Policies within this document is of a shorten version of their full policies, links are provided to allow a more in-depth detailed document.
1. Anti-Bullying Policy
Statement of Intent
We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our members so they can participate in football in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all club members or parents should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a TELLING club. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the club welfare officer or any committee member.
Objectives of this Policy
- All club members, coaches, officials, and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is
- All club members, officials, and coaching staff should know what the club policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.
- All players and parents should know what the club policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises.
- As a club, we take bullying seriously. Players and parents should be assured that they would be supported when bullying is reported.
- Bullying will not be tolerated.
2. Club Equality Policy
- The aim of this policy is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect, and that SOUTH ASHFORD FC is equally accessible to all.
- SOUTH ASHFORD FC is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the club at every level. Football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, anyone who wants to participate in it.
- Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability and to encourage equal opportunities.
- This policy is fully supported by the Club Officers, who are responsible for the implementation of this policy.
- SOUTH ASHFORD FC, in all its activities will not discriminate, or in any way treat anyone less favourably on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability. It means that SOUTH ASHFORD FC will ensure that it treats people fairly and with respect and that it will provide access and opportunities for all members of the community to take part in, and enjoy, its activities.
- SOUTH ASHFORD FC will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of an individual, which for the purposes of this policy and the actions and sanction applicable is regarded as discrimination. This includes sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal.
- SOUTH ASHFORD FC will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.
- SOUTH ASHFORD FC is committed to taking positive action where; inequalities exist and to the development of a programme of ongoing training, awareness raising events and activities in order to promote the eradication of discrimination and promote equality in football.
3. Photographs, Video & Content Policy
As a club, we may use photographs & videos that may contain your child, upon registration you have given consent for the club to use these for; social media content and other promotion content for the club. If for any reason you do not agree with this, please contact admin@southashfordfc.com
We also have the right to use these images & videos, if you are no longer a club member. We will however agree to not provide names of people within said content.
If we are commissioning professional photographers or inviting the press to cover a football activity, We ensure, clear communication and notice are provided to parents beforehand.
As a club, we maintain records of photographs and videos, stored in both physical and online formats. Access to this information is granted to Club Officials and select committee members, all of whom undergo CRC/CRB/DBS checks before obtaining access. In cases involving third-party photographers/companies, it is acknowledged that they retain rights over the photographs and videos they capture. We, as a club, disclaim jurisdiction over their work. However, we ensure that these external parties undergo thorough background checks and possess the necessary authority to handle and retain such images
4. FA Football Leadership Diversity Code
- CLUB LEADERSHIP
We commit that our club’s leadership should reflect the diversity of our local community. We will achieve this by:
• Ensuring that our leadership reflects the local population in terms of gender, ethnicity, disability, and all other historically underrepresented communities
• Ensuring equality of opportunity for all
• Carrying out selection based on merit, whilst seeking to source volunteers from a diverse pool of talent
• Monitoring all protected characteristics, cultural and social backgrounds within our leadership. - COACHING & SELECTION
We commit to ensuring diversity within our volunteer coaching workforce. We will achieve this by:
• Supporting individuals from all historically underrepresented groups and across age groups to become the next generation of coaches
• Selecting coaches openly and encouraging people from a diverse range of backgrounds to coach within the club
• Monitoring the diversity of our coaches and working towards them reflecting our player base. - CULTURE
We commit to continuing to strive for the most inclusive club culture. We will achieve this by:
• Having a ‘Club Equality Policy’ which promotes equality, diversity and inclusion, adopted by all club members / players / officials as a condition of membership annually
• Ensuring all club officials attend The FA’s equality, diversity, and inclusion online offerings, refreshing this at appropriate intervals
• Signposting all members to The FA’s equality, diversity, and inclusion online training each season
• Ensuring that young people are involved meaningfully in our club (through a youth committee or other suitable mechanism) if our club provides a youth offering or youth teams
• Monitoring our cultural progress through an annual club culture survey with a template provided by The FA - REPORTING DISCRIMINATION
We commit to encouraging the reporting of discrimination. We will achieve this by:
• Distributing information on how to report discrimination to all club members, every season. This will include information on the importance of immediately notifying a match official of any incident that occurs on a match day
• Acknowledging that in some instances, discriminatory abuse or behaviour may be a criminal offence. In these instances, we will be proactive and report this to the Police by calling 101
• Reporting all incidences of discrimination immediately to our local County FA, Kick It Out or The FA - RAISING AWARENESS
We commit to raising awareness on the topic of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We will achieve this by:
• Using The FA’s Diversity Code resources to promote our support and raise awareness with others
• Making efforts to engage with local media and other local bodies to publicise our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Supporting The FA and other anti-discrimination body campaigns.
6. FA respect code of conduct
Below is a link to our FA Respect CoC
7. Safeguarding Children Policy
South Ashford FC acknowledges that every child or young person who plays or participates in football must be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice, inappropriate behaviour and abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club, including the parents/carers of our players, and we will effectively communicate this to our members throughout the season.
South Ashford FC commits to ensuring that children and young people have the right to take part, be heard and have their views and opinions taken into consideration when making club decisions and actions that concern them.
8. Equality Advisory Group
Below is a link to our equality advisory group
9. Club Constitution
This document outlines the constitution of South Ashford Football Club (SAFC) and includes key elements such as the club’s name, objectives, membership rules, committee structure, financial regulations, and procedures for dissolution. Additionally, it incorporates a Membership Agreement and Terms of Participation, specifying consent, photography, subscription fees, transportation, kit and equipment policies, and membership termination conditions. The document aims to provide a comprehensive framework for the governance and operation of SAFC while ensuring clarity on member rights and responsibilities.
10. thunderstorm guidance
The purpose of this guidance is to set out the steps that should be taken in the event of a thunderstorm to protect the safety of participants in grassroots football.
This document does not purport to provide guidance on thunderstorm safety outside the context of grassroots football. When assessing whether weather is unsafe and/or what to do, participants should always refer to the latest Met Office guidance: see https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ and https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/healthwellbeing/stay-safe-in-thunder-and-lightning.
11. Privacy Policy
Below is a link to our privacy policy