Cottingham Rangers AFC is committed to upholding high standards across all areas of the club. Our policies and procedures are in place to ensure the safety, fairness, and wellbeing of every player, volunteer, coach, and parent involved in our teams.

As a team manager, you are expected to be familiar with these policies and ensure they are followed throughout the season. If you are ever unsure about how to handle a situation, please speak to the Club Secretary or Welfare Officer for guidance.


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Safeguarding and Child Protection

We follow The FA’s Safeguarding Children Policy and require all volunteers in contact with children to complete DBS checks and safeguarding training. Any concerns must be reported to the Club Welfare Officer immediately.


Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Cottingham Rangers is an inclusive club. We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for players of all backgrounds, abilities, genders, and ethnicities. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.


Anti-Bullying Policy

We operate a zero-tolerance policy on bullying. This includes verbal, physical, emotional, and online bullying. Any concerns should be raised with the team manager or Club Welfare Officer.


Health & Safety

Managers are responsible for checking the safety of pitches, equipment, and surroundings before every session or match. Any accidents or injuries must be logged and reported to the Club Secretary or Welfare Officer.


First Aid and Emergency Procedures

All teams must carry a stocked first aid kit at every training session and match. Any serious injury or incident must be reported using the club’s Injury Report Form and escalated if necessary.


Poor Practice and Whistleblowing

If you observe behaviour that doesn’t align with the club’s code of conduct or FA standards, you have a duty to speak up. The club supports a whistleblowing policy that protects those who raise concerns in good faith.


Changing Room Policy

Children must not be left unsupervised in changing areas. Managers and coaches should follow FA guidance when using shared or public facilities, especially in mixed-gender settings.

Data Protection (GDPR)

All personal data (e.g. medical info, contact details) must be stored securely and only shared with those who need access. We follow the principles of GDPR and The FA’s data handling guidelines.


Communication and Social Media

All communication with parents and players must be appropriate, respectful, and preferably via approved club channels (e.g. 360Player app). Coaches and managers must not engage in private messaging with players under 18. Any club-related social media must reflect our values and be used responsibly.


Transport Policy

The club does not encourage coaches or volunteers to transport players unless agreed in advance with parents/guardians. Managers must ensure that players are never left alone after training or matches.


Thunder & Lightning Policy

The safety of players, coaches, and spectators is our highest priority. Please follow these rules at all times:

  • Immediate Suspension
  • If thunder is heard or lightning is seen, training or matches must be stopped immediately.
  • Everyone should leave the pitch and move to a safe indoor area (clubhouse, changing rooms, or cars).
  • 30–30 Rule
  • If the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, the storm is too close and activities must not continue.
  • 30-Minute Rule
  • Do not resume activity until 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder or flash of lightning.
  • No Shelter Under Trees or Structures
  • Avoid dugouts, metal fences, goals, and open fields.
  • Safest places are enclosed buildings or vehicles.
  • Coach/Manager Responsibility
  • Team officials must make the call to stop play/training and ensure all players are safe.