Rules & Regulations

1. General club rules

2. Codes of conduct

a) Coaches and Managers

b) Players

c) Team Officials

d) Parents / Spectators

3.Child welfare

4. Jewellery

Rules of Reading Girls Football Club

1. TITLE
The Club shall be called Reading Girls FC [the Club] and shall be affiliated to such Leagues that the Management Committee shall decide. The following rules govern all teams of the Club. The qualifying date for players to be eligible for different age groups shall be August 31st [or other such date which shall be determined by any League [s] at the start of the season] of the year which the season follows. The players age on that date shall determine her age group.

2. MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the Club shall be:
a) Playing members. Playing members under 16 must have written permission from parent [s] or guardian [s] on the registration form before becoming eligible for membership. Playing members under 16 shall be without a vote.

b) Parent members [of members defined in A above] who shall be full members with one vote per playing member.

c) Non-playing members who wish to assist the Club who shall be associated members without a vote.

d) Members of the Management Committee who shall be full members with one vote each.

3. OBJECTIVE
The objective of the Club shall be to promote girl's and women's football.

4. STATUS OF RULES
These rules [the Club Rules] form a binding agreement between each member of the Club.

5. RULES AND REGULATIONS
a) The Club shall have the status of an Affiliated Member Club of the Football Association by virtue of its affiliation to/membership of the Football Association. The Rules and Regulations of the Football Association and parent County Association and any League or Competition to which the Club is affiliated for the time being shall be deemed to be incorporated into the Club Rules.

b) No alteration to the Club Rules shall be effective without prior written approval by the Management Committee.

c) The Club will also abide by The Football Association's Child Protection Policies and Procedure, Codes of Conduct, and Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination Policy.

6. SUBSCRIPTIONS
a) All players will be required to agree to a Players Commitment, which will include acknowledgement of the Club Rules and Codes of Conduct.

b) Subscriptions are managed as follows: -
i) Such subscriptions as the Club may determine by proper voting by the Management Committee shall be paid by Playing Members who shall be duly and officially advised
ii) Each member shall sign a Players Commitment Form to confirm having read the Club Rules and that they undertake to pay the subscriptions due by one payment by 1st September. It is the responsibility of each Team Manager, or a nominated person, to collect the subscriptions from their Players and maintain a record in a Subscriptions Book/Register. The Treasurer will record, by each individual age group, the subscriptions collected and show in the Accounts accordingly.
iii) In cases of hardship, members may be allowed to pay a reduced subscription or pay in instalments. This shall be at the sole discretion of the member's Team Manager who shall be duly satisfied that there is a genuine case of financial hardship.
iv) Subscriptions shall not be repayable.
v) The Management Committee shall have the authority to levy further subscriptions from the members as are reasonably necessary to fulfill the objectives of the Club.

7. MEETINGS (including EXTRAORDINARY or ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS)
a) Meetings will be arranged as follows:
i) The Annual General Meeting of the Club shall be held in August of each year or at some convenient time after the season ends, to be decided by the Management Committee. For an Annual, or an Extraordinary General Meeting, the Secretary shall give 21 days notice to all members, together with an agenda for an AGM and, in respect of an EGM, with a statement of the business to be transacted.
ii) The Chairman or Secretary may call an EGM or must do so if an EGM is requested in writing by more than one third of the Club Membership.
iii) The Chairman or Secretary shall call other such meetings of the Club as necessary.

b) The AGM shall be held in each year to:
i) Receive a report of the activities of the Club over the previous year.
ii) Receive a report of the Club's finances over the previous year.
iii) Elect the members of the Management Committee.
iv) Consider any other business.

c) Nominations for election as members of the Management Committee shall be made in writing by the proposer and seconder, both of whom must be current members of the Club, to the Club Secretary not less than 21 days before the AGM. Notice of any resolution to be proposed at the AGM shall be given in writing to the Club Secretary not less than 21 days before the meeting.

8. OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
a) The Club will constitute the following committee to manage all aspects of the Club activities:
Management Committee comprising of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and Social Secretary.
The Management Committee will have the ultimate authority for setting policy and determining the roles and responsibilities for the Management Committee.
The property and/or assets of the Club shall be vested in the Management Committee.
The Disciplinary Committee (see rule 11) shall have the power to suspend or expel any member deemed guilty of conduct prejudicial to the good name of the Club. The Management Committee will have power to fill such vacancies as may arise in its constitution between Annual General Meetings, such appointments to be resubmitted to the members at the next AGM.

b) The Officers of the Management Committee shall govern the Club.

c) The voting members of the Club at its AGM shall elect the Officers of the Management Committee. They shall serve a term of office of one year unless otherwise decided at an interim EGM.

d) The appointment of Team Managers shall be the sole responsibility of the Management Committee. A simple majority will be required to appoint a Team Manager, and, in the event of a tie, the Chairman will also hold a casting vote.

e) Save as that provided for in the Rules and Regulations of the Football Association and the County Association, to which the Club is affiliated, the Management Committee should have the power to decide all questions and disputes arising in respect of any issue concerning the Club Rules.

9. COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The Management Committee shall meet at least quarterly in pursuant of managing the Club activities.

10. ADMINISTRATION
a) All Club correspondence, minutes of meetings and administrative records shall be the responsibility of the Club Secretary. Team Managers are responsible for the general running of their teams' affairs including the provision of player registration information, the collection of annual subscriptions, and any other information as requested by the Management Committee.

b) Player registration shall be in a two-year age band below the specified age. Occasionally a player will be allowed to play in a higher age group subject to the full agreement of both Team Managers concerned prior to the beginning of the season. No such invitation shall be made to the player concerned until this full agreement has been reached.
Subject to League rule (s) a team will have the right to call up players from a younger team, if that team does not have a match and the players agree. In the event of a younger team having a match, younger players may play for an older team with the agreement of both Team Managers concerned and the players.

11. DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
A Disciplinary Committee when required shall be selected from full Members.
The Management Committee will appoint the members of the Disciplinary Committee.
All members will be required to be present and vote on any issues before the Disciplinary Committee.

12. VOTING
All full members will have one vote except the Chairman who shall not vote unless a casting vote is required to decide an issue on which the voting is otherwise equal.

13. FINANCE
a) All monies subscribed to, or raised on behalf of the Club, shall be applied to further the objectives of the Club and for no other purposes.

b) The Treasurer shall record and keep true and proper accounts of all finances of the Club (receipts, credits, payments, assets and liabilities), closing the accounts annually before the AGM or no later than 31st August.

c) An audited statement of accounts for the financial year, shall be submitted to the AGM or no later than 31st August by the Management Committee to the members at the AGM.

d) The bankers for the Club will be Barclays Bank Plc.

e) Designated signatories shall be the Secretary and the Treasurer and all cheques shall be signed by both signatories.

14. ALTERATIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES
a) Any proposal to alter or amend the Rules must be submitted in writing 21 days prior to the meeting at which such alteration is to be first considered.

b) Any such alteration or amendment will require a two-thirds majority of members present and voting at a General Meeting.

15. DISSOLUTION
a) A resolution to dissolve the Club shall only be proposed at a General Meeting and shall be carried by a majority of at least three-quarters of the members present.

b) The dissolution shall take effect from the date of the resolution and the members of the Management Committee shall be responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Club.

16. CLUB RULES
A copy of the Club Rules, duly certified as agreed at the AGM, dated as stated and signed by the Secretary shall be deposited with League (s) to which the Club is affiliated. Any subsequent constitutional change shall be notified by the Club Secretary to the League (s) to which the Club is affiliated.

17. CLUB PROPERTY
All items of kit and equipment issued to the Team Managers/players are the property of the Club and must be returned to the Club on leaving. It is the responsibility of the Team Managers to recover items from any player who leaves the Club. Kit and equipment purchased by teams through fundraising events or sponsorship is the property of the Club, unless specifically paid for by the Team Manager/player. No Club property should be loaned out to any other Club or person without prior permission of the Management Committee.

18. EXPENDITURE AND RECEIPTS
Receipts must be obtained for everything bought for the Club, or as a normal consequence of running Club affairs, and must be supplied to the Treasurer when seeking reimbursement. The only exception to this is the paying of referee's fees. The Management Committee, or a Management Committee member, must pre-approve any expenditure.

19. OTHER BUSINESS
The Management Committee, whose decision will be final and binding, shall deal with any other matters not governed by the foregoing Rules.

Dated : June 2003

CODES OF CONDUCT FOR READING GIRLS FC

Code of Conduct for Coaches (including Team Managers and Assistant Managers)

Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in football. Your concept of ethics and your attitude directly effects the behaviour of players under your supervision. Coaches are therefore expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct. Coaches have to be aware that almost all of your everyday decisions, and choices of actions, have ethical implications. It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a "win-at-all-costs" attitude. Increased responsibility is 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.

Reading Girls FC fully accept and adhere to the F.A. Coaches Association Code of Conduct which forms the benchmark for all involved in coaching:
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, the parents) 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.

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Code of Conduct for Players
Players are the most important people in the sport. Playing for the team, and for the team to win, is the most fundamental part of the game. But not winning at any cost - Fair Play and respect for all others in the game is fundamentally important.

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 her team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.
3. Set a positive example for others, particularly younger 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 her own team win.
2. Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question her 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 the 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 supporters…a player should :
1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.

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Code of Conduct for Team Officials
This Code applies to all team/club 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/her 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…the 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.

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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 - it's fun. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football positive encouragement will contribute to :
- children enjoying football
- a sense of personal achievement
- self-esteem
- improving the child's skills and techniques

Your expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child's attitude towards :
- other players
- Match Officials
- Coaches, Team Managers and Assistant Managers
- spectators and supporters

Always be positive and encouraging towards all of the children not just your own.
Always ensure you :
- applaud the opposition as well as your own team
- avoid coaching the child during the game
- do not shout and scream
- respect the referee's decision
- give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented
- give encouragement to everyone to participate in football

Reading Girls FC ask you to please adhere to the Club's Code of Conduct for Parents/ Spectators

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Reading Girls FC fully accept the following :

A Code of Conduct for Football
Football is the national game. All those involved with the game at every level and whether as a player, match official, coach, owner or administrator, have a responsibility, above and beyond compliance with the law, to act according to the highest standards of integrity, and to ensure that the reputation of the game is, and remains, high. This Code applies to all those involved in football under the auspices of The Football Association.

* Community
Football, at all levels, is a vital part of a community. Football will take into account community feeling when making decisions.
* Equality
Football is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.
* Participants
Football recognises the sense of ownership felt by those who participate at all levels of the game. This includes those who play, those who coach or help in any way, and those who officiate, as well as administrators and supporters. Football is committed to appropriate consultation.
* Young People
Football acknowledges the extent of its influence over young people and pledges to set a positive example.
* Propriety
Football acknowledges that public confidence demands the highest standards of financial and administrative behaviour within the game, and will not tolerate corruption or improper practices
* Trust and Respect
Football will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved in the game, whether they are individuals, clubs or other organisations
* Violence
Football rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game
* Fairness
Football is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game
* Integrity and Fair Play
Football is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with Fair Play

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Equal Opportunities Policy
Reading Girls FC 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 Discrimiation 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 Club'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
  
  Reading Girls FC 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 Club's policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure.

Reading Girls FC 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 to such members who request it.

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Anti Discrimination Policy
Reading Girls FC 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 Reading Girls FC means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat any one 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

Reading Girls FC 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.

Reading Girls FC 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.

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Club Complaints Procedure
In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way, or that the Club Rules or Codes of Conduct have been broken, they should follow the procedures below :
They should report the matter to the Club Secretary or another member of the Committee
Your report should include :
- details of what, when and where the occurrence took place
- any witness statement and names
- names of any others who have been treated in a similar way
- details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to whom made
- a preference for a solution to the incident

The Club's Management Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested.
The Club's 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 Club's Policies or Codes of Conduct

CHILD PROTECTION
"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". (The F.A. Regulation)

Non-action is NOT an option in Child Protection.

Reading Girls FC is committed to ensuring that everyone who participates in football should be able to do so in a safe environment and be protected from abuse.

Reading Girls FC fully supports the F.A. in its determination to ensure all necessary steps are taken to protect from harm those children and young people who participate in football at all levels.

Reading Girls FC's Child Protection Policy has been devised in conjunction with guidance from the F.A. and the Club fully supports the following F.A. Policy Statement concerning Child Protection :

" Every child or young person, defined as any person under the age of 18, who plays or participates in football should be able to do so in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football. The F.A. 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 Football Association 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 F.A. will consider, having taken advice, whether anyone who has a previous criminal 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 and young people. This position is reinforced by UK legislation and guidance ."

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Action If There Are Concerns About The Welfare Of A Child Or Young Person
The following action should be taken by anyone who has concerns about the welfare of a child/young person in :
- football settings
- the home or other settings

1. Concerns about poor practice and possible abuse within football settings
Child abuse can and does occur outside the family setting. Although it is a sensitive and difficult issue, child abuse has occurred within sport and may occur within other settings (e.g. other social activities). Recent inquiries indicate that abuse that takes place within a public setting is rarely a one-off event. It is crucial that those involved in football are aware of this possibility and that all allegations are treated seriously and appropriate actions taken. Allegations may also relate to poor practice where an adult or peer's behaviour is inappropriate and may be causing concern to a child/young person. Poor practice includes any behaviour which contravenes existing Codes of Conduct, infringes an individual's rights and/or is a failure to fulfil the highest standards of care. Poor practice is unacceptable in football and will be treated seriously and appropriate actions taken.

1.1 Action to take if a child/young person informs you directly that she/he is concerned about someone's behaviour towards them.

If this happens, you should:
- react calmly so as not to frighten the child/young person
- tell the child/young person she/he is not to blame and that she/he was right to tell
- take what the child/young person says seriously
- ensure the safety of the child/young person
- if the child/young person needs immediate medical treatment, take the child/young person to hospital or call an ambulance, inform doctors of concerns and ensure that they are aware that this is a Child Protection issue
- avoid leading the child/young person and keep any questions to the absolute minimum necessary to ensure a clear understanding of what has been said
- re-assure the child/young person but do not make promises of confidentiality or outcome which might not be feasible in the light of subsequent developments
- parents and carers should be contacted only after advice from Social Services

You should also follow the F.A. Procedures outlined below :
- make a full record of what has been said, heard and/or seen as soon as possible
- report the concerns to the person in charge or designated person immediately, unless the concern is about the person in charge (see below)
- the person in charge should be clearly identified in every football setting e.g. a designated person in a club, a Senior Manager/Coach, a Committee Member, or a Child Protection Officer. If the person in charge is not available, or the concern is about the person in charge, then report your concerns directly to the Social Services or the Police. These agencies will advise you whether a formal referral to Social Services is necessary and what further action you might need to take. If you are advised to make a formal referral make it clear to Social services or the Police that this is a Child Protection referral.
- you should also inform The F.A. Head of Education and Child Protection or The F.A. Child Protection Administrator on 01952-602301
- confidentiality should be maintained on a strictly 'need to know' basis and relevant documents stored in a secure location
- please remember that it can be more difficult for some children/young people to disclose abuse than for others. Children/young people from ethnic minorities may have regularly experienced racism which may lead them to believe that people from other ethnic groups, including those in authority roles, do not really care about their well-being. They may feel they have good reason to question whether your response will be any different
- disabled children/vulnerable adults will have to overcome additional barriers before feeling they can disclose abuse. They may rely on the abuser for their daily care and not know of alternative sources of care or residence. The abuse may only the only attention/ affection they have experienced. There may be communication difficulties and they will almost certainly have to overcome prejudices which block our willingness to believe they may be abused or to use their medical condition to explain away indicators which in an able bodied child/young person would concern us
- these groups of people need us to be extra vigilant and to give extra thought as to how we will respond, if necessary

The F.A will support anyone who, in good faith, reports his or her concern that a colleague is, or may be, abusing a child/young person.

With regard to the recording of information, suspicions or concerns, information passed to the Social Services Department or the Police must be as helpful as possible and it may be used in any subsequent legal action, hence the necessity for making a detailed record. The report should contain the following information :
- the child's/young person's name, address and date of birth
- the nature of the allegation
- a description of any visible bruising or other injuries
- the child's/young person's account, in their own words if possible, of what has happened and how any bruising or other injuries occurred
- any observations that have been made by you or to
- any times, locations, dates or other relevant information
- a clear distinction between what is fact, opinion or hearsay
- your knowledge of and relationship to the child/young person

Whenever possible, referrals to Social Services Departments should be confirmed in writing within 24 hours. Keep a record of the name and designation of the Social Services member of staff or Police Officer to whom concerns were passed and record the time and date of the call, in case any follow-up is needed.

1.2 Action to take if you become aware, through your own observations or through a third party, of possible abuse occurring within a football setting.

If this happens, you should :
- ensure the safety of the child/young person (if present) - if the child/young person needs immediate medical treatment, take the child/young person to hospital or call an ambulance, inform doctors of concerns and ensure that they are aware that this is a Child Protection issue

You should continue also to follow the F.A. Procedures outlined in 1.1 above, and the following :
- the person in charge may seek advice from The F.A./NSPCC Child Protection 24 hour Freephone Helpline 0808-800-5000, Social Services or the Police who will then follow the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures

With regard to the recording of information, suspicions or concerns you should continue also to follow the procedures outlined in 1.1 above.

2. Abuse in the home or other settings (outside football)

2.1 Action to take if a child/young person informs you directly that she/he is being abused at home or within some other setting.
If this happens, you should :
- follow the advice/instructions outlined in 1.1 above

You should continue also to follow the F.A. Procedures outlined in 1.1 above, and :
- the person in charge should be clearly identified in every setting e.g. designated Child Protection Officer in a club, a Head Teacher in a school, a Sports/Football Development Officer in a Community Scheme
- if you are aware that the allegation is about someone involved in football in any capacity, you should also inform The F.A. Head of Education and Child Protection or The F.A. Child Protection Administrator on 01952-602301

With regard to the recording of information, suspicions or concerns you should continue also to follow the procedures outlined in 1.1 above.

2.2 Action to take if you become aware through your own observations or through a third party of possible abuse occurring at a child's/young person's home or in some other setting (outside football).
If this happens, you should :
- follow the advice/instructions outlined in 1.1 above

You should continue also to follow the F.A. Procedures outlined in 1.1 above and 2.1 above.

With regard to the recording of information, suspicions or concerns you should continue also to follow the procedures outlined in 1.1 above.

3. Guidance for Child Protection Officers and Designated Persons

3.1 Guidance for designated persons.

The person in charge should seek immediate advice to determine whether the issue is poor practice or possible child abuse. Advice should be sought from The F.A./NSPCC Child Protection 24 hour Freephone Helpline 0808-800-5000, Social Services, the Police or The F.A. Head of Education and Child Protection or The F.A. Child Protection Administrator.
Confidentiality should be maintained on a strictly 'need to know' basis and relevant documents stored in a secure location.

Following guidance that the issue is a poor practice issue then the person in charge should :
- follow club procedures for a first report of poor practice
- refer to the County F.A. Child Protection Officer or The F.A. Premier League or Football League for cases where there is a continuation of previously reported poor practice or subsequent further poor practice issues.

Following guidance that the issue is an abuse issue then the person in charge should :
- report the case to the County F.A. Child Protection Officer and The F.A. Head of Education and Child Protection or The F.A. Child Protection Administrator.

3.2 Guidance for Child Protection Officers in all Affiliated Bodies.
On receipt of information about a possible abuse case, check that guidance has been sought from The F.A./NSPCC Child Protection 24 hour Freephone Helpline 0808-800-5000, Social Services, the Police or The F.A. Head of Education and Child Protection or The F.A. Child Protection Administrator, confirming that this is a possible abuse case, and :
- contact Social Services immediately to make a child abuse referral
- parents and carers should be contacted only after advice from Social Services
- inform The F.A. Head of Education and Child Protection or The F.A. Child Protection Administrator in writing using the standard form (The F.A. Child Protection Referral Form)

3.3 Allegations of Previous Abuse.
Allegations of abuse may be made some time after the event (e.g. by an adult who was abused as a child or a member of staff or volunteer who is still currently working with children/young people). Where such an allegation is made, you should inform the County Child Protection Officer and The F.A. Head of Education and Child Protection or The F.A. Child Protection Administrator. The F.A. will, following appropriate consultation, take appropriate action. This is because other children/young people, either within football or outside it, may be at risk from this person. This position is reinforced by UK legislation and guidance.

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What is Child Abuse ?
Child abuse is a term used to describe ways in which children/young people are harmed, usually by adults and increasingly by peers. Often these are people they know and trust.
It refers to the damage done to a child's/young person's physical, mental or emotional health. Children/young people can be abused within or outside their family, at school and within the football environment. Abusive situations arise when adults or peers misuse their power over children/young people.

There are five main forms of abuse.
1. Physical abuse includes situations where adults :
- physically hurt or injure children/young people
- give children/young people alcohol, cigarettes, inappropriate drugs or poison
- attempt to suffocate or drown children/young people
- use excessive and inappropriate training methods

In the football environment, physical abuse might also occur when the nature and intensity of training exceeds the capacity of the child's/young person's immature and growing body, (i.e. overtraining) and also when coaches encourage children/young people to take performance enhancing drugs or alcohol.

2. Neglect includes situations in which :
- a child/young person's basic physical needs (e.g. for food, warm clothing) are not met
- children/young people are consistently left alone and unsupervised
In the football environment, neglect might also occur if a teacher, coach or manager fails to ensure children/young people are safe, or exposes them to undue extremes of weather or risk of injury, e.g. through unsafe equipment.

3. Sexual abuse includes situations in which adults/peers use children/young people to meet their own sexual needs through :
- any sexual activity, e.g. sexual language, touching, relationships, etc
- showing them pornographic books, videos, or photographs or taking photographs for pornographic purposes
In the football environment, sexual abuse might also occur when inappropriate physical contact tales place, e.g. through inappropriate supporting, treatment or touching of children/young people.

4. Emotional abuse includes situations in which :
- there is a persistent lack of love, affection or attention shown to a child/young person
- children/young people are overprotected preventing them from socialising
- children/young people are frequently shouted at or taunted
In the football environment, emotional abuse might also include situations where parents or coaches subject children/young people to constant criticism, bullying or unrealistic pressure to perform to high expectations or to attain standards they are clearly not able to reach

5. Bullying can take many forms and is usually repeated over a period of time.
The three main types are physical (e.g. hitting, kicking, theft), verbal (e.g. racist or homophobic remarks, threats, name calling), and emotional (e.g. isolating an individual from activities). They all will include :
- deliberate hostility and aggression towards a victim
- a victim who is weaker and less powerful than the bully or bullies
- an outcome which is always painful and distressing for the victim
Bullying behaviour may also include :
- other forms of violence, or unwanted physical contact or abusive or offensive comments of a sexual nature
- sarcasm, spreading rumours, persistent teasing, tormenting, ridiculing, humiliation, racial taunts, graffiti, gestures

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What Signs Might Register Concern ?
- unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts, or burns and reluctance to talk about them
- unexplained changes in behaviour (e.g. becoming aggressive, withdrawn or unhappy)
- something said by a child/young person or a peer, who may identify you as a trusted person with whom to share concerns
- a change observed over a long period of time (e.g. losing weight or becoming increasingly unkempt)
- sexually explicit behaviour

These signs are indicators and NOT confirmation of abuse. However, if you notice any of these signs regularly, or more than one sign, you should record and report your concerns.

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The above forms the basis of the Child Protection Policy of Reading Girls FC.
It is designed to bring to the attention of all Club members how seriously Reading Girls FC takes its responsibility towards the care of all players within the Club, and in other settings.
Equally, it is designed to instruct all Club members of their responsibilities.

If YOU are concerned about the welfare of a child/young person YOU MUST ACT.
Do not assume that somebody else will.

Non-action is NOT an option in Child Protection.

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Reading Girls FC complement the foregoing with :
· the appointment of a Child Protection Officer (contact details on our 'Contacts Page')
· Criminal Records Bureau 'Disclosure' checks on all Committee Members and Managers/ Coaches
· 'The Responsible Football Coach Code of Conduct'
· 'Recommendations for Persons involved with the Treatment of Children/Young People in Football'
· 'Protecting Disabled Young People and Vulnerable Adults'
· 'Child Protection Policy Statement for Match Officials'
· 'General Guidelines in the Care of Children/Young People'
· 'Procedures for Promoting Good Practice'
- the recruitment and selection of volunteers
- volunteer Application Form
- volunteer Personal Disclosure Form
- volunteer References
- 'The F.A. Child Protection Referral Form'

September 2003

Jewellery

THE FOLLOWING IS VERY IMPORTANT AND MUST BE ADHERED TO BY ALL PLAYERS
BOTH AT MATCHES AND AT TRAINING

The position of players and the wearing of jewellery has now been made clearer.

The only item of jewellery that a player can wear is a wedding band, which much be taped up if it cannot be removed.

NO other item of jewellery (ring / earring / ear stud / necklace etc) can be worn OR taped over. The item of jewellery MUST be removed. If the item cannot be removed, the referee will instruct the player that she cannot play.

Put simply - no jewellery will be allowed whatsoever (apart from wedding rings)
and taping over earrings, etc, is not allowed.