7 Legal & Administration Criteria
Criteria – There are two sections on Legal and Administration criteria as follows-
I Legal
Refers to the legal requirements for clubs.
II Administration
Refers to the key club administrative functions and activities.
Criteria Grading – The criteria tables are split between the clubs in the SPL and the SFL.
Club Audit Preparation – Club will have those documents available, or will provide these as advised in advance of the audit, as
detailed in the Checklist and documented below.
NB - This section of the Manual does not purport to respond to all issues that may be of benefit to clubs in relation to good
corporate governance. Various information is available from the Scottish FA where requested and includes information and advice
on the policies and procedures for the executive body at a club and various ways of addressing risk and control management.
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I Legal
Refers to the legal requirements for clubs.
NB – It should be noted that all clubs are bound by the terms of the Articles of Association
7.1 Legal
UEFA
Criteria Definition SPL Requirement SFL Requirement Club Documents
Ref.
A 44 7.1.1 Refers to the Club’s The club shall provide a copy of As per SPL. Copy of the Club Statutes.
Statutes or Memorandum the current approved club
Club
and Articles. statutes (memorandum and
Statutes
articles). NB - If these have been provided
previously, the SFA auditor will
provide these to the club to establish
confirmation that they remain
unchanged.
If changes have taken place a revised
copy shall be provided by the club.
A 44 7.1.2 Refers to the Official Return The club shall comply with the As per SPL. No documents to be submitted at
to be submitted by clubs in terms of Article 10 of the audit. Article 10 outlines the
SFA Official
accordance with Article 10 Association’s Articles. procedures the club shall follow in
Return
of the Association’s meeting this requirement.
Articles.
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UEFA Criteria Definition SPL Requirement SFL Requirement Club Documents
Ref.
A 44 7.1.3 Refers to the annual The club shall provide a copy to Those clubs which are Club to submit Form 363.
submission by all limited the SFA of its most recently limited companies shall
Annual
companies on Form 363 to submitted Form 363 to provide a copy to the
Return to
Companies House Companies House. SFA of its most recently
Companies
providing details of the submitted Form 363 to
House This document shall be no older
limited companies Directors Companies House.
than one year at the time of
and Shareholders.
presentation to the SFA. This document shall be
no older than one year
at the time of
presentation to the
SFA.
A 24 7.1.4 Refers to the Club Ground The club shall have the sole use As per SPL. Club to submit one of the following –
(as documented on the of the ground or “shared” use
Security of - Letter from the club solicitor or Bank
Official Return) and the (approved by the Scottish FA)
Ground confirming ownership, or
security of tenure that the and shall be in a position to
Tenure
club has in place for this establish security of tenure for the - Copy of the title deeds, or
facility. ground and to play matches as
and whenever required. - Copy of the Lease Agreement.
NB – Clubs need only submit this
To establish security of tenure the
information once every 3 years unless
club shall own or have a lease in
there has been changes to the form of
place for the ground. The lease
tenure in the intervening period.
shall run for at least the period of
the current season as well as the
following season.
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II Administration
Refers to the key club administrative functions and activities.
NB – SPL clubs should also be aware that UEFA sets a 60 day period of replacement to changes with respect to key administration positions
as set out in Section 12 of this Manual and as detailed in Article 42 of the UEFA Regulations..
7.2 Administration
UEFA Criteria Definition SPL Requirement SFL Requirement Club Documents
Ref.
A 27 7.2.1 Refers to the Club shall have office space As SPL requirement. None.
infrastructure to run the available to deal with all enquiries
Club Assessed by auditor at
club’s operations. with phone/fax and email as well as
Administration audit.
secretarial staff as determined by
the club.
A 28 7.2.2 Refers to the person Club shall have an individual in Club shall have an individual Job Description or
appointed by a club’s place fulfilling this function. The job in place fulfilling this function. Contract for the appointed
CEO/General
executive body who is holder shall be in possession of a person either provided or
Manager/Club The job holder shall be in
responsible for the Job Description or Contract available for inspection at
Secretary possession of a Job
operation matters of the outlining their duties at the club. audit.
Description or Contract
football club.
outlining their duties at the
club if the position is a full
time one.
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UEFA Criteria Definition SPL Requirement SFL Requirement Club Documents
Ref.
A 29 7.2.3 Refers to the person Club shall have an individual in Club shall have an individual Job Description or Contract
appointed by a club’s place fulfilling this function. The in place fulfilling this function. for the appointed person, or a
Finance Manager
executive body who is job holder shall be in possession The job holder shall be in service level agreement either
responsible for the finance of a Job Description or Contract possession of a Job provided or available for
matters of the football outlining their duties at the club. Description or Contract inspection at audit.
club. outlining their duties at the
Alternatively the club may use the Financial Manager will state
club if the position is a full
services of an external agency the name of the Institute of
time one.
provided there is a written which they are a member as
contract or service level Alternatively the club may use well as their membership
agreement in place for these the services of an external number whilst submitting the
services. agency. financial documentation to the
SFA. Those qualified by
In either case the Finance In either case the Finance
experience shall submit a CV.
Manager/provider of financial Manager/provider of financial
services shall be a member of a services shall be a member of
professional CCAB body. a professional CCAB body.
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UEFA Criteria Definition SPL Requirement SFL Requirement Club Documents
Ref.
A 33 7.2.4 Refers to the person and Club shall have an individual in As SPL requirement. Job Description for the
deputy appointed by a place together with a deputy appointed persons either
Safety Officers
club’s executive body fulfilling this function. A job provided or available for
that are responsible for description will be attached to each inspection at audit.
the safety, security and position that clearly identifies the
Club shall provide the relevant
stewarding matters at relevant individuals function within
Safety Officer level 4
the registered ground in the club.
qualification certificates.
accordance with
The Safety Officer and Deputy shall
sections 3.11, 3.12 and
be members of the Football Safety
3.13 of the Green Guide.
Officers Association Scotland
(FSOAS) and will have or be
working towards a level 4 spectator
safety qualification.
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UEFA Criteria Definition SPL Requirement SFL Requirement Club Documents
Ref.
A 30 7.2.5 Refers to the person Club shall have an individual in Club shall be able to Job Description or Contract
appointed by a club’s place fulfilling this function. demonstrate at audit that for the appointed person, or a
Media Officer
executive body who is The job holder shall be in these duties have been service level agreement either
responsible for the media possession of a Job assigned to a designated provided or available for
communications and liaison at Description or Contract club representative. inspection at audit.
the club. outlining their duties at the
Club shall have available at
club.
audit a copy of the necessary
Alternatively the club may use qualifications or a CV for the
the services of an external Media Officer.
agency provided there is a
written contract or service
level agreement in place for
these services.
The Media Officer shall as a
minimum comply with one of
the following -
a) have a diploma in media
studies;
b) have concluded a media
officer education course
recognised by the Scottish FA
or by a national recognised
organisation, or;
c) have at least a year’s
experience in such matters
and be in a position to confirm
this at audit.
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UEFA Criteria Definition SPL Requirement SFL Requirement Club Documents
Ref.
7.2.6 Refers to the individual at the Club shall have an individual in Club shall have an individual Job Description or Contract
club with responsibility for all place fulfilling this function. in place fulfilling this function. for the appointed person
Commercial
commercial, corporate and The job holder shall be in The job holder shall be in either provided or available
Manager
sponsorship activities. possession of a Job possession of a Job for inspection at audit.
Description or Contract Description or Contract
outlining their duties at the outlining their duties at the
club. club if the position is a full
time one.
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UEFA Criteria Definition SPL Requirement SFL Requirement Club Documents
Ref.
A 36 7.2.7 Refers to the person Club shall have an individual Club shall have an individual in place Job Description or Contract
appointed by a club’s in place fulfilling this function. fulfilling this function. The job holder shall for the appointed person
Team Manager
executive body who The job holder shall be in be in possession of a Job Description or either provided or available
/Head Coach is responsible for possession of a Job Contract outlining their duties at the club. for inspection at audit.
(and generally Description or Contract
In SFL Division One the following Full name and date of birth
recognised as being outlining their duties at the
qualification requirements apply - if the coach has been
responsible for) the club.
awarded the qualification in
football matters for a) Have an A Licence (level 4 Adult) but
The job holder shall be Scotland. Alternatively a
the club’s first team be working toward the Pro Licence
qualified for the role and shall copy of their certificate of
squad. Diploma (Level 5 Adult), or,
comply with one of the qualification, if obtained
NB – the “Recognition following – b) Have a Recognition of Competence outwith Scotland.
of Competence Award.
a) Have a UEFA Pro
Award” criteria and
Licence Diploma (Level 5 In SFL Divisions Two and Three the
any restrictions that
Adult), or, following qualification requirements apply -
apply to the award
are defined in the b) Have a Recognition of (NB – full time clubs are recommended to
Appendix. Competence Award. meet the SFL1 requirements.)
a) Have an A Licence (Level 4 Adult), or,
b) Have a Recognition of Competence
Award.
NB - In determining whether a coach is working towards a UEFA Pro Licence (Level 5 on the Adult Pathway), the Licensing Committee may not consider the
coach to have started a course where that coach began the course more than four years previously.
NNB – Coaches are reminded that 15 hours of Continued Professional Development (CPD) is required on Levels 5, 4 and 3 of the Adult Pathway. The 15
hours must be concluded within a 3 year period following the date of the award or by 31 August 2012 on those awards presented on or before 31 August
2009.
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UEFA Criteria Definition SPL Requirement SFL Requirement Club Documents
Ref.
A 37 7.2.8 Refers to the person Club shall have an individual Clubs that have an individual in place Job Description or Contract
appointed by a club’s in place fulfilling this function. fulfilling this function shall ensure that the for the appointed person
Assistant
executive body who The job holder shall be in individual is qualified for the role and that either provided or available
Team
provides the principal possession of a Job the job holder shall be in possession of a for inspection at audit.
Manager/
assisting role for (and Description or Contract Job Description or Contract outlining their
Full name and date of birth
Assistant generally recognised outlining their duties at the duties at the club if the position is a full time
if the coach has been
Head Coach as providing the club. one.
awarded the qualification in
principal assisting
The job holder shall be In SFL Division One the following Scotland. Alternatively a
role for) the football
qualified for the role and shall qualification requirements apply - copy of their certificate of
matters for the club’s
comply with one of the qualification, if obtained
first team squad. a) Have a B Licence (Level 3 Adult)but be
following – outwith Scotland.
working toward the A Licence (Level 4
NB – the “Recognition
a) Have an A Licence (Level Adult), or,
of Competence
4 Adult)but be working
Award” criteria and b) Have a Recognition of Competence
toward the UEFA Pro
any restrictions that Award.
Licence Diploma (Level 5
apply to the award
Adult), or, In SFL Divisions Two and Three the
are defined in the
Appendix. following qualification requirements apply -
b) Have a Recognition of
Competence Award. (NB – full time clubs are recommended to
meet the SFL1 requirements.)
a) Have a B Licence (Level 3 Adult) , or,
b) Have a Recognition of Competence
Award.
NB - In determining whether a coach is working towards a UEFA Pro Licence (Level 5 on the Adult Pathway), the Licensing Committee may not consider the
coach to have started a course where that coach began the course more than four years previously.
NNB – Coaches are reminded that 15 hours of Continued Professional Development (CPD) is required on Levels 5, 4 and 3 of the Adult Pathway. The 15
hours must be concluded within a 3 year period following the date of the award or by 31 August 2012 on those awards presented on or before 31 August
2009.
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UEFA Criteria Definition SPL Requirement SFL Requirement Club Documents
Ref.
A 31 7.2.9 Refers to the qualified medical Club shall have an individual in place As per SPL. Verified separately by the
doctor that is responsible for fulfilling this function. The job holder Medical Centre at Hampden
Club Doctor or
the medical support at the club. shall be in possession of a Job Park.
Medical Officer
Description, Contract or Service
Level Agreement outlining their
duties at the club.
All Doctors shall be practising and
certified by the General Medical
Council of the UK.
Doctors giving support to clubs and
acting as the Club Doctor, but not
engaged in Sports Medicine as a
“specialty” shall have a competence
in Sports First Aid and show
appropriate expertise in this area. In
addition for continued professional
development, they shall be able to
demonstrate that they have a
minimum attendance of two days
yearly in practical aspects of Sports
Injuries and Sports Medicine.
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UEFA Criteria Definition SPL Requirement SFL Requirement Club Documents
Ref.
A 32 7.2.9.1 Refers to the qualified Club shall have an individual in place As per SPL. Verified separately by the
Physiotherapist who is fulfilling this function. The job holder Medical Centre at Hampden
Club
responsible for the shall be in possession of a Job Park.
Physiotherapist.
physiotherapy care of the Description or Contract outlining
players at the club. their duties at the club.
The club physiotherapist shall be a
member of the Health Professionals
Council (HPC)
Physiotherapists from outwith the
UK are required to have their
qualifications endorsed by the
Health Professionals Council (HPC)
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UEFA Criteria Definition SPL Requirement SFL Requirement Club Documents
Ref.
A 38 7.2.9.2 Refers to the person Club shall have an individual in Where a club has a youth Job Description or Contract
appointed by a club’s place fulfilling this function. The team or teams the club shall for the appointed person
Head of Youth
executive body who is position shall be a full time have an Individual in place either provided or available
Development
responsible for the appointment. The job holder shall fulfilling this function. The for inspection at audit.
football matters for the be in possession of a Job position need not be a full
Full name and date of birth if
club’s youth teams. Description or Contract outlining time appointment. The job
the coach has been awarded
their duties at the club. holder shall be in possession
NB – the “Recognition of the qualification in Scotland.
of a Job Description or
Competence Award” The job holder shall be qualified for Alternatively a copy of their
Contract outlining their duties
criteria and any the role and shall comply with one certificate of qualification, if
at the club.
restrictions that apply to of the following – obtained outwith Scotland.
the award are defined in The job holder shall be
a) Have a Youth Directors’ Award, NB – information provided by
the Appendix. qualified for the role and shall
or, clubs at the Youth Initiative
comply with one of the
Audit will be shared with
b) Have an Advanced Youth following –
licensing. Clubs will be
Licence (Level 5 Youth), or,
a) Have a Youth Directors’ advised in advance of the
b) Have a Recognition of Award, or, licensing audit if this applies.
Competence Award.
b) Have an Advanced Youth
Licence (Level 5 Youth),
or,
b) Have a Recognition of
Competence Award.
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UEFA Criteria Definition SPL Requirement SFL Requirement Club Documents
Ref.
A 39 7.2.9.3 Refers to those Club shall have two qualified Where a club has a youth team or teams Job Description or
coaches at a club coaches in place for each youth the club shall have a minimum of one Contract for each
Youth
that work with any team at the club. Each job holder qualified youth coach in place for each appointed person either
Coaches
one of the club’s shall be in possession of a Job youth team at the club. All other coaches provided or available for
youth teams between Description or Contract outlining at the club shall have a Coaching in the inspection at audit.
the age range Under their duties at the club. Within these Game (Level 3 Youth) certificate as a
Full name and date of
13 to Under 19. duties the club shall specify the minimum. Each job holder (either
birth for each coach if the
responsibilities of each coach in the qualified or with a Level 3 certificate)
qualification has been
event of a player accident or injury. shall be in possession of a Job
awarded in Scotland.
Description or Contract outlining their
Each qualified youth coach with Alternatively a copy of
duties at the club. Within these duties the
each team shall have either an their certificate of
club shall specify the responsibilities of
Advanced Youth Licence (Level 5 qualification, if obtained
each coach in the event of a player
Youth) or Basic Youth Award (Level outwith Scotland.
accident or injury.
4 Youth). As a minimum however
NB – information provided
two coaches shall have an The qualified youth coach with each team
by clubs at the Youth
Advanced Youth Licence (Level 5 shall have either an Advanced Youth
Initiative Audit will be
Youth). Licence (Level 5 Youth) or Basic Youth
shared with licensing.
Award (Level 4 Youth) . There shall
Furthermore clubs shall ensure the Clubs will be advised in
however be a minimum of one coach with
following – advance of the licensing
an Advanced Youth Licence (Level 5
audit if this applies.
Youth).
- That there is specialised
goalkeeping coaching provided Furthermore clubs shall ensure that there
for goalkeepers by a qualified is specialised goalkeeping coaching
Goalkeeping Licensed coach provided for goalkeepers by a qualified
(Level 5 Specialist), and that this goalkeeping coach, minimally qualified to
comprises 50% of a goalkeepers Intermediate level (Level 2 Specialist)
training programme. and that this comprises 50% of a
goalkeepers training programme.
- Thatthere is minimally one
coach qualified with an
Advanced Children’s Licence
(Level 5 Children).
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UEFA Criteria Definition SPL Requirement SFL Requirement Club Documents
Ref.
7.2.9.4 Refers to the individual Club shall have an individual in Where a club has a youth team or Job Description or Contract
at the club with place fulfilling this function. The teams the club requirements are for the appointed person
Child Protection
responsibility for all jobholder shall be in possession as SPL requirement. either provided or available
Officer child and coach of a Job Description or Contract for inspection at audit.
protection outlining their duties at the club.
Training Record.
arrangements.
The individual jobholder shall be
trained in child protection issues
and procedures and a record of
this training shall be recorded.
It is recommended that Continued
Professional Development
training is undertaken annually by
the jobholder and details
recorded.
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UEFA Criteria Definition SPL Requirement SFL Requirement Club Documents
Ref.
7.2.9.5 Refers to the individual Club shall have an Individual in Where a club has a youth team Job Description or Contract
at the club who acts as place fulfilling this function as or teams the club requirements for the appointed person
Child Protection
the principal point of Lead Countersignatory. The are as SPL requirement. either provided or available
Countersignatory
contact with Disclosure jobholder shall be in possession for inspection at audit.
Scotland and who of a Job Description (or the duties
countersigns Disclosure will be included in an existing job
Applications. description) or Contract outlining
their duties at the club.
The club shall consider the
nomination of further
countersignatories that may be
available to countersign
applications in the absence of the
Lead Countersignatory.
NB - the Countersignatory may be
the Child Protection Officer.
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UEFA Criteria Definition SPL Requirement SFL Requirement Club Documents
Ref.
7.2.9.6 Refers to the individual Club shall have an Individual in Where a club has a youth team Job Description or Contract
at the club who is place fulfilling this function or teams the club shall assign for each appointed person
Welfare Officer
responsible for all youth including, as a minimum, the the following duties as a either provided or available
player welfare issues. following duties – minimum to a club for inspection at audit.
representative -
Co-ordination and
monitoring of a homework Co-ordination and
facility for players with monitoring of a
more than one hours homework facility for
drive to the training players with more than
venue. one hours drive to the
training venue.
Dealing with player
welfare issues. Dealing with player
welfare issues
Delivering a core skills
programme. Delivering a core skills
programme.
Player time management.
Player time
The job holder shall be in
management.
possession of a Job Description
(or the duties will be included in Where the position is full time,
an existing job description) or the job holder shall be in
Contract outlining their duties at possession of a Job
the club. Description (or the duties will
be included in an existing job
description) or Contract
outlining their duties at the club.
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UEFA Criteria Definition SPL and SFL Requirement (where relevant) Documents
Ref.
7.2.9.7 Refers to a variety of Club shall have considered the following functions and shall have None in relation to 7.2.9.7.
other functions at a club assigned responsibility to designated club personnel. These The positions detailed across
Other Club
that require to be responsibilities shall have been recorded within the job description may be referenced elsewhere
Functions
assigned to relevant for each staff member where that staff member holds a full time in this Manual however.
personnel. position at the club –
Maintenance of IT systems.
Community and Customer Liaison.
Maintaining Club Code of Conduct.
Human Resources.
Legal.
Disability Discrimination (5.4.6).
Sports Science Provision (6.2.9).
Sports First Aid Provision (Sections 6 and 10).
These functions may refer to requirements elsewhere in this
manual and cross references are highlighted where relevant.
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