CODE OF CONDUCT

At Clarkston Colts, we follow a constitution established by the founding members and committee. It is as follows: 

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1. NAME:
The Club shall be called Clarkston Colts Football Club hereafter referred to as “the Club”

2. OBJECTIVES:
a) To promote the enjoyment of football for boys and girls through various development stages of the game.
b) Games and training will be conducted in an environment that fosters fair play and participation for all,
irrespective of ability, race, colour or religion and shall encourage co-operation, respect for others, loyalty,
acceptance of rules and decisions, personal responsibility, self-discipline and the need for team work.
c) The Club shall promote these objectives and work closely with any other allied professions or agencies
that have similar aims.

3. STATUS OF RULES.

The Constitution and any rules or policies adopted by the Club will form a binding agreement between the
Club and each member of the Club.

4. RULES AND REGULATIONS.

a) The Club shall have the status of an affiliated member Club of the Scottish Youth Football Association
(S.Y.F.A.) and Clubsportnl by virtue of it’s affiliation to/membership of the S.Y.F.A. and Clubsportnl.
Clubsportnl pulls together all the former sports councils within North Lanarkshire. The rules and regulations
of the S.Y.F.A. and parent Scottish Football Association and any league or competition to which the Club is
affiliated for the time being shall be deemed to be incorporated into the Club Rules.
b) No alteration to the Club Rules, Codes of Conduct or Policies shall be effective without written approval by
the Club Committee.
c) The Club will abide by the Scottish Youth Football Association Child Protection Policy, Procedures and Code
of Conduct and the Club’s own Codes of Conduct or Policies.

5. CLUB MEMBERSHIP.
a) The Members of the Club shall consist of:
i) Adult members who shall be those persons listed as Executive and Ordinary members of the
Committee, coaches, parent helpers and volunteers.

ii) Playing Members who are represented by their parents or legal guardians. Playing Members will be
those listed in the register of playing members (the Membership Register) which shall be maintained by the
Club Membership Secretary or other official as appropriate.
b) Any person who wishes to be a playing member should submit the required details (name, address, date
of birth and telephone number) and we will add the information to the current waiting list. When a place
becomes available, we will contact the first name on the appropriate waiting list.
c) Membership shall become effective only after the completion and receipt of all necessary insurance and
registration forms and upon an applicant’s name being entered in the Membership Register. Acceptance of
membership shall be at the sole discretion of the Club Committee.
d) In the event of a playing member’s resignation or expulsion, his or her name shall be removed from the
Membership Register.
e) A playing member whose annual membership fee or training levy is more than one month in arrears shall
be deemed to have resigned and will be placed at the bottom of the appropriate waiting list.
f) All Members of the Club will be bound to have read and accepted the Constitution and any rules or policies
adopted by the Club.

6. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE & TRAINING LEVY.
a) An annual membership fee will be payable by each playing member upon application to join the Club. The
annual membership fee is non-refundable upon acceptance to the Club. Annual fees can only be determined
at an Annual General Meeting of the Club.
b) A training levy will be payable by each playing member.
c) All members are able to pay the training levy by monthly instalments within seven days of the 1st of
each month of the current season.
d) The Club Committee shall have the authority to determine, raise, lower or refund training levies as is
deemed necessary to fulfill the Club’s objectives whilst also taking into account the Club’s financial situation.

7. RESIGNATION, SUSPENSION & EXPULSION.
a) Any member shall cease to be a member of the Club if, and from the date on which, he/she gives written
notice to the Club Committee of their resignation. A playing member whose annual membership fee or
training levy is more than one month in arrears shall be deemed to have resigned.

b) The Club Committee has the authority to expel any adult or playing member as defined in 5(a) when in
the Committee’s opinion, it would not be in the interests of the Club for them to remain a member. There
shall be no appeal procedures.
c) The Club commits itself to the immediate investigation of any written complaint, grievance or claim of
discrimination against any adult or playing member and the Club Committee is authorised to immediately
suspend the individual involved from participation and involvement with the Club until the investigation is
complete and any imposed penalty/suspension following thereon has been completed.
d) A member who resigns or is expelled shall not be entitled to claim any, or a share of any, of the Club
property.

8. CLUB COMMITTEE.
a) The Club Committee shall consist of the following Executive members: Chairperson, Treasurer and
Secretary plus up to five other ordinary members, elected at an Annual General Meeting. Should the post of
any Executive or Ordinary member become vacant, the remaining Committee have the authority to fill the
vacancy. A person may hold no more than one position of Executive or Ordinary member at any one time.
b) Each Executive and Ordinary member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the next Annual
General Meeting.
c) The Club Committee shall be responsible for the management of all the affairs of the Club. Decisions of
the Club Committee shall be made by a simple majority of those attending the Committee meeting and
eligible to vote.
d) Meetings of the Club Committee shall be chaired by the Chairperson or in their absence the Vice
Chairperson or other nominated Committee Member.
e) The quorum for the transaction of business of the Club Committee shall be five.
f) The Chairperson of the Club Committee meeting shall have a deliberative as well as casting vote in the
event of a tie.
g) Decisions of the Club Committee shall be recorded in the minutes and maintained and held by the
Secretary.
h) The Club Committee shall convene once per quarter as necessary, inclusive of the A.G.M.

i) An outgoing member of the Club Committee may be re-elected unless rule 7(a, b or c) has been
applied. Any vacancy on the Club Committee which arises between Annual General Meetings shall be filled
by a member proposed by one and seconded by another of the remaining Club Committee members and
approved by a simple majority of the remaining Club Committee members.
j) The Club Committee shall have the right to decide all questions and disputes arising in respect of any
issue concerning the Club Rules unless this contravenes the rules and regulations of any governing body to
which the Club is affiliated.

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9. ANNUAL & EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETINGS.
a) An Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) shall be held in March each year with the purpose of:
i) Formally approving the previous A.G.M. minutes.
ii) Receiving a report of the Club’s finances over the previous year.
iii) Receiving a report of the activities of the Club over the previous year.
iv) Amending the Constitution.
v) Considering any other business.
vi) The election of members of the Club Committee.
b) An Extraordinary General Meeting (E.G.M.) may be called at any time following an application in writing
to the Secretary, supported by the majority of the Committee or written agreement of at least six adult
members of the Club, with at least thirty days notice, stating the purposes for which the Meeting is required
and the resolutions proposed. Business at an E.G.M. may be any business that may be transacted at an
A.G.M., with the exception of changes to the Constitution.
c) The Secretary shall reasonably endeavour to distribute to all adult members and parents/guardians of all
playing members, written notice of the date of any General Meeting together with the resolutions to be
proposed at least thirty days before the meeting.
d) The quorum for a General Meeting shall be five.
e) The Chairperson or in their absence the Vice Chairperson or in their absence a member selected by the
Club Committee shall take the chair. Each Committee member present shall have one vote and resolutions

shall be passed by a simple majority. In the event of a tie, the Chairperson shall have a deliberative as well
as casting vote.
f) The Secretary, or in their absence a nominated member of the Club Committee shall record and maintain
minutes of the meeting to be formally approved at the next A.G.M.
g) Any changes to the Constitution shall only be made at an A.G.M. and shall require a majority vote of
those present and eligible to vote. Any proposal to change the Constitution must be submitted in writing,
countersigned by two members eligible to vote at an A.G.M., to the Secretary who shall circulate the
proposal to all Members and allow seven days, from the postmarked date, for submissions of any
amendments before calling a meeting in accordance with Rule 9(c) above.

10. CLUB FINANCES.
a) The financial year end will be 31st December.
b) The treasurer shall prepare the annual accounts of the Club to be handed to the Secretary thirty days
before the date of the A.G.M.
c) A qualified accountant or another independent party shall be nominated annually by the Committee for
the purpose of approving the Club accounts which shall be tabled at the A.G.M.
d) All cheques drawn against the Club’s funds shall be signed by two authorised signatories on behalf of the
Club.
i) The Committee will nominate at an A.G.M., four authorised signatories from the Committee, two of
which must be the Treasurer and the Chairperson.
ii) Should a position become vacant, the Committee have the authority to appoint a new signatory in
relation to the vacancy at any subsequent meeting.
iii) For normal business of the Club, the Treasurer and Chairperson shall be the main signatories. Should
they be unavailable or if Rule 10d (iv) applies, one or both of the remaining two nominees can be called
upon.
iv) No authorised person can sign a cheque payable to themselves.
e) All Members of the Club shall be jointly responsible for the financial liabilities of the Club.

f) The income and assets of the Club (the Club Property) shall be applied only in the furtherance of the
objectives of the Club.
g) The Club Committee shall have the power to authorise the payment of remuneration and expenses to any
member of the Club and to any other person or persons for services rendered to the Club including the cost
of coaching courses.
h) Where the Club has paid, in part or full, for a member to attend a coaching or other training course and
that member resigns or is expelled from the Club within one year of initial payment or achievement of the
course or any award or certificate following thereon, whichever is the latter, that member will reimburse
without question or delay, all monies paid by the Club in respect of said course, certificate or award.

11. ONLINE MEDIA.
a) The Club, in due course, may register a domain name or utilise social media and the Committee will use
its best endeavours to maintain the online media for use by members and the general public for information
purposes.
b) At no time will any Playing Member’s names, personal details or photograph be published online without
prior agreement of the Playing Member’s parent or guardian.
c) The Club will not rent, trade or sell any information given through the use of the online media unless
required to do so by law. Use of any and all information will be in accordance with the current Data
Protection Act.

12. DISSOLUTION.
a) A resolution to dissolve the Club shall only be proposed at a General Meeting and shall be carried by a
majority of at least three-quarters of the Members present.
b) The dissolution shall take effect from the date of the resolution and the members of the Club Committee
shall be responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Club.
c) Any surplus assets remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the Club shall be
transferred and distributed by Clubsportnl in conjunction with a nominated representative of the Club, who
shall determine how the assets shall be utilised for the sporting benefit of children of school age within
Airdrie and surrounding area.

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CODE OF CONDUCT

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1. GENERAL.

Clarkston Colts Football Club expects that all officials, players, parents and spectators agree with and adhere to the
following Codes of Conduct.

MEMBERS SHOULD NOT:
a) Argue with a referee, linesman, match official or spectator.
b) Manhandle match officials.
c) Blame the referee or officials for your mistakes.
d) Lose your temper or self-control.
e) Take the law into your own hands by retaliation.
f) Cheat.
g) Get involved in matters that do not concern you.
h) Attempt to get opponents into trouble.
i) Copy the bad habits of others.
j) Fail to respect the authority of the referee.

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2. COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT.
Coaches SHOULD:
a) Be aware of and adhere to Clarkston Colts Football Club and S.Y.F.A. Child Protection Policy. Coaches are required to
report in writing any instance or suspected instance which may be in contravention of the Child Protection laws applicable at
the time, to the Club’s Executive Committee members.
b) Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
c) Place the well being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
d) Adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
e) Develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.

f) Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
g) Ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
h) Co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, doctors) in the best interests of the sport.
i) Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
j) Promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone violations of the laws of the game or the use
of prohibited substances or techniques.
k) Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
l) Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
m) Show due respect to match officials and others involved in the game.
n) Develop their own standards through attendance at S.F.A. Coach Development courses, or the like, in accordance with
the age group they are responsible for. As per clauses 10 (g) and (h) in the Club Constitution, payment for these courses
may be met by the Club but at the sole discretion of the Committee.

Coaches SHOULD NOT:
a) Appoint a regular helper in contact with the children without consultation with an Executive Committee member.
b) For anything other than routine matters, hold meetings with, or distribute newsletters or other correspondence to,
parents without prior notice to the Committee.
c) Disclose any information which may be construed as private or confidential to any third party.
d) Use or tolerate inappropriate language.

3. PLAYER DISCIPLINE & BEHAVIOUR.
Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game.
a) Any player whose conduct falls short of the required standard of good sportsmanship and fair play at all times will be
withdrawn from the match or training session whatever the circumstances and may be subject of further disciplinary action
to be determined by the Committee in accordance with the Club’s disciplinary procedure.

b) Swearing, spitting or fighting will not be tolerated at any time.
c) Players must accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.
d) Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.
e) Abide by the instructions of their coach and Club officials provided they do not contradict the spirit of this code.
f) If a player is cautioned during a match then the player may be the subject of further disciplinary action to be determined
by the Committee in accordance with the Club’s disciplinary procedure.
g) All players must be up to date with their annual membership fee and training levy payments as in accordance with Rule
7(a) of the Club Constitution. No player will be allowed to participate in either training or matches unless they have paid all monies due to the Club.
h) All players must wear appropriate kit at all training sessions and matches i.e. shin pads, boots or trainers (depending on
surface).
i) The Club will provide appropriate clothing i.e. strips or tracksuits, to be worn only on match days which will remain the
property of the Club at all times.
j) Wet weather jackets and/or sweatshirts are the property of the player but should loss or damage occur, all subsequent
replacements will be purchased through, but at no cost to, the Club.
k) Any player unable to attend training or a match should notify the coach as soon as possible.
l) Parents are responsible for ensuring that players arrive at and are picked up from, training and matches punctually.
m) Any player injured during any coaching session or match must report the incident to the coach no matter how slight the
injury. The coach will then report to the Secretary and an “Accident Report Form” shall be completed.

4. SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT.
Spectators are expected to agree with and adhere to the Club’s Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy and also,
a) Support all playing members by offering praise whenever possible.
b) Give encouragement to all playing members involved in football, not just the most talented.
c) Respect the decision of the referee or match officials; avoid criticism.

d) Do not go onto the pitch unless requested. Foul and abusive language will not be tolerated.
e) Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.
f) Avoid coaching playing members during the game.
g) Do not shout and scream.
h) Persistent failure to observe these rules may result in an adult or playing member being expelled from the Club.
i) If a spectator is cautioned or sent off during a match or reported within the “Match Report Form” then the individual may be asked not to attend the next game, as well as co-operating with any subsequent enquiry which may ensue.

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ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Clarkston Colts 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. The Club is committed to confront and eliminate
discrimination whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.
Equality of opportunity at the Club means that in all its activities it 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 but is not limited to:
a) The advertisement for volunteers.
b) The selection of candidates for volunteers.
c) Promotion of and attendance at training courses.
d) External coaching and education activities and awards.
e) Football development activities.
f) Selection for teams.
g) Appointments to Executive, Committee and Coaching positions.

The 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.
The 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.

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ANTI–RACISM POLICY

DEFINITION OF A RACIST INCIDENT:
A racist incident is any incident that is perceived to be racist by the victim, or any other person.
Clarkston Colts Football Club operates a zero-tolerance policy towards racism. It aims to create and maintain an
environment for players, coaches, parental helpers and spectators, that is free from racial harassment, abuse and violence.
Everyone connected with the club has a responsibility to prevent racist behaviour and as such, are responsible not only for
their behaviour, but for that of others.
Proven racist harassment, abuse or violence which is perpetrated by any player, coach, parental helper or spectator will
result in disciplinary action by the club and will be reported to the police. In the case of a spectator, he or she will be
banned for life from attending at, or participating in, any event which is related to Clarkston Colts Football Club.
All persons connected with the club are obliged to report all racist incidents to a member of the Clarkston Colts Football
Club Committee as soon as is reasonably practicable. It is NOT the sole responsibility of the victim of such abuse to initiate
action. Racial abuse or racist behaviour of any kind is itself the trigger for action.

RACIAL HARASSMENT:
Racial Harassment is any verbal, physical, written or visible abuse that is aggravated by the race, ethnic background,
nationality, language, skin colour or cultural background of a person and is unacceptable and offensive to that person.
Examples of racial harassment include;
PHYSICAL: Intimidating gestures, physical violence or assault or the threat of any of these, because of a person’s race or
ethnicity.
VERBAL: Derogatory remarks about a person’s skin colour, nationality or appearance, unwelcome remarks about a person’s
cultural observances or racist jokes.

NON-VERBAL: Graffiti of a racial nature, defacing notices or posters, negative stereotyping or a particular ethnic or national
group or written threats of a racist nature.
There is no such thing as unintentional harassment. The key characteristic is that the behaviour is unacceptable to the
recipient.

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY

Clarkston Colts 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 the 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 or the Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1986 and
Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
The Club specifically prohibits:
a) Treating any individual on grounds of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, sexual
orientation or disability, less favourably than others.
b) Expecting an individual solely on the grounds stated above, to comply with requirement(s) for any reason whatsoever
related to their membership, which are different from the requirement(s) of others.
c) Imposing on an 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.
d) Victimisation of an individual.
e) Harassment of an individual.
f) Any other act or omission of an act, which has as its effect the disadvantaging of a member against another, or others,
purely on the above grounds. (Thus in all 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.)
The 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 the Club’s policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the Disciplinary Procedure.

The Club commits itself to the disabled person whenever possible and will treat such as 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.

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DISCIPLINARY/GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

The Club commits itself to the immediate investigation of any written complaint, grievance or claim of discrimination against
any adult or playing member and the Club Committee is authorised to immediately suspend the individual(s) from
participation and involvement with the Club until the investigation is complete and any imposed penalty/suspension
following thereon has been completed.
In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way, has a grievance against any
member of the Club or that the Club Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct has been broken, he or she should follow the
procedure below.
1. They should report the matter in writing to the Club Secretary or another member of the Committee and such should
include:
a) Details of where and when the occurrence took place and what/who was involved.
b) Any witness statement(s) and names.
c) Names of any others, if known, who have been treated in a similar way.
d) Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to who made.
e) A preference for a solution to the incident.
2. On receipt of the written complaint, the following course of action will take place:
a) The Secretary will acknowledge receipt of the complaint together with a copy of the Complaint/Grievance Procedure to
the complainant within seven days.
b) Notice will be given to the Chairperson and the complaint/grievance will be raised as an agenda item at the next
Committee meeting.
c) If necessary, the Committee will nominate a sub-committee who shall conduct any further investigation.

i) The Club C.P.O. shall be a member of this sub-committee as necessary.
ii) Any member of the sub-committee who is related to or has any other business or private connection with the
complainant should declare it from the outset.
iii) The members of said disciplinary sub-committee need not be members of the Club Committee.
3. The sub-committee will report their findings and recommendations to the Club Committee at the earliest available
Committee meeting by way of the “Complaints/Grievance Form” and thereafter, the Committee will have the authority to:
a) Warn as to future conduct,
b) Suspend from Membership,
c) Remove from Membership,
Any person found to have broken the Club’s Policies or Code of Conduct.
OR:
If the accusation is found to be without substance, invite suspended members to return to normal duties.
4. In all cases, the Committee will endeavour to notify the complainant of the result of any investigation within 14 days
of the Complaint/Grievance Form being completed and signed by Chairperson.
5. The Club Committee will be required to monitor complaints and implement the Club’s Disciplinary/Grievance
Procedures as required for recurring incidents.
6. The Committee decision is final and there will be no appeal procedure.