Please find below the club’s official statement regarding the issues that arose from Saturday’s game against Grimsby. While the match was a routine friendly, it also served as the first trial for our new stewarding company and the use of the new ticket scanning equipment at the turnstiles. Additionally, club staff were present to observe all other aspects of the match operation, identifying any issues that could be addressed before our first games of the season. The safety and comfort of our fans are of the utmost importance to us.
The Trust monitored several activities throughout the day and provided feedback to the club on access and stewarding issues where appropriate. Additionally, we shared the numerous positive comments we received about the stewarding, which was a welcome change.
The club regularly reviews the recent game on Mondays or the next suitable day after a home match to identify issues and make necessary corrections.
We understand that some fans have contacted the club directly, while others have done so through the Trust. All concerns, including possible solutions, have been forwarded for consideration.
We appreciate the club’s extremely timely response and hope it provides more clarity on matchday operations. We have received further correspondence from some individuals who still have concerns, and we will address these with the club this week. Although we are all in a transitional situation with procedures and new practices, we will work closely with the relevant club officials to smooth out any ripples that arise.
The whole club statement can be read HERE.
Alternatively you can read it below.
This was the first fixture at which our new ticketing partner, Fanbase, new turnstile access system, and new stewarding partner, CSG, were all in operation.
As a club, our priority is to deliver a mass participation event that is enjoyable and welcoming but also ensures the safety of all staff and supporters, as our principal legal responsibility.
Whilst the majority of the day passed without incident, we have been made aware of several important issues by supporters and staff.
We have clarified our policies around those issues below.
SIZE OF BAGS
It is recommended that supporters bring nothing larger than a bag that is sized similar to an A4 piece of paper.
If supporters bring rucksacks or backpacks which are bigger than the recommended size, they will be searched and tagged, as is the case at other sporting and entertainment venues.
As a general policy, umbrellas are not recommended but will be accommodated on a match-by-match basis due to weather conditions.
BAG SEARCHING
Searching of bags will only be conducted by appropriately qualified SIA-badged personnel.
No bags held by under-16s will be searched without the prior approval of the person’s parent or carer.
Search personnel will not put their hands into the bags. They should look inside the bag and request the spectator to take out any items of concern. This measure is also to protect staff, so they do not damage themselves on sharp objects in the bag. Supporters may be asked to empty the contents of the bag should the security staff believe this is necessary.
SPECTATOR SEARCHES
Rochdale AFC retains the right to search any spectators entering the stadium. This is referred to in the stadium’s regulations, and permission to be searched is granted by a spectator when they purchase a match ticket. Any supporter that subsequently refuses to be searched may be refused admission to the stadium. Any refund on any ticket purchased by a spectator who is denied admittance due to a refusal to be searched will be subject to clubs’ Ticketing Policy.
All searches will be based on live assessment at the point of entry. If the match itself or other risks in the local or national area move the match into a high-risk category, the Security team reserves the right to introduce a 100% searching policy on supporters.
All personnel searches will be conducted by suitably qualified SIA-badged personnel. All searches will be conducted on a gender specific basis and, in particular, searches on female spectators should be carried out only by female staff.
Searches on spectators aged 16 or less must not be carried out. However, with a parent’s or carer’s prior approval, it is possible to request that the spectators conduct a self-pat-down to identify any items that are in contravention of the ground regulations.
The support of all supporters in delivering this policy successfully would be much appreciated.
ITEMS NOT PERMITTED INTO THE STADIUM
Alcohol, weapons of any description, bottles with lids, drinks cans, laptops, recording equipment, air horns, large cameras, offensive flags, tools, fireworks, smoke/gas canisters, poles or sticks, laser pointers.
The above policies address issues such as the importation of alcohol into the stadium, the delivery of potential weapons or pyrotechnics, and include measures to adhere to, in order to prevent terrorism incidents.
Visible and active search measures can help reduce the likelihood of threats entering the stadium and help detect threats that may already be on site. Visible search measures may also serve as a deterrent to those with hostile intent.
This information has been communicated to CSG and will be applied at future matches. We are aware that there will always be teething issues with a new partnership, but we will work with supporters’ feedback and CSG to continually improve the process.
We would encourage supporters to provide feedback, whether positive or negative, to fanservices@rochdaleafc.co.uk.
Thank you for your support in helping us create a safe matchday experience.