Behaviour & Banning Policy

Ayr United FC – Behaviour & Banning Policy

1. Purpose

This policy sets out the standards of behaviour expected from all individuals associated with Ayr United FC and the consequences of failing to meet those standards.

Ayr United FC is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents/guardians, spectators and visitors.

2. Scope

This policy applies to any person on, or using, any Ayr United FC property or facilities, or attending any club-related activity, including but not limited to:

• Pitches and training areas
• Stadium, stands and changing rooms
• Hospitality venues
• Car parks and surrounding grounds
• Official away fixtures and events where Ayr United FC is represented

3. Expected Behaviour

All individuals are expected to:

• Treat others with respect and dignity.
• Refrain from abusive, threatening, discriminatory, violent or otherwise inappropriate behaviour.
• Follow the instructions of club officials, stewards, staff and match officials.
• Comply with applicable laws, competition rules and club policies.

4. Poor Behaviour

Poor behaviour includes, but is not limited to:

• Verbal or physical abuse, threats or harassment.
• Discriminatory language or conduct (including racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, sectarianism or any other form of discrimination).
• Violent or aggressive behaviour of any kind.
• Damage to club property or the property of others.
• Persistent disregard for club rules, codes of conduct, ground regulations, or directions given by club officials, stewards or match officials.
• Any behaviour which brings Ayr United FC into disrepute or compromises the safety or enjoyment of others.

5. Sanctions and Bans

5.1 Authority to Impose Bans

The Board of Ayr United FC (“the Board”) has the sole discretion to impose bans from all club property and facilities where it considers a person’s behaviour to be poor or unacceptable under this policy.

5.2 Scope of Bans

A ban may include, but is not limited to, prohibition from:

• Entering any Ayr United FC owned, leased or managed property or facility.
• Attending any Ayr United FC training sessions, matches (home or away) or club events.
• Using any Ayr United FC services, hospitality areas or equipment.

5.3 Length of Bans

• The length of any ban will be determined by the Board on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the seriousness and circumstances of the behaviour.
• Bans may be temporary (for a defined period) or indefinite.
• The Board may extend, vary or lift a ban at its sole discretion.

5.4 Automatic Stadium Ban Following Court-Imposed Football Bans

·       Where any individual is subject to a football-related banning order, condition, or restriction imposed by any court or competent authority, an automatic and indefinite Ayr United FC ban shall immediately take effect without the need for further notice. The Ayr Untied FC ban will remain in effect whilst due process in the court system takes place.

·       If a court-imposed ban is rescinded, the Ayr United FC ban will not automatically be rescinded, and a written appeal must be made to the Board to have that ban lifted under the terms of Clause 7.

6. Process

• Reports of poor behaviour may be made by any member, official, volunteer, player, parent/guardian, steward, spectator or visitor.
• The Board (or its delegated representatives) will consider the information available. This may include speaking to those involved and reviewing any evidence (e.g. witness statements, CCTV, steward reports).
• The Board will decide whether poor behaviour has occurred and what sanction, if any, is appropriate, including any ban from club property.
• Where reasonable and appropriate, the individual concerned will be informed of the decision and the length and scope of any ban.

7. Appeals

• The Board may, at its discretion, provide an internal appeal or review process.
• Any appeal must be submitted in writing, stating clearly the grounds for appeal.
• The Board’s decision on any appeal or review is final within the Club’s internal processes.

8. Additional Actions

• Ayr United FC reserves the right to report serious incidents to the relevant football authorities, leagues, law enforcement, safeguarding authorities or other appropriate agencies.
• This policy operates in addition to any league, governing body, stadium or legal requirements.

9. Enforcement and Breach

Any individual who enters Club premises or attends any Club-controlled event while subject to an Ayr United FC ban shall be deemed to have committed a serious breach of compliance with this policy and may be subject to further sanctions, including permanent exclusion, termination of season tickets without refund, and, if appropriate, referral to relevant authorities.

9. No Waiver
Failure by the Club to immediately enforce any provision of this policy shall not be taken as a waiver of its right to enforce that provision at any time in the future.

Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the Board of Ayr United FC and may be updated or amended at any time. Any significant changes will be communicated to supporters, members and other stakeholders and, where appropriate, displayed on club premises or official channels.