Club Policies

Port of Bristol Youth FC Code of Conduct

For Players

As a player, I will:

Respect my teammates, coaches, referees, opponents, and spectators at all times.

Play by the rules and in the spirit of the game.

Never argue with officials and accept decisions respectfully.

Support and encourage my teammates, avoiding criticism or negative comments.

Show good sportsmanship, whether we win or lose.

Train and play with effort and commitment, maintaining a positive attitude.

Speak to my coach if I have concerns about my role or experience in the team.

Report any bullying or inappropriate behaviour to a trusted adult or club official.

For Parents/Guardians

As a parent or guardian, I will:

Encourage my child to enjoy football and improve through positive reinforcement.

Respect all players, coaches, officials, and spectators and set a good example with my behaviour.

Support the coach’s decisions, avoiding interference or coaching from the sidelines.

Applaud effort and good play from both teams, not just goals or results.

Raise concerns constructively with club officials outside of match or training times.

Ensure my child arrives on time for training and matches, with the appropriate kit and equipment.

Abide by club policies, including safeguarding and anti-bullying guidelines.

For Coaches

As a coach, I will:

Prioritise player safety, wellbeing, and enjoyment above all else.

Lead by example in professionalism, respect, and adherence to club and FA guidelines.

Treat every player fairly and equally, focusing on their development.

Encourage teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship within the team.

Never tolerate bullying, discrimination, or abusive behaviour, and address any issues promptly.

Communicate clearly with parents, involving them in their child’s development where appropriate.

Keep up to date with FA coaching standards and safeguarding requirements.

Encourage a growth mindset, focusing on effort and improvement over results.

For Spectators

As a spectator, I will:

Support all players positively, avoiding criticism or negative comments.

Respect the decisions of referees and officials, avoiding confrontation.

Be a role model for young players by promoting fair play and good sportsmanship.

Report any inappropriate behaviour to a club official or welfare officer.

Follow any club or venue-specific guidelines, including safety and parking rules.

General Club Commitments

Port of Bristol Youth FC will:

Promote a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable football environment for all.

Provide qualified coaches, who adhere to FA safeguarding and coaching standards.

Uphold the FA Respect Campaign and take action against any breaches of the Code of Conduct.

Listen to and act on feedback, ensuring continuous improvement.

Maintain clear communication with players, parents, and volunteers.

Breaches of the Code

Any breach of this Code of Conduct will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action, including warnings, suspension, or expulsion from the club.

All concerns should be directed to the club’s Welfare Officer or Committee Members.

This Code of Conduct helps us maintain the values of Respect, Integrity, and Community that define Port of Bristol Youth FC.

Together, let’s make football fun and rewarding for everyone!

What is whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing can be used as an early warning system or when it’s recognised that appropriate actions have not been taken. It is used in many different walks of life, including the world of football.

It is about revealing and raising concerns over misconduct or malpractice within an organisation. For example, if you think that your club has not adequately dealt with a safeguarding concern and wish to elevate this.

Who do I contact?

Anyone with concerns about a colleague or club member can whistleblow by getting in touch with:

The GFA Safeguarding Team

01454 615888 (Option 1)

Safeguarding@GloucestershireFA.com

The FA's Safeguarding Team

0800 169 1863 / Safeguarding@TheFA.com

The NSPCC

0808 800 5000 / email help@nspcc.org.uk

Alternatively, you can also report your concerns directly to the police.

Port of Bristol Youth FC is committed to creating a positive and safe environment for all players, parents, coaches, and volunteers. We value feedback and recognise that, occasionally, concerns may arise. This Complaints Policy outlines our commitment to resolving complaints promptly, fairly, and transparently.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all members of the club, including players, parents, volunteers, staff, and coaches. Complaints may relate to:

Behaviour of players, parents, coaches, or volunteers.

Breaches of club policies, including safeguarding or codes of conduct.

Dissatisfaction with the club's operations, facilities, or events.

Aims of the Policy

Port of Bristol Youth FC aims to:

Handle complaints promptly, fairly, and confidentially.

Resolve issues informally where possible.

Ensure that all complaints are investigated thoroughly and impartially.

Use feedback to improve the club's standards and practices.

How to Make a Complaint

If you wish to make a complaint, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Informal Resolution

In the first instance, raise the concern directly with the relevant person (e.g., a coach, team manager, or volunteer) if you feel comfortable doing so.

Many issues can be resolved through open and respectful communication.

Step 2: Formal Complaint

If the issue is not resolved informally, or if you feel the complaint requires escalation, submit your complaint in writing to the Club Secretary or Welfare Officer.

Include the following details:

Your name and contact information.

The nature of the complaint, including dates, times, and any relevant individuals involved.

Any supporting evidence (e.g., emails, screenshots, photos).

Desired outcome or resolution.

Step 3: Acknowledgment and Investigation

The club will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 5 working days.

A designated committee member, who is not directly involved in the issue, will investigate the complaint.

Investigations will typically be completed within 10-15 working days, depending on the complexity of the matter.

Step 4: Outcome and Resolution

Once the investigation is complete, the club will provide a written response detailing the findings and any proposed actions.

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome, you may escalate the complaint to the Gloucestershire FA for independent review.

Key Contacts

Club Welfare Officer (Safeguarding Concerns):

Name: Mark Sage

Email: mark@portofbristolfc.co.uk

Phone:  07810880863

Club Secretary (General Complaints):

Name: Van Papantoniou

Email: van@portofbristolfc.co.uk

Phone: 07793413943

Gloucestershire FA Contact (Escalations):

Phone: 01454 615888 (Option 1)

Email: Safeguarding@GloucestershireFA.com

Confidentiality

All complaints will be handled in the strictest confidence. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in line with data protection laws.

Port of Bristol Youth FC Anti-Bullying Policy

Introduction

Port of Bristol Youth FC is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all players, coaches, volunteers, and spectators. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club, and all members have the right to participate in football free from fear of intimidation, harassment, or abuse.

This policy outlines how we prevent, identify, and address bullying within the club.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is behaviour that deliberately causes distress to another person. It can take many forms, including:

Physical: Hitting, pushing, or other physical actions.

Verbal: Name-calling, threats, or mocking.

Emotional: Exclusion, spreading rumours, or deliberately making someone feel isolated.

Cyberbullying: Using technology to send harmful messages or share inappropriate content.

Bullying can be directed towards individuals based on personal characteristics, including but not limited to race, religion, gender, disability, or sexuality.

Our Commitment

Port of Bristol Youth FC is committed to:

Preventing bullying through education and awareness.

Ensuring all players, parents, and staff understand what bullying is and why it is unacceptable.

Providing clear reporting procedures for anyone experiencing or witnessing bullying.

Taking all allegations of bullying seriously and responding swiftly and appropriately.

Support those affected by bullying and take steps to prevent it from happening again.

Reporting Bullying

If you believe that bullying is taking place, it is important to report it as soon as possible. Bullying can be reported to any of the following:

Club Welfare Officer

Mark Sage

Email:mark@portofbristolfc.co.uk

Phone: 07810880863

Team Coach or Manager

Speak directly to your team’s coach or manager.

The Gloucestershire FA Safeguarding Team

Phone: 01454 615888 (Option 1)

Email: Safeguarding@GloucestershireFA.com

The FA Safeguarding Team

Phone: 0800 169 1863

Email: Safeguarding@TheFA.com

The NSPCC Child Protection Helpline

Phone: 0808 800 5000

Email: help@nspcc.org.uk

All reports will be treated seriously and confidentially, and the club will take steps to investigate and address the issue appropriately.

Responding to Bullying

When a report of bullying is made, the club will:

Acknowledge the concern and offer immediate support to those affected.

Investigate the matter thoroughly, speaking with all parties involved.

Take appropriate action, which may include:

Educating individuals on the impact of their behaviour.

Issuing warnings or sanctions to those involved.

Referring the matter to the FA or other relevant authorities if necessary.

Ensure the victim feels safe and supported throughout the process.

Prevention of Bullying

Port of Bristol Youth FC will take proactive steps to prevent bullying, including:

Promoting a positive club culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

Providing education and resources to players, parents, and coaches on recognising and preventing bullying.

Establishing clear rules for behaviour and ensuring they are upheld by all members.

Regularly reviewing this policy and its implementation.

Support for Victims

Anyone affected by bullying will be offered support, including:

A safe space to talk about their experiences.

Guidance from the Club Welfare Officer or other trained personnel.

Referral to external support services if needed.

Conclusion

Port of Bristol Youth FC believes that bullying has no place in football or in our club. By working together as players, parents, coaches, and volunteers, we can ensure a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy the beautiful game.

Please contact our Club Welfare Officer if you have any concerns or need further information.

General Principles for Social Media Use

Respect and Professionalism:

Be respectful to others in all communications.

Avoid posting or sharing content that is offensive, abusive, discriminatory, or harmful.

Safeguarding:

Do not post personal details or images of children without written parental consent.

Avoid engaging in private or one-on-one conversations with players under 18 on any social media platform.

Club Representation:

All club-affiliated social media accounts must reflect the club's values and standards.

Only designated club officials may post on behalf of Port of Bristol Youth FC.

Confidentiality:

Do not share confidential or sensitive club information publicly.

Platform-Specific Guidance

WhatsApp and Facebook

Effective immediately, all WhatsApp and Facebook groups previously used for club communication will be phased out.

No new WhatsApp or Facebook groups should be created for team or club-related matters.

360Player

All members must use 360Player for communication.

Team announcements, schedules, and updates will be shared exclusively through this platform.

Safeguarding measures in 360Player ensure all communications are appropriate and transparent.

Other Social Media Platforms (e.g., Instagram, Twitter, TikTok)

Club pages and groups must be managed by authorised club officials.

Photos or videos of children must have written parental consent before being posted.

Players, parents, and club officials should not tag or identify children in posts unless explicitly agreed upon.

Rules for Coaches and Volunteers

Maintain professional boundaries at all times.

Avoid direct communication with players under 18 through personal accounts or platforms outside 360Player.

Use 360Player for all team-related updates and interactions.

Rules for Players

Do not post comments, images, or videos that are offensive, discriminatory, or disrespectful.

Refrain from criticising teammates, coaches, or referees on social media.

Use 360Player responsibly for team communications.

Rules for Parents/Guardians

Use 360Player to stay updated and communicate with the team.

Avoid posting negative comments about the club, players, coaches, or referees on personal social media platforms.

Direct any concerns to the Club Welfare Officer via 360Player rather than airing grievances publicly.

Inappropriate Use of Social Media

Examples of inappropriate use include (but are not limited to):

Bullying, harassment, or intimidation.

Sharing false or misleading information.

Posting offensive or inappropriate comments, images, or videos.

Engaging in private messaging with children or young people.

Reporting Concerns

If you come across inappropriate or harmful content, please report it immediately to:

Club Welfare Officer: Mark Sage mark@portofbristolfc.co.uk

Gloucestershire FA Safeguarding Team: safeguarding@gloucestershirefa.com

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

All reports will be handled confidentially and in line with the club’s safeguarding policy.

Enforcement

Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in disciplinary action, including:

Removal from official club social media groups.

Suspension or termination of club membership.

Referral to Gloucestershire FA or other appropriate authorities.