Policies & governance

Saltcoats Victoria aims to put the welfare of our players first in every circumstance, a responsibility that we take very seriously. To enable us to do this, we follow a very strict child wellbeing policy, which can be found below.

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS POLICY STATEMENT

CHILD WELLBEING AND PROTECTION

Saltcoats Victoria is fully committed to embedding a rights-based approach in Scottish football. We recognise and work within the general principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) for the best interests of the child, non-discrimination, participation, as well as survival and development.

For the purposes of this policy, a child is recognised as someone under the age of 18 years. This policy applies to all children regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion, socio-economic status, or family circumstance.

Saltcoats Victoria will:

• Respect the rights of children as paramount.
• Provide opportunities for every child interested to play football to gain a positive experience.
• Include and involve children in decision-making, providing opportunities for children to be heard.
• Promote and implement policies and procedures to safeguard the wellbeing of children and protect them from abuse, ensuring they know what to do and who they can speak to if they need help.
• Promote and implement policies and guidelines to prevent and respond to bullying, ensuring they know what to do and who they can speak to if they need help.
• Require members of staff, volunteers, and committee members to adopt and abide by this policy.
• Train, support, and supervise its members of staff, volunteers, and committee members to adopt best practices in embedding children’s rights in Scottish football and promoting, protecting, and respecting these rights for children.
• Respond to any concerns raised where a child’s rights are being denied in Scottish football.
• Regularly monitor and evaluate the implementation of this policy, these procedures, and associated safeguards in developing our child-rights-based approach and include children’s views in this process.

Saltcoats Victoria FC believes that every adult involved with the club has the right to take part in football, and to be safe while doing so. This policy sets out how we protect adults who may be at risk of harm, and it sits alongside our Child Protection Policy.

Purpose and scope

This policy applies to everyone acting on behalf of the club: committee members, coaches, managers, volunteers, match-day staff and players. It covers adults (aged 18 or over) who may be at risk, whether they are players, volunteers, spectators, members of staff or visitors to Campbell Park.

Who is an adult at risk?

Under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, an adult at risk is someone aged 16 or over who:

• is unable to safeguard their own well-being, property, rights or other interests;
• is at risk of harm; and
• because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity, is more vulnerable to being harmed than others who are not so affected.

Being an adult at risk depends on the circumstances, and can be temporary or long term. We do not label people; we respond to what we see and hear.

Types of harm

Harm can include physical, emotional or psychological, sexual, and financial abuse; neglect; and self-harm. It can be caused by another person, including someone within football, or by the person’s own circumstances.

Our commitments

• The welfare of an adult at risk is our first concern, and their views and wishes are listened to wherever possible.
• We promote dignity, respect and inclusion, and make reasonable adjustments so that people can take part.
• Everyone acting for the club is expected to know this policy and to follow it.
• Roles involving regulated work with protected adults are recruited safely (see our Safe Recruitment & Volunteer Policy).
• Concerns are taken seriously, recorded, and shared only with those who need to know.

The club Safeguarding Officer

The committee appoints a Safeguarding Officer who is the first point of contact for any concern about an adult at risk. Their name and contact details are available from the club secretary, and any concern can be raised by emailing saltcoatsvictoria@gmail.com.

What to do if you have a concern

1. If someone is in immediate danger, or a crime is being committed, call 999.
2. Listen carefully and stay calm. Do not promise to keep it secret, and do not investigate or question the person yourself.
3. Tell the club Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible, and always on the same day. If the concern is about the Safeguarding Officer, tell another committee member.
4. Write down what you saw or heard, in the person’s own words, with the date, time and place. Sign and date the note and pass it to the Safeguarding Officer.
5. The Safeguarding Officer decides what happens next, which may include a referral to the local authority (North Ayrshire Council) Adult Protection team, the police, or the Scottish FA.

Anyone can also report a concern about an adult at risk directly to the local council’s social work service or to Police Scotland.

Confidentiality and sharing information

Information about a concern is shared on a need-to-know basis only. Where an adult’s safety is at risk, the law allows us to share information without consent. Records are kept securely and handled in line with our Data Protection Policy.

Allegations against someone at the club

An allegation involving a club member, volunteer or official is passed to the Safeguarding Officer and the committee chair immediately, and the Scottish FA is informed where required. The person may be suspended from club activity while matters are looked into. Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith is not tolerated.

Review

This policy is reviewed each year by the club committee, and whenever the law or Scottish FA guidance changes.

At Saltcoats Victoria F.C., we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for everyone involved with our club. Below is our Code of Conduct, outlining the standards we expect from fans, players, and staff.

For Fans

As a supporter of our club, we ask that you adhere to the following standards to ensure a positive experience for all:

Respect for All

Treat players, officials, opposition fans, and fellow supporters with respect. Please avoid abusive, racist, sexist, or discriminatory language or behavior.

Prohibited Behaviour

Violent or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated. Do not invade the pitch or enter restricted areas. Possession or use of flares, fireworks, or prohibited items is strictly forbidden.

Alcohol and Substance Policy

Consume alcohol only in designated areas, if permitted by venue policy. Entry may be refused if you are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

Comply with Match Officials and Stewards

Always follow instructions from match officials and stewards.

Consequences for Misconduct

Breaches of the code may result in warnings, removal from the ground, bans, or reports to authorities.

For Club Members (Players, Staff, and Volunteers)

Representing Saltcoats Victoria F.C. is a privilege that carries the responsibility to uphold our values both on and off the field.

Professionalism and Sportsmanship

Show respect to match officials, opponents, and fans at all times. Uphold fair play and avoid dissent or unsporting behaviour.

Adherence to Rules and Policies

Follow all league and governing body regulations. Comply with club policies regarding conduct, safety, and safeguarding.

Respect for the Community

Maintain a positive relationship with the local community. Avoid actions that could harm the club’s reputation.

Accountability

Breaches of the code will be addressed through disciplinary actions, including warnings, suspensions, or dismissal.

Reporting Misconduct

If you witness behaviour that breaches this Code of Conduct, please report it to a steward or contact us via email at saltcoatsVictoria@gmail.com.

By following this Code of Conduct, we can ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone involved with Saltcoats Victoria F.C.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Saltcoats Victoria Football Club is committed to being a club for everyone, providing an inclusive and safe environment where all can thrive and feel welcome. To achieve this, we strive to embed a culture where everyone connected to the club is treated with respect and met with positivity and compassion. We are all responsible for upholding the club’s values by ensuring others feel included and valued, championing equality, and challenging all forms of discrimination, while continually increasing our knowledge to develop the confidence to do so.

We celebrate diversity and will proactively work with our community to ensure everyone has a fair opportunity to participate.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement
Saltcoats Victoria Football Club promotes the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and will strive to ensure that everyone who wishes to be involved in the club—whether as players, supporters (home and away), staff, board members, participants in outreach programs, or other individuals engaged with the club’s activities (for example, suppliers, corporate partners):

Has a genuine and equal opportunity to participate to the full extent of their own ambitions and abilities, without regard to their age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, sex, or sexual orientation; and
Can be assured of an environment in which their rights, dignity, and individual worth are respected, and in particular that they are able to enjoy their engagement at the club without the threat of intimidation, victimization, harassment, bullying, or abuse.

EDI Commitment
The Club is committed to avoiding, actively challenging, and eliminating discrimination of any kind and will under no circumstances condone unlawful discriminatory practices. The organisation takes a zero-tolerance approach to intimidation, harassment, victimisation, bullying or abuse.

As well as complying with legislation, the Club promotes EDI by taking positive steps to counteract the effects of physical or cultural barriers – whether real or perceived – that restrict the opportunity for all sections of the community to participate equally and fully.

The Club will therefore seek to institute, support or contribute to appropriate measures or initiatives that enable access, as well as requiring participation in associated activities by people from any group that is under-represented in the Club or has difficulty accessing it.

Saltcoats Victoria FC is a club for the whole community. Racism, sectarianism and every other form of discrimination or hate have no place at Campbell Park, in our teams, on our social media or in anything we do. This policy adds to our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion policy and our Code of Conduct.

Who this applies to

Everyone involved with the club: players, coaches, officials, committee members, volunteers, sponsors, supporters and visitors, on the pitch, in the stands, on the way to and from matches, and online.

What we mean

• Discrimination means treating someone worse because of a protected characteristic: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation (Equality Act 2010).
• Racism includes abuse, taunts, gestures, chanting, symbols or “banter” aimed at a person’s race, colour, nationality, or ethnic or national origin.
• Sectarianism means hatred, abuse or hostility directed at a person because of their religion, or perceived religion, including denominational chanting, songs, symbols or insults.
• Other hate includes abuse aimed at someone’s disability, sexual orientation, transgender identity or variations in sex characteristics.

Some behaviour of this kind is also a criminal offence, for example under the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021. Reporting it to the club does not stop it also being reported to the police.

Our position

• We do not accept discriminatory, racist or sectarian language or behaviour, in any form, from anyone.
• “It was only a joke” and “it was in the heat of the moment” are not defences.
• We treat all complaints seriously and will protect those who raise them from any comeback.
• We will act, and be seen to act, whoever is involved and whatever their position at the club.

What you can do

• If you experience or witness abuse, and it is safe to do so, tell a match official, a club official or a steward at the time. Match officials are responsible for reporting incidents on the field of play.
• You can also report an incident afterwards by emailing saltcoatsvictoria@gmail.com with the date, place, what happened and, if you can, who was involved.
• If someone is in danger, or a crime is happening, call 999.
• Reports can also be made to the Scottish FA and to the league.

What we will do

1. Acknowledge every report and treat it in confidence as far as possible.
2. Deal with it under the club’s Complaints & Disciplinary Procedure, and pass it to the league, the Scottish FA or the police where appropriate.
3. Take action, which for supporters can include a warning, removal from the ground, or a ban, and for players, officials and volunteers can include suspension or removal from the club.
4. Keep the person who reported it informed of the outcome, as far as confidentiality allows.

Education and prevention

We will make sure that coaches, officials and volunteers know this policy, encourage everyone at the club to challenge behaviour that is not acceptable, and use Scottish FA and anti-discrimination resources to keep improving. Our ground regulations allow us to refuse entry to, or remove, anyone who breaks this policy.

Review

The committee reviews this policy each year.

Saltcoats Victoria FC wants to hear when things go wrong, so we can put them right. This procedure explains how to raise a complaint about the club, and how the club deals with breaches of its rules and codes.

Part 1: Complaints

Who can complain

Any player, parent or carer, volunteer, member, sponsor, supporter or member of the public who has dealings with the club.

What this covers

The conduct of club members or volunteers, how the club has treated you, the ground, tickets, the shop, or any decision made by the club. It does not cover: decisions by match officials on the field of play, matters that belong to the league or the Scottish FA (although we will tell you where to take them), or safeguarding concerns, which must always go straight to the Safeguarding Officer under our safeguarding policies.

How to complain

1. Informal. Many problems can be sorted quickly by talking to the person concerned, or to a club official.
2. Formal. If that does not work, or you would rather not, email saltcoatsvictoria@gmail.com or write to the club secretary at the ground address on our contact page, saying what happened, when, who was involved, and what you would like us to do.

What we will do

• Acknowledge your complaint within 7 days.
• Have it looked at by a committee member who was not involved in the matter.
• Speak to the people concerned, and to you where needed.
• Aim to give you a written outcome within 28 days. If it will take longer, we will tell you why and when to expect it.

Appeal

If you are not satisfied, you can ask for the outcome to be reviewed by the club chair, or by a committee member who has not been involved, within 14 days of receiving it. The decision after that review is the club’s final decision, although it does not affect your right to go to the league, the Scottish FA or any other body that has authority.

Complaints about the committee

If your complaint concerns the chair or the secretary, address it to another committee member, who will arrange for it to be dealt with by someone else.

Part 2: Disciplinary procedure

This applies to players, coaches, volunteers, officials and members who are alleged to have broken the club’s Code of Conduct, its policies, Ground Regulations, or the rules of the league or the Scottish FA.

Principles

• Fairness: a person is told what is alleged and has the chance to respond before a decision is made.
• Proportionality: any action is appropriate to what happened.
• Consistency: similar cases are treated in a similar way.
• Confidentiality: only people who need to know are told.
• Serious safeguarding, criminal or match-integrity matters may be referred immediately to the police, the Scottish FA or the league, and the club’s own procedure may be paused while they are looked into.

Stages

1. Informal word. For minor matters, a club official speaks to the person, explains what is expected and makes a note.
2. Investigation. If it is more serious, or is repeated, the committee appoints someone to look into it. They speak to those involved and collect evidence.
3. Hearing. The person is told in writing of the allegation and given reasonable notice of a meeting with at least two committee members not involved in the case. They may bring a supporter, and for players under 18 a parent or carer.
4. Outcome. The panel decides and confirms in writing. Outcomes can include no action, a verbal or written warning, an apology or agreed change of behaviour, suspension from club activities, removal from the club or a ban from the ground.
5. Appeal. The person can appeal in writing within 7 days to the club chair, or to a committee member not involved. The appeal decision is final within the club.

Suspension

Where it is needed to protect people or the investigation, the club may suspend someone on a temporary basis. Suspension is not a finding of blame.

Records

Records are kept confidentially and in line with our Data Protection Policy.

Review

The committee reviews this procedure each year.

Saltcoats Victoria FC will do everything reasonably practicable to keep players, officials, volunteers, spectators and visitors safe at Campbell Park and at every club activity. This policy sets out how we do that, and what to do in an emergency.

Responsibilities

• The committee has overall responsibility for health and safety, and appoints a Health & Safety Officer to lead on it. Details are available from the club secretary.
• Everyone at the club has a duty to take reasonable care of themselves and others, to follow instructions and signage, and to report hazards and incidents.

The club acts in line with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and works with the ground owner, the league and the Scottish FA.

Risk assessment

• Risk assessments cover the ground, matchdays, training, events and travel. They are reviewed at least every year, and after any incident or change.
• Pitch, goalposts, barriers, floodlights, stands and facilities are checked before matches and any defects are reported and dealt with. Goalposts must be secured and never climbed on.
• The pitch, weather and safety of the ground are checked before every match. The match referee has the final decision on whether a match goes ahead.

Matchday safety

• A named club official is in charge of each home matchday and knows the emergency arrangements.
• Spectators must follow the Ground Regulations and the instructions of officials and stewards. Overcrowding, standing in gangways, pitch invasion and the use of flares, fireworks or glass containers are prohibited.
• Exits and routes are kept clear, and the entrance is managed so that the number of people at the ground is safe.
• Children must be supervised by a parent, carer or responsible adult.

First aid

• A first aid kit is available at the ground on matchdays and training, and a trained first aider is present or reachable at all times during club activity where possible.
• Where a defibrillator is available at Campbell Park, its location is made known to club officials and posted at the ground.
• For any head injury, follow the Scottish FA concussion guidance: if in doubt, sit them out. A player suspected of concussion must be removed from play and must not return to play or train until they have followed the proper return-to-play process.
• Injuries and illnesses are recorded in the accident book kept by the club.

Emergency procedures

In any emergency

1. Call 999 for fire, police or ambulance. Give your location: Campbell Park, Blakely Road, Saltcoats KA21 5JQ.
2. Tell the matchday official in charge.
3. Give first aid within your training, and stay with the injured person until help arrives.
4. Keep the access route clear so that emergency vehicles can get in and out.

Fire and evacuation

• On hearing the alarm or an instruction from an official, leave the area calmly by the nearest safe exit and go to the assembly point given by the officials. Do not stop for belongings, and do not go back until told it is safe.
• Officials help anyone who needs assistance, including disabled people and children.
• Do not fight a fire unless you have been trained and it is safe to do so.

Match stopped for weather or safety

If a match is stopped for lightning, floodlight failure, a serious injury or any safety reason, spectators should follow the announcements and staff instructions, and stay in a safe place until told to leave or resume.

Reporting

• All accidents, near misses and hazards are reported to the Health & Safety Officer, and recorded.
• Serious incidents are reported to the appropriate authority, including under RIDDOR 2013 where it applies, and the Scottish FA and league are informed where required.
• The club learns from incidents, and reviews procedures afterwards.

Training and other activity

Coaches and managers check the area and equipment before every session, make sure players are suitably dressed and warmed up, and keep a list of attendees and emergency contacts. Where activity takes place away from Campbell Park, the leader must find out the emergency arrangements for that place beforehand.

Review

The committee reviews this policy each year.

These Ground Regulations apply to all persons entering Campbell Park for any match, event or other activity organised or authorised by Saltcoats Victoria Football Club.

Entry to Campbell Park constitutes acceptance of these Ground Regulations.

1. Right of Admission

Saltcoats Victoria F.C. reserves the right of admission to Campbell Park.

The Club may refuse entry to, or remove from the ground, any person whose behaviour is considered unsafe, unlawful, threatening, abusive, discriminatory, disruptive or otherwise contrary to these Ground Regulations.

Anyone refused entry or removed from Campbell Park may also be prohibited from attending future matches or events.

2. Compliance with Club Officials

All persons entering Campbell Park must comply with reasonable instructions given by Club officials, stewards, safety personnel, match officials or Police Scotland.

Failure to comply may result in removal from the ground and/or further action being taken.

3. Searches

Saltcoats Victoria F.C. reserves the right to search any person, bag or other item being brought into Campbell Park where reasonably considered necessary for safety or security.

Refusal to cooperate with a reasonable search may result in admission being refused or removal from the ground.

4. Prohibited Items

The following must not be brought into Campbell Park without prior permission from the Club:

• Fireworks, flares, smoke devices or other pyrotechnics;
• Weapons, knives or items capable of being used as weapons;
• Glass bottles or glass containers;
• Dangerous or hazardous substances;
• Laser devices;
• Air horns or similar devices;
• Illegal drugs or controlled substances;
• Unauthorised alcohol;
• Drones or remotely operated aircraft;
• Any object which the Club reasonably considers could endanger players, officials, volunteers or spectators.

The Club reserves the right to confiscate prohibited items where appropriate or require them to be removed from the premises.

Where appropriate, Police Scotland may be contacted.

5. Pyrotechnics

The possession, use or attempted use of fireworks, flares, smoke bombs or other pyrotechnic devices within Campbell Park is strictly prohibited.

Anyone found in possession of or using such an item may be refused entry, removed from the ground, reported to Police Scotland and/or banned from Campbell Park.

6. Alcohol and Intoxication

No person may enter or remain within Campbell Park while drunk or so intoxicated that their behaviour presents a risk to themselves or others.

Alcohol may only be possessed or consumed where permitted by law and authorised by Saltcoats Victoria F.C.

Unauthorised alcohol must not be brought into Campbell Park.

The Club reserves the right to refuse admission to, or remove, anyone whose behaviour appears to be adversely affected by alcohol or drugs.

7. Unacceptable Conduct

Saltcoats Victoria F.C. is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for everyone attending Campbell Park.

Violence, threatening behaviour, disorderly conduct, harassment and abuse are strictly prohibited.

This includes threatening, abusive, insulting or discriminatory words, behaviour, chants, gestures, signs, flags, banners or other material.

Discrimination or abuse relating to characteristics including race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability will not be tolerated.

Conduct supporting, promoting or celebrating a proscribed terrorist organisation is also prohibited.

Any person engaging in Unacceptable Conduct may be removed from Campbell Park, banned from future matches and/or reported to Police Scotland or the relevant football authorities.

8. Violence and Damage

Actual, attempted or threatened violence towards any person is prohibited.

Intentional or reckless damage to Campbell Park, Club property or the property of another person is prohibited.

Incidents may be reported to Police Scotland and offenders may be liable for the cost of any damage caused.

9. Field of Play and Restricted Areas

Spectators must not enter or attempt to enter:

• The field of play;
• Technical areas;
• Players' or officials' changing areas;
• Officials' rooms;
• Club operational areas; or
• Any other area designated as restricted,

unless specifically authorised by Saltcoats Victoria F.C.

Unauthorised pitch incursions may result in removal from Campbell Park, a Club ban and/or referral to Police Scotland or the appropriate football authorities.

10. Throwing Objects

No person may throw or attempt to throw any object towards or onto:

• The field of play;
• Technical areas;
• Players or coaching staff;
• Match officials;
• Club officials or volunteers; or
• Other spectators.

Anyone doing so may be immediately removed from Campbell Park and may face further Club or legal action.

11. Players, Match Officials and Club Personnel

Abuse, intimidation, threats or harassment directed towards players, coaches, match officials, Club officials, volunteers, opposition representatives or other persons working at Campbell Park will not be tolerated.

Supporters are expected to respect match officials and their decisions.

Entering a restricted area for the purpose of confronting a player, official or other person is strictly prohibited.

12. Flags and Banners

Flags and banners are permitted provided that they:

• Do not present a safety risk;
• Do not obstruct entrances, exits or emergency access;
• Do not unnecessarily obstruct another spectator's view;
• Do not contain threatening, abusive, discriminatory, political, offensive or otherwise prohibited material; and
• Are not capable of being used as a weapon.

Saltcoats Victoria F.C. reserves the right to inspect or require the removal of any flag, banner or similar item.

13. Smoking and Vaping

Smoking and vaping must only take place in areas where permitted by the Club and must comply with applicable Scottish legislation.

Smoking is prohibited within any area where smoking is prohibited by law.

Spectators must follow any instructions or signage relating to designated smoking areas.

14. Photography, Filming and Recording

Personal photography and recording may be permitted provided it does not interfere with the match, compromise safety or breach applicable safeguarding, competition, broadcasting or media restrictions.

Professional or commercial photography, filming, live streaming or broadcasting requires prior permission from Saltcoats Victoria F.C. where applicable.

Authorised Club photographers, videographers and automated camera systems may operate within Campbell Park.

Anyone using photographic or recording equipment must comply with any reasonable instruction from a Club official.

15. Children, Young People and Admission

Saltcoats Victoria F.C. is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for children and young people attending Campbell Park.

Any person under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 or over when entering and while attending Campbell Park.

The following conditions apply:

• Children under 16 will not be admitted to Campbell Park unless accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 or over.
• A young person aged 16 or 17 may attend Campbell Park without an accompanying adult, subject to the Club's normal Conditions of Entry.
• A person aged 16 or 17 cannot act as the responsible adult for anyone under the age of 16.
• Anyone under 16 attending with a person who is only 16 or 17 will not be admitted unless a responsible adult aged 18 or over is also present.
• The responsible adult must remain responsible for the child or children in their care throughout their time within Campbell Park.
• Children must not enter the field of play, technical areas, changing facilities or any other restricted area unless specifically authorised by the Club.
• Saltcoats Victoria F.C. reserves the right to request reasonable proof of age where there is doubt regarding whether a person meets these requirements.
• The Club reserves the right to refuse admission where these conditions are not met.

These requirements form part of the Club's Conditions of Entry and are intended to protect the safety and welfare of children and young people attending Campbell Park.

16. Emergency Access and Evacuation

Entrances, exits, gates, stairways, access routes and emergency routes must remain unobstructed at all times.

Spectators must immediately follow reasonable instructions from Club officials, stewards, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service or other emergency personnel during an emergency or evacuation.

Anyone becoming aware of an emergency, fire, medical incident or other immediate safety concern should notify a Club official as soon as possible.

17. CCTV

CCTV may operate within and around Campbell Park for purposes including:

• Public and spectator safety;
• Security;
• Crime prevention and detection;
• Protection of Club property; and
• Investigation of incidents.

Images may be provided to Police Scotland, football authorities or other appropriate bodies where lawful and necessary.

18. Removal, Refusal of Entry and Club Bans

Any person breaching these Ground Regulations may:

• Be refused admission;
• Be removed from Campbell Park;
• Have admission privileges withdrawn;
• Have a ticket or season ticket cancelled where applicable;
• Be banned from Campbell Park and/or Saltcoats Victoria F.C. events;
• Be reported to the relevant football authorities; and/or
• Be reported to Police Scotland.

Saltcoats Victoria F.C. reserves the right to impose proportionate sanctions against individuals identified as engaging in Unacceptable Conduct or other serious breaches of these Ground Regulations.

19. Football Banning Orders

Any person subject to a Football Banning Order or other legal restriction preventing them from attending regulated football matches must comply fully with that restriction.

Where the Club becomes aware that an individual is prohibited by law from attending a particular match or football ground, admission will be refused.

20. General Safety

Everyone attending Campbell Park has a responsibility to behave in a manner which does not endanger themselves or others.

Spectators must not:

• Climb on fences, barriers, structures or buildings;
• Obstruct entrances, exits or emergency routes;
• Enter areas closed to spectators;
• Behave in a manner likely to cause injury or unnecessary danger;
• Interfere with safety or security equipment; or
• Ignore reasonable safety instructions issued by Club personnel.

Any accident, suspicious behaviour, prohibited item, safety concern or incident of Unacceptable Conduct should be reported to a Club official or steward as soon as possible.

21. Tickets and Admission

Where a ticket, season ticket, pass or other admission credential is required, it must be valid for the relevant match or event.

Tickets, passes and season tickets remain subject to Saltcoats Victoria F.C.'s Conditions of Entry.

The Club reserves the right to refuse entry where a ticket or admission credential is believed to have been altered, duplicated, fraudulently obtained or otherwise misused.

Any concession ticket must only be used by a person who qualifies for that concession.

Reasonable proof of eligibility may be requested.

22. Animals

Animals must not be brought into Campbell Park unless authorised by the Club.

This restriction does not apply to assistance dogs.

23. Commercial Activity

No person may sell goods, distribute commercial material, collect money, conduct fundraising or carry out other commercial or promotional activity within Campbell Park without prior permission from Saltcoats Victoria F.C.

24. Club Authority

Saltcoats Victoria F.C. reserves the right to amend these Ground Regulations where necessary to comply with:

• Scottish law;
• Scottish Football Association requirements;
• West of Scotland Football League requirements;
• Competition rules;
• Licensing or safety requirements; or
• Operational requirements at Campbell Park.

Where appropriate, additional Conditions of Entry may be introduced for individual matches or events.

Reporting an Incident

Saltcoats Victoria F.C. encourages supporters to report any safety concern, discrimination, threatening behaviour, safeguarding concern or other breach of these Ground Regulations to a Club official or steward.

In an emergency, spectators should contact the appropriate emergency service.

Saltcoats Victoria Football Club

Campbell Park
Blakely Road
Saltcoats
North Ayrshire
KA21 5JQ

Our Club. Our Town.

These Ground Regulations should be read alongside any additional Conditions of Entry, safeguarding policies and other policies adopted by Saltcoats Victoria Football Club.

Saltcoats Victoria FC depends on volunteers, and we want everyone who gives their time to have a good experience. We also have a duty to make sure that the people who work with our children, young people and adults at risk are suitable to do so. This policy sets out how we recruit, check, support and manage volunteers, coaches and officials.

Who this covers

Anyone in a volunteer or unpaid role, and any paid staff or contractors, including coaches, managers, team helpers, committee members, matchday volunteers, stewards and drivers.

Our approach

• Every role has a clear description, including whether it involves regulated work with children or protected adults.
• We recruit openly and fairly, without discrimination, in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion policy.
• No one starts a role that involves working with children or protected adults until all of the checks for that role are complete.

Recruitment steps

1. Role and description. The committee agrees what the role involves and what checks it needs.
2. Application. The applicant completes a short form with their contact details, relevant experience and qualifications, and any declarations required.
3. Conversation. A committee member meets the applicant, explains our values and policies, and asks about their experience, motivation and suitability for working with young people or vulnerable adults.
4. References. At least two references are taken up, at least one from someone who is not a family member, for roles with children or adults at risk.
5. Identity. The applicant’s identity is checked using suitable documents.
6. PVG check. For regulated roles, the applicant must join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme through Disclosure Scotland, or have an existing membership that is updated for the club. The result is reviewed by the person responsible for safeguarding and is kept confidential.
7. Decision. The committee decides whether to appoint. A history of harm to others, or a refusal to complete required checks, means that the person cannot take on a role with children or adults at risk.
8. Induction. The volunteer receives and confirms that they have read our Code of Conduct and our safeguarding, photography and health & safety policies, and is told who to speak to with a concern.

Training and qualifications

• Coaches and managers are encouraged and supported to hold the Scottish FA coaching qualifications that are appropriate to their role, and to complete safeguarding training, including the Scottish FA Child Wellbeing and Protection training, and first aid training.
• Training is kept up to date and records are kept.

Probation and supervision

• New volunteers in regulated roles are supervised for an initial period, and someone senior checks in with them.
• Adults should not be left alone with a child in a place where they can’t be seen. Sessions should be open, with more than one adult present whenever possible.
• Volunteers are reviewed each year, and PVG membership is kept up to date.

Volunteer rights

Volunteers can expect a clear role, support and training, a safe environment, reasonable out-of-pocket expenses agreed in advance, to be treated with respect, and to raise concerns or complaints without fear of coming to harm. They are not employees, and this policy does not create an employment relationship.

Volunteer responsibilities

• Follow club policies and the Scottish FA and league rules that apply.
• Report any concern about the welfare of a child or adult, straight away.
• Tell the club if anything changes that might affect their suitability, such as a criminal charge, caution or conviction, or a concern raised about them elsewhere.
• Not use their role for personal gain, and declare any conflict of interest.

Concerns, and ending a role

If a concern is raised about a volunteer, it is handled under our safeguarding policies and our Complaints & Disciplinary Procedure. The person may be suspended from their role while it is looked into. If someone is removed from a role because of harm, or the risk of harm, to a child or protected adult, the club will meet its legal duty to tell Disclosure Scotland and will inform the Scottish FA.

Records and confidentiality

Application forms, references and check results are kept securely, seen only by those who need them, and kept only for as long as needed, in line with our Data Protection Policy.

Interested in volunteering?

We would love to hear from you. Email saltcoatsvictoria@gmail.com to find out what is available.

Review

The committee reviews this policy each year.

Photos, video and social media are a big part of telling the Saltcoats Victoria FC story, but they must never put anyone, especially a child or a vulnerable adult, at risk. This policy sets out how we take, use and share images, and how everyone connected to the club should behave online.

Club photography and video

• The club may photograph and film matches, training and events for its website, news, match reports, social media, programmes, sponsors’ material and match analysis, including recordings made using Veo or similar camera systems.
• Photographers and camera operators acting for the club are approved by the committee, and are asked to follow this policy. A person who is not approved should not take photographs in a way that causes concern.
• Images are taken only in appropriate places and never in changing rooms, showers or toilets, and never in a way that could embarrass or harm someone.

Children and young people

• For anyone under 18, we ask a parent or carer for permission before an identifiable image is used for anything other than general match coverage. Parents can say no, or change their mind, at any time by telling the club.
• We do not publish a child’s full name with a photograph. A first name, or team and squad, is the most we normally use. We never publish home addresses, school details, or personal contact details.
• Children must be appropriately dressed in any image we publish, and images should show the activity, not focus on the child.
• Club social media accounts and messaging groups must not be used to contact a child directly (see below).

Adults at risk

Photographs of adults at risk are only taken and published with their consent, or that of a person legally able to give it on their behalf.

Spectators and parents

• Spectators may take photographs and video of matches for private and personal use, but must not take pictures of children or adults who object, or in a way that upsets or intrudes on anyone.
• Please do not post images that show other people’s children without their parents’ permission, and never post information that identifies where a child lives or goes to school.
• If you are concerned about someone’s photography, tell a club official.

Match officials and opposition

Match officials and opposition players are treated respectfully in anything we post. We do not post content that mocks, abuses or humiliates anyone.

Social media and online behaviour

Anyone who represents the club, or who posts about it, is expected to follow the Code of Conduct online as well as in person. That means:

• No abusive, discriminatory, racist, sectarian, threatening or defamatory content, and no bullying or harassment.
• No private information about other people, and no posting of team news, injuries or disciplinary matters before the club has shared it.
• No comments that criticise match officials, players or opposition in an abusive way, or that could bring the club, the league or the Scottish FA into disrepute.
• Do not claim to speak for the club unless you are authorised to do so.

Contact with children online

• Adults in a coaching, volunteering or official role should not be “friends” with, follow, or privately message children they work with through social media or personal accounts.
• Where communication is needed, it should go through the parent or carer, or in an open group that includes a parent or another adult with a safeguarding role.
• Communication should be about club matters only, and at sensible times.

Club accounts

Club social media accounts are run by named people approved by the committee, with strong passwords that are changed when someone leaves. Comments and messages are monitored, and abusive content is removed. Serious concerns are reported to the Safeguarding Officer or the police.

Removing images

If you want an image of you, or your child, taken down, email saltcoatsvictoria@gmail.com with details and where you saw it. We will remove it from club channels as soon as we reasonably can, but cannot control copies shared by others.

Concerns and breaches

Any concern about the use of images, or about online behaviour that puts someone at risk, should be reported to the club Safeguarding Officer straight away. Breaches of this policy can be dealt with under our Complaints & Disciplinary Procedure.

Review

The committee reviews this policy each year.

Saltcoats Victoria FC needs to hold personal information about people in order to run the club. This policy explains how we look after it, under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. It supplements our Privacy Policy, which explains to the public what we do with their information.

Who is responsible

Saltcoats Victoria FC is the “data controller” for the personal data it holds. The committee is responsible for compliance, and a committee member is named as the club’s data protection lead. Questions can be sent to saltcoatsvictoria@gmail.com.

The principles we follow

Personal data must be:

1. used lawfully, fairly and transparently;
2. collected for specific, stated purposes only;
3. adequate, relevant and limited to what is needed;
4. accurate and kept up to date;
5. kept for no longer than necessary;
6. kept safe and secure.

What we hold, and why

• Players and members: names, contact details, dates of birth, medical or dietary information relevant to safety, registration details and match records, to run teams, register players with the league and Scottish FA, and keep people safe.
• Volunteers, coaches and officials: contact details, references and PVG scheme membership information, to recruit and manage people safely.
• Customers and supporters: details given when buying tickets, shop items, season tickets or sponsorship, or when getting in touch, to fulfil orders and reply.
• Website visitors: information collected by cookies and analytics, and only with consent where consent is required.
• Images and video: covered by our Photography, Filming & Social Media Policy.

Where we hold information about children, we take extra care, and ask a parent or carer for consent where it is required.

Lawful basis

We rely on one or more of the following: a contract (for example buying a ticket); a legal obligation; consent (for example to marketing or non-essential cookies); legitimate interests of the club, balanced against your rights; and, for safeguarding, our duty to protect children and adults at risk. Special category data, such as health information, is used only where necessary and with appropriate safeguards.

Keeping data safe

• Access is limited to the people who need it for their role.
• Passwords are strong and not shared, and devices and accounts used for club business are protected.
• Paper records are locked away, and personal data is not left where others can see it.
• Data is not sent to personal email accounts or messaging groups where it can be avoided. Where email is used, the minimum is shared.
• Systems that are used to hold data, for example website, ticketing and payment providers, are chosen with care and only process data on our instructions. Card payments are handled by our payment provider and the club does not store full card details.

Sharing data

We do not sell personal data. We share it only where necessary, for example with the league, the Scottish FA, Disclosure Scotland, payment and ticketing providers, insurers, emergency services, the police, or where the law requires it.

How long we keep it

• Financial records: 7 years.
• Player and member records: while the person is involved with the club, then for up to 12 months after they leave, unless the law or governing body requires longer.
• Safeguarding records, incident and accident records: as required by law and Scottish FA guidance, including for as long as needed for any concern to be dealt with.
• Enquiries and marketing details: until you ask us to stop, or for as long as it is reasonable to expect them to be useful.

When data is no longer needed it is securely deleted or destroyed.

Your rights

You have the right to be informed, to see the information we hold about you, to have it corrected, to have it erased in certain cases, to restrict or object to our use of it, to move it, and to withdraw consent at any time. To use a right, email us. We aim to respond within one month, and may need to check your identity first.

If something goes wrong

Anyone who loses data, sends it to the wrong person, or suspects a breach must tell the data protection lead straight away. The club records every breach, and reports it to the Information Commissioner’s Office within 72 hours if it is likely to put people at risk, and tells the people affected where required.

Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we have used your data, please tell us first. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ico.org.uk).

Review

The committee reviews this policy each year.

Club Privacy Policy

Saltcoats Victoria Privacy Policy

Personal data relates to a living individual who can be identified from that data. Identification can be by the information alone or in conjunction with any other information in the data controller’s possession or likely to come into such possession. The processing of personal data is governed by [the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679] (the “GDPR”).

Saltcoats Victoria is the owner of this website, controls how your personal data is processed, and for what purposes.

If after reviewing this policy you have any questions or privacy concerns, please send an email to: saltcoatsvictoria@gmail.com

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How do we process your personal data?

Saltcoats Victoria complies with its obligations under the GDPR by:

• Keeping personal data up to date.
• Storing and destroying it securely.
• Not collecting or retaining excessive amounts of data.
• Protecting personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorized access, and disclosure.
• Ensuring that appropriate technical measures are in place to protect personal data.

We use your personal data for the following purposes:

• To manage our employees and contractors.
• To maintain our own accounts and records.
• For the security, health & safety of everyone connected to Saltcoats Victoria. We will keep on record if any children have allergies, etc.
• To operate the Saltcoats Victoria website and deliver the services that individuals have requested via form submissions.
• To keep data when people contact us and are required to contact them for the running of Saltcoats Victoria.

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What is the legal basis for processing your personal data?

We will not share your personal information with any other third party.

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How long do we keep your personal data?

We will hold your personal information on our systems only for as long as is necessary.

We use the following criteria to determine how long to retain your personal data:

• Information to fulfill our legal obligations (e.g., financial record-keeping) – 7 years.

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Your rights and your personal data

Unless subject to an exemption under the GDPR, you have the following rights with respect to your personal data:

• The right to request a copy of your personal data which Saltcoats Victoria holds about you.
• The right to request that Saltcoats Victoria correct any personal data if it is found to be inaccurate or out of date.
• The right to request your personal data is erased where it is no longer necessary for Saltcoats Victoria to retain such data.
• The right to request that Saltcoats Victoria provide the data subject with their personal data and, where possible, to transmit that data directly to another data controller (known as the right to data portability).
• The right, where there is a dispute in relation to the accuracy or processing of your personal data, to request a restriction is placed on further processing.
• The right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
  • ICO website: https://ico.org.uk
  • ICO helpline: 0303 123 1113

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Use of Cookies

Our website uses cookies. Cookies are small pieces of information sent by an organization to your computer and stored on your hard drive to allow that website to recognize you when you visit. They collect statistical data about your browsing actions and patterns and do not identify you as an individual.

It is possible to switch off cookies by setting your browser preferences. Turning cookies off may result in a loss of functionality when using our website.

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What types of cookies are used on this site?

1. Preference Cookie – At your request, we may place a cookie to remember your preferences so that you do not need to re-enter your details (country/age and language preferences) on our gateway page. This is not suitable if you share your computer with someone else.
2. Social Sharing – This is a cookie that identifies you with social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. It allows interaction between your activity on social networking sites and on our website through your direction and makes your transition between the sites more seamless.
3. Site Analytics – We use Google Analytics to help analyze the use of our website. This analytical tool uses cookies, which are text files placed on your computer, to collect standard internet log information and visitor behavior information in an anonymous form. The information generated by the cookie about your use of the website (including your IP address) is transmitted to Google. This information is then used to evaluate visitors’ use of the website and to compile statistical reports on website activity. To opt out of being tracked by Google Analytics across all websites, visit http://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
4. Session Cookies – We use session cookies, which are temporary cookies that aid the user journey around the site and will remember preferences you have selected during the session. These cookies are deleted as soon as you leave the site.

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How do I disable/enable cookies?

You have the ability to accept or decline cookies by modifying the settings in your browser. However, you may not be able to use all the interactive features of our site if cookies are disabled.

There are a number of ways to manage cookies. Please refer to your browser instructions or help screen to learn more about these functions.

For example, in Internet Explorer, you can go to Tools > Internet options > Security and Privacy tabs to adapt the browser to your expectations. If you use different computers in different locations, you will need to ensure that each browser is adjusted to suit your cookie preferences.

Some modern browsers have a feature that will analyze website privacy policies and allow a user to control their privacy needs. These are known as P3P features (Privacy Preferences Platform).

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Links to other websites

Our website may contain links to other websites, but most of the time will not have any control over these websites. Please read their privacy policies. We cannot be responsible for the privacy policies and practices of other sites even if you access them using links from our website.