The FA have announced minor changes to their Charter Standard Club programme. The criteria have been slightly modified to reflect the views of over 37,000 people who were consulted on the development of The FA's National Game Strategy for 2008-12.
Many of the changes also replicate examples of good practice that have been implemented by FA Charter Standard clubs and, as a result, the Programme is further raising standards and supporting the needs of grassroots football.
From July 2009 all new clubs will have to adhere to the new criteria together with those existing FA Charter Standard Clubs renewing their status in season 2009/10. However, for existing FA Charter Standard clubs a transitional period has been allowed to provide sufficient time and support.
Following the Goals and Enablers of The FA National Game Strategy, the additions made to the criteria are as follows:
Goal 1: Growth & Retention
Clubs to have a link with a local school, FE college or University to recruit new players
Goal 2: Raising Standards
First Aid equipment to be present on match days and training sessions
Clubs to implement the Respect Programme Codes of Conduct
Clubs to host a briefing for players, parents/carers, spectators, coaches and managers to discuss on- and off-field behaviour
Community Clubs to run a workshop on why and how to address poor behaviour and improve standards
Goal 3: Better Players
One coach to attend The FA Age Appropriate Introductory module by July 2010
Development and Community Clubs: one coach to attend The FA Youth Award (L3) Module 1 by July 2010
Community Clubs: one coach to attend The FA Youth Award (L3) Module 2 by July 2011
No more than 1:16 coaching ratio and two adults present at all sessions/games
Goal 4: Running the Game
Development and Community Clubs to have a development plan based on the National Game Strategy template
Enabler: Workforce
A Volunteer Co-ordinator is nominated and roles identified for volunteers in the club
Development and Community Clubs: Head Coach identified with L2 and Youth Award (L3) Module 1 by July 2010
Community Clubs: one coach to attend FA Mentoring course by July 2011
A great deal of support is available from the Surrey County Football Association and this includes:
An Application and Support Resource CD-ROM that has the new criteria and many documents that include the Respect programme Codes of Conduct and development plans.
Accessing FA Age Appropriate Introductory Module and Youth Award (L3) coaching courses.
Guidance on developing your club through the Football Development workforce and accessing funding.
Guidance from the County Welfare Officer on how to address poor behaviour.
Alternatively, documentation can be found by visiting www.thefa.com/GetIntoFootball/CharterStandard/Club/CharterStandardDownloads.aspx
For season 2010/11 it is planned that all clubs will be supported through an annual health check process with their County F.A. to ensure all existing clubs adhere to the new criteria.
Introduction
THE FA CHARTER STANDARD programme was launched in February 2001 to establish, reward and encourage good practice at the grassroots levels, so that parents and children can demand a minimum standard of provision from schools, clubs and holiday courses.
The project is at the heart of The Football Association's investment programme for grassroots football and the status is awarded where The FA’s minimum standards of coaching, administration and child protection are met.
Many Grants and Funding Opportunities provided by the FA and the Football Foundation are only available to clubs who have gained, or are working toward, Charter Standard
CHARTER STANDARD AIMS TO...
- Provide a nationally recognised quality control 'kitemark'
- Identify clubs and organisations where best practices exist
- Improve the quality of provision of football for everyone
- Sustain participation of football players for a longer time
- Raise the standards of the grassroots game
There are 4 levels of Charter Standard.
1... Charter Standard Club
2... Charter Standard Adult Club
3... Charter Development Club
4... Charter Community Club
Each Level depends upon the size, type and ambition of the club.