Purton Football Club

Policies

Index

1. Introduction
2. Fair Play
3. Health and Safety

1. Introduction

The primary objectives of Purton Football Club (PFC) are to give boys and girls the opportunity of taking part in regular and organised football competition's and to provide an environment which enables each and every player to learn and develop the skills of football, individually and collectively. PFC believe that this can be best achieved in an environment that promotes fun and encourages skill development under the guidance of an adult with coaching capabilities. PFC place great emphasis on good sportsmanship, teamwork, respect of others and leadership on and off the field.

PFC believe that they can achieve these objectives with regular coaching sessions which include warm up, skill development, skill games/drills, match play and warm downs. These activities are appropriate for the relevant age groups and abilities. These coaching sessions provide a structured sequential programming of learning and development. With any skill there is a building process from the introduction of the skill to the repetition and practising of the skill. The playing of skill games is a vital intermediate step between learning a skill and performing that skill in a match situation. Coaching priority is placed on the teaching of individual and team skills rather than winning a match. PFC believes that match results will benefit with successful coaching development.

PFC aims to:

• Provide young people with a fun, exciting and challenging experience of football.
• Develop basic and football related skills in young people.
• Create an environment where all young people achieve and feel success in football.
• Promote fair play and positive sporting behaviour, while discouraging the "win at all costs" attitude. However, it is the intention and desire to win but only within the rules of football and by fair play.
• Establish a foundation of a lifetime of activity and involvement in football.

PFC have developed a series of Codes of Conduct. They are done with the intention for all people involved with PFC to set a level of expected conduct and to lead by example Copies of all of these codes of conduct are available to anyone and are available on the web site for PFC.

2. Fair Play

In summary, PFC adheres to Fair Play being:

• Players enjoying themselves.
• Ideals of sportsmanship, self-discipline, mutual respect, honesty and comradeship are encouraged.
• An atmosphere of friendly co-operation and competition exists.
• All players are actively involved.
• A minority of players are not permitted to dominate.
• A minimal risk of injury.
• Show an understanding of and respect for the laws of the game. Play within the laws of the game.
• Behave on and off the field in a sporting manner towards all others involved, be they players, officials or spectators - irrespective of the results.

The values and attitudes of the Fair Play policy will be indicative of the approach of the coaches and parents.

On doing so, Fair Play is....

• Respect - for the opposition, the officials and the rules of the game.
• Staying cool - No matter what happens
• Dignity - In winning or losing.
• Keeping football fun - That's why we do it.

3. Health and Safety

Prevention of injury is better than cure.

The following key points will help you prevent injuries in football:

Warm up - warming up is very important and is essential in minimising the risk of injury.

Warming up results in improved flexibility and prepares you not only physically, but also mentally for football activity. Warming up should include five to ten minutes of light activity before stretching.

Stretching is also essential, without stretching muscles lose their flexibility and may fail to respond effectively during football. To ensure maximum safety whilst stretching the following points should be adhered to:

• Warm up prior to stretching.
• Stretch before and after exercise.
• Stretch alternate muscle groups.
• Stretch gently and slowly - never rapidly.
• Hold stretches for a minimum of 5 to 10 seconds.
• Never stretch to the point of pain.
• Always breathe slowly and easily; never hold your breath.

Another safety prevention tip is to cool down after activity. An effective cool down consists of gradually reducing activity levels for 5 to 10 minutes such as a slow jog or walk followed by gentle stretching.

Playing areas and facilities have a great role to play in injury prevention. If equipment is inadequate or faulty or the playing surface inappropriate, then the players may be put at risk. It is important that playing areas are firm and level and free from obstructions such as stones, glass etc.

Weather conditions must be considered when playing football. Even in a cold climate, dehydration can occur. Players must remember that thirst is not a sign of dehydration. Dehydration can occur without a person feeling thirsty. Plain water is the best fluid replacement and ideally should be consumed before, during and after an activity. Suitable clothing on hot days also reduces the likelihood of dehydration. Cold weather conditions can cause serious muscle injury, so if a player is resting between activity, warm clothing should be worn and warming up again before resuming is recommended.

Managing existing injuries is very crucial to a player's long term welfare. Weighing up pain, movement and strength of the injured part against the strength and movement of the non-injured part is a good marker of readiness to resume play.

Suspicions of possible "over-use" injuries must be reported to the team coach or club officials. Coaches will be looking for indications of over-use problems. An "over-use" injury develops gradually and cannot be connected to one specific incident. The areas of the body most at risk are: back, knees, shins, ankles and heels.

Club agreement with Policies

Copyright © 2003 Purton Football Club. All rights reserved.