀂉 Give me the time and opportunity to make my own decisions both on and off the field – I need to learn the consequences of getting it right and wrong.

􀂉 Try not to tell me off or shout at me from the sideline when I do get things wrong. Give me the chance to relax and play – I need the mistakes to help me learn.

􀂉 Try not to keep offering me advice going to games or coming home again. Let me unwind and reflect – it helps me to learn.

􀂉 Listen to me if I come home with a problem – sometimes I just need someone to talk to – it helps me learn.

􀂉 Remember I am a young person not a small adult – sometimes I don’t see things like you do or understand what you are saying.

􀂉 Come and enjoy the game – I’ll always try my best.

􀂉 Please love me for me – not just the things I can do.

D. Code of Conduct for Players
Obligations towards the game
A player should

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 his team is in a position where the desired result has already
been achieved.

3. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and
supporters.

4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time-wasting.

5. Always have regard for the best interests of the game, including where
publicly expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it,
including others involved in the game.

6. Not use inappropriate language.

Obligations towards one’s own team
A player should

1. Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to
help his own team win.
2. Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question
his commitment to the team winning.

Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules
A player should

1. Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the
competition rules.
2. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.
3. Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned
techniques.

Respect towards Opponents
A player should

1. Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of
the game.
2. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play,
and help injured opponents.

Respect towards the Match Officials
A player should

1. Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest.
2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.

Respect towards Team Officials
A player should

1. Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Team Officials, provided they
do not contradict the spirit of this Code.
2. Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition.

Obligations towards the Supporters
A player should:
1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.

E. Code of Conduct for Team Officials

Obligations towards the Game
The team official should

1. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and
supporters.
2. Promote and develop his own team having regard to the interest of the
Players, Supporters and reputation of the national game.
3. Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so, taking into account
the interest of the body that has requested this rather than personal
interests.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
5. Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the Game.
6. Always have regard for the best interests of the game, including where
publicly expressing an opinion of the game and any particular aspect of it,
including others involved in the game.
7. Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Obligations towards the Team
The team official should

1. Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of
the club/team, and to obtain the best results for the team, using all
permitted means.
2. Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.
3. Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and
techniques.
4. Promote ethical principles.
5. Show due respect for the interests of the players, coaches and officials,
their own club/team and others.

Obligations towards the Supporters
The team official should

1. Show due respect for the interests of supporters.

Respect towards the Match Officials
A team official should

1. Accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest.

2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.

3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.

Football Association Rules

Attendance and Participation at Matches.

FA Rule 21.
An individual may take part in or attend at a Match only on condition that such individual observes the Rules, and each Affiliated Association, Competition and Club is required to observe and enforce such Rules.

FA Rule 22.
Each Affiliated Association, Competition and Club shall be responsible for ensuring:
(a) that its directors, players, officials, employees, servants, representatives, spectators, and all persons purporting to be its supporters or followers, conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and refrain from any one or combination of the following: racist, violent, threatening, abusive, obscene or provocative behaviour, conduct or language whilst attending at or taking part in a Match in which it is involved, whether on its own ground or elsewhere;
and
(b) that no spectators or unauthorised persons are permitted to encroach onto the pitch area, save for reasons of safety, or to throw missiles, bottles or other potentially harmful or dangerous objects at or on to the pitch.

FA Rule 24
Any affiliated Association, Competition or Club which fails effectively to discharge its said responsibility in any respect whatsoever, shall be guilty of misconduct. It shall be a defence in respect of charges against a Club for misconduct by spectators and all persons purporting to be supporters or followers of the Club, if it can show that all events, incidents or occurrences complained of were the result of circumstances over which it had no control, or for reasons of crowd safety, and that its responsible officers or agents had used all due diligence to ensure that its said responsibility was discharged.

Graham Gordon (Disciplinary Secretary)

F. Equal Opportunities Policy

• The Elite Development Centre is committed to a policy of equal treatment of
all members and requires all members of whatever level or authority, to
abide and adhere to this general principle and the requirements of the Codes
of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission and Commission
for Racial Equality.
• All members are expected to abide by the requirements of the Race
Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1986 and Disability
Discrimination Act 1995. Specifically discrimination is prohibited 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 against another, or others, purely on the above
grounds. Thus, in all the Elite Development Centre’s recruitment, selection,
promotion and training processes, as well as disciplinary matters, it is
essential that merit, experience, skills and temperament are considered as
objectively as possible.

• The Elite Development Centre 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.
• Any member found guilty of discrimination will be instructed to desist
forthwith. Since discrimination in its many forms is against the Elite
Development Centre’s policy, any members offending will be dealt with
under the disciplinary procedure.
• The Elite Development Centre commits itself to the disabled person
whenever possible and will treat such members, in aspects of their
recruitment and membership, in exactly the same manner as other
members. The difficulties of their disablement permitting assistance will be
given, wherever possible to ensure that disabled members are helped in
gaining access. Appropriate training will be made available to such members
who request it.

G. Child Protection Policy
The FA Child Protection Statement
Every child or young person, defined as any person under the age of 18, who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football.

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. (Appendix 1 – The FA Regulation)These procedures apply to anyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. For example, volunteers in clubs, referees, club officials, helpers on club tours, football coaches and medical staff.

The Football Association will consider, having taken advice, whether anyone who has a previous conviction or caution for offences related to the abuse of children or young people, violence or any sexual offences should be excluded from working with children or young people. This position is re-inforced by UK legislation and guidance.

The Elite Development Centre has adopted the above Policy and is committed to actively embrace the requirements of the Child Protection Procedures and practices Handbook issued by the Football Association in June 2001 (and as subsequently amended).

The Elite Development Centre has a named Child Protection Officer who is appointed annually at the AGM.
The Child Protection Officer is responsible for ensuring that the Elite Development Centre is kept informed of any changes notified to him/her since the handbook was issued at the Child Protection Training Course. The implications of any changes will be discussed and recorded at a Committee Meeting as appropriate.
The Child Protection Officer is responsible for the administration of the various child protection forms that require completion by volunteers and others connected with the Club.
If players/parents have any concerns regarding suspicions or alleged abuse issues then they should contact the Child Protection Officer who will address the matter as quickly as possible, whilst showing all consideration and confidentiality.

H. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE AND DISCIPLINARY POLICY

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way, or that the Centre Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct have been broken should follow the procedure below.

1. They should report the matter to the Elite Development Centre Secretary at or another member of the Elite Development Centre. The report should include:
i. Details or what, when, and where the occurrence took place
ii. Any witness statement and names
iii. Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way
iv. Details of any former complaints made about the incident, when and to whom made
v. A preference for a solution to the incident
2. The Club’s Management Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested
3. The Elite Development Centre will have the power to take any of the following actions as deemed to be appropriate for any person found to have broken the Clubs Policies or Codes of Conduct:

i. Warn as to future conduct
ii. Suspend from membership
iii. Remove from membership
iv. Impose other penalties as appropriate
v. Report the matter to another body