At Gomersal & Cleckheaton FC, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and positive environment for everyone involved in the club. We understand that from time to time concerns may arise, and we encourage open and constructive communication to resolve issues at the earliest opportunity.

The sections below outline the steps to follow if you have a complaint and explain the club’s approach to managing disciplinary matters in a fair, transparent, and consistent manner.

Complaints Procedure

1. Complaints should be directed to the Team Manager in the first instance.
2. If the complaint relates to the Team Manager or cannot be resolved at that level, the Age Group Manager should be contacted.
3. If the matter remains unresolved, it should be submitted in writing to the Club Secretary.
4. If the complaint involves a Playing Member, the Club Welfare Officer must be informed immediately to ensure appropriate safeguarding support and guidance.
5. All complaints should be clearly documented and passed to the Club Secretary.
6. Where further action is necessary, the Club Secretary will refer the matter to the Management Committee, which may choose to act directly or appoint a Sub-Committee to handle the issue.
7. Throughout the process, all parties will be kept informed of developments and any decisions made.

Disciplinary Procedure

Gomersal & Cleckheaton FC enforces a Code of Conduct (see separate document), which applies to all Players, Team Managers, Coaches, Club Officials, Parents/Carers, and Spectators. Breaches of this Code, or any actions deemed to bring the Club into disrepute, may be referred to a Disciplinary Committee, formed by the Management Committee as required.

The Disciplinary Committee may also consider matters referred to it directly by the Management Committee. Its decision is final, subject to the right of appeal outlined below.

Possible Disciplinary Outcomes

The Disciplinary Committee has the authority to determine appropriate outcomes based on the nature and severity of the incident. Possible outcomes include:

1. Incident Dismissed - No Further Action
(Note: this does not prevent the FA or League from applying their own sanctions.)

2. Verbal Reprimand - For minor breaches of conduct. Issued on behalf of the Club.

3. Written Warning - For more serious or repeated breaches of conduct.

4. Final Written Warning - For significant breaches, or where previous warnings have not been heeded.

5. Dismissal from the Club - Immediate removal from the Club for serious misconduct or persistent non-compliance.

In addition, the Club reserves the right to issue fines or impose suspensions independently of any action taken by leagues or governing bodies.

Note: The Committee is not obliged to follow a sequential process (e.g. warning → final warning → dismissal). It will act based on the specifics of each case.

Appeals Procedure

• Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Club Secretary within 14 days of the disciplinary outcome being communicated.
• The Management Committee will review whether a personal hearing is appropriate, based on the nature of the appeal.
• If granted, the hearing panel will consist of:

1. Members of the Management Committee
2. The Chair of the Disciplinary Committee
3. The individual concerned
4. The Club Welfare Officer (if applicable)

The decision of the Appeals Committee is final.