RTC MEMBERSHIP POLICY 2025-26

You have entered into an agreement between the Sussex RTC and the player who is registered as a member to play and train for the Club

Please ensure both you and the player read the following Club values, principles and rules and both the Club & FA Respect Codes of Conduct.

Please contact RTC ADMIN via Skool messaging if you have any further questions.

I understand the RTC membership is primarily an elite training player development academy program. This is selection based football. Players are not guaranteed to be selected for a matches every week depending on the stage of their development. I agree that selection for matches will be based on behaviour, attendance and performance both at training and matches. I understand that my position in the playing squad will be in jeopardy if I do not attend regularly.

SUSSEX RTC AGREEMENT

• This is a 12 month agreement with the season start date of 1st June 2025, ending on the 31st May 2026.

• You must give one term notice If you wish to cancel this agreement at anytime. If you wish to cancel your membership this must be by email to contact@sussexrtc.com. A £49 administration charge is applicable if you cancel during the season.

• The JPL RTC offer an elite training program which requires full commitment from both players and parents.

• You understand the RTC membership is primarily an elite training player development academy program.

• This is selection based football.

• Players are not guaranteed to be selected for a matches every week depending on the stage of their development.

• You understand that selection for matches will be based on behaviour, attendance and performance both at training and matches.

• You understand that your players position in the playing squad will be in jeopardy if they do not attend regularly.

PLAYER REGISTRATION

• Elite Squad Players will be officially signed by The Sussex RTC via the Sussex FA

• Parents are also required to register both theirs and their player details directly with the JPL league every year on their Got Sport System. The JPL charge an additional fee of £5 to register

• Parents must provide a Passport Style Photo of their player for Registration. A head and shoulders on plain background, in full colour, no hats or sunglasses taken with a phone is sufficient (players are allowed to smile if they wish) please send to RTC ADMIN messaging via Skool

TRAINING & MATCHES

• The JPL provides approximately 130 hours of in-person training per year, not including match play.

• In-person training during the summer program is 4 hours per week split over two sessions

• In-person training during the winter program is 2 hours per week split over two sessions

• The RTC recommended Online fitness programs are available 24/7. We recommend players participate in the program of their choice at least twice per week. Sessions are available in our Online Fitness Category in Skool Classroom

• The RTC provides additional recommended online training drills which are available 24/7. We recommend players participate in their choice of training drills at least twice per week. Sessions are available in our Online Training Drills Category in Skool Classroom.

• The Sussex RTC requires every Elite Squad player to prioritise the JPL RTC Matches.

• The only events that will take priority over the RTC games is when your player is selected to play in District, County, Regional, National or International games. Parents must provide evidence if their player is to absent from a JPL match game due to these games.

PLAYER AVAILABILTY & RELIABILTY

• Whilst it is not necessary for your player to attend any other training program or play for a grass roots team, we understand that your player may wish to continue to participate in these activities.

• The Sussex RTC requires every Elite Squad player to prioritise the JPL RTC Matches.

• The only events that will take priority over the RTC games is when your player is selected to play in District, County, Regional, National or International games. Parents must provide evidence if their player is to absent from a JPL match game due to these games.

• Evidence by means of a copy email or screen shot (such as email notification or squad team sheet with coaches phone number) must be sent to RTC ADMIN via the Skool messaging service.

• Failure to be available for 3 or more matches per season may result in your player being suspended from the playing squad. Your players' availability not only affects the RTC financially through fines but the rest of the players on both teams who are reliable and committed to the playing squads.

• If your player repeatedly misses training sessions, this will reduce their squad playing opportunities.

• If your player sustains injury or is ill within the 2 week period before scheduled games please notify RTC ADMIN via Skool to keep in touch regarding recovery expectations.

• The RTC has a 24 hour player match withdrawal policy. If the player is scheduled to play and does not withdraw before midnight on the Thursday before the match by messaging RTC ADMIN via Skool with a reason for withdrawal. Match fees will still be charged.

• If a player that is scheduled to play in a match does not turn up for a match without notifying RTC ADMIN by the specified deadline (see above) via Skool Messaging, the absence will be marked as unauthorised and a match fee charged.

• The RTC requests that players are committed to their personal development and playing squad. If a player misses more than 3 games which has been marked as unauthorised absence in a season, they may be at risk of losing their match squad place.

JPL MATCH TRAVELING & DISTANCE

• The travelling distance involved in the Junior Premier League from time to time there may be the need to stay overnight. Any costs involved with travel and accommodation is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. We always recommend to book hotel accommodation with a refund clause.

• The RTC supports car sharing to matches. If you are unable to travel to matches you are welcome to add a comment on the Skool messaging system if you need assistance with match travel.

• Parents need to communicate with the Club on RTC ADMIN via Skool messaging as soon as possible and no later than 7 days prior to match day, if you are unable to get to a game in order for car sharing to be organised or for an alternative player to be found for the match.

THE RTC ONGOING COMMITMENT TO PLAYER DEVELOPMENT & RETRIALS

• As an RTC we value our members and put player development at the forefront of our philosophy.

• Unlike other Clubs we do not believe that players should have to be put under the immense pressure to retrial for their place year-on-year, we invest in our players to make them be the best they can be, whether this takes 12 months or 5 years.

• Players will be sent an automatic renewal of agreement form by the end of March every year.

• Players will only be asked to retrial if concerns have been raised during the active membership.

KIT

• Once kit is delivered, players must attend training and matches training kit. With clean boots and correct training shoes and safety equipment such as shin pads.

• Players are responsible for their kit including bringing match shirt to matches. Players that do not have their match shirt will not be allowed to play in JPL RTC games

• Under armour is allowed to be worn to training and matches, we request that players choose this in navy colour.

• Please ensure your players kit and equipment is clearly marked with their name.

• If kit is lost or damaged it must be replaced as soon as possible.

• If you have borrowed Club Kit, this must be returned to an official as soon as your kit arrives.

MEDIA & PHOTOGRAPHY

• You agree that photographs and any footage of games may be shared between clubs and maybe used on social media. The player full name and private information will remain private. You must advise in writing to RTC ADMIN if you do not agree to this.

• The RTC has commissioned the services of Enigma Media to take match photographs as well as player media photography. The Gallery can be viewed from the Enigma Media category in Skool Classroom.

• We welcome photography and media content from our parents and other players from match days. The best ones we will share on our socials!

RTC FEES & FINANCE

• The RTC charge an annual Membership fee, which covers club registration, player insurance and RTC operational costs.

• Training fees are calculated Pro-Rata.

• Training fees are to be paid in advance monthly, termly or annually. Further discounts are available depending on what payment option you choose. Training Fees are to be paid through our online payment system.

• Match Fees are currently set at £10 per game for 2025/26 season. The only exception to this is when games are played at The Oval Ground in Eastbourne where match subs are £15 per player.

• Match fees will be automatically deducted from your online parent payment account or a payment link will be sent to you

• The RTC offer a sibling discount of 25% off training fees for all additional players from the same household.

• Non-payment of match fees may result in match suspension until payment is made

• Non-payment of training fees will result in suspension of your player account and your player not being able to attend training until the account is bought up to date.

• If you have any questions regarding your parent payment account, please contact RTC ADMIN via Skool Messaging

• Adverse Weather Cancellations

  In the event that a training session is cancelled due to adverse weather conditions or circumstances beyond the club’s control, no refunds or credits will be issued.

MATCH FINES

• You understand that should your player receive a match fine from the FA or JPL, Payment is the responsibility of the parent or guardian and any fine issued needs to be paid directly to the RTC within 7 days of receiving notice from the FA

CLUB COMMUNCATION

• All communication should be via the online secure Skool messaging system.

• If you need to contact the Club and can not find the information in the Parents Information area, please message RTC ADMIN in the first instance.

• Our admin team will try to respond to messages within 48 hours

• The WhatsApp numbers you have MUST only be used in in the case of an emergency.

• Messages sent on our social media accounts are not monitored daily

• The RTC will provide match and training information on Skool Classroom in each age group and also on TeamApp.

REMOVAL FROM THE RTC PROGRAM

While Sussex RTC is committed to supporting all players, there are circumstances where removal from the programme may be necessary. This policy outlines the principles and process followed to ensure fairness, transparency and player wellbeing

2. Grounds for Removal

A player may be removed from the programme if:

• There are repeated breaches of the Player Agreement or Code of Conduct.

• Behaviour (by player or parent/guardian) significantly undermines the coaching team, disrupts the squad, or impacts the wellbeing of others.

• Safeguarding concerns are raised which require removal in the interests of player welfare.

• Fees or membership terms are not upheld.

3. Process

• Concerns will normally be raised and monitored over a period of time, with attempts made to resolve issues informally where possible.

• In cases of serious misconduct or safeguarding, immediate removal may be required.

• The decision will be made by the RTC management team, with safeguarding guidance sought from Sussex FA where appropriate.

• Parents/guardians will be informed in writing, with reasons outlined.

4. Appeals

• There is no automatic right of reinstatement once removal has taken place.

• If a parent/guardian wishes to appeal the process, this must be submitted in writing within 7 days of the removal notice.

• Appeals will be reviewed by the RTC Director of Football and Welfare Officer.

• The outcome of an appeal will be final.

5. Commitment to Players

• Removal is always a last resort, taken only when it is in the best interests of the player, the team, and the wider club environment.

• Decisions are made with the aim of protecting wellbeing, safeguarding, and ensuring a positive football environment for all.

RTC COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Our complaints procedure sets out how concerns are handled fairly, transparently, and in line with safeguarding best practice. It explains the steps for raising an issue, the timescales involved, and how matters can be escalated if needed. At Sussex RTC, player wellbeing and a positive environment are always our priority. Download a Copy here