NEW PROVIDENCE Sports & Educational Centre

Code of Good Practice For Clubs

The booklet includes

• Standard Club Rules/Constitution
• Codes of Conduct for:
i. Sport
ii. Coaches
iii. Players
iv. Team Officials
v. Parents/Spectators
• Anti-discrimination and Equal Opportunities Policies for Member Clubs
• Club Complaints Procedure

Each Club/Sporting body wishing to utilise the New Providence Sports and Educational Centre must be properly constituted and set out realistic rules and guidelines governing the club.
These shall be approved by the board of the New Providence Sports and Educational Centre and further supported by the NPSEC rules. This is seen by the Centre as a fundamental condition of membership and an indication by each club that it supports the mandate and goals of the NPSEC.The NPSEC standard is set out below:

NPSEC rules/constitution

1. NAME –The Centre shall be called The New Providence Sports and Educational Centre (hereafter referred to as ‘The Centre’ or ‘NPSEC’)

2. OBJECTIVES – The objectives of the Centre shall be to arrange rugby union/association football matches and social activities for its members while developing the minds and bodies of players.

3. STATUS OF RULES – These rules (the CENTRE RULES) form a binding agreement between each member of the Centre and each member of the clubs that are a part of the Centre.

4. RULES AND REGULATIONS

a) The rules and regulations, as established by the centre form a binding contract between the centre, the member clubs and the members of each of the clubs
b) No alteration to the Centre Rules shall be effective without the prior written approval by the NPSEC.
c) The Centre will also uphold it’s voluntarily enforced Child Protection Policies and Procedures, Codes of Conduct and the Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination Policy.
d) Each Member Club shall have the status of member of The Bahamas Rugby Football Union/Bahamas Football Association by virtue of its status as a Full Member Club of The New Providence Sports and Educational Centre (NPSEC). The rules and regulations of the Bahamas Rugby Football Union/Bahamas Football Association and any League or Competition to which the Club is affiliated for the time being shall be deemed to be incorporated into the Centre Rules

5. CENTRE MEMBERSHIP

a) The members of the Centre from time to time shall be those persons listed in the register of members (the Membership Register) which shall be maintained by the Centre Secretary.
b) Any person who wishes to be a member must apply on the Membership Application Form and deliver it to the Centre. Election to membership shall be at the sole discretion of the Centre Board. Membership shall be effective upon an applicant’s name being entered in the Membership Register.
c) In the event of the member’s resignation or expulsion, his or her name shall be removed from the Membership Register.
d) The New Providence Sports & Educational Centre shall be given access to the Club Membership on demand and shall be regularly informed of amendments.
e) All members must be prepared to commit to work, voluntarily for the betterment of the Centre as directed.

6. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE

a) An annual fee payable by each member shall be regularly determined by the Centre Board. Any fee shall be payable on a successful applicant’s name being entered in the Membership Register
b) The Centre Board shall have the authority to levy further subscriptions from the members as are reasonably necessary to fulfil the objects of the Centre.

7. RESIGNATIONS AND EXPULSIONS

a) A member shall cease to be a member of the Centre if, and from the date which, s/he gives notice to the Centre Board of her/his resignation. A member whose annual membership fee or further subscription is more than 2 months in arrears shall be deemed to have resigned.
b) The Centre Board shall have the power to expel a member when, in their opinion, it would not be in the interests of the Centre for her/him to remain a member. There shall be no appeal procedures.
c) A member who resigns or is expelled shall not be entitled to claim any, or share any of the Centre’s Property.
d) The Centre Chairman shall have the right to take any member of the board to the board who shall vote, in the member’s absence on disciplinary action or dismissal.

8. NPSEC BOARD of DIRECTORS (The Board)

a) The Centre Board shall consist of the following Centre Officers: Chairmas, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and Minutes Secretary, plus up to 5 other members, elected at an Annual General Meeting.
b) Each Officer and Board Member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the next Annual General Meeting unless otherwise resolved at a Special General Meeting. One person may hold no more than two positions of Centre Officer at any time. The Board shall be responsible for the management of all the affairs of the Centre. Decisions of the Board shall be made by a simple majority of those attending the Board Meeting. The Chairman of the Board meeting shall have a casting vote in the event of a tie. Meetings of the Board shall be chaired by the Chairman or in their absence the Vice Chairman. The quorum for the transaction of business of the Club Board shall be three.
c) Decisions of the Board on meeting shall be entered into the Minute Book of the Centre to be maintained by the Secretary.
d) Any member of the Board may call a meeting of the Board by giving not less than 7 days’ notice to all members of the Board. The Board shall hold no less than four meetings a year.
e) An outgoing member of the Board may be re-elected. Any vacancy on the Board which arises between Annual General Meetings shall be filled by a member proposed by one and seconded by another of the remaining Board members and approved by a simple majority of the remaining Board members.f) Save as provided by the Rules and Regulations of The Bahamas Rugby Football Union/Bahamas Football Association, the Board shall have the power to decide all questions and disputes arising in respect of any issue concerning the Centre’s Rules.

9. SPECIAL COMMITTEES

a) The centre shall establish special committees to oversee the various aspects of the centre’s activity. These shall include:
i. The Club committee – oversees the running of the Rugby/Football Clubs (teams), including all senior, ladies and youth teams.
ii. The Education committee – oversees all education programmes run by the club and has the responsibility of ensuring that the club’s education policy is being employed efficiently and effectively.
iii. Finance committee – oversees the club’s finances.
iv. Affiliations committee – oversees all relationships with affiliated clubs/leagues/sports and ensures that they are abiding by and consistent with the rules and regulations of the centre and the conditions of affiliation. Should include at least one member of each affiliate.
v. Plant management committee – responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the buildings, fields and grounds of the centre.
b) Committees may consist of board members or other appropriate members without prejudice. The chairman of each committee may attend any or all board meetings in a non-voting capacity.
c) The Chairman of each committee is expected to address the Board of Directors once annually at the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) or upon demand by the Board, given 48 hours prior notice.
d) All finances shall be consolidated into The NPSEC Account and a predetermined budget provided to each committee. Any additional expenses incurred by the committee must be approved by the Board. The Finance Officer should be a cosignatory on all cheques issued by each committee.

10. ANNUAL AND SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS

a) An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held in each year to:
i. receive a report of the activities of the Centre over the previous year
ii. receive a report of the Centre’s finances over the previous year
iii. elect the members of the Board and various committees
iv. consider any other business
b) Nominations for election of members as Centre Officials or as members of the Board shall be made in writing by the proposer and seconder, both of whom must be existing members of the Centre, to the Secretary not less than 21 days before an AGM. Notice of any resolution to be proposed at the AGM shall be given in writing to the Secretary not less than 21 days before the Meeting.
c) Special General Meeting (SGM) may be called at any time by the Board and shall be called within 21 days of the receipt by the Secretary of a requisition in writing signed by not less than five members stating the purpose for which the Meeting is required and the resolution proposed. Business at an SGM may be any business that may be transacted at an AGM.
d) The Secretary shall send to each member at their last known address written notice of the date of a General Meeting together with the resolution to be proposed at least 14 days before the Meeting.
e) The quorum for a General Meeting shall be twelve .
f) The Chairman , or in their absence a member selected by the Board, shall take their chair. Each member present shall have one vote and resolutions shall be passed by a simple majority. In the event of an equality of votes the Chairman of the Meeting shall have a casting vote.
g) The Secretary, or in their absence a member of the Board, shall enter Minutes of General Meetings in the Minute Book of the Centre.

11. CLUB TEAMS

At its first meeting following each AGM, the Club Board shall appoint a member of the Centre to be responsible for each of the Centre’s rugby/football teams. The appointed member shall be responsible for managing the affairs of the team. The appointed member shall present to the Board at its last meeting prior to an AGM a written report on the activities of the team. The appointed member(s) should report to the Centre’s Committee on demand.

12. NPSEC FINANCES

a) A bank account shall be opened and maintained in the name of the Centre (the NPSEC Account). Designated account signatories shall be the Chairman, the Secretary, the General Manager and the Treasurer. No sum shall be drawn from the Centre Account except by cheque signed by two of the three designated signatories. All monies payable to the Centre shall be received by the Treasurer and deposited in the NPSEC Account.
b) The income and assets of the Centre (the NPSEC Property) shall be applied only in furtherance of the objects of the Centre.
c) The Board shall have power to authorise the payment of remuneration and expenses to any member of the Centre and to any person or persons for the services rendered to the Centre.
d) The Centre shall prepare an annual Financial Statement in such form as shall be published by the Centre to all members from time to time, but not less than once every two years.
e) The NPSEC Property, other than the NPSEC Account, shall be vested in not less than two and not more than four custodians, one of whom shall be the Treasurer (the Custodians), who shall deal with the NPSEC Property as directed by decisions of the Board and entry in the Minute Book shall be conclusive evidence of such a decision.
f) The Custodians shall be appointed by the NPSEC in a General Meeting and shall hold office until death or resignation unless removed by a resolution passed at a General Meeting.
g) On their removal or resignation a Custodian shall execute a Conveyance in such form as is published by The New Providence Sports and Educational Centre from time to time to a newly-elected Custodian or the existing Custodians as directed by the Board. On the death of a Custodian, any NPSEC property vested in them shall vest automatically in the surviving Custodians. If there is only one surviving Custodian, a Special General Meeting shall be convened as soon as possible to appoint another Custodian.
h) The Custodians shall be entitled to an indemnity out of the NPSEC Property for all expenses and other liabilities reasonably incurred by them in carrying out their duties.

13. DISSOLUTION

a) A resolution to dissolve the Centre shall only be proposed at a General Meeting and shall be carried out by a majority of at least three-quarters of the members present.
b) The Dissolution shall take effect from the date of the resolution and the members of the Committee shall be responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the NPSEC.
c) Any surplus assets remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the NPSEC shall be transferred to the Winton Custodians who shall determine how the assets shall be utilised for the benefit of the game. Alternatively, such assets may be disposed of in such other manner as members of the Centre with the consent of the Winton Custodians shall determine.

Code of Conduct

A Code of Conduct for Rugby

The best interest of Rugby is at the heart of the New Providence Sports and Educational Centre. All those involved in the game at every level and whether as a player, match official, coach or administrator, have a responsibility, above and beyond compliance with the law, to act according to the highest standards of integrity, and to ensure that the reputation of the game is, and remains, high. This code applies to all those involved in rugby under the auspices of The Bahamas Rugby Football Union.

Community

Rugby, at all levels, is a vital part of a community. Rugby will take into account community feeling when making decisions.

Equality

Rugby is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.

Participants

Rugby recognises the sense of ownership felt by those who participate at all levels of the game. This includes those who play, those who coach or help in any way, and those who officiate, as well as administrators and supporters. Rugby is committed to appropriate consultation.

Young People

Rugby acknowledges the potential of its influence over young people and pledges to set a positive example.

Propriety

Rugby acknowledges that public confidence demands the highest standards of financial and administrative behaviour within the game, and will not tolerate corruption or improper practices.

Trust and Respect

Rugby will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved in the game, whether they are individuals, clubs or other organisations.

Violence

Rugby rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game.

Fairness

Rugby is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game.

Integrity and Fair Play

Rugby is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with fair play.

Code of Conduct for Coaches

Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in Rugby. Their concept of ethics and their attitude directly effects the behaviour of players under their supervision. Coaches are, therefore, expected to pay particular care to the moral aspects of players under their supervision. Coaches are, therefore, expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct.

Coaches have to be aware that almost all of their everyday decisions and choices of action, as well as strategic targets, have ethical implications.

It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a “win-at-all-costs” attitude.

Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral obligation of young people are a first priority, before the achievement or reputation of the club, coach or parent.

Set out below is The New Providence Sports and Educational Centre’s Coaches’ Code of Conduct which forms the benchmark for all involved in coaching:

1. Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
2. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
3. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
4. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
5. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
6. Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
7. Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
8. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parent) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
9. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, first aiders) in the best interests of the player
10. Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
11. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
12. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Code of Conduct for Players

Players are the most important people in the sport. Playing for the team, and for the team to win, is the most fundamental part of the game. But not winning at any cost – fair play and respect for all others in the game is fundamentally important.

This Code applies to players involved in all levels of rugby in The Bahamas.

Obligations to the game

A player should
1. Make every effort to develop his/her sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.
2. Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if her/his team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.
3. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time-wasting.
5. Always have regard for the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
6. Not use inappropriate language.

Obligations to one’s own team

A player should
1. Make every effort consistent with fair play and the Laws of the Game to help his own team win
2. Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question his commitment to the team winning.

Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules

A player should
1. Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules.
2. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.
3. Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques.

Respect towards Opponents

A player should
1. Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.
2. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents.

Respect towards the Match Officials

A player should
1. Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest.
2. Avoid words or action which may mislead a Match Official.
3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.

Respect towards Team Officials

A player should
1. Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Team Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code.
2. Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition.

Obligations towards the Supporters

A player should
1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.

Code of Conduct for Team Officials

This code applies to all team/club officials (although some items may not apply to all officials).

Obligations towards the Game

The team official should
1. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
2. Promote and develop her/his own team having regard to the interest of the Players, Supporters and reputation of the game.
3. Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so, taking into account the interest of the body that has requested this rather than personal interests.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
5. Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game.
6. Always have regard for the best interests of the game, including others involved in the game.
7. Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Obligations towards the Team

The team official should
1. Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club/team, and to obtain the best results for the team. Using all permitted means.
2. Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.
3. Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.
4. Promote ethical principles
5. Show due respect for the interests of the players, coaches and officials, their own club/team and others.

Obligations towards the Supporters

The team official should
1. Show due respect for the interests of supporters.

Respect towards the Match Officials

The team official should
1. Accept the decisions of the Match Officials without protest.
2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.

3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.

Code of Conduct for Parents/Spectators

Parents/Spectators have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in sport. All children play sports because they first and foremost love playing – it’s fun. It is imperative to remember that however good a child becomes within your club it is important to reinforce the message to parents/spectators that positive encouragement will contribute to:
• Children enjoying sports.
• A sense of personal achievement.
• Self-esteem.
• Improving the child’s skills and techniques

A parent/spectator’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:
• Other players.
• Officials.
• Managers.
• Spectators.

Ensure that parents/spectators within your club are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children not just their own.

Encourage parents/spectators to:
• Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.
• Avoid coaching the child during the game.
• Not to shout and scream.
• Respect the referee’s decision.
• Give attention to each of the children involved not just the most talented.
• Give encouragement to everyone to participate.

Ensure that parents/spectators within your club agree and adhere to your club’s Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.

New Providence Sports & Educational Centre

Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities Policies for Clubs

As the governing body of the game, The Bahamas Rugby Football Union is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the game at every level.
Rugby belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, everyone equally. Our commitment is to eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, race, nationality, religion or ability and to encourage equal opportunities.

The following policies should be at the heart of your club’s activities.

Anti-Discrimination Policy For Clubs

• Each Club’s administrative body is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the club at every level. Rugby belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone, equally. Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of sex, race, nationality, religion or disability.
• Equality of opportunity at the New Providence Sports and Educational Centre means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, no the grounds of sex, race, nationality, religion or disability.
This includes:
• The advertisement for volunteers.
• The selection of candidates for volunteers.
• Courses.
• External coaching and education activities and awards.
• Sports development activities.
• Selection for teams.
• Appointments to honorary positions.• The New Providence Sports and Educational Centre will not tolerate sexual or racial based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action whatever context it occurs.
• The New Providence Sports and Educational Centre is committed to the development of the programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities, in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation, and within football as a whole.

Equal Opportunities Policy For The New providence Sports and Educational Centre

1. General
• NPSEC is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members of whatever level or authority, to abide and adhere to this general principle and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the New Providence Sports and Educational Centre and endorsed by the Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
• All members are expected to abide by the requirements of the principles here stated as they apply to race relations, sex discrimination and disability discrimination. Specifically discrimination is prohibited by:
• Treating any individual on grounds of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality, religion or disability less favourably than others.
• Expecting an individual solely on the grounds stated above to comply with requirement(s) for any reason whatsoever related to their membership, which are different from the requirements for others.
• Imposing requirements on any individual which are in effect more onerous on that individual than they are on others. For example, this would include applying a condition which makes it more difficult for members of a particular race or sex to comply than others not of that race or sex.
• Victimisation of an individual.
• Harassment of an individual, by virtue of discrimination.
• Any other act or omission of an act, which has as its effect the disadvantaging of a member against another, or others, purely on the above grounds. Thus, in all the Centre’s recruitment, selection, promotion and training processes, as well as disciplinary matters, it is essential that merit, experience, skills and temperament are considered as objectively as possible
• The New Providence Sports and Educational Centre commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims of discrimination on the above grounds and where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice cease forthwith, restitution of damage or loss (if necessary) and to the investigation of any member accused of discrimination.
• Any member found guilty of discrimination will be instructed to desist forthwith. Since discrimination in its many form is against the Centre’s policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedures
• The Centre commits itself to the disabled person whenever possible and will treat such members, in aspects of their recruitment and membership, in exactly the same manner as other members. The difficulties of their disablement permitting assistance be given, wherever possible to ensure that disabled members are helped in gaining access. Appropriate training will be made to such members who request it.

New Providence Sports and Educational Centre’s Complaints Procedure

In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way, or that the Centre’s Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct have been broken, the following procedures should be observed.

1. The offended person should report the matter to the Secretary or another member of the Committee.

Your report should include:
(i) Details of what, when and where the occurrence took place.
(ii) Any witness statement and names.
(iii) Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way.
(iv) Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to whom made.
(v) A preference for a solution to the incident.

2. The Centre’s Management Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested.

3. The Centre’s Management Committee will have the power to:
(i) Warn as to future conduct
(ii) Suspend from membership
(iii) Remove from membership any person found to have broken the Centre’s Policies or Codes of Conduct