Organisation’s Constitution

General Aims

• To encourage and increase participation in football.
• To provide equal opportunities for all individuals.
• To provide a framework of FA‑qualified football coaching.
• To provide opportunities for individuals to fulfil their potential through football.
• To allow access to sport.
• To work with other clubs, agencies and social groups to enhance the community.
• To play an active and positive role in the community we serve.

Ongoing, Long‑Term Development Aims

• To increase the number of coaching courses across North Wales.
• To further develop the participation of girls in football.
• To encourage greater participation from the wider community.

Child Welfare Policy

KICK IT Sports Coaching acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all players.

Key Principles

• The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration.
• All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation.
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and their parents or carers is essential.
• Every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse.
• KICK IT Sports Coaching recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our organisation.

KICK IT Sports Coaching has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is noted and accepted that The Football Association’s child welfare regulation (see The FA Handbook) applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes those who are a volunteer, match official, helper on club tours, football coach, club official or medical staff.

Recruiting Volunteers & Staff

We endorse and adopt The FA’s child welfare and best practice guidelines for recruiting volunteers and will:

• Develop a role profile;
• Request identification documents;
• As a minimum, meet and chat with applicant(s) and, where possible, conduct interviews before appointing;
• Require an FA CRB Unit Enhanced Disclosure.

All current KICK IT Sports Coaching staff with direct access to children and young people will be required to complete a CRB Enhanced Disclosure via the FAW CRB Unit.

If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved, or who has approached us to become part of KICK IT Sports Coaching, guidance will be sought from The Football Association. It is noted and accepted that the FAW will consider the relevance and significance of the information obtained via the FAW CRB Unit Enhanced CRB Disclosure and that all decisions will be made in the best interests of children and young people.

Bullying

KICK IT Sports Coaching acknowledges and endorses The FA’s identification of bullying as a category of abuse. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at KICK IT Football Coaching. If bullying does occur, all players, parents or guardians should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly. Incidents need to be reported to the Welfare Officer.

Anti‑Discrimination Policy

KICK IT Sports Coaching is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the organisation 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 gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability. Equality of opportunity at KICK IT Sports Coaching means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or treat anyone less favourably on these grounds.

KICK IT Sports Coaching 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.

Our commitment is to eliminate discrimination and to encourage equal opportunities.

KICK IT Sports Coaching is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members, of whatever level or authority, to abide by this general principle and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission and Commission for Racial Equality. All members are expected to abide by the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1986 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Specifically, discrimination is prohibited in:

• Treating any individual on the above grounds less favourably than others.
• Expecting an individual, solely on these grounds, to comply with different requirements related to their membership.
• Imposing requirements that are more onerous on an individual than on others (e.g. applying an unwarranted condition that makes it more difficult for members of a particular race or gender to comply).
• Victimisation of an individual.
• Harassment of an individual (regarded, for the purposes of this policy and its actions and sanctions, as discrimination).
• Any other act or omission which disadvantages a member against another purely on the above grounds.

In all recruitment, selection, promotion and training processes, as well as disciplinary matters—where judgements between members are required—it is essential that merit, experience, skills and temperament are considered as objectively as possible.

KICK IT Sports Coaching commits to the immediate investigation of any claims of discrimination. Where discrimination is found, the practice must cease forthwith, restitution for damage or loss (if necessary) will be considered, and any member accused of discrimination will be investigated. Any member found guilty of discrimination will be instructed to desist forthwith. KICK IT Sports Coaching commits itself to disabled people wherever possible and will treat such members, in aspects of their recruitment and membership, in exactly the same manner as other members, difficulties of their disablement permitting. Assistance will be given wherever possible to ensure that disabled members are helped in gaining access, and appropriate training will be made available to such members who request it.

Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct – Club

Community

KICK IT Sports Coaching, at all levels, is a vital part of the community it serves. KICK IT Football Coaching will take into account community feeling when making decisions.

Equality

KICK IT Sports Coaching is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.

Participants

KICK IT Sports Coaching recognises the sense of ownership felt by those who participate at all levels of the game. This includes those who play, coach or help in any way, and those who officiate, as well as administrators and supporters. KICK IT Sports Coaching is committed to appropriate consultation.

Young People

KICK IT Sports Coaching acknowledges the extent of its influence over young people and pledges to set a positive example.

Propriety

KICK IT Sports Coaching 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

KICK IT Sports Coaching will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved in the game, whether they are individuals, clubs or other organisations.

Violence

KICK IT Sports Coaching rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game.

Fairness

KICK IT Sports Coaching is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game.

Integrity and Fair Play

KICK IT Sports Coaching is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with Fair Play.

Code of Conduct – KICK IT Sports Coaching Coaches

1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
2. Place the wellbeing and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
3. Adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
4. Develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
5. Not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
6. Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
7. Ensure that the activities directed or advocated are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
8. At the outset, clarify with players (and, where appropriate, parents) exactly what is expected of them and what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
9. Co‑operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
10. 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. Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
12. Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Code of Conduct – KICK IT Sports Coaching Players

1. Make every effort to develop 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 the team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.
3. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time‑wasting.
5. Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including when 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

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

Respect for the Laws of the Game and Competition Rules

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

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

Respect Towards the Match Officials

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

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

Obligations Towards the Supporters

1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.

Code of Conduct – Parents / Supporters

Parents / Spectators have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because, first and foremost, they love the game – it’s fun.

It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football within our club, it is important to reinforce the message to parents / spectators that positive encouragement will contribute to:

1. Children enjoying football;
2. A sense of personal achievement;
3. Self‑esteem;
4. Improvement of the child’s skills and techniques.

A parent’s / spectator’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:

1. Other players;
2. Officials;
3. Managers;
4. Spectators.

Parents / spectators should always be positive and encouraging towards all of the children, not just their own:

1. Applaud the opposition as well as your own team;
2. Avoid coaching the child during the game;
3. Do not shout and scream;
4. Respect the referee’s decision;
5. Give attention to each of the children involved in football, not just the most talented;
6. Encourage everyone to participate in football.

Parents / Spectators within our club agree and adhere to the club’s Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.