Maxwelltown Thistle F.C. exists to provide sporting facilities for adult males (17yrs+) in the local area and surrounding districts of Dumfries and Galloway and is run on a voluntary basis.  

We operate an 'Open Door Policy' in relation to membership regardless of race, religion, disability or gender.  

We believe it is the responsibility of those in charge to care for and develop the participants involved to the best of their individual abilities by creating an environment in which they are safe and receive the best possible coaching. Fair play, mutual understanding and cross community aspects play an important role in the ethos of the club. The Committee and coaches after being vetted by the club are made aware of our ethos and Child Protection Policy.  

Everyone at the club should be totally conversant with and abide by:

1. All club protection policies  
2. The club Constitution and Rules
3. The Scottish Amateur F A Constitution and Rules
4. The Dumfries and District Amateur Football League Constitution and Rules

We are committed to reviewing our policy and what constitutes good practice at regular intervals. 

1.  Name

The club shall be known as Maxwelltown Thistle Football Club  

2.  Aims and Objectives

To encourage participation in and enjoyment of association football. 

To develop the skills of all participating players and officials.  

To develop the fitness of all participating players.  

To provide a positive and competitive environment to play eleven a side football.  

To promote sportsmanship and fair play in adult and youth footballers, officials and parents.  

3.   Membership Requirements of Maxwelltown Thistle FC

All teams under the banner of Maxwelltown Thistle FC will be registered with the relevant association.

For Youth Football this will be the SYFA (Scottish Youth Football Association) and be bound by the rules of that organisation.

For Amateur Football this will be the SAFA (Scottish Amateur Football Association) and be bound by the rules of that organisation.                       

All member teams will abide by the Maxwelltown Thistle Mission Statement.  

All member teams will be represented at their respective monthly association meetings.

All member teams will have a recognised and qualified “first aider” in attendance at all team functions.  

4. Club Management

The management of the Parent Club will be vested in an Executive Committee consisting of the Office Bearers, who will have one vote at any club meeting. The Chairperson will have the casting vote.  

The Parent Club office bearers will consist of the Chairperson, Secretary and a representative from each team.  

All Office bearers shall be elected annually at the AGM. Only representatives from Member teams will be subject to nomination.  

The executive committee shall have the power to deal with as it sees fit any matters arising from the activities of the Parent club, all member teams and all players.  

Executive Committee meetings to be held on a regular basis in keeping with the football year.

5. Discipline

All Member teams, officials and players shall accept the disciplinary procedures adopted by the S.A.F.A., S.Y.F.A. and other relevant Leagues or Associations.  

The Parent Club shall accept responsibility for the conduct and behaviour of all member teams, officials, players and other individuals associated with the Club.  

The Member teams shall agree to abide by the decisions of the Executive Committee.  

A disciplinary panel will be set up, as and when necessary. The members to be decided at an emergency Executive Committee meetings

6. Child Protection

In accordance with SYFA rules Maxwelltown Thistle FC will have a club “ Child Protection Officer ”

This officer will be the first point of contact regarding any Child Protection issues.   

All coaches and officials to be vetted in accordance with S.A.F.A. and  S.Y.F.A. regulations.  

Football Codes of Conduct     

At Maxwelltown Thistle FC we abide by the Dumfries & Galloway Youth Football Development Association Football Codes of Conduct and the Dumfries & District Amateur Football League Codes of Conduct. 

Brief details of these are shown here.     

PARENTS/GUARDIANS & SPECTATORS CONDUCT

• Be patient and supportive with Adult and Youth players
• Emphasise good behaviour at all times 
• Highlight good play from both teams
• Promote positive play
• Enjoy the game and highlight positive play from both teams
• Always be in control
• Exercise self-control when a goal is scored or lost
• Understand and support the Laws of the Game
• Accept the supervisor/referees decisions
• Never criticise the match supervisor/referee
• Never use bad language
• Never criticise any player, coach or official 

  ALL ADULTS IN ATTENDANCE MUST SHOW BY EXAMPLE THAT THEY ARE MORE CONCERNED WITH THE WELL-BEING OF THE PLAYERS AND THE GOOD OF THE GAME, THAN SATISFYING THEIR OWN NEED FOR REFLECTED GLORY. 

  CLUBS, COACHES & OFFICIALS CONDUCT

• Be a role model to all players, adults and youths.
• Be patient and supportive Exercise self-control when a goal is scored or conceded
• Make it fun/challenging for young players
• Be a coach that players respect, by praising and setting a good example
• Seek to update coaching skills and knowledge
• Teach players to play fairly, respect the rules and opponents
• Provide a positive environment for youths to play football
• Do not forget your responsibility as a role model
• Never berate your own player
• Never ridicule or shout at players after mistakes
• Never address opposing teams’ players or management in a negative or aggressive manner
• Never criticise match supervisors/referees or speak to him/her in a negative or aggressive manner
• Never ridicule, show disrespect or abuse officials

 

 PLAYER CONDUCT

• Play fairly and encourage your team-mates
• Use your skills
• Enjoy the game
• Display good sportsmanship at all times
• Respect to your coach as well as your opponents
• Shake hands with your opponents at the end of the game
• Accept the decisions of the referee
• Behave well at all times
• Never criticise other players when they make a mistake
• Never use bad language on team-mates or opponents
• Never talk back to the referee
• Never make fun of your opponents
• Never be unsporting when you score goals