Crusaders Football Development Centre Player, Coach & Parent ... · Crusaders Football Club St Vincent St, Belfast BT15 3G 6 03 Policy Statement Crusaders Football Club (hereafter

Crusaders Football ClubSt Vincent St, Belfast BT15 3QG 1

Crusaders Football Development Centre

Player, Coach & Parent Information Book


Contents

01 Welcome 03 02 Mission Statement 0403 Policy Statement 0504 Child Protection Policy & Procedures 0605 Player Evaluation 0706 Breach of Rules & Complaints 0807 Release Procedure 0908 Players Code of Conduct 1009 Coaches Code of Conduct 1010 Parent/Spectator Code of Conduct 1111 Parents/Guardians have the right to 1212 Photographs/Videos Policy 12 13 Code of Conduct Players Charter 1314 Parent/Guardian Consent Form 1415 Crusaders Strikers 1616 Social Media Policy 1617 Betting Guidelines 1718 Dues 1819 Reporting 19


01 Welcome

As Manager of Crusaders Football Club I’ve witnessed the tremendous work and endeavour that my players, coaching and club staff have put into the club in the last 10 years to re-establish ourselves as one of the finest clubs in the Irish Premier League. This culminated in being crowned back to back Irish Premiership League Champions 2014-2015 and 2015-2016.

The Crusaders FC family will continue to drive forward and with enthusiasm to excel in football and I’m confident that the guidance given to our young players at the Crusaders Football Development Centre will benefit them in both the foundation and developmental stages of their football lives.

As Chairman of Crusaders Football Club I extend to you a warm welcome to our club. Crusaders Football club prides itself on being a professional, hardworking and honest club, working with integrity with strong links in our local community.

We have worked tirelessly in recent years both on and off the pitch to build strong foundations and establish ourselves in the local game and it is with great pleasure and pride that I can welcome you into the Crusaders FC family.

Stephen BaxterFirst Team Manager

Stephen BellChairman



02 Mission Statement

Dear Player /Parent /Coach,

We hope this handbook will prove to be informative reading to both current and prospective players/parents and coaches.

We take pride in ourselves for setting high standards for Crusaders. Due to the support of the Board of directors here at Crusaders we are able to pride ourselves on delivering a high class working environment for all our players from 6 – 17 years of age.

All our efforts are put into developing imaginative creative skillful players who will hopefully and eventually be good enough to be part of our first team.

Our Mission Statement is to identify and recruit quality young players regardless of cultural identity or religious beliefs.

Have fully committed and qualified staff to deliver a programme of

technical development that will enhance not only the individual’s football skills but also their social and physical development, ensuring a bright future for Crusaders Football Club.

Crusaders Football Development Centre has a simple focus: to have aplayer centred approach in their development and provide challenging coaching giving players the opportunity to be the best they can be.

We have issued this information booklet to help you as a reference toCrusaders Football club rules and policies.

Take your time to familiarise yourself with all aspects relative to training, code of conducts and policies. Please keep this book safe.

Thank you for signing and good luck for the season.


03 Policy Statement

Crusaders Football Club (hereafter ‘Crusaders FC’, or ‘the club’) is committed to the model of fair play as defined by the European code of sports ethics (European Sports Charter and Code of Ethics, Council of Europe, 1993) a practice that protects children,young people and vulnerable adults from harm.

Anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any way with Crusaders Football Club is described as a child or young person. This policy covers all managers, coaches, staff, players and volunteers involved with Crusaders Football Club and Crusaders Strikers.

We in the organisation accept and recognise our responsibility to develop awareness of the practices, which cause children harm. We endeavour tosafeguard children, young people and vulerable adults by implementing our policy and procedures in line with the Department of Health National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children, Children First

1999, and with articles 19 and 34 of the United Nations Convention on the Right or the Child.

To achieve this we will:

• Develop an awareness of Good Practice, Poor Practice and Practice to be avoided, Abuse and Bullying.

• Identify a Child Welfare Officer to whom children can turn to if they need help, guidance or support.

• Adopt child protection guidelines through codes of conduct for children participating in the sport and all adults (coaches, parents and volunteers) involved with them.

• Ensure careful recruitment, selection and management procedures for all adults involved with children in the sport.

• Ensure clear reporting procedures for responding to disclosure, suspicions and allegations maintaining confidentiality at all times.


• Preview our child protection regularly.

Crusaders FC aspires to embraces youth through the development of structure that allow any young person in Ireland to participate in Football and to reach their full potential with emphasis on enjoyment and safety ensuring a positive experience is gained at all times from their football academy experience.

The club undertakes to promote a child centred ethos, hand in hand with identifying and eliminating practices that impact negatively on safe and enjoyable participation in the football.

We recognise that child welfare and the protection of young people is the concern of all adults at all times, irrespective of their role in the organisation. Crusaders FC must accept this as part of their responsibility and duty off care for their Football Development Centre.


04 Child Protection Policy & Procedures

Crusaders FC recognises and accepts its responsibility for the safety and well-being of those children and young people who come within the care of the organisation and its staff. The Club accepts its responsibility in the belief that the welfare and protection of children and young people is paramount.

The Club has put into place systems that will prevent or minimise the risk of abuse occurring within the organisation. As an integral part of this process, Crusaders will ensure that all children and young people who train with the Club will have access to a Designated Welfare Officer and a complaints procedure.

In all Child Protection issues, we will work under the guidance of the IFA’s Safeguarding manager.

Crusaders will appoint an appropriately trained and qualified person as the Designated Welfare Officer who will have an overview of all aspects of Safeguarding at the club.

Crusaders Football Club will ensure that systems are in place so that the welfare of young persons will be dealt with appropriately and sensitively. All Crusaders Football Club staff, working with children, young people and vulnerable adults will be required to share in the Club’s ethos of responsibility for the protection of children and young people. All such staff will receive appropriate training in ‘Child Protection Awareness’ and in the Club’s ‘Procedures’ for implementing it’s Safeguarding Children Policy.

The Club will ensure that all staff working with children and young people are checked as to their suitability to work with children and young people.

The parents and carers of children and young people enrolling with Crusaders Football Club will be informed of the Club’s “Safeguarding Children Policy & Procedures”.


Child Welfare OfficerDavey DownesTel: 07812 010056Email: [email protected]

Deputy Child Welfare OfficerRachel MartinTel: 07568 565875

Crusaders Strikers Welfare OfficerJonny RedmanTel: 07867 787916Email:[email protected]


05 Player Evaluation

Player performance will be evaluated by observing the player in trails, training, scrimmages, and/or games. Only the Manager and the Coaches of the team will discuss the player selection.

Crusaders FC will evaluate players in the following categories:

• Personality Traits – strength of character, discipline, leadership/charisma, competitiveness, creativity, and ability to take instruction.

• Physical Ability - strength, speed, endurance, coordination & agility.

• Technical Proficiency – (skill) receiving, passing, dribbling,

• shooting, heading, juggling and use of both feet.

• Tactical Awareness (reading the game) Decision-making, with or without the ball, vision and feel for the game, position, marking, timing and anticipation.

• Commitment – regular attendance and participation in team and club functions.

• Match Day preparation and performance.


06 Breach of Rules & Complaints

In order to have adequate protection for all parties concerned. There are procedures in place to satisfy the Irish FA requirements.

Should a young player or parent digress from the strict rules we adhere to, then their offending actions will be documented and held on file for possible future reference, with any disciplinary actions being duly noted.

Should any young player feel they have a grievance against any member of Crusaders FC, they can pursue their concerns through a formal complaints procedure. The complaints procedure, available from the youth development officer on request, advises of the rightsof the individual and flowcharts the process.


07 Release Procedure

As we progress, experience has shown that a small number of players arereleased each season. Naturally the coaching staff will do all they can tohelp players reach their potential and remain within the club. Howeverexpectations are high for all our players on and off the pitch, and it is inevitable that there will be disappointment for some at the end of each season.

It is highly important that you are aware that players are continually assessed in games and training and that their attitude counts as much at the as their ability.

This year we will have a formal review between the coach and head of youth for each player half way through the season. In some cases a clear indication will be given to players and parent/guardian of what improvements are needed for the player to remain with the club. We also reserve the right to arrange a meeting to discuss a player’s development with parents/guardians at any time throughout the season.

All players must attend the trials for the forthcoming season to be considered for selection. Acceptance or rejection will be notified by letter.

Any parents/guardians wishing to discuss the outcome of these trials must put their request in writing; the coaches will then arrange a suitablemeeting where the Head of Youth will also be present.

Our main advice is for all registered players to be encouraged to try theirbest at all times during their time with Crusaders and treat it as enjoyableexperience for however long it lasts.


08 Players Code of Conduct

Remember as a registered player you are representing Crusaders FC, weask you to behave in a manner which will not bring yourself, parents/carers, team mates and Crusaders into disrepute.

Players:• Behave and listen to all

instructions from the coach/official.

• Wear suitable club attire at all times

• Refrain from the use of bad language or racial /sectarian references

• Swearing, bulling, fighting will not be tolerated and the offending party will be disciplined

• At all times show respect to your coaches, team mates, and referees/match officials

• Be gracious in defeat.• Make your coach aware of your

absence at training sessions or matches

The Players Code of Conduct is designed to minimise problems andtherefore it is essential that you help and advice your son to conform to theCode of Conduct.


09 Coaches Code of Conduct

Coaches are expected to:

• Ensure the safety of all children by careful supervision using safe methods always

• Actively encourage all children not to discriminate on grounds of religion, disability, race, gender, social class or lack of ability

• Not allow dangerous play, bullying, or use of bad language

• Always be positive and to promote the objectives of the club at all times

• Not let allegations of abuse go unchallenged or unrecorded if appropriate. Incidents recorded in book and parents informed.

• Report accidents or incidents of alleged abuse to the Child Welfare Officer

• Administer minor first aid in presence of others and where required refer more serious

accidents to club first aider

• Have access to telephone at all times to contact emergency services

• Foster team work to ensure the safety of youth members in their care

• Ensure the rights and responsibilities of youth members are enforced

• Report suspected abuse to appropriate body

• Not abuse members physically, emotionally or sexually

• Maintain confidentiality about sensitive information

• Be a role model, children learn by example

• Refrain from smoking and consumption of alcohol during club activities or coaching sessions

• Not take children alone in a car


on journeys

• Not spend excessive time alone with children away from others and never taking children to their home

• Not administer first aid involving removal of child’s clothing unless in the Presence of another and with the child’s permission.

Coaches and volunteers have a right to:

• Access ongoing training and information on all aspects of leading/ managing activities for youths, particularly on child protection

• Support in reporting of suspected abuse

• Access to professional support services

• Fair and equitable treatment by governing body

• Be protected from abuse by children/youths, other adult members/parents

• Not to be left vulnerable when working with children

Any misdemeanours and general misbehaviour will be dealt with immediately and reported verbally to the Child Welfare Officer.

Persistent breach of the code will result in dismissal from the club. Dismissals can be appealed with final decision taken by Club Committee.


10 Parent/Spectator Code of Conduct

• Deliver and collect the player on time to and from training sessions/matches

• Ensure that proper footwear and protective equipment are supplied at all times

• You will be responsible for the conduct of family and friends that are in your company during games or training sessions

• Encourage your child to play by the rules and teach them that they can only do their best

• Accept the official’s/ referee’s decisions

• Behave responsibly on the side-lines

• You spend a lot more time with your child than the coaches please be positive after training sessions or games. Do not dwell on negative contributions only talk of the positive contributions that your child has made. Be your child’s best fan

• BE REALISTIC

11 Parents/Guardians have the right to

• Know their child is safe.• Be informed of problems or

concerns relating to their child• Be informed if their child is injured.• Have their consent sought for

issues such as trips.• Complain if they have concerns

about the standard of coaching etc.

Any misdemeanours and breach of this code of conduct will be dealt with

immediately by the club/ officials. Persistent concerns or breaches will result in the parent/guardian being asked not to attend games or practicesessions if their attendance is detrimental to any player’s welfare. Theultimate action should a parent/guardian continue to breach the code of behaviour, may mean the officials regrettably asking their child to leaveCrusaders FC.


12 Photographs/Videos Policy

We like to celebrate children’s participation in activities at our facility with appropriate images. We have some simple rules about taking images, photographs and videos (whether film or digital) which are set out in this policy.

Please note that we do not allow any image by taking anyone at all in children’s changing rooms, showers and the toilets and that for this reason, we require children to switch their mobile phones off when they arrive at the facility and keep them off until they leave.

ConsentWe must obtain parents and guardians consent for pictures to be taken of your child – please use the attached form to do this and return it to the Child Welfare Officer at Crusaders Football Club.

Obtaining ImagesIf you want to obtain images taken of your child, please ask if and when they will be available. It is sometimes possible for you, your family and friends to take your own images of your

child but please ask if you want to do this and please respect our decision. While children are taking part in their activity at the facility, they shouldn’t be carrying valuables with them – this includes cameras and mobile phones.

Official Images (taken by Crusaders Football Club Photographer)We may organise for a professional photographer(s) to take images at our facility. We will hold the images recorded and may use the images in our external publications or on our website.

Unofficial Images (taken by parents, guardians, family, friends and the children themselves)If you want to take your own unofficial images, please ask. If it is possible we will let you know when and where you can take them. Permission should be granted by both team managers at a match. We cannot always say ‘yes’ to image taking and we ask you to respect our decision if we are unable to allow it. Posing for unofficial images can get in the way of some activities but another more important reason for saying ‘no’


is that it is sometimes against the law to take images of particular children.

For instance, in cases where children have been removed from their family for their own safety, where there are disputes between parents, where children are witnesses in criminal proceedings or where parents have refused consent. In situations like these, no image taking by anyone at all, is possible.

Whatever you do, don’t try to take ‘secret’ images. This can lead to many problems if someone else spots you, thinks you are acting suspiciously towards children and reports you to the facility or to the Children’s Authorities.

Our approach to the taking of children’s images is part of our commitment to safeguarding children at our facility. If you want to find our more please contact Davey Downes, Child Welfare Officer at Crusaders Football Club.Email: [email protected]


13 Code of Conduct Players Charter

All players should uphold the good name of Crusaders FC in the manner that they play, and conduct themselves correctly both on and off the field of play. This includes respecting officials and accepting decisions while showing appropriate loyalty and being gracious in defeat, respecting opponents and not cheating. If any complaint is received regarding a players conduct, Crusaders FC Committee will investigate the matter. If players standard of behaviour is found to have dropped below that required of Crusaders FC the player may ultimately be refused a place on the team.

All players are required to uphold the principles of fair play and fighting or violence of any kind including bullying and rough and dangerous play will not be tolerated. Any incidents will be reported to Crusaders FC Committee, who will take such steps as it is

necessary with the ultimate penalty being the player refused a place on the team.

Players must treat all managers, coaches, volunteers, staff and otheradults with respect. Any player being cheeky or rude or using foul language or racial or sectarian references to any person shall initially be reprimanded by the coach. If the incident is deemed to be of a serious or continued nature, the matter will be reported to the Crusaders FC Committee, who will take such steps as is necessary with the ultimate penalty being the player refused a place on the team.

Players shall pay all dues promptly to their team managers who will forward them to Crusaders Treasurer. Failure to do so may result in a player being suspended from playing matches and participating in training until all dues


are paid up to date.

Players shall participate in all coaching sessions and games as organised by their coach. Players must ensure that they arrive at all match and training venues at the appointed time.

Players shall treat all belongings to Crusaders FC and other participants in Crusaders FC coaching schemes with respect and shall not damage any of it. The parents of any player damaging property belonging to any person or the Crusaders FC may be held liable forany costs incurred. Failure to pay may lead to the player not being offered a place on the team.Players must be responsible for all belongings and ensure nothing is left after training either at the training areas or pitches. Crusaders FC shall not be responsible for any loss or damage of personal belongings.

Players have the right to:• Be safe and listened to• Be respected• Privacy• Enjoy their football in a

protective environment• Be referred to professional help

if needed• Be protected from abuse by

other members and other outside sources

• Participate on an equal basis, appropriate to their ability

• Experience competition and desire to win

• Be believed when asking for help

Players Name: __________________________________________________

Players Signature:________________________________________________


14 Parent/Guardian Consent Form

Anything written on this form will be held in confidence. Our coaches need to know these details in order to meet the specific needs of your child.

Child’s Name: ____________________

Address: _______________________________________________________

Post Code: ______________________

Contact telephone number: _______________________________

If unavailable contact: ____________________________________________

Relationship to child: ______________

Age & Date of Birth: _______________

Male/Female: _______________________________

Name of friend attending: _______________________________

Name & contact number of GP: _______________________________

Child’s Medical number: _______________________________

Details of any known allergies, conditions or medication being taken: ______________________________________________________________

Any other special needs, requirements or directions that would be helpful for the coaches to know about i.e. does your child have any special dietary requirements e.g. gluten free diet, diabetic diet, food allergies etc.?___________________________________________________________________

I will inform the coaches of any important changes to my child’s health, medication or needs and also of any changes to our address or phone numbers given.

In the event of illness, having parental responsibility for the above named child, I give permission for medical treatment to be administered where considered necessary by a nominated first aider, or by suitably qualified medical practitioners. If I cannot be contacted and my child should require emergency hospital treatment, I authorise a qualified medical practitioner to provide emergency


treatment or medication. I have been made aware that Crusaders FC has developed a child protection policy & they are committed to ensuring the safety of my child by having:

• A coach/volunteer charter

• Guidance on recruitment and vetting for anyone working with children for Crusaders FC

• A transport policy

• A photography policy

• An anti-bullying policy

• Disciplinary procedures

• Child Welfare Officer

• Guidelines on confidentiality.

Crusaders FC are committed to ensuring that any information gathered in relation to our young players meets the specific responsibilities as set out in the Data Protection Act 1998.

In order to effectively maintain a player database for potential training and development on Solidarity payments, under the FIFA regulations for the status and transfer of players , records must be kept for the period to cover at least the player’s 25th birthday.

I confirm that all details are correct to

the best of my knowledge and I am able to give Parental consent for my child to participate in & travel to all activities.

Please tick this box if you do NOT give consent for your child’s photograph to be used in the promotional material for Crusaders FC.

Signature of Parent/Guardian: _______________________________

Print Name: _____________________

Signature of Child: _______________________________Print Name: _____________________Date: __________________________Please return this form to the relevant Coach of Manager of your child’s age group.

Signature of Coach/ Manager: _______________________________

Parental consent is defined by the children (NI) Order 1995 Article 6 (i)Natural mother always has parental responsibility. Natural father gains parental responsibility. If married to the mother at the time of birth or subsequently marries her through an Agreement witnessed by solicitor or a Parental responsibility Order; Post 15 April 2002 if they jointly register the baby’s birth.


15 Crusaders Strikers

Crusaders Strikers WFC is the women’s team of Crusaders FC.

The team was formally known as Newtownabbey Strikers before joining up with Crusaders FC. The first team has won 6 premier league titles in the last 13 years.

Within the women’s set up at Crusaders there are two senior squads, the first team and a reserve team which is used as a development team for younger players making the transition from the youth academy to the first team squad.

Both the first team and the reserve team train at seaview on a Sunday afternoon and at Mallusk on a Monday evening. The First team plays their home games at seaview on Wednesday evenings and the reserve team home games are at Mallusk on Thursday evenings.

The first team manager and contact is Stephen Calvert - [email protected]

The reserve team manager and contact is William Moore - [email protected]

The girls youth academy is based at University of Ulster Jordanstown on Thursday nights and caters for girls from 6-15 years

We currently have 75 girls registered. The under 9, under 10, under 11 and under 12 squads compete in the boys games development centres and the under 13 and under 15 squads compete in the boys South Belfast league.

The girls youth academy coordinator and contact is Danielle McDowell - [email protected]


16 Social Media Policy

The use of Social Media provides many opportunities to improve the way we communicate, reach out and interact with the different communities we serve. However when using these emerging technologies there are anumber of risks and issues to consider, for individuals, directors, players, coaches and young people of Crusaders Football Club. These risks need to be identified and managed to ensure the benefits can be realised in as safe a manner as possible.

Outside of Crusaders Football Club, personal use of social networkingsites is also growing in popularity, and is used by many as a way of keeping in touch with friends and colleagues on a social basis. While in the vast majority of cases, the use of sites such as Facebook is trouble free. Guidance is required to ensure members of the Crusaders Football Club do not act in a way that may negatively affect the reputation of the Crusaders Football Club, or leave themselves open to allegation.

PurposeThis policy relates to both the professional and personal use of socialnetworking sites by Directors, Players, Coaches, Volunteers and Young People of Crusaders Football Club. It aims to provide guidance to Directors, Players, Coaches, Volunteers and Young People on their personal responsibility as Members of the Crusaders Football Club when using any social networking site.

ScopeBy definition, social media is the term commonly given to web-based toolswhich allow users to interact with each other in some way – by sharinginformation, opinions, knowledge and interests online. As the name implies, social media involves the building of online communities or networks to encourage participation and engagement. This includes blogs, message boards, social networking websites (such as Facebook, twitter, bebo, Myspace), content sharing websites (such as Flickr, YouTube) and


many others.

Objectives• To ensure safe, professional use

of social media tools• To make Directors, Players,

Coaches, Volunteers and Young People of Crusaders Football Club aware of the issues relating to the use of social media for both private and professional purposes, and aware of their responsibility to Crusaders Football Club

• To ensure Directors, Players, Coaches, Volunteers and Young People of Crusaders Football Club are aware of all relevant legislation and standards relating to online information, including codes of practice from related professional bodies.

Codes of practiceProfessional bodies may have issued their own code of practice relating tothe use of social media. Everyone has a personal responsibility to be aware to codes of practice relating to their professional body; however the Crusaders Football Club policy remains the definitive guidance for everyone in the use of social media.

Roles and ResponsibilitiesAll Directors, Players, Coaches, Volunteers and Young People ofCrusaders Football Club are responsible for the success of this policy and should ensure that they take time to read and understand it.It is the responsibility of the board of Crusaders Football Club to investigate any reported breaches of this policy.

Personal Use of Social MediaOutside of the Crusaders Football Club environment, whether or not anindividual chooses to create or participate in an online social network or any other form of online publishing or discussion is his or her own business.However as a member Crusaders Football Club it is important to beaware that posting information or views about Crusaders Football Clubcannot be isolated from your working life. Comments about CrusadersFootball Club or colleagues can bring Crusaders Football Club into disrepute and make Directors, Players, Coaches, Volunteers and Young People of Crusaders Football Club liable to legal action. Therefore keep your personal use of social media as separate as possible from Crusaders Football Club.

The following policy statements are designed to protect Crusaders Football


Club the Directors, Players, Coaches, Volunteers and Young People from allegation, disrepute and liability.

Directors, Players, Coaches, Volunteers and Young People should never doany of the following:

• Share confidential information online

• Post inappropriate comments about Directors, Players, Coaches, Volunteers and Young People.

• Use social media sites to bully or intimidate any member of Crusaders Football Club.

• Use social media in any way which is unlawful

The above statements refer to the posting of all types of content on social media sites, including (but not exclusively) text, photographs and video.

Professional Use of Social MediaYour relationship with social media changes as soon as you identify yourself as a member of Crusaders Football Club. To speak in any kindof professional capacity or seek to deploy social media on CrusadersFootball Club business. In such circumstances there are responsibilities, standards of behaviour and other

organisational considerations which apply. Remember, you are publically representing Crusaders Football Club and should participate in the same way as you would with other media, public meeting or forums. Always remember that participation online results in your comments being permanently available and open to being republished in other media. You should also be aware that you may attract media interest in yourself and Crusaders Football Club, so proceed with care. If you have any doubts take advice from Crusaders Football Club.

Professional Use of Social Media is defined as:

• Participation in third party professional forums and/or discussion boards relating to Crusaders Football Club. Creating and/or managing content on a social media site created, branded and managed by Crusaders Football Club. Social media monitoring for business purposes NB. Anyone wishing to develop a social media site or application on behalf of Crusaders Football Club should first read the policy document.

• Development of websites in the public domain, which outlines


the required approval process.

You are free to participate in professional forums relating to your area of work/club. When participating in a professional capacity on behalf of Crusaders Football Club you must:

• Seek approval from the management before participating, or declare any existing interests.

• Only provide information about your club if it is absolutely essential

• Be professional - make sure you are always seen to act in an honest, accurate, fair and responsible way at all times.

• Respect copyright when linking to images or other online material.

When participating in a professional capacity on behalf of CrusadersFootball Club, you must not:

• Mention any information relating specifically to an individual

• Use offensive, sexist, racist, hateful or otherwise offensive or discriminatory language

• Publish information that is disparaging to Crusaders Football Club, or other Club members

• Endorse or appear to endorse any commercial product or service

• Voice political opinion

Non-ComplianceBreach of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and includingdismissal. Disciplinary action may be taken regardless of whether Crusaders Football Club facilities are used for the purpose of committing the breach. Any member of Crusaders Football Club of committing a breach of this policy will be required to co-operate with our investigation. This may include removing internet postings which are deemed to constitute a breach in this policy. Failure to comply with such a request may in itself result in disciplinary action.

Serious breaches may be reported to the PSNI, or other public authority for further investigation.

MonitoringCrusaders Football Club regularly monitors social media as part of theirmedia strategy. Any instances of policy breach identified through this process will be dealt as per Crusaders Football Club disciplinary procedure.


17 Betting Guidelines

Crusaders Football Club has a number of rules relating to betting which affect all players, managers, coaches, club medical staff and other Participants (e.g. Directors). The purpose of this guide is to tell you what these rules are, what they mean and how they affect you.

The rules cover three main areas:• Betting• The use of Inside Information• Match Fixing

The reason Crusaders Football Club has rules in this area is to ensure thatin every football match both teams and individual players are playing to the best of their ability and with a clear motivation to win the game, without any conflicting objectives for either club or any player or club official.

It is also very important for the reputation of the game that players,managers, coaches and other club officials are not involved in non-matchbetting (for example, on promotion and relegation and next manager markets)

in league competitions in which their team is involved.

Furthermore, due to your position in the game, you are sometimes privy toinformation that would possibly enable you to make money (or enableothers to make money) through betting activity. Again, this type of activity is detrimental to the image and reputation of the game and is not permitted under the rules.

There is now a wide range of types of bets that can be placed on football,including laying a losing bet on betting exchanges and in-play betting.Consequently, it is vital for football to protect, and be seen to protect, theintegrity and reputation of the game.

This is a guide to this area only. All Players and Participants are bound byCrusaders Football Club and regulations and should refer directly to those rules and regulations for the definitive position. Should there be anyinconsistency between this guidance and the rules and regulations, the


rules and regulations prevail.

Don’t bet on itPut simply the main message for players is: ‘You are not allowed to placeANY bet on ANY football, ANYWHERE.’This covers any match or competition, wherever it is played. It means youcannot bet on scores or results, or any other event that takes place in anymatch or competition. So don’t fall foul of the rules and remember – you cannot place ANY bet on ANY football, ANYWHERE.

Don’t pass it onYou are not allowed to pass inside information on to someone else whichthey then use for betting.Inside information is something that you know due to your position in thegame and which is not publicly available, such as information about an injury, team selection or transfer news. You should be aware that the passing of information would not just be by word of mouth – the rule applies equally to emails or social networkingsites.

MonitoringOffering or accepting any bribes or gifts of any sort related in any way to fixing the result or conduct of a match is extremely serious, and may be acriminal offence. Say “NO” to any offers made to you.If you are approached, or suspect that someone you know has been approached, or is involved in match fixing, then you must report it to Crusaders Football Club immediately.

You need to be aware that there is a great deal of monitoring of the bettingmarkets. The football authorities work closely with specialist companieswho are constantly reviewing data and betting patterns from betting operators. Remember, it’s your reputation, your responsibility and your career. In summary, if you breach the betting rules, it is very likely that you will get caught. You will then be subject to Crusaders disciplinary procedures and, if found guilty, you will be subject to a range of sanctions including a warning, fine or a significant period of suspension.


18 Payment of Players Dues

To register smartcard for online use:• Go to www.smartclubcloud.

com• Then click on CREATE AN

ACCOUNT tab at the bottom right hand corner of the blue box.

• It will ask for you club name which is; Crusaders (capitol C rest lower case)

• It will then ask for your first name; Enter as on your card (first letter capitol rest lower case)

• It will then ask for your surname; Enter as on your card (first letter capitol remainder lower case)

• It will then ask for your email address

• It will then ask for member id; This is your member number on card

• This will then take you through to create a username and password.

• Once registered check all address and contact details and amend as necessary.

To pay dues online:• Logon using your username

and password at www.smartclubcloud.com

• Click on the Invoices tab across top of screen

• A new invoice will appear on account every Sunday during season.

• Click invoice and pay online.

To pay dues in club:• Present card to staff and ask

them to pay invoice.• Pay by cash and you will be

issued with printed receipt

Help & SupportEmail: [email protected] / Text: 07730622419

Failure to do so may result in a player being suspended from playing matches and participating in training until all dues are paid up to date.


19 Reporting

Personal accidents or injuries that happen during coaching work; Coaches must complete the Incident/Accident Form at the time of the incident/accident. Please note that the nature of some problems will dictate and require that the police need to be involved. They should always be contacted in circumstances involving thefts or assaults. In such cases, the player’s parents/ guardians shall be contacted immediately. The Director of Youth Football and Child Welfare Officer(s) should also be informed as soon as possible.

An efficient and safe operation demands that everyone plays a part towards ensuring that relevant information reaches those who need to know. Coaches can best avoid exposing themselves and Crusaders Football Club to criticism or liability by informing the Child Welfare Officer/ Director of Youth Football whenever circumstances necessitate their involvement i.e. major incident.

1. Incident - e.g. Damage, unruly patron, assault, fire, theft, loss etc.

2. Accident - Where players require treatment in any form for an injury or ailment sustained during a coaching session or game.


Below represents a diagram of the Club’s reporting procedures in relation to any Child Protection issue.

• Observation• Concern/

disclosure by child, other adult, child or agency

If permission Information of

alleged, suspected or actual abuse

If necessary, establish basic facts

- ask “w” questions

Record and report to the club Child Welfare Officer or Club Official on the day

Refer to Social Services or Police



Documents

Crusaders Football Development Centre Player, Coach & Parent ... · Crusaders Football Club St Vincent St, Belfast BT15 3G 6 03 Policy Statement Crusaders Football Club (hereafter