Constitution of
STAMULLEN FOOTBALL CLUB
(As amended and adopted at A.G.M. 13th November 2017)
Constitution of Stamullen Football Club
Contents
1. Name of Club
2. Objectives of the Club
3. Management of the Club
4. Annual General Meeting
5. Role of the Committee
6. Role of the Secretary
7. Role of the Treasurer
8. Manager/Coaches
9. Accounts of the Club
10. Standing Orders
11. Codes of Practice
12. Club Rules
13. Anti Discrimination Policy
1. Name of the Club
The name of the Club shall be “Stamullen Football Club” hereafter referred to as “the Club”
The Club Colors are Black and Yellow.
Playing Colors for all teams Boys/ Girls/ Senior Teams will be Black and Yellow.
2. Objectives of the Club
The objectives of the club are:
2.1 To foster, promote and develop, at all levels, the game of association football.
2.2 To constantly seek to improve, progress and maintain standards within the club and within the game,
2.3 The Club will be non-denominational, non-sectarian and non-political.
2.4 To creative a positive, encouraging environment for Members playing football whereby
All players receive appropriated coaching
All players enjoy proper equipment and facilities
All players learn the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship
All players enjoy themselves.
3. Management of the Club
3.1 The club will consist of:
(a) Chairperson
(b) Officers of the Club who will act as Secretary and Treasurer
(c) Committee Members
(d) Managers/Coaches
(e) Ordinary Members over the age of 18.
3.2 Election of Officers
The Chairman of the Club shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting. The outgoing Chairman will be entitled to submit for re-election. Officers of the Club, who will act as Secretary and as Treasurer shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting; they must be willing to accept and adhere to all the rules of the Club Constitution, if they wish to take office. Outgoing Officers will be entitled to submit for re-election.
To ensure continuity in the management of the Club, persons presenting for officer positions must have been active as a committee member during the previous year and for a period of at least two years.
3.3 Ordinary Members of the Club
Ordinary membership of the Club consists of persons over the age of 18 who have paid an annual subscription, either as a player, or as a family member, and are registered as such in the Club’s Records. Only members over the age of 18 will have a vote.
3.4 Annual Subscription and Fees
Annual subscriptions must be received at the start of each season by a date to be determined by the Club. Any person failing to pay their subscription by the said date may forfeit their right to selection until the money is paid. Nonpayment of match fees, training fees or fines may also forfeit a player’s right to selection.
4. Annual General Meeting
4.1 An Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) of the Club shall be held each year by the end of October.
4.2 All members are to be notified at least seven days in advance of the A.G.M.
4.3 A minimum of twelve persons is required for a quorum at the A.G.M.
4.4 A two-thirds majority of those present at the A.G.M. shall be sufficient to alter, delete or add to any rules of the Club, providing such alteration, deletion or addition have been specifically included on the agenda of the A.G.M.
4.5 Each Officer of the Club shall present a report to the A.G.M.
4.6 Items for inclusion on the agenda must be forwarded to and received by the Secretary 10 days prior to the A.G.M.
4.7 The agenda of the Annual General Meeting shall be prepared by the Secretary and agreed at a committee meeting prior to the A.G.M.
5. Role of the Committee
5.1 The Committee will consist of a minimum of 5 persons and Maximum of 9 persons.
5.2 Nominations for positions on the Committee should be forwarded to the Committee Secretary 7 days in advance of the A.G.M.
5.3 The Committee will have the power to rule and instruct on all matters relating to the Club, in accordance with the Club’s Constitution.
5.4 The Committee will meet once a month, in accordance with Standing Orders.
5.5 Minutes are to be kept of all Committee meetings.
5.6 The Committee will have the right to co-opt new members onto the Committee, for the following reasons:
As a replacement for members who resign
As a replacement for members whose membership is withdrawn in accordance with the rules of the Club
To carry out duties of the Club as determined by the Committee
5.7 Each team can be represented by their Coach/Manager at Club
meetings, when such meetings are called by the Club Committee.
5.8 Committee members who are absent for more than four consecutive meetings without excuse or reason, will be deemed to have resigned as a member of the Committee.
5.9 Should any officer or committee member resign or be removed from office, the Committee will have the power to appoint a suitable replacement, if considered necessary.
5.10 The Club Committee shall be entitled to impose disciplinary measures for behavior likely to bring the Club into disrepute and/or behavior which is inconsistent with the good order and proper running of the Club and/or results in breaches of discipline and/or breaches of Club Codes of Practice and Conduct and any other rules of the Club, or arising from outcome of the investigation of a complaint.
5.11 Disciplinary measures imposed by the Club Committee may take the form of expulsion, suspension, a fine, a combination of a fine and suspension, or any other sanction considered appropriate in relation to the nature of the misconduct.
5.12 In the event of a complaint made against any member of the Club, as defined in Section 3.1, the Club Complaints procedure should be invoked. The Complaints Procedure will involve one or more designated members of the Committee, as decided by the Club Committee, undertaking an investigation. The manner of the investigation will have due regard to the response of the person complained against. It will be a matter for the Club Committee to impose any sanctions that may be required, following the investigation.
5.13 The Committee may convene an extraordinary general meeting when they consider necessary. A two-thirds majority of the Committee is necessary to approve the calling of such a meeting.
5.14 The Chairperson shall be the final arbitrator on any point of procedure. He/she shall have a casting vote within the Club on occasions when such a vote is required.
6. Role of the Secretary
6.1 The Secretary shall deal with all correspondence.
6.2 The Secretary shall take the minutes of the Committee meetings and any other meetings of the Club, including the A.G.M.
6.3 The Secretary shall keep records of the membership of the Club.
6.4 Other members of the Committee may be delegated to assist the Secretary in the performance of any of the above or other duties as required.
6.5 The Secretary will be entitled to act as Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson.
7. Role of the Treasurer
7.1 The Treasurer shall keep up to date accounts of the finances of the Club.
7.2 The Treasurer shall report on a regular basis to the Club Committee on the Club’s finances.
7.3 The Treasurer shall collect and enter into the accounts of the Club all money and proceeds entrusted to him/her.
7.4 The Treasurer will be entitled to act as Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson.
8. Role of Head Coaches/ Coaches
8.1 All Head Coach/Coaches will operate in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Managers as incorporated into this document.
8.2 Any Head Coach/Coach taking on the responsibility of managing a team must have completed the FAI Kick start 1 Course or must be accompanied by a person who has completed this level of training.
8.3 Coaches must submit written application for Coaches post by filling volunteer’s application form and Garda vetting form.
8.4 Team selection, including the playing of substitutes, will be the sole responsibility of the Head Coach/Coach and his/her decision will remain final.
9. Accounts of the Club
9.1 The Treasurer will operate bank accounts on behalf of the Club.
9.2 All cheques of the Club must be signed by Secretary and Treasurer of the Club.
9.3 The Accounts of the Club must be audited and signed off by the Committee before the A.G.M. and be available at the following A.G.M.
9.4 The Committee of the Club shall be indemnified against any expenses incurred by them in the course of carrying out the duties of the Club, the said expenses to be approved by the Committee of the Club.
10. Standing Orders for meetings of the Committee of the Club
10.1 Venue, date and time of each meeting to be decided at the previous meeting.
10.2 The quorum for all meetings of the Committee shall be four.
10.3 The Secretary shall draw up Agenda items. Committee members will be entitled to raise any matters of concern by way of advance notice to the Secretary or under the agenda item “any other business”.
10.4 Order of Procedure:
The procedure at Committee meetings will be:
Minutes of the last meeting will be read, proposed, seconded and passed, signed by the Chairperson.
All matters arising from the minutes to be settled
Reports from Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer, sub-committees etc., as follows:
Chairperson: To report on all happenings concerning the Club and to be the spokesperson on matters relating to the Club’s best interest.
Secretary: To read all correspondence, and to inform the meetings of all relevant matters.
Treasurer: To make a statement on the state of the accounts of the Club and all relevant matters and if requested to make available a statement of the accounts. To pay all bills accrued and as approved by the Committee.
Sub-Committees (if appointed): A Spokesperson to report to the Committee, when requested and necessary.
Any Other Business (A.O.B.): This will be the last item on the agenda.
10.5 Mode of Voting
A show of hands shall determine all ballots, except when members wish a secret vote.
10.6 In the event of the Chairperson being absent, the Secretary will be appointed as Chairperson for that meeting, and shall have the same voting powers under the constitution and rules of the Club.
10.7 Suspension of Standing Orders: A two thirds majority of those present is required to suspend standing orders.
10.8 Mode of Speaking: Each member should address him/herself to the Chairperson and not to any other member. During the time any other member is speaking, the Chairperson shall not allow interference until the speaker finishes, or a point of order has to be made. Members should indicate they wish to speak on any discussion by getting the attention of the Chairperson, who will allow them to speak in order, and reply to any questions thereafter. The aim of all discussions should be to reach conclusions.
10.9 Points of Order: Any member may bring to the notice of the meeting, through the Chairperson, points of order relating to the constitution, rules and standing orders of the club.
10.10 Rescinding resolutions: When a motion has been voted on and passed, a decision to rescind the original motion shall not be allowed unless a two-thirds majority of the meeting present and voting agrees.
11. Codes of Practice
This Club endorses the contents of the “Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sports in Ireland” (June 1996) and the FAI “Code of Ethics for Under-age Soccer” (dated August 1999). Stamullen football club recognizes and accepts that in all matters concerning child protection, the welfare and protection of our underage players is the priority.
Members of the Club shall at all times observe FAI rules and the laws of the game of soccer, the Stamullen Football Club Codes of Practice and Conduct and the Club rules. Should any act of misconduct or deliberate act in breach of rules by a Club member result in the Club being fined, then that member may be asked to reimburse the Club the amount of the fine.
Misconduct by any member, members are as defined by Section 3.1, may be reviewed by the Club Committee. The Club Committee shall have the power to expel a member when, in their opinion, it would not be in the interest of the Club for them to remain a member. There shall be no appeals procedure.
11.1 Code of Conduct for Coaches
11.1.1 It is the aim of the coaches of the club to promote the highest standards to their players in training and match days.
11.1.2 All team Coaches should have the appropriate interest and competence. It is intended that all Coaches would have a FAI Kick start level 1, before being given the responsibility of coaching a team.
11.1.3 Team coaches must plan and prepare their coaching sessions in advance, which should include:
Facilities available (by appointment of the club secretary)
Availability of equipment in working order (balls inflated etc.)
Players available
The coaching structure for the training session
11.1.4 Team managers must give advice, encouragement and support to their players in coaching sessions and on match days, promoting sportsmanship and fair play at all times, also ensuring that players shake hands with their opponents and the referee.
11.1.5 Team managers are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that in honorable and in keeping with the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship. They should not indulge themselves in tactics, either by words or action that are likely to bring the game, this Club, or the League in which they play, into disrepute.
11.2 Code of Conduct for Players
11.2.1 It should be the aim of all players to attend training sessions and match days on time with all their boots/trainers and training kit clean and be ready 15 minutes before training starts and 30 minutes before the game starts.
11.2.2 All players must conduct themselves in training and match days, ensuring that their level of behavior is of the highest standards at all times and show respect to their Coach, other players in their team, opponents and the equipment/building they are using.
11.2.3 All players representing the Club who fall below the expected standards and levels of behavior will be subject to disciplinary action. Examples of unacceptable action include:
disrupting training
Abusive behavior/language towards team mates/ opponents
Threatening behavior
Violent conduct
Bad sportsmanship
persistently being cautioned or sent off
Any player displaying unsporting behavior will be liable to immediate substitution or suspension by the Club for a period as determined by the Team Coach in the first instance, and/or by the Club Committee.
11.2.4 All players should seek to shake hands with their opponents and also the referee at the end of the game, treating victory with humility and defeat with dignity.
11.2.5 Any player found to be in breach of the code of conduct will be subject to sanction, which will, in the first instance, be a matter for the Team Coach and could include a fine and/or suspension and/or face the Committee of the Club to explain their behavior. This could result in their membership being suspended or in certain cases, being expelled from the Club.
11.2.6 All players should:
Play for enjoyment
Play by the rules of the game
Always accept the referees decision
Play with control and not to lose your temper
Play for yourself and your team – your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own
Be a “good sport”. Applaud all good play whether your team or the opponent
Respect your opponent. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not “bully” or take advantage of any player
Co-operate with Team Manager/ Coach, team mates and opponents.
Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good
At the final whistle applaud and thank your opponents and the referee for the match
Always remember that you owe a duty of care to your opponents. Tackle hard but fairly, do not intend to hurt your opponent.
11.2.7 Disclaimer
All players play at their own risk. While the Club will provide
Appropriate insurance cover, there is no requirement on the Club
to meet any costs arising for any player who may be injured while
Playing or training.
11.3 Code of Conduct for Parents, Guardians, Spectators
11.3.1 It is the aim of this Club to promote the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair-play and to ensure the spirit of the game is not abused.
11.3.2 Any adult taking part in any activity organized by the Club, or attending such an activity with the Club as a guest or another, shall conduct himself or herself in an exemplary manner.
11.3.3 Adult behavior must be of the highest standard to set the correct example to the Schoolboy/girl players.
11.3.4 Players should expect advice, encouragement and support and not be embarrassed or humiliated by the adults watching them.
11.3.5 Adults should not shout, swear, argue, become violent or use sarcasm. Wherever possible players who require help should be assisted and encouraged to overcome any difficulties.
11.3.6 Adults should:
Always look for aspects to praise rather than rebuke
Praise good behavior to show that adults value it
Praise effort and performance, rather than just achievement, most often in the case of a victory
Emphasize the importance of involvement first, winning second
Display patience
Ensure players have a clear understanding of the standards of behavior expected
Help players understand the rules; talk to them, not at them!
11.3.7 Matters of team selection, including the playing of substitutes, remain the sole responsibility of the Team Coach and his/her decision will remain final. All Schoolboy/Girl selection and game time should be in accordance to the Fai Player development plan. Any parent/ guardian or person associated with a playing member who attempts to unduly influence the Team Coach with regard to team selection shall be in contravention of rule 11.3.2 above and shall be dealt with in accordance with rule 11.3.9 below.
11.3.8 At all times, during the course of the game, the decisions made by the referee, qualified or unqualified, appointed to officiate, will remain final.
11.3.9 Any parent/guardian or spectator (associated with a playing member) whose behavior is considered to fall below the required standard, may result in the membership of that player being suspended or cancelled.
11.3.10 Any complaint regarding the opposition, referee, spectators, or any other aspect of the game must be dealt with by the Team Head Coach. If the matter is considered serious enough, the Club Secretary will inform the appropriate authority. All complaints should be lodged with Club Secretary within 24 hours. It will not be acceptable for individuals to take the law into their own hands.
11.3.11 All parents, guardians and spectators shall abide by the rules of the Football Association of Ireland and its constituent youth and schoolboys/girls leagues.
11.3.12 Spectators should:
Be of your best behavior and lead by example
Applaud good play by the visiting team as well as your own
Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would not be a match.
Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity
Verbal abuse of players or referees cannot be accepted in any shape or form. Players and referees are not fair targets for ignorant behavior
Encourage All players to play by the laws of the game.
12 Club Rules
12.1 The cost of subscriptions, match fees, training fees and any other fees will be decided by the Club Committee.
12.2 All members must be registered with the Club and appropriate league before they are allowed to play matches.
12.3 Completed membership forms along with appropriate fee to be handed in along with player registration form a week before commencement of respective league.
12.4 Coaches are to be appointed each season to run the various teams.
12.5 Teams within the Club shall play home games at Gormanston collage, pitches designated by the Club Secretary.
12.6 Players must only wear kit provided by the Club at matches and it must not be worn at any other time unless with the permission of the Committee.
12.7 Club Crest, letterhead and any other paper bearing the Club logo can be used only by the Officers of the Club.
12.8 All members of the Club shall operate and behave in accordance with the Club’s Code of Practice (See Section 11).
12.9 The Club’s purchasing policy requires the approval of the Club Secretary and/or Chairperson for any expenditure in excess of €50.00. The collection of training fees and match fees etc. will be returned on Subs forms and submitted to the Club Treasurer by the 5th of the following month, as drafted by the Club, and expenditure on any one item shall not be permitted without approval and any such expenditure will be receipted.
12.10 A player must give first commitment to his/her own age group but can play for a team in the next upper age group, provided it is by agreement with both Coaches and Committee.
12.11 The Club shall not be liable for payment of non-sanctioned items of expenditure.
12.12 All adults involved directly with children will be aware of the guidelines regarding behavior towards children. It is the duty of each Coach to ensure that all children are safe and every effort will be taken to protect them.
12.13 Training schedules should be drafted in consultation with the Team Coaches and Secretary of the club. Training areas and indoor training will be drafted by the Secretary and all Coaches will be notified.
13 Anti-Discrimination Policy
13.1 Stamullen Football Club is committed to setting standards and values to apply throughout the Club. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone, equally. Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability. Equality of opportunity at Stamullen Football Club means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.
This includes:
The selection of candidates for volunteers
Courses
External coaching and education activities and awards
Football development activities
Selection for teams
Appointments to honorary positions
Stamullen Football Club 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.
Stamullen Football Club supports awareness raising events and activities in order to promote the eradication of all forms of discrimination within football.
This document comprises the
Constitution of Stamullen Football Club
Incorporating Standing Orders And Codes of Practice
Anti-Discrimination Policy
Please note Stamullen Football Club delegates have attended and supported the FAI Show Racism the Red Card Campaign in recent times.
Anti-Discrimination Policy
Stamullen Football Club is committed to setting standards and values to apply throughout the Club. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone, equally. Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability. Equality of opportunity at Stamullen Football Club means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.
This includes:
The selection of candidates for volunteers
Courses
External coaching and education activities and awards
Football development activities
Selection for teams
Appointments to honorary positions
Stamullen Football Club 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.
Stamullen Football Club supports awareness raising events and activities in order to promote the eradication of all forms of discrimination within football.