DJFC Club Handbook Full copies of the Clubs procedures are available via the Club Secretary. It is essential for the interests of the Club, the well being and development of the Club Members and its Players that the procedures are adhered to all times.

Club Rules / Constitution

The club shall be called DAVENHAM JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB (DJFC – the Club). Teams will be called DYNAMOES for all age groups, where there are additional players in an age group a second team will be created and called RANGERS.

The objective of the Club is to foster and provide facilities for its junior members to play organised football matches at recognised venues throughout the playing season.

These rules (the Club Rules) form a binding agreement between each member and the Club.

The Club shall have the status of an Affiliated Member Club of The F.A. by virtue of its affiliation to/membership of The Cheshire F.A.

The Club will also abide by The F.A.’s Child Protection Policies and Procedures, Codes of Conduct and their Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination Policies.

Club Membership

The members shall be those persons listed in the register of members.

Any person who wishes to be a member must apply on the Membership Application Form (MAF1) and deliver it to the Club Secretary. Election to membership shall be at the sole discretion of the Club Management Committee.

In the event of a member’s resignation or expulsion, his or her name shall be removed from the Membership Register.

Annual Membership Fee

The Clubs Management Committee sets the annual membership fee. Any fee shall be payable on a successful application for membership

and thereafter renewed annually by each member. Fees shall not be repayable. Members joining post January 1st will pay a reduced membership fee.

The Club Management Committee shall have the authority to levy further subscriptions from the members as are reasonably necessary to fulfil the objectives of the Club.

Resignations and Expulsion

A member shall cease to be a member of the Club if, and from the date on which, he/she gives notice to the Club Management Committee of their resignation. A member whose annual membership fee or further subscription is more than 2 months in arrears shall be deemed to have resigned.

The Club Management Committee shall have the power to expel a member when, following disciplinary procedures, or in their opinion, it would not be in the interests of the Club for them to remain a member.

A member who resigns or is expelled shall not be entitled to claim any, or a share of any, of the Club Property.

Club Committees

There is a Club Management Committee, a Managers sub-committee and the Social sub-committee. Each meets monthly, usually on a Tuesday and consists of Club officials and representatives of Managers and Parents.

The Club Management Committee is responsible for the management of all the affairs of the Club.

The Club Managers Sub-Committee is responsible for the management of all the affairs of the teams, their kit, equipment, and pitch usage within the club.

The Club Social Sub-Committee shall be responsible for the administration of all the social affairs of the Club and its fund raising activities.

Annual General Meetings and General Meetings

An Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held in each year to:

• receive a report of the activities of the Club over the previous year
• receive a report of the Club’s finances over the previous year
• elect the members of the Club Management Committee
• consider any other business.

The Committee may call a Special General Meeting (SGM) at any time if the nature and urgency of the agenda deems it necessary to do so. Business at an SGM may be any business that may be transacted at an AGM.

Club Finances

A bank account has been opened and maintained in the name of the Club (the Club Account). Designated account signatories are the Club Secretary and the Club Treasurer.

No sum shall be drawn from the Club Account except by cheque signed by two of the two designated signatories. All monies payable to the Club shall be received by the Treasurer and deposited in the Club Account.

The Club Management Committee has 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.

The Club prepares an annual Financial Statement. A third party as determined by the Clubs Management Committee audits the accounts and the Clubs finances are reviewed monthly at the appropriate meetings.

The Club has responsibility for paying the following:

• Referees fees and any other expenses imposed by the league.
• Fines for administrative errors but stresses every effort is taken to keep these to an absolute minimum. (The Club reserves the right to request the manager to pay for repeated fines caused by constant administrative negligence).
• The Club will not reimburse fines for un-gentlemanly conduct or for foul and abusive language and in any such cases the clubs disciplinary procedures will be invoked.
• The provision of Club trophies for end of season presentations.
• The provision of training facilities, equipment, grounds, football kit, medical kit, footballs, insurance etc.
• Suitable Management training, coaching courses, professional coaching fees and player development courses.

This does not infer that the Club shall pay for all teams to have all equipment and will attend all courses they may wish at their disposal all of the time. It does infer that as a club we purchase equipment and courses that can be used in an equitable and efficient manner for the benefit of all members.

All managers are encouraged to seek sponsorship at all times or until such time as the Club has acquired a Club sponsor for all teams.

All football strips and equipment supplied by the Club or acquired by a team (through fund raising or sponsorship) is deemed the property of the club and is insured against loss or accidental damage.

The Club does not discourage individual teams from raising money for specific items of equipment to benefit their own team where sponsorship is not available.

In the event of a team discontinuing, all strips, equipment and funds held by that team shall revert to the Club. Failure to return said items may result in the Club taking appropriate action to recover them.

Skills Development and Training

In line with the requirements of the FA and the CFA, Managers and Coaches must undertake at least a Junior Team Managers Course (incorporating an emergency First Aid Course) within their first twelve months with the Club.

The Club contributes funds to Managers and Coaches for the cost of attending Junior Team management courses. The Clubs Management Committee will set the amount of funding.

The Club arranges for additional training courses where it deems necessary for the development of Club officials, managers, coaches or players. In the main the costs for this will be born out of Club funds, however, the Club has the right to request funding from managers, players and members where the overall costs may deem this necessary to do so.

The Club does offer training facilities to other clubs, schools and third parties if it is in the Clubs interests to minimise costs, or achieve the required numbers to justify the arrangements being made.

The Club will participate in skills development schemes, if and when the needs arise, to further develop the players’ abilities.

Compliance to League Rules

Managers and Players must avail themselves of the rules of the FA, Cheshire FA and Mid Cheshire Youth Football League (MCYFL) and act in accordance with them at all times.

Managers and Coaches must be registered with the MCYFL and must wear their green registration cards at all their team matches.

Players must be registered players to the MCYFL. Non-registered players cannot play in league matches but may participate in friendly matches. Player’s registration cards must be offered to the opposition manager prior to a game commencing.

Any players leaving the Club to join another club or simply wishing to no longer play for the Club must be deregistered to the MCYFL before they can be registered to any new club.

All correspondence between Club and FA or MCYFL must be counter signed by the Club Secretary; there can be no direct correspondence form Club managers, coaches or players direct to the Leagues.

Appropriate forms can be obtained via the team Manager or the Club Secretary

Codes of Conduct

Code of Conduct for DJFC

DJFC is part of the national game. This code applies to all those involved in football under the auspices of The Football Association. Community – DJFC at all levels is a vital part of a community. DJFC will take into account community feeling when making decisions.

• Equality – DJFC is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.
• Participants – DJFC recognises the sense of ownership felt by those who participate at all levels of the game. This includes those who play, those who coach or help in any way, and those who officiate, as well as administrators and supporters. DJFC Football is committed to appropriate consultation.
• Young People – DJFC acknowledges the extent of its influence over young people and pledges to set a positive example.
• Propriety – DJFC 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 – DJFC will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved in the game, whether they are individuals, clubs or other organisations.
• Violence – DJFC rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game.
• Fairness – DJFC committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game.
• Integrity and Fair Play – DJFC is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with Fair Play.

Code of Conduct for DJFC Coaches

Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in DJFC. 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.

Set out below is The F.A. Coaches Association Code of Conduct (which reflects the standards expressed by the National Coaching Foundation and the National Association of Sports Coaches) that forms the benchmark for all involved in coaching and by which we at DJFC support and endorse:

• 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 an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
• Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain 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, experience and ability of players.
• Coaches should, 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.
• Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other Coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
• Coaches must 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.
• Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
• Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Code of Conduct for DJFC 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 within DJFC.

Obligations towards the game, a player should:

• Make every effort to develop their own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.
• Give 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 other 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, a player should:
• Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules.
• Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.
• 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, a player should
• 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, a player should:

• Show due respect to the interests of supporters.
• Code of Conduct for DJFC Team Officials
• This Code applies to all DJFC 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 his 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.

Code of Conduct for DJFC Parents / Spectators

DJFC Parents / Spectators have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football. All our children play football because they first and foremost 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:

• Children enjoying football.
• A sense of personal achievement.
• Self-esteem.
• Improving the child’s skills and techniques.

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

• Other players.
• Officials.
• Managers.
• Spectators.

Parents / spectators within our club will ensure they are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children not just their own.

Parents / spectators are encouraged to:

• Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.
• Avoid coaching the child during the game.
• Not to shout and scream.
• Respect the referee’s decision.
• Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented.
• Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football.
• Parents / spectators within our club agree and adhere to the club’s Code of Conduct and Child Protection Procedures.

DJFC Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities Policies

DJFC Anti-Discrimination Policy

DJFC 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.

Equality of opportunity at DJFC 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.

DJFC 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.

DJFC Equal Opportunities Policy

DJFC 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.

Any member found guilty of discrimination will be instructed to desist forthwith. Since discrimination in its many forms is against the Football Club’s policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedures.

The 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.

Complaints & Disciplinary action

The principal reasons for this procedure are not only to ensure that the standards established by The Clubs rules and Codes of Conduct are adhered to, but also to provide fair methods of dealing with alleged failure to observe such rules.

All cases of complaints and disciplinary action, in accordance with this procedure will be recorded and placed in The Clubs records.

The disciplinary procedure is concerned with the following: –

• Misdemeanour
• Misconduct
• Gross Misconduct
• Incompetence
• Unsuitability

In normal circumstances the procedure will be followed in full however The Club reserves the right to omit any stages dependant upon the seriousness of the alleged offence(s).

The club has five levels at which a disciplinary action may be invoked, they are: –

• Verbal Warning (for minor offences).
• First Written Warning (repeated minor offences)
• Final Written Warning (should the verbal and/or the first written warnings have no effect)
• Membership removal (the Club Member or Official will be informed and will receive a written notice of this decision, together with the reason for removal)

If the removal of membership involves a either a Club Official or Player the Club will inform the MCYFL Registration Secretary and League Secretary in order to deregister the person and to comply with MCYFL requirements.

Fines

There will be occasions in accordance with FA and MCYFL disciplinary procedures where the Club will have fines imposed upon it for inappropriate actions of its members, Officials, Parents, Guardians or Spectators.

The Club retains the right to pass on such fines to the offending person(s) where it deems necessary in accordance with the Clubs constitution and codes of conduct. Notice in writing will be given to the offending person(s) of the fine imposed.

Complaints

In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way, or that the Club Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct have been broken. They should report the matter to the Club Secretary or another member of the Committee. An Incident Report form (IR1) is available from the Clubs Secretary, Team Manager, or any Committee Member.

Your report should include:

• Details of what, when, and where the occurrence took place.
• Any witness statement and names.
• Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way.
• Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to whom made.
• A preference for a solution to the incident.

The Club’s Management Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested. Where necessary they may seek advice and guidance from the F.A Cheshire FA or the MCYFL.

Appeals

There is no appeal procedure and the Club Management Committee decision will be final.

Suspension

At any stage the Club may, by written notice, suspend a Member or Club Official for a specific period during which time any investigation may be undertaken.

Where a Club member or Official is suspended they will not be entitled to access either The Clubs premises or that of its clients, use any Club equipment or property, participate in matches or training without prior consent of The Club.

Guidelines

Managers – General

1. All managers shall be appointed at the discretion of the Club Management Committee and be bound by the clubs constitution.
2. Managers should conduct themselves at all times in a responsible manner that reflects highly of the Club image.
3. In line with requirements of the Mid Cheshire League, managers and coaches must undertake at least a Junior Team Managers Course (incorporating an emergency First Aid Course) and attend an FA child protection seminar within their first twelve months with the Club.
4. Any Issue of requests made at the Managers Sub-committee meetings should be brought to the attention of the Club Management Committee via the managers’ representatives on that committee.
5. Managers should avail themselves of the rules of the F.A. and the Mid Cheshire League and act in accordance with them at all times.
6. All football strips supplied by the Club or acquired by a team (through fund raising or sponsorship) shall be deemed the property of the club and be insured against loss or accidental damage.
7. All equipment acquired by the club for use by its members should be stored in and returned after use to the Club garage at the rear of Davenham Cricket Club.
8. Managers should appoint where practicable an assistant, and should have available at all times a qualified first-aider in line with league requirements.
9. All fixtures should be confirmed together with ground allocations and referees through the fixtures secretary. This is to avoid confusion especially in the event of re-arranged games and cup-ties.
10. Training dates and times should be organised through the training coordinator (appointed by the Managers sub-committee) who will endeavour to meet the aspirations of all members and to best utilise the Clubs equipment for the benefit of its members.
11. Should competitive games be required to be played in the evenings (usually at the end of season) these should be arranged through the fixtures secretary and will take preference over training. As a matter of courtesy the manager responsible for the fixture should notify the respective teams whose training will be affected.
12. Managers should be responsible for playing their part in the general running of the Club. They should support the Clubs fund raising activities and ensure that communications from the Club are distributed to members in an orderly and timely fashion.
13. Managers should keep a check on players attendance at training and for games and be responsible for collecting and accounting for any monies the Club Management Committee deems necessary for the successful running of the club (e.g. indoor training monies) and also for the regular payments of such to the treasurer (duly receipted on the appropriate forms with payments weekly in respect of indoor training). The manager may of course appoint a responsible person to perform this task in order to spread the duties.
14. Managers should only play club members in any competitive game and club membership will only be granted after the club membership and any other league fees have been paid.
15. Managers shall be responsible in accordance with MCYFL rules of arranging matches with non-league teams during the league season.
16. Managers are requested to ensure that their respective web site data is maintained and up to date, with match reports being submitted in a timely manner.
17. Managers must ensure they have a parental consent form for each player en-situ at each game or training session.
18. If an incident takes place at a game, training session or during any Club activity an Incident Report must be completed and submitted to the Club Secretary.

Managers – Financial

1. Managers shall have the authority to spend up to a total of £25 of clubs funds during the season (on incidentals) without prior authority from the Club Management Committee. Valid expenditure backed-up by appropriate receipts will be refunded by the Club. Expenditure in excess of this figure must be approved prior to any expense being incurred.
2. The Club shall be responsible for the payment of Referees fees and any other expenses imposed by the league.
3. The Club shall pay club fines for administrative errors but stress that these should be kept to an absolute minimum. The Club reserve the right to request the manager to pay for repeated fines caused by constant administrative negligence.
4. The Manager shall be responsible for deciding whether fines imposed on players are to be reimbursed by the Club. It is unlikely that the Club will reimburse fines for un-gentlemanly conduct or for foul and abusive language.
5. Managers are responsible for maintaining a player attendance list for training purposes; this should include non-member attendances, in particular, when new players are being considered for new season selection prior to becoming full members.
6. Managers are responsible for completion of match report forms, paying referees fees, and informing the MCYFL of results within agreed timescales set by the MCYFL.
7. The Club shall provide trophies for end of season presentations. Teams may buy further trophies if desired but consideration should be given to other teams with whom joint presentations are being held.
8. As a general rule the Club shall be responsible for providing all facilities required in order for the members to enjoy their football development within the Club. This shall include the provision of training facilities, equipment, grounds, football kit, medical kit, footballs, insurance etc. This does not infer that the Club shall pay for all teams to have all equipment they may wish at their disposal all of the time. It does infer that as a club we purchase equipment that can be used in an equitable and efficient manner for the benefit of all members. Much of the equipment and kits in the past have been sponsored and this option should always be sought first in preference to using clubs funds to purchase new equipment. All managers are encouraged to seek sponsorship at all times or until such time as the Club has acquired a Club sponsor for all teams.
9. The Club does not discourage individual teams from raising money for specific items of equipment to benefit their own team where sponsorship is not available. However, the Club Management Committee should be aware of the method of fund raising prior to it taking place and the purpose of the monies being raised. All income so raised should be lodged with the Club Treasurer who will identify the funds as being held in support of a particular team or teams. Subsequent expenditure should be authorised by the Club Management Committee.
10. Winter training fees must be paid into Club funds by cheque only, via the Club Treasurer on a monthly basis; this money is Club property and can not be used to fund adhoc team activities. During the summer, training fees are not a club requirement, however Managers may use this option to raise funds for their team. Managers must inform parents and the Management Committee of the purpose of such fund raising as stated in item 7 above.
11. In the event of a team discontinuing, all strips, equipment and funds held by that team shall revert to the Club.

Coaches

1. Coaches must conduct themselves on and off the pitch at all times in a responsible manner that reflects highly of the Club image, and Coaches Code of Conduct.
2. Coaches should abide by the rules of Club, the Mid Cheshire Youth League (MCYFL) and the Football Association, and act in accordance with them at all times.
3. The club will provide Coaches with regular skills training and development.
4. The team manager may seek to employ a professional coach to assist in specific adhoc skills development for his team. Such action must have prior approval of the Management Committee.
5. Coaches will work closely with and support the team Manager at all times. Managers are responsible for keeping Coaches up to date and informed of team arrangements, match fixtures, locations team players etc.
6. Coaches are reminded that DJFC teams play and train to win on a competitive basis; coaches must refrain from adopting a ‘win at all costs’ attitude.
7. The health and welfare of the players is a first priority. Coaches are responsible for ensuring players, particularly the younger children, are not subject to rigorous or over-strenuous training regimes as such an approach contravenes FA guidelines and is potentially detrimental to younger children’s physical development.
8. Coaches must be registered to the MCYFL and must wear official badges at matches.
9. Coaches must refrain from encroaching onto the pitch at matches and from openly challenging referees decisions.
10. Coaches may deputise on behalf of a team Managers at matches and may represent the team Manager at Club meetings.

Players

1. Players should conduct themselves on and off the pitch at all times in a responsible manner that reflects highly of the Club image, and Players code of conduct.
2. Players should abide by the rules of Club and the Mid Cheshire Youth League (MCYFL) and act in accordance with them at all times.
3. All football strips supplied by the Club or acquired by a team (through fund raising or sponsorship) shall be deemed the property of the club.
4. If for any reason a player leaves the club, all kit and club property must be returned to the Club Secretary directly or to the team manager.
5. The Club has a child protection policy and has supporting procedures, which any player may invoke at anytime.
6. Players must make every effort to attend training sessions during the week and to arrive at matches in a timely manner as instructed by their Managers.
7. Players may not participate in League matches unless they have been registered to the MCYFL and have paid their fees.
8. Players must ensure their footwear and shin-pads are suitable for the matches being played, loose, ill fitting or inappropriate footwear and/or shin-pads may result in the player being substituted for the game or until such time as appropriate replacements are provided. The Club does not provide funding for footwear or shin-pads.
9. The club will provide you with regular skills training and development. Where necessary external coaching skills may be used to assist in your development.
10. The Club will facilitate annual award presentations for all teams. Your team manager will announce arrangements nearer to the presentation date.
11. The club encourages tours and tournament participation, especially during the close season. Your team managers will advise you of dates and details.

Parents / Guardians

1. Parents, guardians, relatives and friends when attending matches are requested to conduct themselves in a responsible manner that reflects highly of the Club image, rules and codes of conduct.
2. If the Club is fined due to inappropriate parent or guardian behaviour the Club will expect such fines to be paid by the parent or guardian. Continual or severe offences may result in membership being withdrawn for player, parents and/or guardians.
3. All football strips supplied by the Club or acquired by a team (through fund raising or sponsorship) shall be deemed the property of the club. If for any reason a player leaves the club, all kit and club property must be returned to the Club Secretary directly or to the team manager.
4. The Club has a child protection policy and has supporting procedures which any player or parent / guardian may invoke at anytime. It is also a requirement that each child joining the club must have a parental consent form completed. These are available from the team manager.
5. Please ensure your child attends training sessions during the week and arrives at matches in a timely manner as instructed by the Manager.
6. Please ensure your Childs footwear and shin-pads are suitable for the matches being played. Loose, ill fitting or inappropriate footwear and/or shin-pads may result in you child being substituted for the game or until such time as appropriate replacements are provided. The Club does not provide funding for footwear or shin-pads.
7. The club will provide you child with regular skills training and development. Where necessary external coaching skills may be used to assist in your child’s development.
8. It is Club policy that all our Managers and coaches are trained to a Junior league management skills level in accordance with the Football Association and that each team has a trained emergency first-aider.
9. Please ensure the team Manager has your contact details, especially emergency contact numbers and that they are aware of any medical ailments or concerns that affects your child. A form is available from the Manager to meet this requirement. Where necessary please
10. Please ensure your child has any medication required brought with them to any training or match activities
11. Membership fees are due annually; you will be informed when fees are due to be renewed, along with any registration fees required for your child’s age group. It is requested that any fees due are paid promptly. Failure to do so may result in your child not being eligible to participate in Club or league fixtures. Membership fees are reduced from January 1st each year, this figure will be agreed by the Management Committee.
12. During the season there is an additional charge for weekly training fees, this is to cover Club costs in providing training facilities for all teams within the Club. There is not a requirement to do so during the summer, as we tend to use our own pitches. Managers may at their discretion, wish to raise team funds by charging a summer training fee. When doing so they are advised to inform parents and the Management Committee of the purpose of such fund raising.
13. If you wish to assist the Club in any capacity, please approach your child’s team Manager who will be pleased to assist with your enquiry.
14. If you are unhappy with your child’s development, or involvement within the team, do not hesitate to raise your concerns with the team Manager; or if you would prefer, you may raise the matter with one of the Clubs Management Committee members, such as a Parent representatives.

The Club does have an active website www.djfc.co.uk where you can keep up-to-date with various activities relating to the club.

Where possible the Club will give you sufficient notice of any of the following:

• Changes to your child’s involvement within the club.
• Membership fees or additional funding requirements
• Annual general meeting
• Fixtures, dates and locations (including maps)
• Tours and tournaments

You may at any time raise any informal concerns or issues about the Club via the team manager or parent representative. If you wish to raise a formal concern or issue about the Club, please do so in writing to the Clubs Secretary.

This handbook contains extracts and references to the Clubs procedures; copies of the full procedures are available from the Club Secretary. If you have any comments on the contents of this handbook or on the Club procedures, please pass them to the Club Secretary or to any member of the Management Committee.

If you wish to become an active volunteer in running or supporting the Club then please contact one of the committee members or talk to your child’s team manager.