Policies

UEFA 10 Point Plan

Loughgall Football Club is an equal opportunities club and will not tolerate any form of sectarianism or racially offensive behaviour or chanting. As part of our on-going commitment to the IFA’s “Football for All” campaign, “Kick it out” and to equality, anyone caught making racist or sectarian comments, may be arrested, prosecuted and banned from the club. If you hear any abuse of this nature, please report it to your nearest steward or call the helpline number 0800 169 9414.

1.Issue a statement saying the club will not tolerate racism or sectarianism, spelling out the action it will take against those engaged in racist or sectarian chanting. The statement should be printed in all match programmes and displayed permanently and prominently

around the ground.

2. Make public address announcements condemning racist and sectarian chanting at matches.

3.Make it a condition for season-ticket holders that they do not take part in racist or sectarian abuse.

4.Take action to prevent the sale of racist and sectarian literature inside and around the ground.

5.Take disciplinary action against players who engage in racial or sectarian abuse.

6.Contact other clubs to make sure they understand the club’s policy on racism and sectarianism.

7.Encourage a common strategy between stewards and police for dealing with racist and sectarian abuse.

8.Remove all racist and sectarian graffiti from the ground as a matter of urgency.

9.Adopt an equal opportunities’ policy in relation to employment and service provision.

10.Work with all other groups and agencies, such as the players union, supporters, schools, voluntary organisations, youth clubs, sponsors, local authorities, local businesses and police, to develop pro-active programmes and make progress to raise awareness of campaigning to eliminate racial or sectarian abuse and discrimination.

Anti-discrimination Policy

It is the policy of Loughgall FC to ensure that all players, members, coaches/volunteers and visitors are protected from discrimination. All members and staff must respect the rights of others, whilst paying close attention to their differing needs, and those of other users of our services and facilities.

Loughgall FC is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the club at every level. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone, equally. Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic, origin, religion or disability.

Equality of opportunity at the Club means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability. This includes:

1.The advertisement for volunteers

2.The selection of candidates for volunteers Courses

3.External coaching and education activities and awards Football development activities

4.Selection for teams

5.Appointments to honorary positions

The Club will not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.

The club is committed to the development of the programme of on-going training and awareness raising events and activities, in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within the club, and within football as a whole.

Loughgall FC endeavour to ensure that the club remains a welcome environment for EVERYONE. The club does not tolerate discrimination of any form

Complaints procedure

Any member or visitor who feels they have experienced or witnessed discrimination, bullying, harassment, abuse or intimidation should contact one of the club officials either directly or through one of the team managers.

•The Club Committee will act as intermediary between persons identified above.

•They will seek to determine what behaviour was found to be offensive by the recipient and whether the behaviour was recognized as offensive by the person carrying out the action(s).

•The club will arrange for an informal meeting between both parties at a convenient date, time and location but within one month of the initial complaint. Both parties may be accompanied. The aim of the meeting will be conciliatory and will allow informal discussion to take place.

•The parties will be required to sign minutes as a true and accurate record of what took place. This document will be maintained in safe keeping.

•The club committee will decide if any further actions need to be taken or sanctions made against the offender.

In order to make a complaint you can contact a committee member directly

Racism in football

Loughgall FC fully supports the aims and objectives of the Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football and the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) campaigns.

•Football provides us with a unique opportunity to show unity between people of different origins. However, the experience of many players from ethnic minority communities is of abuse and harassment because of the colour of their skin.

•Players and administrators are reminded that racist abuse (such as name calling) on the field is a red card offence. Anyone within the Club who is found to have acted in a racist manner in either excluding ethnic minorities or found to be engaging in racist abuse or harassment will face expulsion from the club.

•Any players suffering racist abuse is encouraged to report it to the referee on the field of play and to their League and County Association immediately after the match

•Racism is a problem that we all have a responsibility to address. Don’t let it ruin our game.

Loughgall FC does not tolerate racism in any shape or form. Any instances of racism should be report via the complaints procedure