AFC Leyton supports all our members to participate football in a safe environment, develop friendships and have fun. We adopt transparent policies that are developed in line with FA guidelines and we welcome constructive interaction with members and others. Notwithstanding this we also recognise that on occasions individuals may break rules and we have created the following procedures to clearly outline how the club will deal with these matters
Disciplinary matters, applying to all matters of AFC Leyton. (Further referred to as the Club), will be dealt with by the Elected Officers of the Club. All members of the Club agree to fully comply with this code of conduct and specific codes of conduct for their role and be bound by its terms as under noted. Disciplinary action against Club members, including expulsion without notice, may be taken for offences of misconduct or breach of club’s rules.
However it is recognised and accepted that every member
– Has the right to expect fair and consistent treatment
– Has the right to adequate notice from the Club
– Has the right to appeal against the Club Secretary’s judgement in all disciplinary matters.
– Has the right to representation
– No member will be expelled for the first breach of Club’s rules except in cases of “gross misconduct”. However all disciplinary actions taken by AFC Leyton will be duly recorded and placed on file for reference at a future date.
1. Misconduct
The under noted actions by members may be interpreted by the Committee to fall within this Code. However, the lists are not to be considered as fully inclusive or covering all possible offences. “Misconduct” is the carrying out of an offence considered to be of a minor nature (unless frequently repeated) and will normally incur an informal warning
– regularly late to training sessions or fixtures, without prior agreement with the club
– regularly arriving at training or fixtures incorrectly dressed or with kit missing
– parent/guardian regularly arriving late to collect
– non-payment of fees
– last-minute cancellations to training/fixtures without good reason (illness/injury)
– failure to communicate with the club around attendance within the specified timeframes
– discourteous language or behaviour around fixtures which includes both parent/guardian and players
– Refusal to carry out reasonable instructions by club officials
– Failure to attend or participate in events or meetings organised by the Club
– Failure to comply with or adhere to the relevant code of conduct for their position within the club
– Deliberately attempting to bring the club into disrepute – whether this be verbally or in writing which includes posting about members on social media
– involved in arguments and not following the clubs grievance procedure
– Any other actions of similar gravity to the above, at the discretion of the Elected Officers.
Stage 1: In such instances, the club will request a meeting and a letter shall be issued detailing that an informal warning was issued.
Stage 2: Where there is repetition of the above offences or failure or comply with any demands made in writing, a meeting shall be called where a formal written warning will be issued.
Stage 3: Should the offences continue, a letter of termination of membership shall be issued and the membership cancelled with immediate effect. No refunds shall be given and any outstanding fees must be paid in full.
2. Serious Misconduct
“Serious Misconduct” is the carrying out of an offence of such gravity that in the opinion of the Elected Officers it warrants a disciplinary hearing. Examples of offences, which may be considered as serious misconduct include:
– Deliberate or consistent breaches of club rules
– Any attempt to achieve gains or advantage over others by unfair or unscrupulous means
– Theft or misappropriation
– Use of threatening, abusive or intimidating behaviour
– Participating in the sport whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol
– Malicious interference with equipment or property
– Disregard for one’s own or other people’s safety
– Any other action, which in the opinion of the Club Officers may bring AFC Leyton into disrepute, or which left unpunished, may result in the detriment of the Club or its members.
Stage 1: The club shall immediately suspend the membership and appoint an investigation officer. Evidence shall be collected such as photographs, witness statements and a hearing meeting shall be called.
Stage 2: A disciplinary hearing shall be held which will consist of the senior elected members. The evidence shall be reviewed at the hearing and a decision shall be made. The club will in all cases comply with the requirements of the Governing body and club child protection policies including immediate notification of the police where required.
Stage 3: A letter shall be issued within 7 days outlining the result or penalty incurred from the hearing.
3. Gross Misconduct
“Gross Misconduct” is the action of such seriousness that the Elected Officers will require the immediate expulsion of the offender from the association. The Elected Officers may by means of an executive decision summarily expel such an offender without invoking a disciplinary hearing.
The expelled member will have the right to a disciplinary hearing as soon as this can be arranged but will remain expelled until and unless such a hearing overturns the executive decision.
Examples of gross misconduct are:-
– Physical violence of assault towards other persons at a Club event or related activity, including serious threatening, intimidating or forceful behaviour
– Reckless disregard of safety and basic safety rules
– Being convicted of criminal offences involving physical violence or abuse
– Other acts that are considered to be of an extremely serious nature perpetuated against the Club, its members or any other party.
Child Protection – if the matter relates to a child protection issue follow the child protection procedures for dealing with a complaint then follow disciplinary procedure after the outcome has been reached. If in doubt contact the local FA safeguarding team on how to deal with the complaint and the offender.
Stage 1: Immediate expulsion from the club.
Stage 2: A disciplinary hearing shall be held which will consist of the senior elected members. The evidence shall be reviewed at the hearing the expulsion confirmed. The club will in all cases comply with the requirements of the Governing body and club child protection policies including immediate notification of the police where required.
Stage 3: A letter shall be issued within 7 days confirming the expulsion
4. Appeals
If an appeal of the decision or penalty is to be made then written notice of appeal by way of 1st class recorded delivery to the Club Secretary must be given by the offender, within 28 days of being notified of the decision.
No appeal will be valid or considered after that period has elapsed.
It will not be sufficient to state “I wish to appeal”, the offender must give full written grounds for the appeal, stating exactly what is being appealed against and the reasons for this. An appeal together with full and recorded argument may be considered relative to: –
– the decision
– the penalty
An appeal hearing will be convened as soon as practicable and will consist of an Appeal Committee of 3 club officials who did not take part in the first hearing and who will elect their own Chairperson (who will have the casting vote). New evidence cannot be presented at the appeal hearing. The Appeal Committee shall have power to amend or revoke any decision made at the previous disciplinary hearing. The decision of the Appeal Committee is final and binding on the parties and not subject to further appeal.
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