Club Documents

FA Anti-Bullying Policy  Grassroots Football Safeguarding Children Policy         The FA's guidelines for the safe use of goalposts 

Club Equal Opportunities Policy

It is an absolute commitment of the club that no child is ever excluded from the opportunity of playing football for reasons of gender, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion, sexual orientation or perceived ability as a footballer. We strongly believe that football is a game to be played and enjoyed by everyone, and our success is measured not by the trophies we win, but by the number of children who choose to play for and remain at Little Paxton Colts throughout their childhood. This is notwithstanding children whose natural progression may take them to higher levels of the game. Players who fall into this category can expect the full support and freedom from the club to pursue their ambitions.

Club Selection and Playing Policy

Little Paxton Colts: Club Playing and Selection Policies and Guidelines For reference here a Club ‘Policy’ is an edict which the Club would expect to be followed as a minimum requirement to ensure that the Club and its’ Teams are operating as they should be. A policy is mandatory. To not follow a Club policy is to operate outside of the Clubs’ own ethos. A breach of Club Ethos would be deemed unacceptable by the Club’s Committee. Whereas, a Club ‘Guideline’ exists to provide an indication of what the Club, or perhaps the FA, perceives as good or best practice to be followed, but is only a guide and not seen as a mandatory requirement and is at the Manager’s discretion. 

Selection Policy Area: Trials - The Club does not consider trials and team streaming to be appropriate for children in the under 7 to under 11 age groups. - From under 12 onwards the use of a ‘trial’ to screen prospective NEW players is supported, but only where vacancies exist. - Although the Club supports trials for new players over 12 no existing player of any team in any age Group would be requested to leave the club as a result of a ‘trials’ process. - The Club would expect the Team Manager and Coach to discuss any trials of new players with their team’s parents beforehand so that it is clear what is happening. They will also make it clear to the prospective new player’s parents that there exists the possibility of an unsuccessful trial.

Club Social Media Policy 

The Club committee would like to remind all users of any social media sites associated with, or operating under the banner of the Club to be mindful of The FA rules and regulations as well as the Club’s policies and ethos when making such posts. This includes, but is not limited to, websites and apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and Whatsapp. The Club has committed to uphold The FA’s Respect codes of conduct, and policies on safeguarding and social media use, and expects all club officials, parents, supporters and players to follow the same best practice. In line with Huntingdonshire Youth Football League rules, this includes not publishing results of any league games up to and including Under 11, nor any references to personal opinion on this matter. Self-policing of social media channels is required of all Club members. Any posts deemed to be inappropriate should be brought to the attention of the coach or administrator responsible for the age group concerned, who will then review and, if necessary, remove or request the removal of any such posts. Any posts deemed to contravene FA, league or Club rules and guidelines may result in sanctions and/or disciplinary action against the person(s) involved, as outlined in the Club Policies, Expected Behaviours and Sanctions document. 

Sportsmanship Checklist for GOOD Footballers How to be thought of as a ‘Class Act’! 

1. I abide by the RULES of the game. GOOD Footballers know all the rules of the game and play by them. If a player decides to play any given sport, it is the responsibility of that player to learn not only how to play… but how to play according to the rules which have been established and standardized to allow competitive games to be played in an orderly fashion. The more a player knows the rules the more that player can enjoy the sport. 

2. I always play fair. Honesty and integrity should be an integral part of sports. A GOOD player with good sportsmanship does not want a hollow victory, which comes as a result of cheating ("dirty" fouls, feigning injury, or simulating fouls etc.). A good footballer is also a fair player. 

3. I follow the directions of the coach. A player with good sportsmanship listens to and follows the directions of the coach, realizing that each player's decisions affect the rest of the team. If a player has disagreements with the coach, the GOOD player discusses those disagreements privately, in a civil manner, and always away from the public eye. 

4. I respect the other team's effort. Win or lose…. the GOOD footballer, is a good sportsman, and does not use the occasion to put the other team down. In the field of competition respect for opponents is central to good sportsmanship. If an opponent out-performs him, the GOOD player accepts it, learns from it, offers no excuses, and moves on. Similarly if a GOOD player out-performs his or her opponent, that player enjoys the victory, but does not gloat, does not belittle, and does not minimize the opponent's effort. This is the definition of a 1st -class footballer… a ‘class act’. 

5. I offer encouragement to teammates. A sign of a good sportsman is a player who praises teammates when they do well and who comforts and encourages them when they make mistakes. Criticizing teammates in the heat of battle simply distracts from the team focus of working together and other player’s enjoyment of the game. Good sportsmanship implies that he/she is a ‘team player’, understanding that his or her behaviour reflects on the team in general. A ‘team player’ does not condone unsportsmanlike conduct from teammates, but instead promotes good sportsmanship among teammates.

6. I accept the judgment calls of the game officials. Part of being human is making mistakes. Arguing with an official over a decision simply wastes energy. The player with good sportsmanship knows that errors may be made, but that player also knows that a game is made up of all the play from the beginning to the end of the game, not just one of two decisions – however important they may seem. The player with good sportsmanship may be upset, but that player also has learned to focus his/her energies back on the game and on doing the best he/she can do for the rest of the game.

7. I end the game smoothly. When the game is over, pouting, threatening, cajoling has no place in the life of the players with good sportsmanship. The emphasis of good players is on the joy of participating, regardless of outcome. Good players are not devoid of emotions but they do know the importance of ending the match in the right way, i.e. without antagonistic emotional displays. GOOD PLAYERS ensure that the game will continue in the future. 

"Sports do not build character. They reveal it." … ARE YOU A ‘CLASS ACT’?