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RHODE ISLAND FC SUPPORTER CODE OF CONDUCT
Rhode Island FC’s recognized supporter groups are subject to all aspects of the RIFC Code of Conduct, with limited modifications. The following recognized supporter group exemptions are permitted only at locations and times determined by the club, and exemptions shall be granted only upon prior written communication with and the permission of RIFC. All such exempted items are subject to search by security prior to entering the stadium. Exemptions include:
- Bullhorns, megaphones, drums, horns, and other musical instruments.
- Whistles and vuvuzelas are not allowed.
- Flags not exceeding 10′ in length.
- Tifo, banners, flags, signage, chants, songs and apparel that meet the following criteria:
- The design and messaging of all tifo, banners, flags and signage must be approved prior to the game and inspected upon entry to ensure compliance.
- Tifo, banners, flags, and signage should at all times support the club, the match or an accomplishment of the club or a player.
- Messages should not be commercial, racist, ethnic, sexually oriented, religious, offensive, or in poor taste. No commercially organized messaging, including signage and apparel, is allowed.
- Items should not unreasonably obstruct the view of the spectators outside of the supporters’ sections, cover existing stadium signage, or present a public hazard by blocking aisles, walkways, or stairs.
- Shall not be taped, glued, or secured to the facility using adhesive of any kind.
- Shall not in any way damage the facility walls, paint, railings, glass, or other facility property.
- Shall not be constructed of wood, metal, or other materials that may cause harm to others as determined by RIFC or the facility management.
NOTE: The recognized supporter group exempted items listed above may be used only by members in good standing sections designated by RIFC and building management. Any use by persons not in good standing or outside of designated supporter sections is prohibited, and violation of any of these guidelines may result in ejection from the facility or revocation of future ticket privileges.
It should also be understood from the outset that exempted items are not a right and that the permissions granted are on the express understanding that the use and/or display of the items is at all times in line with the RIFC Code of Conduct and any additional restrictions imposed by the club and the facility.
Recognized supporter group exemptions may be suspended either:
- Prior to the event; where there is a history of non-compliance by the recognized supporter group making the request.
- During the event; where either, individuals within the group or the group as a whole fail to abide by agreements reached in advance.
- After the event; where it was not possible to deal with the matter safely at the time, or where the matter was subsequently brought to light.
Each recognized supporter group shall understand that any exemption is made to the group and that they are collectively responsible for the behavior of the individuals in the group and for ensuring that the agreements reached prior to the event are followed.
FAILURE TO ABIDE BY THIS CODE OF CONDUCT IS SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS, INCLUDING EJECTION, BANISHMENT AND ARREST. VIOLATORS MAY ALSO HAVE THEIR TICKET PRIVILEGES REVOKED.
The RIFC Supporter Liaison is Tim Holmes. All questions should be emailed to Tim Holmes at tholmes@rhodeislandfc.com.
STEPS TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A RIFC SUPPORTER GROUP
RIFC holds ourselves, our fans and our community to a higher standard and expect all recognized supporter groups to do the same. To be a recognized supporter group, the following requirements must be met:
- Minimum of 100 members.
- Established and written formal process of electing five leadership positions and a description for each of their roles.
- Formal document stating the groups commitment to RIFC and the Rhode Island community.
- Uphold and enforce the RIFC Code of Conduct amongst its members.
- Submit an application document, or presentation, to be recognized as an official supporter group of RIFC.
- Embrace all who are willing to support RIFC no matter race, national origin, religion, political view, sexual orientation or gender.; violence and prejudice will never be tolerated.
- Be respectful to all fellow RIFC supporters, opposing fans and others, at matches, online or anywhere else; this includes all other supporters groups in the USL.
- Conduct themselves in a lawful manner, to avoid incidents inside Beirne Stadium and opponents stadium and/or any of the areas surrounding the stadium including parking lots and pre- and post-match bars or restaurants.
- Consume alcoholic beverages in a responsible manner and only by those of legal age.
Groups interested in applying to be a recognized supporter groups, should contact Tim Holmes at tholmes@rhodeislandfc.com.