The Lambeth & Southwark Primary Schools Football League Constitution sets out the aims, membership requirements, governance arrangements and responsibilities of the league.
It also establishes the principles of equality, safeguarding, fair play and accountability that guide school football across Lambeth and Southwark.
This Constitution applies to the league, its member schools, officers and participants, alongside the Code of Conduct in Appendix A.
1.1 – Lambeth & Southwark Primary Schools Football League (L&SPSF) aims to provide organised, competitive football for boys and girls attending primary and junior schools in Lambeth.
The league seeks to encourage physical and social development, teamwork, discipline and fair play. Although winning is an important part of competition, it must never come at the expense of good sportsmanship.
Furthermore, L&SPSF aims to introduce children to the benefits of playing football. Through regular participation, the league encourages boys and girls to develop healthy, active lifestyles.
2.1 – L&SPSF is committed to equality of opportunity for all schoolchildren across Lambeth and Southwark. Therefore, the league strives to encourage participation regardless of race, gender, religion, disability or ability.
London is a multiracial and multicultural community, and L&SPSF seeks to reflect this diversity. All schools, players, organisers, parents and carers must support equality of opportunity. Consequently, children should be able to participate in football without discrimination, harassment or prejudice.
Specifically, the league adopts the following principles:
Individuals must not receive less favourable treatment because of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability.
Membership requirements must apply fairly. Furthermore, individuals must not face different requirements solely because of any protected or personal characteristic listed above.
The league must not impose requirements that disadvantage particular individuals or groups. For example, a condition must not make participation unnecessarily difficult for members of a particular race or gender.
Recruitment, selection, promotion, training and disciplinary decisions must be fair and objective. Therefore, relevant merit, experience, skills and temperament must guide these decisions.
L&SPSF will investigate allegations of discrimination promptly. Where discrimination is established, the league will require the practice to cease, consider appropriate restitution and investigate those responsible.
The league will support disabled participants wherever reasonably possible. In addition, appropriate assistance should be provided to improve access and participation.
These principles apply throughout league activities and form an essential part of the L&SPSF Constitution.
3.1 – L&SPSF aims to provide a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment in which children can develop their football and social skills.
The league supports this objective by organising regular competitive football and providing suitable arrangements for participation.
In return, all member schools must protect participating children from abuse, discrimination and unfair treatment. Schools are therefore expected to maintain high standards of care and safeguarding.
Where league officials identify safeguarding concerns, they will report them to the relevant headteacher for appropriate action.
Furthermore, failure by a member school to take appropriate action may result in expulsion from the league. Serious concerns may also be referred to the relevant local education authority or other appropriate safeguarding body.
4.1 – L&SPSF seeks to achieve its aims by providing regular football competitions governed by rules that balance participation with competitive achievement.
The league organises non-hierarchical divisions to encourage children of different abilities to enjoy team sport. At the same time, competitions provide opportunities for personal improvement and achievement.
Many local primary schools have limited access to playing fields. Consequently, the league offers valuable opportunities for children across Lambeth and Southwark to participate in outdoor football.
Teachers, support staff, coaches and parents are expected to promote fair play and positive sporting behaviour. Through this approach, the league aims to strengthen both individual development and the wider school community.
4.2 – Participation in L&SPSF activities depends on member schools following the Code of Conduct for players, team managers and spectators, as set out in Appendix A.
4.3 – L&SPSF recognises the importance of developing talented young players, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Accordingly, the league will seek to work closely with the South London Schools Football Association, which supports representative school football and opportunities for talented players.
4.4 – The league will maintain links with local junior football clubs and relevant local authorities. These relationships aim to help children continue playing football after transferring to secondary school.
Furthermore, L&SPSF will engage with Lambeth and Southwark Councils, private sports providers and football governing bodies to improve access to suitable football facilities.
5.1 – L&SPSF shall consist of member schools and officers of its governing body.
Membership shall be open to local primary and junior schools and their named representatives, subject to available league resources.
The Chair shall maintain a membership list containing participating schools and their named representatives.
Member schools shall pay an annual affiliation fee determined by the Executive Committee and ratified at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
5.2 – Schools unable to obtain full membership because of resource limitations shall be eligible for Associate Membership.
5.3 – Associate Members shall form a waiting list for participation in the league.
Priority shall normally follow the chronological order of membership applications. However, the Executive Committee may admit additional schools when existing members withdraw or resources become available.
5.4 – All members shall agree to follow the Code of Conduct contained in Appendix A.
6.1 – The governing body, known as the Executive Committee, shall comprise:
Chair
Vice-Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
Up to four general committee members
6.2 – Officers shall serve for one year following their election at the AGM.
The AGM shall take place as soon as possible after the football season ends. All officers shall retire annually but remain eligible for reappointment.
6.3 – The Executive Committee may fill vacancies arising during the season. Any appointment shall remain in place until the next AGM.
6.4 – The Executive Committee shall manage L&SPSF and its activities.
6.5 – The Executive Committee shall act on behalf of the members. Liabilities incurred shall fall upon the membership, provided the Committee has acted in accordance with the Constitution and in good faith.
6.6 – The Secretary shall convene Executive Committee meetings, which shall take place every two months.
6.7 – The quorum for Executive Committee meetings shall be three members present and eligible to vote.
6.8 – Decisions shall be determined by a simple majority of members present and voting.
Each member shall have one vote. In the event of an equal number of votes, the meeting Chair shall have a casting vote.
6.9 – The Executive Committee shall interpret the Constitution and decide matters relating to L&SPSF, except where the Constitution specifies otherwise or an amendment is required.
6.9.1 – Where Executive Committee members cannot attend meetings, named nominees may represent them and vote on their behalf.
7.1 – Executive Committee members are liable for the acts of the organisation. However, they are entitled to an indemnity from L&SPSF funds where they have acted properly.
If insufficient funds are available, Executive Committee members shall be personally liable for any shortfall.
7.2 – Any person appointed to act as an agent of the organisation shall act on behalf of all members. Consequently, members shall have joint liability for the agent’s actions.
7.3 – Executive Committee members shall have personal liability where they act beyond their authority or fail to comply with statutory requirements.
7.4 – Members shall be entitled to an indemnity where they act in accordance with the Constitution and are not at fault.
8.1 – All money raised by or on behalf of L&SPSF shall be used exclusively to further the league’s aims and objectives.
8.2 – The Treasurer shall be responsible for managing the organisation’s finances.
8.3 – The financial year of L&SPSF shall end on 31 May.
8.4 – The Treasurer shall maintain accurate records of all money received and paid by the organisation.
8.5 – A statement of accounts shall be presented at the Annual General Meeting.
8.6 – League funds shall be held in a bank or building society account in the name of L&SPSF.
All cheques, drafts or cash withdrawals from the account shall require authorisation by the Treasurer and one other Executive Committee member.
9.1 – The Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall take place as soon as possible after the football season ends.
At this meeting, the Executive Committee shall present its annual report and statement of accounts.
9.2 – The Secretary shall give members at least 14 days’ notice of the AGM.
9.3 – The AGM shall elect officers as determined by the membership.
9.4 – Nominations for office may be submitted in writing before the AGM, provided they have a nominator and seconder.
Alternatively, nominations may be accepted during the AGM if seconded.
Only individuals eligible to vote may stand for office, nominate candidates or second nominations.
9.5 – Dates for the AGM and Executive Committee meetings shall be determined at the preceding meeting.
Additionally, the Chair may convene a meeting when considered necessary or desirable, or following a written request from at least two Executive Committee members.
9.6 – All members shall be entitled to vote at general meetings and shall have equal voting rights.
9.7 – The quorum for general meetings shall be six members present and eligible to vote.
9.8 – An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) may be convened following a written request to the Secretary from at least six members.
The Executive Committee may also call an EGM through a simple majority decision.
10.1 – Each member shall be entitled to one vote.
10.2 – Motions shall be carried by a simple majority of members present and voting.
However, constitutional amendments shall require a two-thirds majority of those present and voting.
10.3 – The Chair shall have a casting vote in addition to a deliberative vote.
11.1 – The Executive Committee shall be responsible for all property owned or leased by L&SPSF.
Furthermore, responsibility for employing paid staff and engaging volunteers shall rest with the Executive Committee.
12.1 – The Executive Committee may take appropriate disciplinary action against any member whose behaviour undermines the league’s activities, aims, objectives or Code of Conduct.
Where necessary, the Committee may terminate membership following a determination that the member has engaged in conduct detrimental to L&SPSF.
12.2 – Members shall have the right to appeal against decisions made by a league officer.
Appeals shall be considered by the Executive Committee or an Appeal Committee established to act on its behalf.
12.3 – Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Secretary.
The relevant committee shall consider the appeal within 14 days of receiving it.
13.1 – If L&SPSF ceases to exist, all outstanding debts and liabilities shall first be discharged.
Any remaining assets shall then become the property of the South London Schools Football Association.
No member shall personally receive any assets belonging to L&SPSF.
13.2 – The league may be dissolved following a resolution supported by a two-thirds majority of its total membership.
The resolution must be considered at a general meeting convened specifically for that purpose, following a written request from at least six members.
Members shall receive at least 21 days’ notice of the meeting.
The Lambeth & Southwark Primary Schools Football League Code of Conduct establishes the behaviour expected of players, team managers, coaches and spectators.
These standards support the league’s commitment to safeguarding, equality, respect and fair play.
All participating schools and individuals are expected to follow these requirements.
Players must:
Play fairly and follow the laws and spirit of football at all times.
Accept referees’ decisions without complaint.
Show respect towards opponents.
Avoid behaviour that could damage the reputation of L&SPSF.
Respect facilities and avoid damaging property at any playing venue.
Furthermore, players should demonstrate good sportsmanship in both victory and defeat.
Team managers and coaches must:
Take responsibility for the conduct of their players.
Ensure players compete fairly and do not show dissent.
Confirm match arrangements with opposing teams.
Contact opponents promptly when a scheduled fixture cannot be fulfilled.
Rearrange matches that cannot take place on their scheduled dates.
Arrange payment of any outstanding league fees.
Inform accompanying spectators about the expected standards of behaviour.
In addition, coaches and team managers should promote positive participation and provide an appropriate example for young players.
Spectators must:
Refrain from using foul, abusive or discriminatory language at matches.
Respect refereeing decisions and avoid encouraging players to challenge match officials.
Respect the decisions of match officials and league organisers.
Never encourage cheating, fouling or dissent.
Encourage players to respect opponents and accept victory and defeat graciously.
Above all, spectators should help create a welcoming, safe and respectful environment for every child participating in school football.
The L&SPSF Constitution provides the framework for the league’s governance, membership, competitions and conduct.
For additional information, visit our Information page or explore the Competition Rules and Guidance.
If you have a question about the Constitution, membership or league administration, please Get In Touch.
