CLUB POLICY FOR DISABLED SUPPORTERS 2009/10

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Plymouth Argyle Football Club fully supports the principle of equal opportunities and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of disability.

1.2 Policy Definition of a Disabled Supporter

For the purposes of this policy the definition of a disabled supporter is:

"any person who, because of their disability or impairment, is unable to use ordinary stand seating without contravening Health and Safety regulations, guidelines or policy. Any such person will be considered for use of the designated areas of the stadium in line with the procedures set out in this policy."

1.3 Eligibility

Plymouth Argyle Football Club reserves the right to request "proof of disability" before issuing any concession. Such proof shall include:

Receipt of the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (mobility or care component).

Receipt of either the Severe Disablement Allowance or Attendance Allowance.

NB Receipt of an Orange/Blue badge will not be considered sufficient proof of disability.

Any persons wishing to become registered as a Disabled Supporter of Plymouth Argyle will need to complete an application form and provide sufficient proof as stated above. Application forms are available on request from the Disability Liaison Officer or the Box Office.

On receipt of the necessary documentation you will be registered as a Disabled Supporter and will be entitled to a FREE carers ticket.

1.4 Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

As a fundamental principle the DDA states that people with disabilities should not be treated "less favourably, without justification" and "reasonable adjustments should be made to make goods, facilities and services accessible." Plymouth Argyle Football Club aim to fully comply with both the spirit and provisions of the Act.

The club recognises that not all of its facilities are fully accessible to its supporters with disabilities and confirms that it is committed to making the necessary reasonable adjustments described by the DDA and its relevant Codes of Practice to ensure full compliance with the legislation.

2. CONTACT WITH EXISTING DISABLED SUPPORTERS

2.1 Disability Liaison Officer

Plymouth Argyle's Disability Liaison Officer is Barry Hardman, and he can be contacted on 01752-562561 (ext 142) or via e-mail at barry.hardman@pafc.co.uk.

2.2 Plymouth Argyle Disabled Supporters Association (PADSA)

Plymouth Argyle Football Club would encourage all its disabled supporters and their carers to join PADSA. The club and PADSA are working closely together to improve the matchday experience for all disabled supporters. More details can be obtained by contacting Nick McFarlane on 0845 6801034 or at info@padsa.co.uk.

2.3 National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS)

Plymouth Argyle Football Club is a fully paid up member of the National Association of Disabled Supporters and is pleased to support all the associations projects where it can.

3 WHEELCHAIR DEPENDENT SUPPORTERS

3.1 There are currently 9 wheelchair spaces located in the Disabled Stand. These are all currently allocated to season ticket holders. There are additional wheelchair spaces at the front of the Devonport, Lyndhurst and Barn Park stands. These spaces are available on a match by match basis or by way of a season ticket.

3.2 Wheelchair using supporters must be largely dependent on a wheelchair for mobility purposes or not capable of walking a distance further than that required
to reasonably and safely access any other part of the stadium.

3.3 Wheelchair dependent supporters should also be accompanied by a person who is capable of supporting the disabled person's needs in the event of an
emergency. For this reason Plymouth Argyle strongly recommend that a person is sixteen years of age or over and not infirm.

4 AMBULATORY DISABLED SUPPORTERS

The club recognise that there are a considerable number of people in the community who use wheelchairs mainly for outdoor mobility purposes but are not necessarily confined to their wheelchair. There are also many people who suffer severe walking difficulties who may wish to watch a match. For the purposes of this policy both categories of people will be termed as "ambulatory disabled supporters" and will qualify for the concessionary ticketing policy as  per item 1.3 above.

5 VISUALLY IMPAIRED SUPPORTERS

5.1 Soccer Sight

The club has a dedicated commentary service, called Soccer Sight, for its visually impaired supporters. Headsets are available from club reception on a matchday or can be pre-booked by contacting the Disability Liaison Officer. This service can be accessed in any part of the stadium and is also available to visiting supporters. Commentary will begin 15 minutes before kick off and there is no charge for this service.

5.2 Assistance Dogs

Assistance Dogs are allowed into the stadium but the club recommend that any supporter wishing to bring a guide dog contacts the Disability Liaison Officer at least 7 days before the match. Due reference will be given to all aspects of safety and guidance from Guide Dogs for the Blind to ensure a persons safety within the ground. Measures will also be taken to ensure that the welfare of the Assistance Dog is preserved.

5.3 The club strongly recommends that each visually impaired supporter attending a match should be accompanied by a person who is fully able to support their needs in the event of an emergency.

6 CAR PARKING FACILITIES

The club has a very limited number of parking spaces in the Higher Home Park car park which are allocated to supporters with the most severe mobility difficulties. These places can be applied for on a seasonal basis on a concessionary basis. All spaces have now been allocated for the 2009/10 season.

There are also a limited number of spaces (approx 20) in the Outland Road car park which are available to home and visiting supporters. These are available on matchday on a first come, first served basis.

7 TOILET FACILITIES

There are specially adapted disabled toilets located in the Devonport, Lyndhurst and Barn Park ends of the stadium. Each of these toilets is alarmed and steward controlled. There are also temporary disabled toilets located next to the Disabled Stand. If you have any problems with the use of any of these toilets on a matchday please advise the nearest steward who will be able to assist.

8 STEWARDING

All stewards are trained to NVQ Level 2 in Spectator Safety. All steward supervisors are currently undertaking assessments for the Level 3 award. Although stewards are regularly rotated by the stewarding company, the club has asked that the same steward be assigned to the Disabled Stand on a matchday. This helps with familiarity between the steward and the disabled supporters in this area. Stewards in other areas of the stadium are 'disability aware' and are able to deal with any queries that may arise on a matchday.

Plymouth Argyle Football Club openly welcomes comments on this policy and would encourage any person to contact the Disability Liaison Officer with their  comments or queries.