American Football - Code of Conduct

University of the West of England American Football club

1.0. Introduction

This document outlines the expectations of UWE Students' Union (UWESU) along with its aims to satisfy sports members & provide guidelines to cater for their well being, safety & behaviour whilst remaining a member of a UWESU Sport. This document shall be the basis for the safe operation of the University of the West of England American Football Club, hereinafter referred to as Bristol Bullets.

2.0. General Information

2.1. Membership to UWESU Sport
Membership is open to UWESU students, UWE & UWESU staff & UWESU life members in accordance with UWESU's constitution providing that they:

A) Receive a UWESU Membership card
B) Register their membership to the sport club through the online UWESU membership application form
C) Read & agree to comply with the UWESU Activities Code of Practice

There are three categories of membership:

1. Full Membership Current undergraduate & postgraduate students & comply with above.
2. Affiliate Membership All members of UWE & UWESU staff, all UWE graduate members & comply with above.
3. Associate Membership - all students in membership of other student organisations & comply with above.

The Bristol Bullets compete in the British Collegiate American Football League (BCAFL). Under BCAFL rules the Bullets can recruit from any other institute of higher education which lies within the catchment area.

The institution composite of Bristol Bullets is:

• UWE students
• Returning Bristol University students
• Hartpury College
• Any other college in the Bristol, Avon area

Members are also required to comply with the Centre for Sport "Conditions of Use" when using University hired or owned facilities.


The list of members entitled to participate in Bristol Bullets activities will be kept with the Sports President & updated by the club Committee as appropriate.


2.2.Club Purpose
To provide equal, equitable & safe opportunities for members of the University to participate in American Football. Activities shall include:

• The introduction of beginners
• Provision for experienced players
• Participation in appropriate competition & coaching programmes
• Instruction on safe practice & technical aspects of the sport
• Support to progress as appropriate within Performance & Coaching parameters

Bristol Bullets shall make provision for the encouragement of the development of the sport of American Football as the Committee see fit.

The inclusion of any new activity by the club must be discussed with UWESU Sport.

All activities must be run in accordance with the guidelines contained in this Code of Practice & its annexes.


2.3. Affiliation
All clubs within UWESU Sport & Activities where applicable are to be affiliated to the appropriate National Governing Body (NGB). All UWE Sports & Activities members having paid subscription & registered online are affiliated where applicable to BUSA via UWESU. The Bristol Bullets are affiliated to BSAFA .


2.4. Instruction
Training sessions for sports clubs within UWESU will be conducted by coaches who have appropriate qualifications. Instruction will cover: communication, footwear, clothing, equipment, & safety precautions.

The coaches are assigned to the club by the Centre for Sport.


2.5. Trials/Selection Policy
Trials will be held at the beginning of the autumn term for the purpose of assessing the ability of all members. UWESU operates a policy that all individuals must trial each year irrespective of ability. Training sessions are held where all members can continually be assessed by team captains, coaching staff &/or instructors to aid team/squad selection.


2.6. Training & Coaching
The club shall seek to support persons actively involved in coaching activities in attaining BAFA Coaching Qualifications as appropriate. UWE student members may receive funding via the Community Volunteer Programme.


2.7. Vehicles:
In order to drive UWESU hired vehicles all drivers must be tested & insured. UWESU Sport & Activities provides a nationally accredited minibus driver awareness (MiDAS) practical & theory test, people carrier familiarisation & trailer towing training & assessments free of charge.


2.8. 1st Aid:
UWESU Sport provides 1 day nationally accredited 1st aid courses for all UWE students free of charge.

3.0. Health and Safety Guidelines

3.1. Clothing and Equipment
The sports club must ensure that the appropriate clothing is worn & equipment used for, the appropriate activity. Players will be shown how to check their equipment throughout the season. It is then the player's responsibility to inform the committee or Head Coach about any equipment issues.

UWESU Sports & Activities recommends that all players adhere to their respective NGB guidelines.


3.2. Rules and Regulations
All sports & activities where applicable should be conducted according to the rules & regulations of the activity issued under the authority of their respective National Governing Body.

UWESU recommends that all members have an up-to-date tetanus inoculation.

All activities irrespective of whether 'active' or 'social' organised by the club shall be run in accordance with these guidelines & those of the BSAFA. Activities shall include:

• American Football training & competition
• Fitness & strength & conditioning
• All trips/outings
• Social trips/tours as appropriate

3.2.1. Club Induction:
In the interests of safety no club member will be allowed to participate in training involving contact without wearing the appropriate equipment & receiving suitable training.

Prior to first training session:
All members will be given a briefing prior to their first training session. This includes essential safety briefing from the coaching staff. The safety parameters that are in place are also outlined eg: first aid kit availability.

Members are assessed for competence & suitability by qualified coaching staff & experienced players.


3.2.2.Equipment:
No person shall use any equipment not specifically allocated to them without reference to the club committee &/or the Head Coach.

Individual members will be given the opportunity to hire the necessary kit from the club whilst kit is available or alternatively will be given the details of suppliers & prices if they wish to purchase their own kit & equipment.

The club committee is responsible for the allocation, collection, maintenance & storage. The Head Coach is to advise on kit safety & replenishment.

Members remain responsible for monitoring the equipment they are using before & after every training session/fixture & reporting defects accordingly to the club committee/Head Coach & in turn UWESU Sports & Activities Centre.

All personal kit can be used provided that it satisfies club kit safety levels as specified by the BCAFL safety standards. This will be at the discretion of the Head Coach.

Kit will be checked for safety prior to allocation & any kit which becomes unsafe will be repaired if possible, otherwise it will be decommissioned.

Repairs/Damage
Members have a responsibility to report all equipment damage/repairs & remedial work required. Failure to do so will lead to a suspension from the club for a period defined by the club committee. A physical record will be kept & updated of kit allocation & condition. This is for safety & equipment insurance purposes.
The following equipment is required to play American Football:

• Helmet*
• Shoulder Pads*
• Thigh Pads*
• Knee Pads*
• Hip & Tail Pads*
• Pants*
• Shirt*
• Studded Boots
• UWE Socks - are available to purchase from UWESU 4th Floor Reception
• Gum Shield - are available to purchase from the club committee.

* Denotes equipment that can be hired from the club provided that this item remains in store.

NB: All individuals details that have hired kit is kept with UWESU Sport & Activities. Any difficulties with retrieving kit/equipment from individuals at the end of the season will be reported to UWESU Sports & Activities. Any student owing money &/or equipment etc to the club will be liable & may not be permitted to graduate.


3.2.3. Tackling:
Tackling is an integral part of American Football. All members must follow a specific tackling guidelines outlined by the club coaching staff to comply with health & safety guidelines:

• Chain straps done up & mouth guards in at all times
• Head Up
• Eyes Open at all times & on target
• Bend at the Knees
• Keep your back straight

3.2.4. Training Facility
Prior to the use of this facility all members must undergo an induction. All members follow a code of conduct whilst using the facility including behaviour & the use of equipment.


3.2.5. Coaches Role:
The Head Coach will be the primary liaison between the coaching staff & the club committee & oversee the coaching, training & game style content of the club. It is the coaches role to inform beginners/novices of all the safety features of American Football. To write training plans for offensive & defensive squads, supervise correct technique, ensure safety both on & off the pitch & to provide support during training & matches of the Bristol Bullets.

Coaches shall behave in such a manner as not to place members at any greater risk as that associated with normal participation. In the absence of the club President they shall be responsible for ascertaining the safety conditions with mind to the following factors:

• Equipment issues - e.g. Mouthguards
• Tackling guidelines
• No Training shall occur if there is lightening due to the high risk to players safety.

If in any doubt, the coach & committee have a responsibility to act in mind of the safety of the players & not undertake training/matches.

Copies of all BCAFL qualifications & attended training courses should be registered with the club secretary, in the club logbook & with the Sports & Activities Manager.


3.2.6. Matches:
No player will be permitted to play in matches if they are deemed insufficiently trained by the coaching staff.

It is the responsibility of all players to follow all safety guidelines & BCAFL/BSAFA regulations:

• All players must carry their UWESU Membership Card, with proof of Bristol Bullets membership to all BCAFL fixtures for inspection by the opposing team in order to prove eligibility. Failure to show the UWESU Membership Card will disqualify that player from participating in the match under BCAFL regulations.
• Any match fees are to be paid in advance prior to any vehicles being booked.
• All competition entries are to be done through UWESU.
  Where the club is participating in fixture, players will be informed via the squad captain &/or Head Coach of the travel arrangements, event arrangements & general requirements. Trip notification will be provided by one of the above to UWESU Sport & Activities.

NB: Regular Activities not requiring specific trip notification to UWESU Sports & Activities are organised training sessions based at BAWA Playing Fields & Bishopston Rugby Football Club. Team lists must be provided to UWESU Sports & Activities Centre for all fixtures.

All match referees for BCAFL fixtures are registered with the British American Football Referees Association (BAFRA) & obey the regulations of that body.

Under BCAFL rules a hot meal will be provided for the away team. As a result both teams will have an after match meal.

No club member will be permitted to play in a match without wearing the necessary level of kit.

Matches will be mainly played on Sundays, but in some extreme cases games are played on Friday/Saturday evenings.


3.3. First Aid
There is a first aid kit & fully qualified first aiders at every training session & game. These individuals will be made aware to all members at the beginning of the season.

Members are requested to advise the Head Coach of any medication or medical condition which may affect their health/performance (this information must also be recorded on the UWESU online registration membership) eg: Asthmatic - & where the inhaler is carried, diabetic, epileptic etc.

All accidents & injuries other than 'routine blisters/scrapes' must be recorded on an Accident Form & passed to the Sports & Activities Manager.

In accordance with BCAFL regulations, an ambulance will be in attendance at all home fixtures provided by UWESU Sport & Activities & at away games by the opposing team.

Where possible all home fixtures will have a UWESU Sideline Sports Physiotherapist in attendance with appropriate first aid equipment.

Any member requiring further physiotherapy treatment post match must be referred by the coach using an Accident Form or the Sports Physiotherapist using an injury report form.

Within the club there should be at least 2 qualified 1st aiders at training/matches at anyone time.

A first aid kit shall be taken on every trip & at every training session.

NB: Nursing & Physio students do not qualify as substitute 1st aiders, unless they have an up-to-date 1st aid qualification.

All Members MUST be aware of the accident/emergency procedures. An accident form must be completed & submitted to the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre.

If required, assistance from a 1st aider should be sought.

Report to club officials any injuries or incidents, this includes (an accident form must be completed & submitted to the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre:

• On the way to & from training/practices
• During any training session &/or matches

All incidents/accidents are kept on file in the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre & are used to support any review of safety procedures.


In the event of any serious accident or incident which involves the Emergency Services or which could involve media attention please follow this procedure:

• Assess the situation.
• Ensure the safety of yourself then the group. Call the Emergency Services if necessary & ensure before your call that you are able to explain exactly where you are. You will also be expected to give them your name, the number from which you are ringing & a brief summary of the incident including possible injuries & the number of injured. If you are calling from a mobile you may in some circumstances need to ask them to ring you back if your call is indistinct.
• Where possible treat any casualties if it is safe to do so. Always be aware of potential spine injuries - never move someone in this situation unless there is a more serious potential situation such as fire.
• All accidents/incidents that occur MUST be reported. Contact UWE as soon as possible by ringing:
  1. The UWESU Sports & Activities Centre.
     Tel: 0117 32 83288/81403/82719/83291
     Hours: 09.30hrs - 17.30hrs (Mon to Fri)
  2. Alternatively the University Gatehouse (24hrs)
     Tel: 0117 32 82552

All incidents resulting in injury occurring in a sports facility owned or hired by UWE MUST be recorded in the accident book, located in the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre, 5th Floor F-Block, Frenchay Campus.

Please be prepared to give the following information:

• Your name
• The telephone number from which you are calling
• A brief summary of the incident & any injuries
• The number & names of people involved
• The name of any hospitals where casualties may have been taken
• The details of any police officers involved with the incident

You may be rung back if there are any further steps that need to be taken.

Do not make any statement to the media other than "no comment". DO NOT discuss ANY aspect of the incident with anyone who is not connected with the emergency services.


3.4. Insurance
Fully paid members that have registered online involved in club activities have insurance cover under the UWESU BUSA Gold Personal Injury Insurance Policy. This is not medical insurance, for which individuals remain individually responsible. Full details are available from UWESU Sports & Activities Centre &/or the club Logbook. UWESU recommends that individuals take out appropriate individual insurance cover.

All club equipment that is registered on the club equipment inventory is owned & insured by UWESU Sports & Activities. The personal property of members is not covered unless specifically noted.

All coaching staff will be registered with BCAFL under leagues rules & will coach under their liability insurance.


4.0. Conduct of Members
Members should not act in any way that could foreseeably cause harm to themselves or anyone else, & be aware that they owe a "Duty of Care" to those who are so closely affected by their acts & omissions.

Members are expected to abide by UWESU policy (copies available from the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre & UWESU Site Offices) & if relevant their particular Regional & National Governing Body Guidelines. Bristol Bullets will abide by the safety codes of practice at all training facilities, fixtures they attend.

Members will pay their own fines for any cautions or suspensions received. Neither the sports club nor UWESU will take any responsibility financial or otherwise.

Any member or official who is deemed by UWESU Sport & Activities to be acting in an irresponsible manner or ignoring guidelines laid down in this Code of Practice may be subject to disciplinary measures by your respective club, UWESU Sport & Activities or the relevant National Governing Body.

4.1. Alcohol Consumption
No alcohol is to be consumed on board transport owned or organised by UWESU.

UWESU promotes responsible drinking.

Whilst engaging in social events please ensure that you remain with the group.

Each individual has responsibility for themselves to maintain safe alcohol consumption levels, to know your limits & keep well within them.

UWESU promotes responsible drinking. For more information: www.drinkaware.co.uk & www.knowyourlimits.gov.uk

4.2. Facilities
Members are expected to treat facilities, staff, & students at the University of the West of England & other institutions & establishments with the utmost respect.


4.3. Equal Opportunities
"The University of the West of England Students' Union is a campaigning organisation which represents a diverse membership.

UWESU recognises that inequality, oppression & discrimination exists in this society.

The Students' Union will work towards a fairer society through ensuring greater equality of opportunity for its members & employees.

UWESU aims:

• To increase the quality of everyone's participation in the workforce & the educational process.
• To address attitudinal & organisational barriers to achieving greater equality of opportunity.
• To take positive action to promote fair employment practices & to eliminate discrimination against, & oppression of, individuals or groups of people on the basis of any of the following:
  • Gender
  • Disability
  • Sexuality
  • Class
  • Ethnicity
  • Nationality
  • Ethnic or national origin
  • Colour
  • Creed
  • Religion
  • Age
  • HIV
  • Status
  • Caring responsibilities
  • Marital status

UWESU believes that the oppression of the above groups & other discriminatory behaviour or language is unacceptable to the Union and will result in disciplinary action.


Note:

If The Bristol Bullets incoming committee fails to attend the Annual Committee Training in the spring/summer term the club will automatically be shut down & as a result withdrawn from all relevant leagues and activities for the forthcoming academic year.


5.0. Bristol Bullets Committee

• President:
  Oversees all operations of the club, club representative in BCAFL, represents the club in Sports Council meetings & liaises with UWESU Sport & Activities.
• Head Coach:
  Manages the coaching staff & defines the structure, the training & coaching. Oversees match decisions.
• Coaching Staff:
  Make match decisions with regards to their speciality within the team.
• Treasurer:
  Liaises with the Sports President in relation to the club finances.
• Game Day Manager:
  Checks the pitch markings, ensures the posts are padded, supplies the water bottles, physio bag, first aid kits etc. Also assists with kit maintenance.
• Secretary:
  Books Ambulances via UWESU Sports & Activities Centre, transport, referees & after match meals. All club administration including match reports & player registration.
• Equipment Officer:
  Responsible for allocation, maintenance & logging of all kit & equipment. Decommissioning kit is done in conjunction with the Safety Officer, Head Coach & Sports & Activities Manager.
• Safety Officer:
  Reporting all accidents & incidents to UWESU Sports & Activities, ensuring all safety guidelines & codes of practice are adhered to. Updating club risk assessments in conjunction with the club committee.
• Social Co-ordinator:
  Ensuring that all social events, trips, tours etc comply with UWESU Sports & Activities guidelines.