Our Constitution

Aims

- To provide an opportunity for the youth of Bedford and the surrounding area to develop their football skills.

- To provide continuity through the age groups

Rules

1. Name and relationship

The club shall be called "Bedford Panthers Football club". The club shall be affiliated to the Bedfordshire Football Association and shall compete in such leagues/competitions as decided annually at the Annual General Meeting.

2. Colours

The club colours shall be yellow & blue or as decided at the Annual General Meeting, following recommendations submitted by the Committee.

3. Annual Subscriptions

The committee shall determine subscriptions annually.

4. Management

The officers of the club shall be:

Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, General Secretary, Fixtures Secretary, Press Officer, Child Protection Officer, Independent Committee Member, one member from each football team Manager/Coach, and one member of the Fundraising Committee.

5. Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Club shall be held in the month of June for the election of Officers and other business. Officers are to be elected by a majority vote. All Members of the club over 18 years of age in attendance at the AGM shall be entitled to vote. (To be a member you must be either on the committee or your child has to be associated with the club).

6. Special General Meetings

The Secretary of the Club shall convene a Special General Meeting at any time by order of the Committee, or on the written request of not less than four members (parents).

7. Finance

The funds of the Club shall be deposited with such Bankers as may be decided upon by the Committee. All payments in excess of £10.00 shall be made by cheque, which must be signed by the Chairman, Treasurer or General Secretary, any two names being valid. The accounts shall be made available to all members at the AGM, or upon request.

8. Codes of Conduct

Bedford Panthers fully endorses the Football Association Codes of Conduct for Coaches, Parents/Spectators, Players and Team Officials as set out in the addenda to this constitution.

9. Resignation and Expulsion

A member shall cease to be a member of the Club from the date on which, he/she gives notice to the Club Committee of their resignation. A member whose annual membership fee or further subscription is more than 1 month in arrears shall be deemed to have resigned. The Club Committee shall have the power to expel a member when, in their opinion, it would not be in the interests of the Club for them to remain a member. There shall be no appeal procedures. A member who resigns or is expelled shall not be entitled to claim any, or a share of any, of the clubs property. All disciplinary matters shall be dealt with by the Committee and their decision shall be final.

10. Child Protection Policy

Bedford Panthers FC endorses the FA Child Protection Policy Statement. The Club recognizes the responsibility that every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment protected from abuse be it physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect and bullying. To help to meet its obligations in this regard the Club shall appoint a Child Protection Designated Person.

11. Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities Policy

Bedford Panthers FC fully endorses the FA policy with regard to anti-discrimination and equal opportunities and recognizes that football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, everyone equally. The Club is committed to eliminating discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or ability and to the promotion of equal opportunities.

12. Alteration to Rules

The foregoing rules shall only be altered by a majority vote at the AGM or Special General Meeting convened to consider a rule change. Any proposed alteration to the rules, to be considered at a Special General Meeting must be submitted in writing to the Secretary, at least seven days prior to the AGM or Special General Meeting, and shall contain the names of the proposer and seconder.