Olney Town Colts FC

Admissions

The Colts Committee shall appoint an adult Team Manager for each Team each season.

The Colts Committee expects that each Team Manager will:

• Be a minimum of FA Level1 (Intro To Coaching) qualified coach.
• Assess the numbers of players required in order to fulfil those fixtures to which the team is committed.
• Assess the amount of supervisory assistance required in order to comply with the safety policy above.
• Assess the amount of supervisory assistance required in line with the coaching supervision required by their chosen squad. Inform the Colts Committee where they cannot comply with the safety policy.
• Inform the Colts Committee of the likely maximum squad that is required and can be accommodated within the safety policy.
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Please note: The leagues in which we play restrict the sizes of squads that we are allowed to register at the beginning of each season.
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All managers and coaches are also expected to adhere to OTCFCs Code of Conduct.

Where children approach Olney Town Colts wanting to play football, then:

• They should ideally be able to play within their designated age group.
• No distinction shall be made based on gender.
• The Team Manager will assess his/her ability to accommodate the child into their team(s) in accordance with the safety policy.
• The Team Manager will assess the child’s ability, attitude and behaviour, prior to accepting their application.

The Team Manager may hold trials in order to assess the ability, attitude and behaviour of the child. The trials will not last longer than 2 training sessions.
A player/parent may also wish to have 'taster' training sessions to gauge suitability/enjoyment, in which case, up to 2 training sessions would be regarded as a trial.
In both scenarios a club registration form must still be completed (emergency contact details, medical conditions etc..)
No subscription is payable until the child has been formally accepted by the manager after these 2 sessions.

The Team Manager may accept the application on the following basis:

• The child is registered to play in the league team and friendlies.
• The child is accepted to train with the team but may not play in league or cup matches as children already accepted during the season have filled the registered places.
• The Team Manager may place the child on a waiting list. The child will then be invited to play, either when another child withdraws from the team, or additional places are made available because additional supervisory help has become available.
• The decision of OTCFC over the size and composition of teams/squads is final, providing it complies with the safety policy outlined in this document and meets all FA requirements.
• In the event that the Manager regards the player’s attitude and behaviour as unacceptable in the first instance the Manager will advise the player and parents. If there is no improvement or a repeat incident the problem will be referred to the Colts Committee who may decide to de-register the player and refund any due subs (pro-rata to season).
• Players can only sign for additional clubs with the prior consent of OTCFCs committee. The Colts Committee request that all parents are referred to this website to fully understand OTCFCs policy on football.
• Everyone is asked to support the Team Managers & Club in the decisions that they make, but parents, players, managers and coaches have an appeal facility via the Colts Committee.

Football Policy

We want to make sure that the children at OTCFC have a fun and safe environment in which to play competitive football, and that we develop players so that they can enjoy the sport and where appropriate, play at the highest possible standard.
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For continued player development and to ensure that our football club can compete at the uppermost level of competition (from Colts through to senior level), we must ensure that an ongoing process of player evaluation and streaming of ability (so that players can compete at an appropriate level) begins as early as possible.

As a progressive club, we have started to initiate a programme whereby youth players are developed all the way from mini football through to our senior adult team.

We fully appreciate that youth players develop at varying ages, which is why 'mixing & streaming' is an ongoing process.
Team managers can provide more details on request.
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In exceptional circumstances, a player may be allowed to play in an age group 1 year above their age. If this involves a transfer between OTCFC squads, prior to any agreements being made, each squad’s manager and coaches must discuss with the parents and then meet with a Committee member to discuss in full the implications. Only on OTCFC Committee approval may such a transfer then take place.

OTCFC strongly believe in developing players from the age of 5yrs old through to adult football which is why we offer senior football in the North Bucks league (Saturday pm). These teams exist to provide a gateway to senior football once youth players leave the u16-u18 squads. Players are still required to pay subs and where necessary undertake additional fundraising activities in order for playing costs to be covered.

Although external players may be required in order to supplement the squad, the committee and managers will endeavour to ensure that the majority of players in each weekly squad have at some stage played Colts youth football.  

The managers, coaches and committee members all put a lot of time and effort into making the club work successfully, therefore your assistance and cooperation is appreciated.
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Everyone is asked to support the Team Managers & Club in the decisions that they make, but parents, players, managers and coaches have an appeal facility via the Colts Committee.

Subscriptions 2023/24

In order to keep subscriptions to a minimum, OTCFC greatly appreciates all fundraising, sponsorship and donations.

Player subscriptions have been held at the same price for the last 3 seasons, but in order to cover increasing overheads and winter training costs, subs are now ;

• League players issued with a full kit (shirt, shorts, socks) at 11-a-side: £180 per season.
• League players issued with a full kit (shirt, shorts, socks) at 5 to 9-a-side: £155 per season.
• North Bucks (Seniors), Ladies & Vets £60 signing on + £6 per game.
• Any player registered to train: Half subs.
  
• Sibling discounts are available.
• Players can only sign for additional clubs with the prior consent of OTCFCs committee.
• Players joining during the season will be charged at the manager’s discretion.
• Players withdrawing during the season will not be refunded.
• Players fees are to be paid prior to registration for the team.
  

By accepting the fee Olney Town Colts provide:

• Frequent but not weekly training activities. Training is difficult during the winter months due to a shortage of floodlit facilities for evening coaching and matches taking place at weekends, and supervisors work commitments.
• A full football kit to those registered to play in the league. Occasionally, full football kit may be issued to those not registered, in which case the full subscription rate may be charged. This will include club shirt, shorts and socks. Boots (or trainers) and shin pads must be provided by parents/guardians if shin pads are not worn, the child will not be allowed to play. Kit may be shared to accommodate those playing in friendly matches.

NOTE: Given the low costs of subs, all kit is the property of Olney Town Colts FC. If players do not return kit when requested, the following payment is required: Shirt £20, Shorts £10, Socks £5. If any funds are owed to OTCFC, via the FA, players may be prevented from signing for any other club.

Health & Safety

In order to offer safe facilities for football, and in order to satisfy the Football Clubs requirements for Insurance cover, all colts training and matches need to be supervised by someone appropriately qualified and recognised by the Colts Committee. For the purposes of describing the policy, this person will be referred to as the supervisor. The supervisor could be a manager, trainer, coach or supervising parent. 

OTCFC club policy and best practice is that a team should not play or train more than once in any 48hr period without the express permission of the club committee.
This is to avoid injuries relating to excessive play and to ensure that players are not overly exerted.

The following statements represent the safety policy:

• The activities covered by the safety policy are recognised as matches and training activities that an informed person would expect in running a football team.
  
• Each team operates with an optimum ratio of 8 players per coach for children at U5s to U11s, and 10 players per coach for all children at U12s to U18s. The decision of the appointed team manager is final in deciding the safe levels of supervision providing they adhere to OTCFC and FA regulations.
  
• The appointed team manager, or their nominated assistant, will assess the area for training or matches in accordance with best practice, to ensure the area is safe for play to start. The decision of the appointed team manager over the condition of the pitch, surroundings etc. will be final. Note: In the event on inclement weather, the nominated OTCFC groundsperson will decide on the safety and 'playability' of match and training areas. Their decision is final, and will be communicated to all managers by email or WhatsApp message.
  
• Parents are not expected to stay to watch their children play, however a parent or parents alternate should be available to collect the child in the unlikely event of suspension due to unruly behaviour, injury or bad weather.
  
• There should be a minimum of 2 supervisors available at each activity. At least one of the supervisors will hold a basic first aid qualification.
  
  The Manager/Coach will ;
  
• Have available when supervising children, in either a training or match situation, contact details for each child under their supervision.
  
• Have a first aid kit at all training sessions and matches and adhere to FA protocols including guidance on concussion and heading the ball.
• Have access to a de-fib unit.
  
• Hold the FA level 1 Coaching Certificate (as a minimum) and the FA Safeguarding Children qualification.
  
• Each supervisor should have been DBS (CRB) checked in accordance with the recommended practice.
  
• From time to time parents will be expected to support the supervision of their child’s team. The Team Manager will give three days notice.
  
• Parents may choose to give their consent for supervisors to transport children to and from matches using their own transport. If this is not acceptable to the parent then they must make their own arrangements for travel. Parents should be available to collect the child in the unlikely event of an injury whilst at an away match.
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Breaches in this safety policy should be reported to the Colts Committee as soon as possible.
Parents expressing concerns over the safe conduct of activities should report these in writing to the Club Welfare Officer who along with the Chairman and Secretary, will conduct an investigation and respond accordingly.

Code of Conduct, Discipline, Equality & Child Protection

Code of Conduct & Discipline

Before the start of every season, all players, parents, coaches, managers and committee members must agree to the FAs Code of Conduct (communicated and agreed to as part of the annual registration process).
These can also be seen at https://www.thefa.com/get-involved/respect/play-your-part
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At training and matches, the supervisors will ensure that children taking part in the activity conduct themselves in a proper manner. Any behaviour which places the safety of others taking part in the activity will be dealt with by reprimand in the first instance for less serious offences or suspension (either to individuals, or the entire activity) where the risk of injury is unacceptable. Team Managers have the right to suspend or expel children who continually fail to meet the required standards of behaviour and safe practice. Instances of suspension and expulsion should be reported to the Colts Committee. Appeals against suspension or expulsion should be made in writing to the Colts Committee. The Colts Committee will investigate the suspension or expulsion and respond in writing.

Equality

We as a Club aim to treat all members of the community fairly and equally, taking into account any special needs that people might have. The aim of this statement is to ensure that nobody receives less favourable treatment on any grounds.

Child Protection

From time to time we will publicise your child’s teams achievements through local media, football newsletters and on our new website. This is achieved usually with the use of digital pictures of the teams or match reports. By signing the club registration form you provide permission for images of the player to be used as stated above. Olney Town Colts F.C. recognises the need to ensure the welfare and safety of all young people in football. As part of our commitment to ensure the safety of young people we will not permit photographs, video or other images of young people to be taken without the consent of the parents/carers and the young person. Olney Town Colts F.C will follow the guidance for the use of images of children and young people. Olney Town Colts F.C will take all steps to ensure these images are used solely for the purpose they are intended which the promotion and celebration of the activities of Olney Town Colts F.C. If you become aware that these images are being used inappropriately you should inform Olney Town Colts. F.C immediately. The F.A Child protection department has produced the following guidelines on best practice (golden rules) on the use of images of children and young people.

The Ten Golden Rules:

• All Children must be appropriately dressed
• Photography or recording should focus on the activity, not on a particular young person.
• Images should focus on small groups rather than individuals.
• Images of a child who is under a court order should never be used.
• If a young person is named, avoid using their photograph.
• If a photograph is used, avoid naming the person or use their first name only. Personal details should never be revealed.
• Make sure parents/carers/young person have signed the Club Registration Form before active participation in club activities.
• Use photographs that represent the broad range of youngsters participating in football.
• All people taking photographs or recording footage should be registered with the Football club and/or have verbal permission from the supervising manager of each event.
• All concerns regarding the inappropriate or intrusive photography should be reported to either the club's Welfare Office, Chairman, or Secretary.