PMFC club handbook by PrestwichMarauders

Prestwich Marauders Football Club

CLUB HANDBOOK

Prestwich Marauders FC

FA 3* Accredited Club 2022

An Amateur Football Club, serving the community. AFFILIATED TO THE LANCASHIRE COUNTY FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION 2022/23 Affiliation NumberY-LAN5999 Organisation ID 73652

On behalf of everyone at Prestwich Marauders FC (Hereafter PMFC or The Club) we’d like to wish you a warm welcome to The Club. This handbook will hopefully give you an insight into The Club, introduce you to our Executive Committee & let you know our targets for this season & the future. The Executive Committee, Managers/Coaches and Assistants and helpers all give their time, free of charge, to help keep the club running smoothly. In return we ask you to abide by the rules of the club & support us where possible.

The club was formed in 1972 as, and still is, an Amateur Football Club, with no Charity Status, associated to Lancashire FA. We currently have approx 310 players in 22 teams. Players from our Nursery/school reception year in St. Mary’s Park now have the chance to progress with the club right through to Open Age. We aim to develop our own facilities at Clifton Road/Pinfold Drive, Prestwich and Sandgate Road Playing Fields for our ‘Older Teams’ playing in local leagues. We not only want to develop venues for ourselves, but also to build local community facilities, open to all, which can host events as well as be our home.

We also use sports facilities at Heaton Park, The Unsworth Academy, Parrenthorn High School and Salford Sports Village.

We currently have five girls teams competing in Leagues and are developing more to enter Leagues as age permit. Our aim is to have at least one girls team per age group in the near future.

Our club badge is the coat of arms of Prestwich and reflects our roots, our history and our future. We are a locally based club and the majority of our teams play in the Prestwich area. The club has its roots in Prestwich and developing our leased sites will demonstrate our commitment to Prestwich and the people, who live, work and play here.

At the club we take coaching development seriously & encourage our members to progress. We subsidise Introduction to Football Coaching Courses, for parents who wish to help with the coaching of teams & now have over 40 qualified Introduction Level, 2 at UEFA A Level. We want to offer all coaches the chance to progress to the UEFA A Level qualification so that our older teams get the very best in training and player development.

Payment for courses needs to be made in full by the manager. Once the course has been completed and passed, the club will refund 50% of the course, and the remaining 50%, spread over the next 2 seasons as long as all team fees and are up to date.

As a club, by providing the training costs, we are investing in the future for our members. Therefore, should a manger or coach wish to leave the team/club they will have to repay the cost the club has paid out towards all courses as follows:

Up to Intro Level & Youth Awards

Within 2 Seasons after Costs were reimbursed – 100% will need to be repaid.

Within 3 Seasons after Costs were reimbursed – 75% will need to be repaid.

Within 4 Seasons after Costs were reimbursed – 50% will need to be repaid

UEFA A and above

Within 3 Seasons after Costs were reimbursed – 100% will need to be repaid.

Within 4 Seasons after Costs were reimbursed – 75% will need to be repaid.

Within 5 Seasons after Costs were reimbursed – 50% will need to be repaid

Player progression is also important. The club has in the past produced players who have gone on to play professionally. Andy Goram (Rangers & Scotland goalkeeper), Paul Tierney (Man Utd/Stockport County), Ian Scott (Man City & Bury) are examples. Ian, now retired from Football, used to help coach some of our teams. In addition, we have produced many young players who are now at Academies and Schools of Excellence. We are also fortunate to have experience from managers with player experience at Man United, Aston Villa, and Salford City.

The club held FA Charter Standard Development Club Status since February 2010. At the start of 2022, the FA stopped using this standard and has moved on to Star ratings. We are currently 3 *, the highest level. We have two child welfare officers who make sure that all our Managers, Coaches and anyone working with your Children have been CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked, and that all our teams have at least 1 qualified coach and first aider present at matches and training sessions. The Introduction to Football Coaching qualification also includes a Safeguarding Children module, which along with the First Aid, must be renewed every 2 & three years respectively.

We understand that safeguarding children is everyone’s business and would also encourage all parents to take the Parent Safeguarding course, which lasts ½ an hour and is free. and we take our responsibilities seriously. Our aim now is to maintain our FA rating as well as develop our club both on and off the pitch. Funding applications are in the final stages for pitch improvements at our sites and early stages for a storage facility in St Mary’s Park.

For progression to continue we must also look at development & improvements of our sites. Currently we selfmanage on 3 main sites:

St Mary’s Park, where our small sided teams. This venue has use of toilets in the Phoenix Centre. Sandgate Road Playing Fields, where Development U10 and younger 11-a-side teams play. Pinfold Drive/Clifton Road, where older 11 a-side teams play.

We also want everyone to remember that our highest priorities are the young people who play for PMFC.

The Constitution for Prestwich Marauders FC.

1. Name

1.1 The name shall be “Prestwich Marauders FC” (hereinafter referred to as “PMFC”).

1.2 The address of PMFC is that of the Club Secretary of the time, currently c/o 3 Clough Drive. Prestwich. Manchester. M25 3JS

1.3 The premises of the Club are situated at St Marys Park, Prestwich, Clifton Road, Prestwich & Sandgate Road, Whitefield,

2. Objective

2.1 The objectives of PMFC are: -

• To promote sporting and leisure activities for children of both sexes in the Prestwich and Whitefield area.

• To provide facilities, equipment and the opportunity for the Club Members to play football

• To improve the abilities and fitness of Club Members and educate them in the value of health and sportsmanship.

• To ensure all the above are in a safe environment.

• To develop the abilities of young people in the area and realise their potential

• To include all regardless of ability.

3. Rules and Regulations

3.1 PMFC shall have status of Affiliated Member Club of The Football Association by virtue of its affiliation to/membership of The Lancashire County Football Association & the Manchester County Football Association. The Rules and Regulations of the Football Association Limited and parent County Association and any League or Competition, which PMFC is affiliated for at the time, shall be deemed to be incorporated into the Club Rules unless they contradict the club rules.

3.2 PMFC will abide by The Football Association’s Child Protection stated good practice as well as our own Policies and Procedures, Codes of Conduct and the Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination Policy. In addition, PMFC will produce its own Code of Conduct for players, parents, spectators and managers and our own Child Protection Policy.

3.3 Failure to adhere to any of the Clubs Rules, by any Member, may result in disciplinary action by the Executive Committee as set out in the codes of conduct and may lead to censure, suspension or expulsion of that member by the Executive Committee.

3.4 Any Member who fails to comply with the Club Rules or Code of Conduct, or, whether inside or outside PMFC or its premises, will be subject to a hearing of the Disciplinary Committee. If the opinion of the Executive Committee, make it desirable that the Member should be censured, suspended or expelled, then that decision will be delivered in writing, to the member, within 5 working days after said hearing. The decision will be final and with no course for appeal.

3.5 In the case of a breach of the Rules or Byelaws, or other misconduct, by a member or members (whether inside or outside PMFC premises) any Officer or Member of the Executive Committee may order the immediate suspension of the offending Member or Members pending submission of a full report to the Executive Committee.

3.6 A Member whose conduct is under consideration at any Executive or General Meeting shall be invited to attend at that meeting to explain their conduct.

3.7 Any member who feels they have suffered discrimination in any way or that Club Rules have been broken should follow the issued Complaints procedure.

4. Membership

4.1 PMFC shall comprise Members of the following categories: -

a) Parent/ Guardian Member – any parent or guardian or a person having parental responsibility for a child who becomes a Junior Member but only for so long as such child remains a junior member. These members have voting rights.

b) Junior Member – any boy or girl who resides in the Prestwich or Whitefield area who may wish to take part in the athletic, sporting and other recreational facilities offered by PMFC and is who is under 18 years of age.

c) Adult Member – Any person over the age of 18 years who plays for or is involved in the running of open age teams, or any person over the age of 18 who wishes to pursue the objectives of the club.

4.2. Junior Members shall not be entitled to hold any office, nor be members of any Executive Committee. But they shall be represented through a forum to be established by the Executive Committee.

4.3. Junior Members shall not enjoy voting rights at any General Meeting of PMFC.

4.4. Any candidate for Parent/ Guardian membership, Junior Membership or adult membership shall deliver to the Secretary of the Executive Committee an application form signed by him or her and in the case of an application for Junior Membership countersigned by his or her parent guardian or person having parental responsibility. This shall be known as the ‘signing on form’.

4.5 After receipt of the duly completed signing on form and fee, the Secretary of the Executive Committee may elect a candidate to membership although such election shall be subject to confirmation by the Executive Committee at its next available meeting and the decision of the Executive Committee shall be final.

5. Executive Committee

5.1 The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the overall management and financial control of the affairs of PMFC in all matters not in these Rules reserved for PMFC in General Meetings and shall comprise not less than six Parent/ Guardian or Adult Members and shall elect from within it’s numbers the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer of PMFC. Other posts shall be established as required by the Executive Committee and roles and responsibilities shall be distributed accordingly.

5.2 The Executive Committee shall meet at least once every three months and four Members of the Executive Committee shall form a quorum.

5.3 At all Executive Committee meetings voting shall be decided by simple majority of those present and attending the meeting. The Chairman or his nominated representative at a meeting shall have a second and casting vote in the event of equality of votes.

5.4 The Treasurer will be responsible for PMFC finances.

5.5 The Treasurer shall be an ex-officio Member of all sub-committees of PMFC and shall be entitled to attend at the meetings but not to vote thereat.

5.6 The Executive Committee shall have the power to appoint any Full Members to fill the remainder of the term of Office any vacancy, which shall arise on the Executive Committee.

5.7 Any property of PMFC shall be vested upon trust for the Parent/ Guardian or Adult Members of PMFC in the names of not more than four nor less than two Trustees who may be appointed from time to time by the Chairman pursuant to a resolution of the Executive Committee. The Trustees shall deal with such property in accordance with the directions of the Executive Committee.

5.8 PMFC may purchase or otherwise acquire and hold property of any nature and may sell lease mortgage or otherwise deal with the same in accordance with a resolution of the Executive Committee.

5.9. All kit & equipment purchased from PMFC funds, sponsorship or donations will remain, PMFC property, at all times.

5.10 Reasonable expenses incurred by officers and Members of the Club may be reimbursed by the Treasurer in accordance with directions from the Executive Committee as long as such expenses were incurred in pursuance of the club business. Such expenses must be approved before they are incurred by the Executive Committee.

5.11. All officers of PMFC and Members shall be effectively indemnified by PMFC.

5.12 No Officer of PMFC or Member shall be personally liable to any Member of the Club or to any third party for any matter arising directly or indirectly from the proper performance of their duties and obligations hereunder.

5.13. The Executive Committee shall have power to form a sub-committee and make by-laws as it thinks necessary for the proper running and management of the Club.

5.14 The Club Chair and in his/her absence the Club Secretary, is responsible for ensuring that Executive Committee members adhere to their designated areas of responsibility. The Club Chair is responsible for allocating additional areas of responsibility to Executive Committee members as and when required. The Club Secretary is responsible for issuing revised Executive Committee roles and responsibilities annually along with the Club handbook at the beginning of each season.

6. General Meetings of the Club

6.1 There shall be an Annual General Meeting of the Club held during the month of July each year.

6.2 The business of the Annual General Meeting shall be: -

I. To receive a report from the Chairman

II. To receive a report from the Secretary

III. To receive the report from the Treasurer including the accounts, balance sheets and certificate of audit for the accounts.

IV. To elect the Executive Committee for the following year from nominations submitted to the Secretary at least ten days before the Annual General Meeting.

V. To deal with any other business where the notice of intention to raise the subject has been given in writing to the Secretary not later than 1st June preceding the relevant Annual General Meeting.

6.3. On receipt of a requisition signed by not less than one fifth of the total Parent/ Guardian or Adult membership eligible to vote at an Annual General Meeting the Secretary shall convene a Special General Meeting for the transaction of special business as set out in the requisition.

6.4. The Executive Committee may summon a Special General Meeting at any time by notice given by the Secretary to all Parent/ Guardian or Adult Members.

6.5. The Secretary shall give notice of all General Meetings to all Parent/ Guardian or Adult Members not less than seven days before the date of the relevant General Meeting. Such notice shall identify the place, date and time at which the meeting is to be held.

6.6. The quorum for a General Meeting shall be twenty Parent/ Guardian or Adult Members. If half an hour after the time appointed for a General Meeting, insufficient Parent/ Guardian or Adult Members are in attendance to constitute a quorum, the meeting, if it is an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting convened by the Executive Committee, shall be adjourned for one week and at any such adjourned meeting the numbers of Members attending at the designated time and place shall constitute a quorum. But if the original meeting is a Special General Meeting convened by requisition of Members, it shall be declared a nullity and any resolution or proposal, which was to be put to the meeting, shall be deemed to have been lost.

6.7. Every Parent/ Guardian or Adult Member shall be eligible to vote at any General Meeting as long as all payments in the form of signing on fee or subs are paid up to date.

7. Annual Fees

7.1. The Annual Fees for Parent/ Guardian or Adult Members shall be such sum as the Executive Committee may propose and the Club approves by simple majority each year at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General meeting. Payments from 2021/22 season onwards will be collected by TeamFeePay. All members MUST sign up to use this. No exceptions will be allowed unless with the permission of the Executive Committee.

7.2. The payment year for all Parent/ Guardian or Adult Members shall commence the 1st of August following the Annual General Meeting until the following 31st of May.

7.3 Late payment of Annual Fees or Membership fee may incur a Suspension or expulsion from all club activities until a settlement is agreed. The Executive Committee will determine the option taken

7.4 The Executive Committee are the only body that can decide how to deal with cases of hardship.

7.5 All fines issued by leagues or as a result of disciplinary violations reported to the FA must be paid by the Parent/ Guardian or Adult member within 28 days including an administration fee and any delivery charges.

8 Accounts and Finance

8.1. The Treasurer shall keep proper books for accounts and shall produce these so that they may be reviewed by a professional accountant without an audit being undertaken, the accountants will be nominated by the Executive Committee and the accounts and balance sheets shall be presented at the Annual General Meeting in accordance with sub-rule 6.2(iii).

8.2 The Treasure shall open and maintain a bank account into which all monies received by PMFC shall be paid. The Treasurer and either Secretary or Chairman shall sign all cheques, negotiable instruments or other documents relevant to the said account and requiring the authority of PMFC.

8.3. The Executive Committee shall, when authorised to do so by PMFC in General Meetings, be empowered to borrow and raise money on behalf of PMFC. The nominated signatories specified in sub-rule 8.2 shall be authorised to negotiate agreements for repayments of any such monies borrowed within the limits set by PMFC in General Meetings.

8.4 The accounts shall be prepared by a qualified accountant and reviewed by the Chairman prior to the AGM. A final signed copy of the accounts must be presented at the AGM. Accounts can be subject to an external audit at anytime.

8.5 The Treasurer must produce in preparation for an Executive Committee meeting a financial report detailing income against expenditure and projected against budget.

8.6 The Treasurer must produce a budget in conjunction with the Executive Committee as a whole for the impending season, which must be presented at the Annual General Meeting.

9. Amendment of Rules

9.1 These rules may be amended, repealed or added to by resolution of the Parent/ Guardian or Adult Members at a General Meeting provided that such resolutions shall have been approved by not less than two thirds of the Parent/ Guardian or Adult Members attending and entitled to vote at such General Meeting.

9.2 Notice of any proposal to amend these rules shall be given to all Parent/ Guardian or Adult Members not less than 7 days before the holding of the General Meeting.

10. Notices

The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to or the non-receipt of notice a General Meeting by any Parent / Guardian or Adult Member shall not invalidate any proceedings or resolutions at any General Meeting of the Club or any Committee or sub-committee thereof.

Complaints Procedure

In the event that any Parent/ Guardian or Adult Member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way or that the clubs policies, rules or Code of Conduct have been broken, they should follow the procedures below.

They should report the matter to the Chair or in his or her absence PMFC Secretary or in his or her absence any other Executive Committee member.

Your report should include:

Details of what, when, & where the occurrence took place.

Any witness statement & names.

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

Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when & to who made.

A preference for a solution to the incident.

The Executive committee has the power to suspend relevant persons whilst investigations take place if required. Suspensions require the member concerned to refrain from all Club related activities.

The clubs Executive committee will sit for any hearings that are required or in its place PMFC disciplinary Committee shall sit.

The clubs Executive committee will have the power to warn, as to future conduct, suspend or remove from membership, any person found to have broken the clubs policies or Code of Conduct.

Child Protection Policy

Building a better future for football

At PMFC, we believe that taking part in the sport of association football should be a positive and enjoyable part of children’s lives.

We aim to do our up most to protect all children from any form of harm whilst under the supervision of PMFC managers, coaches and helpers.

To comply with our FA Charter Standard award, PMFC now have two Child Welfare Officers and CRB check all Managers, coaches and main helpers. We also follow FA guidelines for Child Protection.

We have these aims to help us deliver these policies: -

The children’s welfare is paramount. All children regardless of age, culture, gender or racial origin have the same rights to protection from abuse.

PMFC encourage ALLparents/guardians/carers of the children playing for the club to complete the following free half hour course from the FA https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/safeguarding/safeguarding-awareness-for-parents-and-carers

PMFC will keep in place suitably qualified persons in a role to deal with any concerns within PMFC about child abuse issues.

PMFC will ensure all Managers, Coaches and any other regular helpers are CRB checked as quickly as possible, preferably before the start of any season.

PMFC will keep written records of attendance, parental consent and accidents.

PMFC will promote ‘good practice’ in the care of children, whilst they are taking part in any PMFC activity.

PMFC will take all allegations of abuse, in whatever form, seriously, and, should the need arise, the proper authorities will be informed.

For the safety of the Children, the Club Welfare Officers have the authority to suspend any party, whilst investigations of an allegation take place.

PMFC will ensure that all managers are adequately qualified, minimum Introduction To Football Coaching (Old Level1), and hold in date Child Safeguarding, Emergency Aid certificates and DBS . If this isn’t possible an alternative person with such qualifications will be present at all times.

All members have access to the Club Handbook, and will be directed to it, on the Club website. All members of PMFC will be expected to adhere to the rules therein, at all times.

It is PMFC’s policy that a minimum of three adults (to include parents) will be present at all training sessions, and that all completed medical forms will be available at every session.

PMFC will encourage parents to play a regular part in supporting their child whilst attending club sessions.

PMFC have a dedicated e-mail address to the Clubs Welfare Officers. It is totally confidential & cannot be accessed by anyone else.

Our Child welfare Officers are Shelley Warden 07545 136506 and Nicola O’Gorman 07802 650555. The dedicated email address is clubwelfarepmfc@gmail.com

Useful web sites: -

www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/safeguarding

The FA’s latest child protection information.

www.nspcc.org.uk

Britain’s largest children’s charity and a prime mover in the development of Child Protection Services in Sport.

www.childline.org.uk

Children’s charity with national 24 hr telephone help line. Offers Children the opportunity to talk in confidence.

www.bullying.co.uk

This charity web site is designed for children & parents who are faced with dealing with bullying, giving practical advice & guidance.

Code of Conduct

This code of conduct has been drawn up to ensure the smooth running of PMFC. We are all stakeholders in PMFC and it is the responsibility of us all to act in a fair and professional manner. Please abide by this code.

1. Managers / Coaches

To keep all players / parents informed to changes to matches, venues and training sessions as soon as possible.

To the best of the manager’s ability, develop an appropriate relationship to assist all players to improve their skills and knowledge of the game.

To promote ethical principals within all decisions made.

To be a positive role mode

To never take charge of training sessions or matches whilst under the influence or alcohol or drugs

To never be abusive or use abusive language at training sessions or matches to either PMFC members or opposition club members and officials..

The well-being and safety of each player must be placed above all considerations, including the development of performance.

Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the club, coach or parent.

The team manager must behave, as a manager at all times, must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fairplay, good equity) and never condone law violations.

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

The team manager must make sure, that only registered players, are allowed to participate in training sessions and matches.

The team manager must make sure any player who is more than two months behind with payments of subs is not allowed to train or participate in matches until payments are brought up to date.

The managers must promote the idea that winning and losing are not the primary objectives. Playing to enjoy the game is the primary objective.

To actively promote the club wherever and whenever possible

To solicit sponsorship for the good of PMFC and subsequently the good of the team.

The manager and coach must not put himself / herself in a position where he / she could be accused or suspected of physical, sexual or emotional abuse of any child. No manager or coach should carry out training sessions or supervise matches without at least one other responsible adult present. If an emergency situation arises they must contact the parent of the child and if necessary the emergency services. The overriding principle that we work to is that no adult must be left on their own with children.

To listen to any questions the players or parents may have and answer them honestly.

Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game.

To develop the players under their control within the principles of fair play. At ages 8, 9 and 10 managers must ensure that all players get as much playing time as each other. At ages 11, 12 and 13 performance should become a more important factor. They must ensure that all players within their team get at least 25% of available playing time on the field of play during a match. These principles must be adhered through a playing season allowing managers to varying playing time according to standard of the opposition. From the age of 14, time spent playing in matches will be taken by the team manager and performance will be the only factor taken in to account.

Managers must show a sense of loyalty to all players within their team and have the best interests of the players at heart. Marauders is a development club so we nurture and support individuals to develop to their full potential. Managers will not ‘un-sign’ existing players without the consent of the player and their parent or Guardian.

Managers will work to the FA development charter status in nurturing their players.

Managers should not allow players from other teams to train with their team. Try out forms are available on the website and only when filled in and registered with the club can this be allowed and only for two weeks.

Managers will not approach parents or guardians of players in other Prestwich Marauders FC teams to play for their team. A discussion with the appropriate team manager involved with the view of a possible transfer taking place can be had, but both party agreement is required before it takes place. Teams will not be allowed to be weakened to the point of the losing team having to fold as a result of the transfer. It is preferable that any movement between teams only takes place in the closed season

2. Parents / Guardians

To pay all Annual Fees on time unless by prior arrangement, using the TeamFeePay website.

To pay all fines due to on request.

To attend matches whenever possible, help with transport, erection of goals and setting up equipment at home matches and removal thereafter and support your child and his/her team.

Should you have any concerns voice them immediately with your team manager or Child Welfare Team. If you have a concern about the team manager or coaches voice your concern to the Child Welfare Team. Either Shelley Warden 07545136506 or Nicola O’Gorman 07802650555

DO NOT shout, abuse, and give unfair or negative criticism of the players, manager, referee or the opposition.

DO Encourage your child to perform to the best of their ability. Positive encouragement contributes to children enjoying football, improving their self-esteem.

Respect the referee’s decisions without question. They are human, and invariably most will be classed as a child and therefore any abuse could and more than likely will result in FA or Police sanctions.

Inform the manager / coach as soon as you’re aware that your child is unable to attend matches or training sessions.

Make sure that your child attends training sessions and matches appropriately dressed for the activity with the correct footwear and shin-guards and taking in to account the weather conditions of the day.

DO NOT interfere with team selection or tactics before or during a match.

DO NOT attempt to coach the players during a game. Your child’s manager is in sole charge of their PMFC team. Coaching from the sideline by parents may result in you being asked to wait in the car-park for the game to conclude. Please remember, managers and coaches give up their free time for your child.

DO NOT smoke, drink alcohol or be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or illegal substances when attending training sessions or matches.

Try to play a part in your teams’ welfare and prosperity. Try to support your team in its efforts to raise funds (all additional funds are invested in your child). If your circumstances allow, try to become involved with the running of PMFC, either in the management of the football team or in the administration of PMFC.

YOU MUST Return ALL kit and equipment if your child leaves PMFC.

DO NOT approach managers of other PMFC teams to ‘sign on’ your child without the knowledge and permission of your child’s current team manager.

Show a sense of loyalty to your team and train exclusively with that team.

Help and support your team as much as possible by helping set up pitches, volunteering to referee, and acting as a responsible adult at training sessions.

Your childs welfare and safety

Try to help your child by making sure that he/she should share secrets with you, even if he/she has promised not to.

Encourage your child to tell you before he / she has a lift in someone else’s car.

Encourage your child to tell someone if he/she is being bullied for any reason, or they know of anyone being bullied.

Encourage your child to say NO to ANYONE who touches him / her, does or says something that makes your child feel uncomfortable.

3. Players

Attend as many training sessions and matches as possible. Always inform your manager if you are going to be late or are unable to attend a match or training session. Wear shin pads and the correct footwear at all times during training sessions and matches.

Listen quietly to what is being said by the manager / coach.

Accept the decisions without protest of the manager / coach / referees and show respect to them at all times.

Players should ask questions if they are unsure of instructions or directions given by the manager / coach.

DO NOT swear or use any language that may cause offence or behave in a manner likely to embarrass the club, both on and off the pitch while representing the club.

To look after the kit provided by PMFC and to make good any losses or damages at the players expense. Return all kit if leaving the club.

Do not smoke, drink or be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or illegal substances during training sessions or matches.

Report all injuries to the manager / coach and parents.

DO NOT ridicule any other player. Make your teammates feel valued.

Above all enjoy yourself and always give 100%

Anti-Discrimination policy

PMFC is responsible for setting standards & values to apply throughout the club at every level. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone, equally. Our commitment is to confront & eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.

Equality of opportunity at PMFC means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion, disability or economic status.

This includes:

The advertisement for volunteers

The selection of candidates for volunteers

Courses

External coaching & education activities & awards

Football development activities

Selection of teams

Appointments to honorary positions

PMFC will not tolerate any 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.PMFC is committed to the development of the programme on ongoing training & awareness raising events & activities in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation & in the wider context, within football as a whole.

Equal Opportunities Policy

PMFC is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all our members and requires all members of whatever level or authority, to abide & adhere to this general principal and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission & Commission for Racial Equality.

All members are expected to abide by the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1986 & Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Specifically discrimination is prohibited in:

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 memberships, which are different to the requirements for others.

Imposing on 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 is not warranted by the requirements of the position) 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 (which for the purposes of this policy & actions & sanctions applicable thereto is regarded as 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 club’s recruitment, selection, promotion & training processes, as well as disciplinary & other matters (in other words all instances where those in control of members are required to make judgements between them) it is essential that merit, experience, skills & temperament are considered as objectively as possible

PMFC commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims of discrimination on the above grounds & where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice cease forthwith, restitution of damage or loss (if necessary) & 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 Football Club’s Policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure.

Wherever possible, PMFC commits itself to giving access to members with a disability. In aspects of their recruitment and membership, he/she will be treated 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 at training sessions and on match days. Appropriate training will be made to such members who request it.

Dissolution of the club

In the event, that the club finds that it can no longer operate, for whatever that reason may be, Lancashire FA MUST be informed of the decision immediately by the Executive Committee. It is understood, that this will result in ALL possessions of the club including monies held in bank accounts in the clubs name, shall become the property of Lancashire FA to dispose of at their discretion. All records will be expunged accordingly.

Goal Post Safety

We aim to raise awareness about the importance of checking goalposts to prevent accidents

CHECK IT! SECURE IT! TEST IT! RESPECT IT!

This campaign follows the deaths of nine children since 1986. We stress the need for everyone involved to play their part to make sure these tragic accidents never happen again.

All PMFC owned goalposts have been checked prior to the start of this season. Damaged parts have either been repaired or replaced. Please make sure that you play your part and treat this equipment with the respect it deserves. Make sure ALL POSTS are pegged down securely before use. Make sure that all parts for the portable posts are put back in the correct bags after use. Report any damage or missing items immediately to your Team Manager

Committee & Managers Meetings

PMFC committee meetings are held quarterly throughout the football season, or as deemed necessary and appropriate. PMFC manager meetings will be held an hour after the start of the committee meeting. The managers meetings are open for anyone to attend & we’d appreciate your support in attending & telling us your thoughts on what YOU want from YOUR club. Every team must have at least one representative in attendance at every managers meeting.

Marauder of the Year

Is there anyone in your squad who you think deserves a special award this season? Our Craig Howarth Memorial Trophy for ‘Marauder of the Year’ could be that award. To nominate someone write a short report explaining the reason & send to any committee member. Closing date is 31st March. To be awarded at Presentation Day event

Social Events

Our social secretary will be organising a number of events throughout the season. These events provide vital funds for Marauders thus it is most important these events are well supported. Please check the web site for more info:

AGM

PMFC AGM tba upon accounts being audited annually Web Site – www.prestwichmarauders.co.uk