On behalf of the Directors and officials of Gloucester City AFC, may I welcome you and your son to our 2008/ 09 Youth Development squad. 

 Our aim at Gloucester City is to offer the best young local football talent the opportunity to develop and improve their skills by providing them with top class coaching and competitive, high quality, match experience. We believe that our young players will also learn skills that will be of value to them in later life, either on or off the football pitch; skills such as team work, self confidence, personal discipline and managing pressure situations. We also want them to have fun!

 We expect our players to conduct themselves at all times, both on and off the pitch, to the highest standards. They are, after all, representing not only Gloucester City Football Club, but also the City of Gloucester itself. I have enclosed a copy of our ‘Code of Conduct’ which outlines the standards we expect, and the potential consequences should those standards not be achieved. Each of our Coaches will go through this with his players. You may also want to talk through this with your son.

 We also expect our supporters, parents and guardians to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times, particularly during matches. By all means encourage your son and his team mates during matches. However, under no circumstances will we accept the use of bad language, dissent or any behaviour which does not show the upmost respect for the players, officials and supporters of either Gloucester City or our opponents. Please also bear in mind, if a player is having a bad match or makes a mistake, it is Coaches responsibility to deal with the issue. Positive encouragement from the touchlines is very welcome – criticism, even if it is of your son, is not.

 I am sure that you will have a lot of questions about the way we operate and what is expected from you. I have enclosed a question and answer document which will hopefully answer many of these questions. We will be arranging meetings for all the parents and guardians before the season starts where we will go through this document in more detail and answer any questions you may have.

 If you have any questions at any time during the season, feel free to contact either us or your coach.

We hope that you and your son will enjoy the coming season, I am sure that there will be many exciting matches ahead and hopefully some firm friendships formed between not only the players but also their parents or guardians as well.

 Yours in Sport

 Kenny Blackburn                      

Chairman, Youth Development Director and Under 18 Manager                      

 Andy Peyton

Secretary, Youth Development                                          

 David Miller

Vice Chairman, Welfare Officer and Treasurer

 PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT 2008 /09

 RESPECT TOWARDS GLOUCESTER CITY AFC

You must maintain the highest standards of conduct and behaviour at all times. This includes:

• Before, during and after training sessions.
• Before, during and after matches.
• When attending matches or other events organised by Gloucester City.
• When representing Gloucester City at matches or other events

The club also expect players to maintain the highest standards outside of Gloucester City Football Club.

Under no circumstances will Gloucester City AFC condone the use of non prescription drugs, banned substances or the abuse of alcohol.

Players must not speak to the media on any matters relating directly or indirectly to Gloucester City AFC without first obtaining the permission on their Coach.

If approached by a scout or any representative of any other football club, players must immediately report this to their Coach. Gloucester City will not stand in the way of any junior player who wishes to advance their football career at a higher level. However, in the interests of our players, we wish to ensure that any approaches are carried out in strict compliance with Football Association rules.

RESPECT TOWARDS CLUB OFFICIALS

You must:

• Abide by the instructions of your Coach or any Gloucester City AFC official at all times.

• Attend all training session on time, wearing the appropriate kit. If for any reason you are unable to attend a training session due to injury, illness or other reason you must contact your Coach as soon as possible, and in any event at least 2 hours before the scheduled start of the training session.

• Report to all matches (or for away matches agreed pick up points where appropriate) on time, wearing the appropriate kit. If for any reason you are unable to attend a match due to injury, illness or other reason you must contact your Coach as soon as possible, and in any event at least 24 hours before the scheduled match day.

• Show due respect to the Club Officials of the opposition.

• Foul or abusive language or gestures will not be tolerated at any time.

RESPECT TOWARDS MATCH OFFICIALS

You must:

• Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest.

• Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.

• Show due respect towards Match Officials.

RESPECT TOWARDS OPPONENTS

You must:

·         Treat opponents with respect at all times irrespective of the result of the match.

·         Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents and avoid violence or rough play.

RESPECT TOWARDS SUPPORTERS

You must show due respect to all supporters, either of Gloucester City or our opponents, at all times.

RESPECT TO YOUR TEAM MATES

You must:

·         Ensure that you attend all training sessions and matches in the best possible physical condition.

·         Give maximum efforts and strive for the best possible performance during games and training sessions.

·         Set a positive example to Team Mates.

·         Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time wasting.

·         Always have regard to the best interests of the game.

PARENT / GUARDIAN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2008 /09

 HOW ARE SUBSCRIPTION LEVELS SET?

 During the close season we have estimated the likely income and outgoings for each club during the coming season. The resulting figure has then been divided equally across all sides. In doing this we have made a working assumption that each squad will have approximately 16 playing members. Some Coaches may decide to operate with a smaller squad and some with a larger squad. Such decisions are made solely of football grounds. 

HOW MUCH WILL THE SUBSCRIPTIONS BE THIS SEASON?

 We will advise you of the amount as soon as possible. When setting this figure we have aimed to keep the figure as low as possible, though we need to keep in mind the need to ensure that all outgoings, including pitch hire, are covered.

 DO SUBSCRIPTIONS COVER AWAY TRAVEL COSTS?

 No. Your Match Day Secretary, working in partnership with the Coach and parents, will make the necessary arrangements for away travel. You may be required to pay for your childs transport costs.

 DO SUBSCRIPTIONS COVER THE COST OF TRAINING KIT?

 No. Training kit will need to be purchased separately and will then be owned by the player. We will be circulating details of the training kit and costs in due course. 

 HOW ARE SUBSCRIPTIONS COLLECTED?

 You will be asked to complete a Standing Order which will be submitted to your bank by David Miller, Treasurer   Your bank will then pay the monthly subscription directly to Gloucester City Youth Development. At the end of the subscription period your bank will automatically stop making payments. 

 In exceptional circumstances payment can be made by cash. Please speak directly to David Miller about this.

 DO THE UNDER 18 SQUAD PAY SUBSCRIPTIONS?

 No. Costs are met by a combination of charging entry fees, selling refreshments and sponsorship. It is not practical to fund any of our other squads in this way.

 DOES PAYING SUBS MEAN MY SON IS GUARANTEED A GAME?

 No. Coaches will select their team based on many factors including attitude in training and matches, previous performance and the needs of the team. Your son is at Gloucester City because we feel he has the ability to become a top quality player. We do not select players with the intention of them being substitutes or to ‘make up the numbers’. However, a place in the team has to be earned.

 WHAT LEAGUE WILL WE COMPETE IN?

 The Under 18 squad will compete in the Midland Floodlit league and the County Cup. All league matches are played mid week, county cup games are usually played on Sunday’s.

 All other squads play in the Midland Junior Premier League. Matches are played on Saturday mornings.

 HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH CODE OF CODUCT BREACHES?

 Experience shows that breaches of our Code of Conduct are rare. If it is a minor issue the matter will be dealt with directly by your Coach, often by speaking to the player. If the Coach feels that he needs to appraise you of the position he will do so.

 If the Coach believes the breach is more significant, he will arrange a meeting with you and your son. We firmly believe that talking about issues in an open way is the best way to deal with problems.

 In the event of a serious breach of the Code of Conduct, or if the player continues not to reach the standards we have set, the Coach will raise the issue with the Football Committee who will deal with each issue on its merits and having done so, discuss the issue with yourself. The Committee comprises of your Coach, Kenny Blackburn, Nigel Hughes, Andy Peyton and David Miller.

 Breaches of the Code may result in the player being suspended from being selected for the team for one or more games to, in significant cases, being asked to leave the Club

 CAUTIONS AND SENDINGS OFF

 If your son is cautioned or sent off during a match this will be considered to be a Code of Conduct Breach. If the Referee refers the issue to the Football Association, Gloucester City will receive a fine. We will expect the players parent or guardian to pay the fine in full within the timescales stipulated by the Football Association. Failure to pay the fine will result in the player not being selected until such time as payment is received.

 APPEALS

 If you wish to appeal against a decision made under the Code of Conduct you must do so, in writing, within 7 days. Your appeal will be considered by the Football Committee, or if the appeal is made against a decision made by the Committee, by the Executive Committee of Gloucester City AFC.

 WHAT IF I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE CLUB OR THE COACH?

 Please get in touch with Kenny Blackburn or Nigel Hughes.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES 2008 /09

 Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their attitude directly affects the behaviour of players under their supervision. Coaches are therefore expected to pay particular care to all aspects of their conduct both inside and away from Gloucester City AFC.

 It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concept for Coaches. This code is not designed to conflict with that. However, the code disassociates Gloucester City AFC with an attitude of ‘winning at all costs’. The health, safety, welfare and football education of our players is our first priority.

 Set out below is the FA Coaches Association Code of Conduct which forms the benchmark for the standards Gloucester City Youth Development expect from all its Coaches.

• Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.

• Coaches must place the well being and safety of each player above all other considerations including the development of performance.

• Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.

• Coaches must develop appropriate working relationships with each player based on mutual trust and respect.

• Coaches must not exert undue influence to gain personal benefit or reward.

• Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

• Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity and ability of the players.

• Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with players, and where appropriate parents / guardians, what is expected of them and what they are expected to receive from the Coach.

• Coaches must cooperate with other specialists in the best interests of the player.

• Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport, including fair play, and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour to the contrary of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.

• Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.

• Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

ANTI DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Gloucester City AFC is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the club, at every level. 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 Gloucester City AFC means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anybody less favourably on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.

This includes:

·         Advertising for volunteers

·         The selection of volunteers

·         Courses

·         External coaching and education activities and awards

·         Football development activities

·         Selection for teams

·         Appointment to honorary positions.

Gloucester City AFC will not tolerate sexually 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.

Gloucester City AFC is committed to the development of a programme of ongoing training and awareness events in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within our club and within football as a whole.

 CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Gloucester City Youth Development accepts as its main responsibility the well being and safety of our young players. It does so in the belief that by placing the welfare of players at the centre of our concerns, we will provide a solid foundation for the development of younger players and for effective Child Protection practice.

Gloucester City Youth Development will strive to:

·         Promote and support good outcomes in terms of health and development of our players.

·         Recognise the significance of ethical and cultural diversity.

·         Enable parents / guardians and other members of players family to be involved where practicable in a working relationship with the Club.

·         Acknowledge our responsibility to set high football and social standards.

·         Expect that all adults having contact with players will provide good role models of behaviour, be honest, and take the feelings of others into account.

·         Seek opportunities to celebrate players success and recognise achievement, effort and good behaviour.

·         Recognise that good behaviour will be achieved if all those involved in the Club have a clear and mutual understanding of the aims of the club and it’s systems of training are implemented effectively.

·         Provide a disciplined environment where players will work together to take pride in themselves and their surroundings.

Gloucester City Youth Development adopts the policy of the Football Association in relation to Child Protection. We recognise that Social Services, the NSPCC, and the Police all have a statutory duty to protect children and young people at risk. We accept that we must work in partnership with these agencies if a child protection issue arises.

All players, parents, guardians or club officials are encouraged to report any issues of concern or potential concern to the club Welfare Officer; David Miller (01452 615769), in a timely manner.