TERMS & CONDITIONS

Badgers Football Academy is a registered Not-for-Profit (NPO) football club aimed at empowering women and girls through football. By offering training, social matches and school programmes, Badgers Football Academy provides a safe space for women and girls to play football.

1. PREMISES & FACILITY USE
– Right of admission to the premises and all facilities are reserved. By booking a court, participating in a social game or league match, attending a training session or simply accessing the premises, you understand that you do so at your own risk and that neither Badgers Football Academy nor Gardens Commercial High School will be held responsible or accept any liability for any theft, loss, damage or injury sustained by any person(s) using the premises and its facilities.
– Football is considered a contact sport and by booking a court, playing a social game or league match, attending a training session or participating in any related football activity, you understand the risks associated therewith.
– Neither Badgers Football Academy, Gardens Commercial High School nor any shareholders, directors, insurers or employees shall be held liable for any theft, loss, damage or injury (including sickness or death), accidental or otherwise.
– Bookings and use of the premises or any of its facilities will be subject to approval and any person who does not comply with the terms, rules and policies set out will be rightfully removed and no refund given.
– Any damage caused to the premises and/or its facilities, whether accidental or otherwise, will be the responsibility of the team/person who made the booking and that team/person will be responsible for the fixing and/or replacing of the damaged item.

2. BOOKINGS
– All bookings will be subject to approval by Badgers Football Academy and no court, field or facility may be used without the necessary approval.
– Bookings need to be made directly with Badgers Football Academy.

3. CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
– Should you for any reason wish to cancel your booking, you are required to notify Badgers Football Academy at least 48 hours before the scheduled booking time.
– If a booking can be replaced by another person/team then a refund for the cancelled booking will be given and a 10% administration fee will be deducted. If a booking cannot be replaced or filled in time a 100% cancellation fee will be charged and no refunds issued.

4. PAYMENTS
– All bookings will only be confirmed once payment has been received in full.
– Only payments via the application Virgin SPOT, Snapscan or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFTs) will be accepted.
– All payments must be made in South African Rand (ZAR).

5. BEHAVIOUR & CONDUCT
– Badgers Football Academy aims to create a safe environment for all women and girls to enjoy football and therefore strict policies will be applied to ensure everyone’s behaviour and conduct upholds this aim.
– Badgers Football Academy will aim to make everyone feel welcome, encouraged and included as much as possible. This means everyone will be treated equally regardless of race, gender, class, sexual orientation, age, religion or disability.
– Both on and off the court/field, Badgers Football Academy will expect all of its members, staff and clients to;
a. Show good sportsmanship/sportwomanship to all players, both teammates and opposition players, coaches, staff members and visitors at all times.
b. Maintain a respectful attitude and not to use offensive language or language that belittles, insults, excludes or makes others feel hurt or unsafe.
c. Promote women in football.
d. Be accountable for your actions and the actions of others by behaving responsibly and with sensitivity to all. Be ready to apologise, make amends, and
support each other in every way possible.

– A zero-tolerance policy will be enforced if any behaviour is deemed unacceptable or in violation of the values promoted by Badgers Football Academy.

 

PREMISES RULES

All persons entering the premises do so entirely at their own risk. Badgers Football Academy and Gardens Commercial High School will not be held responsible or accept any liability for any theft, loss, damage or injury sustained by any person using these premises.

  • By entering the premises, you indemnify Badgers Football Academy and Gardens Commercial High School in respect of any and all claims, costs, liabilities, damages and losses incurred, suffered or sustained arising out of the use of these premises
  • Right of admission is reserved
  • No unauthorised access, squatting or non-permitted use of these facilities is allowed
  • No illegal substances, weapons or firearms are allowed onto these premises
  • No violent or aggressive behaviour will be tolerated
  • No smoking allowed

 

PLAYER CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

 –GENERAL

  • Players are representing Badgers Football Academy and as such must abide by the Club’s Code of Conduct at all times.
  • Conduct yourself in a responsible manner relating to language, temper and punctuality. Do not use profane language at any time.
  • Be a positive role model.
  • Act at all times to protect and promote the sport.
  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of fellow players, coaches, officials and spectators.
  • Respect and acknowledge the contribution of those who create the opportunity for you to play (e.g. managers, coaches, timekeepers, administrators and referees).
  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of fellow players, coaches, officials, opponents and spectators.
  • Refrain from conduct that could be regarded as sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying and/or victimisation (including online).
  • Be fair, considerate and honest in all dealings with others.
  • Be professional in, and accept responsibility for your actions.
  • Negative posts on social media against the Club, opponents, officials, the FA and the broader football ecosystem can result in player suspension and/or membership being revoked.
  • Do not negotiate or sign any new contract, arrangement or agreement with any club or association without discussion and consent from your coach.
  • Understand the repercussions if you breach, or are aware of any breaches of this Code.

-SPORTING

  • All players must wear the correct training kit and/or uniform, as instructed by their coach.
  • Care for and respect the uniform and equipment provided to you.
  • All players must arrive at training on time, and at any other matches or events at the time their coach has indicated.
  • Lateness or absenteeism must be discussed with your coach with adequate notice (as defined by your coach) and may affect whether you are fielded in matches.
  • Respect the talent, potential and development of fellow players and competitors.
  • Participate fairly and safely.
  • Abide by the rules and respect the decision of the coaches and referees. Be courteous and use the correct process when seeking a rule clarification.
  • Be honest in your attitude and preparation to training. Work equally hard for yourself and your team.
  • Co-operate with coaches and staff in relation to programmes that adequately prepare you for competition.
  • Be honest with your coach concerning illness and injury and your ability to train and play fully.
  • Operate within the rules of the sport.
  • Do not use your involvement with the club to promote your own beliefs, behaviours or practices where these are inconsistent with those of the community and club.
  • Demonstrate a high degree of individual responsibility especially when dealing with persons under 18 years of age, as your words and actions are an example.
  • Avoid unaccompanied and unobserved activities with persons under 18 years of age, wherever possible.
  • Refrain from any behaviour that may bring the sport or club into disrepute.
  • Show concern and caution towards others who may be sick or injured.
  • Never argue with a referee. If you disagree, have your coach or manager approach the referee during a break or after the game.
  • Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours.
  • Work equally hard for yourself and your team mates. Your team’s performance will benefit and so will you.
  • Be a good sport. Applaud good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.
  • Treat all participants as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another
  • Cooperate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
  • Be respectful to venue neighbours and the full environment related to home and away grounds.
  • Do not engage in practices that affect sporting performance (including the use of prohibited substances).
  • Do not engage in the use, possession, or distribution of a Prohibited Substance. “Prohibited Substance” means any dependence producing substance or any dangerous dependence producing substance as described in the Drug and Drug Trafficking Act, No. 140 of 1992, or any substance designated by FIFA to be a prohibited substance;
  • Should it be suspected by the Head Coach, Team Manager or any other Club staff that the Player has consumed a Prohibited Substance, the Player may be subjected to a medical examination by a medical practitioner appointed by the Club, and pending the results of such a medical examination, the Player shall be suspended from the Club indefinitely.
  • Should the Player be found to have consumed, possessed, or distributed a Prohibited Substance, the Player shall be required to appear before the Disciplinary Committee.

-FEES & FINES

  • The annual membership fees shall be decided by Club management, from time to time, and they shall be at liberty to determine if there shall be no or reduced membership fee for any particular category of membership.
  • The Club’s membership fees shall be due and payable in advance before pre-season commences every year.
  • If a member fails to pay the fees within one month of it becoming due, the defaulting member shall cease to be a member and shall cease to be entitled to any of the privileges of membership. The will be required to return all Club property.
  • Club management, at its discretion, may grant extensions of time for payment of fees for particular members, and may reinstate a member who has ceased to be a member upon payment of outstanding fees without the requirement for the ceased member to reapply for membership.
  • Club management may decide that particular members may pay fees by instalments and may determine to accept pro rata subscriptions from members who join after the beginning of the year.
  • Should players incur a fine for any fouls or transgressions during a match, the Club is not liable for the fine. The player that incurred the fine undertakes to pay the fine in full. They acknowledge that the club will withhold their SAFA card until I have paid the fine/s and they will be ineligible to play matches.

 

PARENT/GUARDIAN CODE OF BEHAVIOUR 

  • Focus upon your child’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists your child in setting realistic goals related to her ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
  • Teach your child that an honest effort is as important as winning, so that the result of each game is accepted without disappointment.
  • Encourage your child to always play according to the rules.
  • Be a model of good sports behaviour for children to copy. Applaud good play by all players.
  • Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.
  • If you disagree with a coach or referee, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question their judgement and honesty in public. Please note that the appropriate action will require you to take your particular grievance in writing to the coach after the game and match day events are complete. At NO instance should you approach the coach, referee, manager or player during the game.
  • Refrain from conduct which could be regarded as sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying and/or victimisation.
  • Recognise and respect the value and importance of volunteer administrators, referees, coaches and Club staff. They give up their time and resources to provide recreational activities for players and deserve your support.
  • Be courteous in communication with administrators, referees, coaches, players and Club staff. Teach your child to do the same.
  • Acknowledge that your breach of this Code may result in disciplinary action concerning your child. This may include expulsion from game(s), suspension or termination of membership.
  • In the advent of injury, coaches, managers and club representatives are not able to provide medical assistance to junior players, as their parents/guardians are their primary carers. If parents/guardians are not present than they accept any and all on the spot decisions made by Coaches, Managers, Club Representatives at training, matches and/or events.

 

COACH CODE OF BEHAVIOUR 

  • Operate within the rules and spirit of the sport, promoting fair play.
  • Keep records of participation and attendance at training.
  • Develop a positive sporting environment by emphasising enjoyment and by providing appropriate development and competitive experiences.
  • Support opportunities for participation in all aspects of the sport.
  • Treat each person as an individual. Respect the rights and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
  • Display control, courtesy and respect to all involved with the sport.
  • Respect the decisions of referees, officials, other coaches and administrators in the conduct of sport programmes and competitions.
  • Wherever practical, avoid unaccompanied and unobserved one-on-one activity (when in a supervisory capacity or where a power imbalance will or is likely to exist) with people under the age of 18 years.
  • Ensure activities, equipment and facilities are safe and appropriate to the ability level of participating players. Activities, rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules should take into consideration the age, ability and maturity level of the participants.
  • Act with integrity and objectivity, and accept responsibility for your decisions and actions.
  • Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to a safe environment. Place the safety and welfare of the players above all else.
  • Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to an environment free of sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination and victimisation.
  • Any physical contact with a player should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player’s skill development.
  • Be honest and do not allow your qualifications/accreditation to be misrepresented.

 

LFA & SASOL MATCH SPECIFIC RULES

  • All players must be registered with SAFA and have a valid player card to partake in league matches. A player can only be registered at one club at a time.
  • Coaches/team managers are responsible for listing their players on a team return sheet for each match and handing in the corresponding player cards to the referee for inspection before the match can begin.
  • All players/coaches/Club staff need to remain within their designated area when a match is underway (referred to as the technical area). Leaving the technical area without permission or being within 1m of the playing field can result in a yellow/red card and a ban from the match.
  • Substitutions can only take place when the ball goes out of play and the referee has authorised the substitution with the necessary hand gesture and blow of the whistle. Only once a substituted player has left the field of play, can the substitute take their place on the field. Substitutes can only enter the field from the halfway line once the coach and referee have authorised it.
  • A maximum of 5 substitutions are allowed per game and each team will only have 3 substitution opportunities.
  • Any foul play, misconduct, non-adherence to rules, disorderliness or bad sporting behaviour can result in;
    • A caution (yellow card)
    • A send-off (red card)
    • Match suspension
    • League ban
    • A monetary fine
    • Expulsion from the Club
  • The referee is in full control of each game and will administer discipline as they deem necessary. From the starting whistle to the end whistle, each player should respect and listen to the referee as they guide match play.

 

LEAGUE SPECIFIC RULES

  • Unless otherwise specified, infringements are punishable regardless of whether they have been committed unknowingly, deliberately, or negligently.
  • Infringements can result in a fine, that will be issued in ZAR. The fine shall be between R50 and R 15 000 (players will be responsible for paying their own fines).
  • The use of dressing rooms/bathrooms and any Club facility shall be monitored, and all players, staff and officials need to respect the spaces they occupy. I.e – no unauthorised access to dressing rooms, no littering, damage to property or disrespect to the amenities shall be tolerated.
  • Offensive and discriminatory behaviour shall be dealt with in accordance to the laws and constitution of South Africa.

 

PROTESTS, COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS

  • If any of the rules mentioned above, or those outlined in the Cape Town Tygerberg LFA or Sasol League constitutions/regulations, are broken then the process of lodging a written complaint or protest needs to be followed as prescribed.
  • It is advised that any issues first be raised with the relevant coach or Club representative to ensure due diligence and proper process is followed. Complaints and protests by players/supporters directly to referees/match officials/opponents shall not be considered and may result in a caution/send-off, match ban or fine.
  • We encourage players, supporters and staff to report behaviour in a way that is constructive and in the spirit of the game.