RTC MEMBERSHIP POLICY 2026-27

You are entering into an agreement between Sussex RTC and the registered player to participate within the programme.

This agreement outlines the structure, expectations, and responsibilities of membership.

Sussex RTC operates as an elite player development environment.

This is not a grassroots football setting.

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1. Programme Overview

Sussex RTC provides a structured development programme which includes:

• Weekly training sessions

• Fixtures and competitive matches

• Individual Development Plans (IDPs)

• Additional development opportunities where applicable

The programme is designed to support long-term player development within a high-performance environment.

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2. Training & Matches

• Sussex RTC delivers approximately 130+ hours of in-person training per year, excluding matches

• Training typically runs across two sessions per week, with variation between summer and winter schedules

• Match opportunities form part of the programme, however:

• Selection is not guaranteed

• Playing time is not guaranteed

Selection is based on:

• Attendance

• Attitude

• Effort

• Behaviour

• Development needs

Players who do not attend regularly risk losing their place within the playing squad.

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3. Match Priority & Availability

• Sussex RTC matches must be prioritised over all other football activity

The only accepted exception is:

• District

• County

• Regional

• National

• International selection

Evidence must be provided in advance.

Failure to meet availability expectations may result in:

• Removal from match squads

• Review of programme place

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4. Player Availability & Reliability

Players are expected to:

• Attend training consistently

• Be available for fixtures when selected

• Communicate absences in advance

• Repeated unavailability or late withdrawal may:

• Reduce selection opportunities

• Result in removal from squads

Unauthorised absences may still incur match fees.

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5. Player Development (IDPs)

• All players must participate in twice-yearly IDP reviews

• Typically October and February

• IDPs are a core part of the programme and used to:

• Track development

• Set targets

• Support progression

Failure to engage may impact development opportunities.

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6. Player Responsibility

Sussex RTC provides the development environment.

Players are responsible for their own progression outside of sessions, including:

• Additional training

• Fitness and conditioning

• Nutrition

• Recovery

Progress is directly linked to effort outside of the RTC environment.

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7. Elite Performance Blocks

Sussex RTC may introduce Performance Blocks during the season

These are:

• Selection-based

• Designed for players ready for increased challenge

Participation is not guaranteed.

Additional costs may apply and will be communicated at the time.

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8. Membership & Payments

• Annual Membership Fee 2026/27: £99

• £25 commitment payment required to secure place for renewals

• Remaining £74 due by 31st May 2026

All membership payments are non-refundable, including the £25 commitment payment

• Monthly training fees apply:

• Paid by subscription only

• Processed via official platform

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9. Payment Enforcement, Arrears & Debt Recovery

Sussex RTC operates a strict No Pay, No Play policy.

All fees must be paid in line with agreed terms.

If payments are missed, stopped, or fall into arrears, any outstanding balance will remain due in full.

Where an account is not maintained, Sussex RTC reserves the right to take immediate action, including:

• Removal from training sessions

• Ineligibility for match selection

• Suspension from all programme activity

Access will only be reinstated once the account is fully up to date.

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Outstanding Payments & Recovery

If payments are stopped or remain unpaid, Sussex RTC reserves the right to:

• Apply a reasonable administration fee to cover the cost of recovering outstanding balances

• Charge interest on overdue amounts at a rate of up to 8% per annum above the Bank of England base rate

• Refer the outstanding balance to a third-party debt recovery agency

Any additional costs incurred through the recovery process may be added to the outstanding balance.

Failure to resolve outstanding payments may result in:

• Permanent removal from the programme

• Further action to recover the full balance owed

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Important

Stopping or cancelling payments does not cancel membership.

All financial obligations remain in place until the correct cancellation process has been completed and the required notice period has been served.

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Agreement

By accepting membership, you confirm that you understand and agree to these payment, enforcement, and recovery terms.

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10. Cancellation

• Membership runs from 1st June to 31st May

• One full term’s written notice is required.

Our terms structure:

• 1st June to 31st August (Summer Term)

• 1st September (Autumn Term)

• 1st December (Winter Term)

• 1st March (Spring Term)

Cancelling during the season:

• £49 admin fee applies

• Payments continue during notice period

Stopping payments does not cancel membership.

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11. Behaviour & Conduct – Zero Tolerance Policy

Sussex RTC maintains high standards across players, parents and staff.

We operate a strict zero tolerance policy towards:

• Disruptive behaviour

• Abusive or aggressive communication

• Disrespect towards coaches, staff, players or other members

• Conduct that negatively impacts the environment or wider programme

Any breach of these standards will result in immediate action.

Consequences may include:

• Match bans

• Suspension from training

• Removal from fixtures

• Permanent removal from the programme

The severity of the outcome will be determined by the RTC management team.

Sussex RTC is an elite environment. Behaviour and standards must reflect this at all times.

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12. Travel & Fixtures

• Travel and accommodation costs are the responsibility of the parent/guardian

• Car sharing may be arranged but is not guaranteed

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13. Pathway Expectations

Sussex RTC supports player development and progression opportunities.

However:

• We do not guarantee:

• Professional contracts

• Academy placement

• Trials or progression outcomes

Progress depends on the individual player.

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14. Programme Changes

Sussex RTC reserves the right to:

• Adjust training schedules

• Change venues

• Modify programme structure

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15. Final Agreement

By accepting a place within Sussex RTC, you confirm that:

• You understand this is an elite development environment

• You accept that selection and progression are not guaranteed

• You agree to all financial, behavioural, and commitment expectations