York City Supporters' Trust have passed a motion to prevent public criticism of a football club director or club employee by Trust board members.

The Trust have explained that the move, approved by a majority decision, is a refinement of an already existing board membership policy, which stated that "Trust Board members are expected to adhere to the principles of collective responsibility" and not to "publicly criticise or to otherwise undermine any decision or policy of the Trust Board".

The amendment means the club board, as a whole, individual directors and club employees are also now protected by the policy, which was originally based on the model template developed by Supporters' Direct.

It was deemed necessary to extend the collective responsibility policy to club directors and employees because the Trust, unlike many of its counterparts, are the majority owners of the football club and decides who is appointed to the club board.

About the change, a Trust press release stated: "In effect, the policy encourages the discussion and debate of matters within board meetings and, once a collective decision has been made, adherence to collective responsibility for the overall benefit of the Trust. It encourages stability and normal good business practice."

But the statement also added that there is an "opt-out" clause should the Trust board deem it appropriate.

Trust board member Paul Rawnsley added: "In a variety of ways, the Trust and club boards have been working to provide some firm foundations for York City to survive and prosper and for the team to succeed.

"The board membership policy is a small part of the overall framework being established. It is common sense for the board members of each of the club and the Trust to exercise good business practice for the overall benefit of York City."

Updated: 10:37 Wednesday, August 03, 2005