Darlington FC Policy on ejections and Club bans
The Club expects the highest possible standard of behaviour from everyone who is employed by, represents, volunteers with, plays for or visits the Club either as a supporter or in some other capacity. The behavioural standards expected of everyone associated with or supporting the Club apply irrespective of location, be that for example Blackwell Meadows, whilst travelling, or at the venue of an away fixture, or online using social media, The Club will not tolerate behaviour from supporters and anyone associated with the club, formally or informally, that could be a breach of league or FA rules, is potentially unlawful or that reflects badly upon or has the potential to tarnish the Club’s image or reputation.
No pyrotechnics are allowed in or around the stadium. Anyone in possession will receive a 3 season ban.
At home games, supporters may be subject to ejection from the stadium where they fail to comply with the National League (North) ground regulations and/or Club rules or to instructions given by a Club steward, Club official or a Police officer. In most cases, supporters will be asked to change their behaviour where it contravenes the National League (North) ground regulations or Club’s rules; an immediate change may avoid any need for an ejection from the stadium but persistent or continued contravention will lead to an individual being ejected from the stadium. In all cases, the supporter involved must identify themselves to stewards and relinquish their season ticket/pass and/or match ticket.
Where supporters are present within Corporate Hospitality, and likely therefore to be in the presence of paying and invited guests, sponsors, players directors or management, higher standards of behaviour are expected and the Club reserves the right to ask anyone being disruptive or behaving in a way in which the Club considers inappropriate to leave the premises. No refunds will be given in such circumstances. In order to preserve the convivial atmosphere with Corporate Hospitality, the Club also reserves the right to refuse access to any individual or group that the Club believes may be intent on being disruptive or behaving inappropriately.
In addition to ejection from the stadium, supporters will be subject to a Club ban where bad behaviour is persistent, repeated or sufficiently serious to warrant further sanction.
The following is a list of examples of behaviour that may lead to individuals being banned from home games:
• Contravention of ticketing terms and conditions - 1 x game
• Persistent smoking or use of e-cigarettes - 1 x month
• Persistent live streaming of football action - 1 x month
• Use of foul and abusive language - 2 x month
• Persistent standing during the game in seated areas - 1 x month
• Foul and abusive language or threatening behaviour towards staff members either at a Darlington FC game or online – 1 x season
• Foul and abusive language or threatening behaviour towards other supporters either at a Darlington FC game or online – 1 x season
• Use of discriminatory or abusive language directed at any individual either at a Darlington Fc game or online – 12 months
• Pitch incursion - 12 months
• Bringing a pyrotechnic to any fixture or assisting someone else to do so - 3 season ban
• Igniting a pyrotechnic or throwing a lit pyrotechnic
• Bringing alcohol into any fixture - 3 season ban
This list is not exhaustive and other behavioural shortcomings will be dealt with on a scale relating to the seriousness of the incident. Equally, any extenuating or mitigating circumstances offered by an individual will be taken into account when determining the length of ban to be applied.
Persistent and/or repeated offences may result in subsequent Club bans being at least double the length of ban indicated above. Where incidents include potential criminal offences, the matter will be referred to the Police for further action. The Club reserves the right to increase or decrease any period of a Club ban on its individual merits. The Club reserves its rights to notify the Police authorities, football governing bodies or any other Club of Darlington FC Club bans that have been imposed. In line with the Club’s rules, no refund of any ticket money paid to the Club will be made during a period of a Club ban, and as a matter of contract law, any fan who has purchased a season ticket by monthly instalments remains liable for continuing instalments until the end of the season or the agreed ticket price has been paid.
Darlington FC will inform any supporter that is to be banned in writing to the last known address (including email address) detailed on the Club’s ticket office or other database or any confirmed address provided by the supporter at the time of the incident. This communication will confirm the length of the Club ban and the offence for which the ban has been imposed. It will also confirm the details for any action required at the end of the Club ban and any appeals procedure.
Appeals against a Club ban must be made in writing, to the person nominated in the banning letter within 14 days of the date on the Club banning letter. This person will normally be someone in the Club of a similar or higher management level to the person issuing the Club ban. Any such appeal must include reasons of why the ban is inappropriate and provide a day-time telephone contact. Emails will be accepted as a substitute for a letter but texts, social media, telephone calls or personal visits are not an acceptable way of submitting an appeal. The written appeal may be followed by a person-to-person meeting to discuss its contents. On appeal, the original ban imposed may be rescinded, remain unaltered, reduced or extended. The findings of the person hearing the appeal will be final.
Any supporter who is subject to a Football Banning Order (FBO) is automatically subject to a Club ban from all stadium facilities for the period of the FBO.
