1.1 Special circumstances are circumstances which are beyond a family’s control; monetary or emotional situations which could mean a child will not be able to play football for AEWFC without assistance from the club.

1.2 Examples of circumstances that might have a significant impact include:

physical illness or injury to carer
mental ill-health or similar illness
bereavement or serious illness of a person within the family
sudden loss of a parent’s job
a long-term relationship breakdown, resulting in financial pressure within the family
unexpected bills that means a payment plan is necessary to support the family
asking for an individual payment plan that allows a longer time period to pay registration fees.

1.3 Examples of circumstances that are unlikely to be accepted include:

have had it in the past so reclaiming in the new season
player hasn’t played enough games
any claims without further justifications

2. What AEWFC agree to do

2.1 AEWFC respond in a fair and consistent way to requests for a special circumstances plan for reduced payment of registration fees.

2.2 It is the responsibility of the families communicate with the SC panel / Membership secretary / team’s manager if they are finding it difficult to pay the Membership fee.

2.3 It is expected, should families want to be considered, that this will be requested at the beginning of the season or as soon as their circumstances change.

2.4 This procedure must be followed in full. No presumption is to be made that special circumstances will be granted. Should the policy not be followed it will be expected that Membership fee will be paid in full or risk having the player’s card retained and possible loss of place on the team.

2.5 Assistance will be given by a member of the panel or the team coach should any family feel unable to complete the form themselves.

2.6 A family cannot claim special circumstances in the second half of the season, with fees outstanding from the first half. A second half of the season request, will be considered, if the family circumstances have significantly changed and no fees remain outstanding.

2.7 Special circumstances decisions, once made, are considered as standalone decisions. They do not guarantee any automatic continuation each season. The club and the Special Circumstances Panel can use their discretion in individual cases, however a family is expected to follow the same procedure every time they require consideration to be given.

3. Special Circumstances Committee

3.1 Members of a Special Circumstances panel will consist of the treasurer along with at least two other committee members. The current panel can be found on our website.

3.2 The Special Circumstances panel will discuss either in person, via telephone or email, each individual circumstance.

3.3 Decisions will be notified to the Membership secretary and the individual making the request.

3.4 In the event of the family being dissatisfied with the decision, they can appeal to the appeals panel to be discussed and a final decision will be made.