Club

Licensing

Community Strategy

The Committee of Bala Town Football Club recognises the pivotal role that we can play in relation to the local community. Similarly, the Football Association of Wales encourages clubs to engage in a variety of activity aimed at strengthening the relationship between the club and the local community.

Research suggests that clubs are continually involved in community activity although they often fail to advertise or promote this. Consequently, Bala Town Football Club appreciates the advantages for our club to promote this activity and have subsequently, formalised a Club Strategy. This has been demonstrated in the business sector where community activity and its promotion are designed to meet both financial objectives and social objectives. Creating a strategy with measurable goals as well as a means to promote this activity will benefit not only the club but also the community as a whole.

To establish links with local youth clubs and assist these clubs with coaching and also providing the use of facilities and equipment for football festivals etc.

To set Bala Town Development Centre with local youths, but not necessarily football clubs, to promote and develop the role of the club in the community and to set appropriate examples of behaviour.

To set up clubs with the disabled and disadvantaged youth and adult groups in the community and to use the facilities and the equipment of the club and also its personnel.

To utilise the playing and coaching personnel to address various social and equity issues including drug awareness issues and healthy lifestyle, etc.

To utilise the facilities of the club in conjunction with multi-media training for anybody who wishes to learn.

To undertake any services within the local community to the benefit of the community and ultimately the club.

To be aware of the clubs Anti-Discrimination Policy and Equal Opportunities Policy at all times when dealing with the Community.

This strategy is linked to the club’s Business Strategy.

Communication of the Strategy

Bala Town Football Club aims to communicate its Community Strategy and also its progress reports via the following means: -

Club Newsletter

Match Programmes

Club Forums

Local Press

Staff and Player Visits to Local Youth Clubs and Schools

Letters to Local Youth Clubs and Schools

This strategy was written for the Season 2011/2012 and will be reviewed and renewed where appropriate at the start of every season.

Bala Town Football Club would welcome any suggestions or questions regarding this strategy. Should you wish to do so, please contact, Ruth Crump via the club website or at ruthlynne@tiscali.co.uk

Supporters Charter

Bala Town Football Club Supporters Charter sets out our club’s commitment to give our supporters a safe and enjoyable experience of football at our club.

Our Football Club: Will set out and publish service and safety standards, giving a framework by which its performance can be judged by themselves and others. Take action if service or safety performance falls short of the published standards. Will provide a forum by which supporters may raise their comments or concerns. Will review its standards annually. Will commit to keep supporters informed of activity at the club. Will publish its charter and make it freely available to all

The Charter

Standards of performance - We will set service level targets wherever possible and appropriate. We will strive to achieve the targets and publish its performance against the service level targets.

Supporter information - We undertake to keep supporters informed as to changes at the club by whatever means is the most cost effective. We will keep supporters informed on a regular basis by use of the official website. Will publish its position on major policy issues.

Special needs - We will publish details of the availability of and pricing policy for special needs seating and for carers. These details will be published.

Ticket sales - We will publish details of the availability of and its pricing policy for tickets. Publish its policy for returned and unwanted tickets. Publish its tickets return policy for abandoned matches. Offer an appropriate concessionary ticket policy. Publish its policy on visiting support ticket allocation.

Fixture lists - The club undertakes to keep the supporters informed as to fixture changes by whatever means it decides is the most cost effective and appropriate.

Stadium - The club will provide a clean and safe stadium with the appropriate facilities. Will provide an area for the exclusive use of family groups and junior supporters and undertakes to provide access for those with special needs

Equality - The club encourages an environment free of sectarian and racial abuse.

Catering - The club undertakes to provide or subcontract an appropriate catering service for all spectators at the ground.

Supporter Contact - The club will respond to any contact from a supporter within seven days, by the most appropriate method, unless under extreme circumstances which renders the club administration unable to respond.

This is the club’s most recent Charter and will be reviewed and renewed where appropriate at the start of every season. Bala Town Football Club would welcome any suggestions or questions regarding this Charter.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Bala Town Football Club 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 Bala Town 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 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.

Bala Town Football Club will not tolerate racist, sectarian, sexual or bigoted 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.

Bala Town Football Club 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.

Bala Town Football Club gives a commitment to ensure that the club is open to all and the team selection policy will be the football ability and character of the individual and the collective balance of the team.

Each player and employee contract will include the clause:

Bala Town Football Club is opposed to racism, sectarianism, bigotry and discrimination in any form. I, the undersigned, share these principles and give commitment to uphold and promote these standards.

Equal Opportunities Policy

Bala Town Football Club 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 Discrimination Act 1986 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Specifically discrimination is prohibited by:

1. 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.

2. Expecting an individual solely on the grounds stated above to comply with requirement(s) for any reason whatsoever related to their membership, which is different from the requirements for others.

3. Imposing on 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.

4. Victimisation of an individual.

5. Harassment of an individual, by virtue of discrimination.

6. Any other act or omission of an act, which has as its effect the disadvantage of one member against another, or others, purely on the above grounds. Thus, in 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.

Bala Town Football Club 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 this Football Club’s policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure.

Bala Town Football Club 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.

Fair Play at Bala Town Football Club

Conduct according to the spirit of Fair Play is essential for the successful promotion and development of and involvement in sport. The objective of Fair Play is to foster a sporting spirit, as well as the sporting behaviour of coaches, players, team officials and spectators, thereby increasing the enjoyment of all those involved in the game. In order that clubs may address the behaviour of supporters in a meaningful way, consideration must be given to the actions and activities of four integral parts of those associated with the club; its coaches, players, officials and the parents and guardians of its youth players. The Club has subsequently introduced Fair Play Charters, which should be abided by at all times, when representing Bala Town Football Club.

Code of Conduct for the Team Coaches

Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their concept of ethics and their attitude directly affects the behaviour of players under their 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 their everyday decisions and choices of actions, as well as strategic targets, 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 requested from coaches 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, school, coach or parent.

Coaches must:

Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.

Place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.

Adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies. develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.

Not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward. encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

Ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players. at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parent) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.

Co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.

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.

Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.

Use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Promote and encourage, particularly to young players, the importance of a healthy lifestyle and diet.

Provide guidance and support to players on the dangers of drug abuse.

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. This Code focuses on players involved in top-class football. Nevertheless, the key concepts in the Code are valid for players at all levels. Consequently, Bala Town Football Club would like to adopt these high standards, as is the case throughout the Football Club.

Obligations towards the game

A player should;

Make every effort to develop their own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.

Make every effort to lead a healthy lifestyle which will include an appropriate diet and an avoidance of recreational or performance enhancing drugs.

ive maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if his team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.

Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.

Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time-wasting.

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.

Not use inappropriate language.

Obligations towards one’s own team

A player should:

Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help his own team win.

Resist any influence that might, or might be seen to, bring into question his commitment to the team winning.

Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules

Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules.

Accept success and failure, victory and defeat with an equal measure of dignity.

Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques.

Respect towards Opponents

A player should:

Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.

Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents.

Respect towards the Match Officials

A player should:

Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest.

Avoid words or actions that may mislead a Match Official.

Show due respect towards Match Officials.

Respect towards Team Officials

Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Team Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code.

Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition.

Obligations towards the Supporters

Show due respect to the interests of supporters.

Code of Conduct for Team Officials

This Code applies to all team/club officials (although some items may not apply to all officials).

Obligations towards the Game

The team official should:

Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.

Promote and develop their own team having regard to the interest of the Players, Supporters and reputation of the national game.

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.

Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.

Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game.

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. Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Obligations towards the Team

The team official should;

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.

Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.

Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.

Promote ethical principles.

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:

Show due respect for the interests of supporters.

Respect towards the Match Officials

A team official should:

Accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest.

Avoid words or actions that may mislead a Match Official.

Show due respect towards Match Officials.