Overview

THE NAME OF THE SUPPORTERS’ CLUB: Stateside Seagulls

MEMBERSHIP OF THE SUPPORTERS’ CLUB WILL BE MADEUP OF: Supporters of Brighton & Hove Albion who live in the United States of America

AIMS: Stateside Seagulls aim to bring together Albion supporters in America closer to their football club. To bring expats and locals together to socialize in a friendly, welcoming and inclusive environment and grow the Brighton & Albion supporter base in United States of America.

CORE VALUES: Everyone who joins the group agrees to uphold our core values. Our aim is to be a group that:

  • Brings Albion supporters in United States of America together
  • Looks to positively grow the Albion fan base in the US
  • Is inclusive and accessible
  • Promotes equality, diversity and community
  • Is ethical and sustainable
  • Encourages new members
  • Treats people with respect at all times
  • Works positively to ensure everyone feels welcome

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS (AGM): Stateside Seagulls will hold annual meetings each September to elect and appoint a committee and receive the group’s accounts. Members seeking to stand for the committee should submit their name to the Secretary, together with a statement in support at least a week before the annual meeting. Nominations to join the committee may be made at the annual meeting. The committee will consist of a Chair, Treasurer and Secretary plus two other members.

COMMITTEE’S ROLE: The committee shall implement the aims of the group and ensure its efficient running and financial sustainability. Any changes to these aims will require the ratification of the group at the AGM or through an email ballot. A simple majority of returned votes shall be sufficient for ratification. The committee shall have full delegated authority to raise funds and vary membership or other charges. The quorum for the committee will be four of its members.

AMENDMENTS TO THIS CONSTITUTION: This constitution can be amended either at the AGM or at a group meeting called for that purpose of which reasonable notice has been given.

President:Paul Dorsey
Secretary Member:Jason Burak
Membership Member:Ben Sinaiko
Marketing Member:Nicola Carmack
Committee Member:Liza John
Committee Member:Kye Edwards
Committee Member:John Fitzpatrick
Committee Member:Kieran Baker
Committee Member:Spenser Nehrt
Committee Member:Andy Griguhn
Committee Member:David Grice
Committee Member:Noah Lennon
Committee Member:Mike Boult
Committee Member:LauraEllen Ashcraft

Ground Rules

These Ground Rules are essential for ensuring we have effective meetings and build a progressive Supporters’ Club.

  1. Uphold our Core Values
  2. Do what you say you will do
  3. Be accountable for what you do
  4. Behave responsibly when acting in the name of the group
  5. When in meetings speak one at a time
  6. Respect one another’s abilities and energy levels
  7. Dream but be realistic and practical about what we can achieve
  8. Be open and honest – if you have concerns or worries, express them but try to focus on the positives
  9. Trust one another
  10. Respect confidentiality
  11. Work democratically – you won’t agree with every decision made in the group but you should respect it
  12. Avoid emails/texts that might cause distress – talk to one another about important issues
  13. Discuss any differences considerately and directly; not behind people’s backs – ask for a referee if necessary

This policy outlines the ways in which the group will contribute to the safeguarding of children and young people. For the purpose of this policy ‘child’, ‘children’, ‘young person’ and ‘young people’ means a person/people under 18 years of age.

As football fans, working to improve the supporter experience for everyone, the group aims to ensure that its central events are safe and welcoming to children and families. As a voluntary group we may have a role to play in helping to safeguard children and young people.

The group will organize public campaigning or fundraising events and meetings which may be attended by people of all ages, including children and young people [subject to licensing laws and restrictions]. In the case of children and young people who, due to age/ability, are not independent enough to be unsupervised in public, the group expects that parent[s]/caregiver[s] will appropriately supervise their children. This includes remaining with children. The group does not provide child care services; it does not offer to take over responsibility for the care of children and young people.

In the case of children and young people who, due to age/ability, are independent enough to be unsupervised in public, the group recognizes that such children and young people may participate in events unaccompanied by parent[s]/caregiver[s].

The group recognizes that children and young people of all abilities are vulnerable. Just because a child/young person may be independent enough to be unaccompanied at a meeting or event, this does not mean she/he is not vulnerable.

The group will be guided by the Local Safeguarding Children Board’s protocols. The group will designate a member of the steering group as having a specific safeguarding role. A deputy will also be designated.

Reporting Concerns

Any group member who has concerns about harm being caused or likely to be caused to a child/young person should report this to the designated safeguarding steering group member [or deputy].

The designated safeguarding steering group member [or deputy] should ensure that a written record is kept of the concerns that the volunteer has raised, and should consider whether the concern should be passed on to local Children’s Services.

In an emergency, concerns should be raised immediately with police or Children’s Services in an emergency, it is important not to delay reporting to police or Children’s Services if the designated safeguarding steering group member [or deputy] is unavailable.

Where there is a concern that the designated safeguarding steering group member [or deputy] has harmed or is likely to harm a child/young person, then the concern should be reported directly to Children’s Services or police. Police can be contacted on 911 [for emergencies] or 101 [for non-emergencies].

Investigation

The group is not responsible for carrying out child protection investigations. The Supporters’ Club will co-operate with Children’s Services and police with regard to child protection investigations.

Equal Opportunities Policy

Group membership is open to anyone who agrees with our aims. Details are publicized on our website, on Facebook and via email. The group recognizes that everyone has a contribution to make to society and a right to equal opportunities.

No member or organization/individual to which we provide services will be unfairly discriminated against by us on the grounds of:

  • Gender [including sex, marriage, gender re-assignment]
  • Race [including ethnic origin, color, nationality and national origin]
  • Disability
  • Sexual orientation
  • Religion or belief
  • Age
  • Class
  • Pregnancy
  • Association to any of the above

We aim to promote equal opportunities, eliminate discrimination and eliminate harassment through the following:

  • Opposing all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination
  • Treating all members fairly and with respect
  • Membership that is open to all
  • All vacancies to the committee will be advertised to everyone and will include a statement on equal opportunities.
  • Ensuring that our meetings and events are fully accessible to all groups and individuals
  • Having a consideration for affordability in organizing events

Our commitment:

  • To create an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all our Members are recognized and valued
  • Every Member is entitled to be part of an environment that promotes dignity and respect to all
  • No form of unfair discrimination, intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated

Breaches of our equal opportunities policy will be regarded as misconduct and could lead to:

  • Membership disqualification

This policy is fully supported by the officers and has been agreed with members.

The policy will be monitored and reviewed annually.

The successful implementation of this policy depends on the awareness and commitment of all the group. This means that all new Members will be made aware of its existence on joining the group.

For additional advice or information: