POLICIES
- Turnstile Operators
- Stewards
- Catering Outlets
- Police
- Greenock Morton Football Club staff and volunteers
In return, we expect and appreciate spectators refraining from using:
- Foul or abusive language
- Taunts or gestures of an obscene nature
- Taunts or gestures of a rascist nature
- Taunts or gestures of a sectarian nature
- Any action or behaviour which may endanger the safety of any person within the ground.
- We encourage all spectators to inform the nearest Steward of any incident that they feel is in breach of the above.
Greenock Morton Football Club holds a general safety certificate which is issued by Inverclyde Council and is reviewed on an annual basis.
The main stand is a designated ‘No Smoking’ area. This is due to its wooden construction, and the subsequent health and safety issues this presents. Any spectators choosing to ignore the smoking restriction should expect that the appropriate action will be taken by our stewards to ensure the safety of all supporters in the main stand.
Introduction
This policy reflects the commitment of Greenock Morton Football Club to ensuring that all supporters who have disabilities, whether permanent or temporary, have as full an access to all of the services offered or provided by the club and that the club will aim to comply with the Equality Act 2010.
The Stadium
The Main Stand is the location for all match-day disabled provision. The following is made available:
* Eighteen (18) places for wheelchair users
* Eighteen (18) places for carers
* Twenty (20) places for ambulant/blind supporters and if required their guide dogs.
* Separate purpose-built toilet facilities
* Sufficient dedicated parking within the club car park at no charge
Access Points
Access to the stadium is by the main gate in Sinclair Street. Supporters can be dropped off/picked up and cars parked in the club car park on Sinclair Street. Disabled supporters who drive themselves should notify the stewards of this fact and assistance will be provided if required from the car park to the main gate and return. Stadium safety and emergency contingency plans do not permit parking in Sinclair Street on match days.
Admission Prices
Disabled supporters will pay for admission at a rate set by the club. Carers do not pay. This, however, is conditional on one (1) carer per person unless special circumstances exist and the club is notified prior to the match.
Season ticket holders for the disabled area will, whenever possible, have priority. Non-season ticket holders are requested to notify the club prior to the match so that, if necessary, provision can be made in other areas.
For accessible access tickets, home and away supporters can call the club office on 01475 723571 to arrange.
Customer Care
All club staff, stewards and any appointed contractors engaged on match days shall not discriminate between people with differing impairments. The legislative framework underpinning provision for the disabled will be observed.
All staff will practice patience, politeness, courtesy at all times and, when requested, undertake to provide assistance. Assistance will always be offered.
Any grievances in relation to disabled facilities will be dealt with promptly.
Any failure to comply with legislation in respect of disabled supporters will be treated as a serious breach of club discipline and may result in disciplinary action.
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- All matches are played in accordance with the RULES AND REGULATIONS of the Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Professional Football League and, where applicable, the regulations of FIFA/UEFA Competitions (“Football Bodies” and “Football Rules”). Capitalised words and phrases in these ground regulations (“Ground Regulations”), except where herein defined, have the meanings given to them in the Rules and Regulations of The Scottish Professional Football League; a copy of which is available at: http://spfl.co.uk/docs/
- PLAY OR AN EVENT cannot be guaranteed to take place on any particular day or at any particular time and the relevant home club (“Club/Event Organiser”) at the match concerned (“the Match”) or event in the stadium to which these regulations apply (“the Ground”) reserves the right to change its advertised fixtures without prior notice and without liability.
- All TICKETS for matches (“Tickets”) sold/issued (“Allotted”) by or on behalf of the club/event organiser are issued on the express conditions that no ticket holder shall sell or transfer same for a higher price than appears on the face of the ticket. In the event of any breach of this regulation, the club/event organiser reserves the right to cancel each ticket concerned and to retain any money paid on allotment.
- In the event of a MATCH BEING ABANDONED after having kicked off, you may be entitled to a refund of the admission charge paid in the determination of the club/event organiser acting reasonably. Where a match is abandoned before the expiry of the first half, admission arrangements for the re-arranged fixture will be issued to those who attend the abandoned match. The arrangements in cases where the match is abandoned after the expiry of the first half shall be a matter for the discretion of the club/event organiser.
- In the event of a MATCH BEING POSTPONED, for any reason, before having kicked off, any ticket purchased for the match will be valid on the postponed date.
- All persons entering the ground must pay for admission or otherwise hold a genuine TICKET or other permission from the club/event Organiser which was validly issued.
- Unauthorised persons are not permitted to ENTER UPON THE FIELD OF PLAY, trackside or any place which is not a spectator area. Such incursions will be treated with utmost seriousness and will be liable to arrest and criminal proceedings as well as to disciplinary sanctions by the club/event organiser, which may lead to long-term exclusion from the ground.
- Only persons specifically authorised in writing by the club/event organiser are permitted to offer newspapers, periodicals, or any other ARTICLES FOR SALE in the ground and any charitable collection will only be permitted within the ground with the prior written consent of the club/event organiser.
- Unnecessary NOISE such as from the use of radio sets and behaviour likely, in the opinion of the club/event organiser to cause confusion, annoyance, fear, upset or nuisance of any kind is not permitted in any part of the ground.
- The use of disorderly, violent and/or threatening behaviour and/or the use of foul and/or abusive language, racial, sectarian, homophobic or discriminatory abuse, singing and/or chanting of any kind and damage to property is all strictly forbidden, is UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT and each and all of same and if constituting a criminal act and/or acts may result in arrest and/or prosecution and/or in conduct which does not constitute a criminal act and/or in the case of a criminal act, a ‘ban’ from the ground, regulated football matches, the confiscation of any ticket purchased or held and/or any other sanction as may be determined by the club/event organiser and/or in the case of a failure to comply with and/or a breach of football rules by the relevant football body.
- The following articles MUST NOT BE BROUGHT INTO THE GROUND: prohibited weapons, knives, fireworks, smoke canisters, air-horns, flares, weapons, dangerous or hazardous items, laser devices, bottles, glass vessels, cans, poles and any article that might be used as a weapon and/or compromise public safety. It is an offence punishable by law and unacceptable conduct for any person to enter or attempt to enter the ground whilst in possession of any article which is a firework or any article or substance whose purpose or any part of its purpose is the emission of a flare for purposes of illuminating or signalling or the emission of smoke and/or gas and any person in possession of such articles will be refused entry to the ground and if having entered, to expulsion from the ground and such other sanction as may be determined by the club/event organiser and reported to the police.
- It is a criminal offence and UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT for any person to enter or attempt to enter the Ground: 1 whilst in possession of a container or any other item which is or was capable of holding liquid or any other thing and which, if thrown, would be capable of causing injury to another person; 2 whilst in possession of alcohol; and/or 3 whilst drunk.
- Any person entering the ground may, at the sole discretion of the club/event organiser be SEARCHED and is deemed to have consented to be so searched, for any item or material the possession or use of which may result in and/or cause or contribute to unacceptable conduct.
- STANDING IS FORBIDDEN in seated spectator viewing areas.
- BANNERS and/or other articles which could, or might be used as a weapon, or cause annoyance or unnecessary obstruction or offence and/or which may cause or contribute to unacceptable conduct are not permitted within the ground.
- Under no circumstances is it permitted to THROW or otherwise cause any objects or materials to enter on to the pitch, pitch surroundings, track(s) and/or technical area.
- At all times, the RIGHT OF ADMISSION is reserved to and by the club/event organiser and no transfers within the ground are permitted. Spectators found in an area for which they do not have a valid ticket may be ejected.
- MOBILE TELEPHONES, SMARTPHONES and other similar mobile telephonic devices (“Mobile Devices”), excluding cameras which are not part of and subsidiary to a mobile device, are permitted within the ground, PROVIDED THAT, (i) they are used for personal and private use only, which, and by way of example only, shall not include the capturing, logging, recording, transmitting, playing, issuing, showing, or any other communication of any material (“Capturing), for any commercial purpose; and (ii) no material that is captured by a mobile device or other device may be published, communicated, transmitted, sent, broadcast and/or otherwise made available by any means to any third party including, without limitation, social networking sites or any other means of communication and/or transmission.
- Save as provided in paragraph 18 above, NO PERSON (other than a person who holds an appropriate licence) MAY RECORD, TRANSMIT, PLAY, ISSUE. CAPTURE, LOG, BROADCAST, SHOW OR OTHERWISE COMMUNICATE ANY MATERIAL including and/or comprising any audio, visual or audio-visual material or any information or data, by digital or other means, in relation to a match taking place in the ground, any players or other persons present in the ground and/or the ground, nor may they bring into the ground or use within the ground (or provide to, facilitate or otherwise assist another person to use within the ground) any equipment or technology which is capable of capturing, logging, recording, transmitting, playing, issuing, showing or otherwise communicating (by digital or other means) any such material as described above. Any person failing to comply with these restrictions is deemed to be liable to have such equipment, technology and material in whatever form, confiscated without compensation by the club/event organiser. Copyright, database rights and any other intellectual property rights in any such unauthorised recording or transmission is assigned (by way of present assignation or assignations of future rights) to the relevant football authority organising the match in its relevant competition. You further agree (if and whenever required to do so by said relevant football authority to promptly execute all instruments and do all things necessary to vest the right, title and interest in such rights to said relevant football authority absolutely and, where legally permissible, with full title guarantee.
- All PERSONS ENTERING GROUND are admitted only subject to these Ground Regulations and to the Football Rules and Regulations of the Scottish Football Association and the Scottish Professional Football League
- The Club/Event Organiser reserves the right: (i) for its employees, agents, security staff and contractors to REMOVE FROM THE GROUND; and (ii) to IMPOSE SANCTIONS as regards future entry to the ground on, any person who does not comply with these regulations and/or the Rules of The Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Professional Football League and/or, where applicable, the regulations of the FIFA/UEFA Competitions or whose presence in the ground is or could reasonably be considered as constituting a source of danger, nuisance and/or annoyance to other persons within the ground.
- SMOKING INCLUDING ALL PIPES AND E-CIGARRETTES IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN inside the ground in all areas where smoking is illegal (main stand and covered terracing). Otherwise smoking is only permitted in areas where it is expressly identified and in a form (e.g. E-cigarettes) which is expressly stated to be permitted.
- On no account will admission to the ground be granted to a person who is subject of a current FOOTBALL BANNING ORDER.
- CCTV cameras may be in use in and around the ground and recordings of images, both moving and still, from such CCTV cameras and any other cameras in or on the ground may be used in any proceedings and/or for any purposes relating to the management and/or control of the ground by the club/event organiser, the police, the visiting club and the relevant football authority. By entering the ground you are deemed to have consented to the use of such images from such CCTV systems and cameras and for such images to be shared with and/or used by the club/event organiser, the relevant football body and by and with the owners and operators of any club participating in any match at which such images are captured and/or recorded.
INFORMATION
You should be aware that in terms of a protocol with Police Scotland the details, images and/or result of any arrest, detention and/or prosecution occurring in connection with a match may be shared with the club/event organiser.
FOOTBALL BANNING ORDERS may be imposed on individuals who breach and/or fail to comply with these Ground Regulations.
In each regulation, text appears in capitals and/or in bold; this is an indication of the subject of the regulation and does not imply any modification of the meaning or significance of the relevant text in its context.
GREENOCK MORTON FOOTBALL CLUB LTD
Code of Conduct
Greenock Morton Football Club is a family club open to all. It is proud that throughout its existence it has been viewed as a champion of fairness, both on and off the field. It is quite rightly considered very much part of the social fabric of Inverclyde.
As a club we welcome support from all irrespective of gender, colour, race, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion or disability.
We want everyone to feel welcome when they visit Cappielow Park, whether they are our own supporters, supporters of other clubs or individuals who enjoy the beautiful game.
Likewise we want to be welcomed when we travel away from home.
We value the immense contribution our supporters make to the club and we want them to encourage the team but at the same time we wish to show respect for our opponents, match officials, opposition fans and our own staff, stewards and office bearers.
As a club we fully support the SFA and the SPFL in all that they do as regards behaviour at football. In this respect we as a club will take action to prevent and address instances of unacceptable conduct by our supporters, either at Cappielow or any away venue.
Unacceptable Conduct
Unacceptable conduct is conduct which is violent, disorderly, or impacts on safety and includes any use or attempted use of any pyrotechnic device.
Violent conduct includes any actual, attempted or threatened physical violence against any person or any intentional damage to property.
Disorderly conduct includes any conduct which may intimidate or frighten any individual or group of people including our opponents, match officials, opposition fans, our own staff, stewards and office bearers. This also extends to any of the above directed towards our own supporters.
Instances of disorderly conduct include the use of threatening, abusive or insulting words. Conduct and/or the displaying of any written word or any other means of communication which is or may be perceived to be threatening, abusive or insulting.
The use of any pyrotechnic device is forbidden as their use is not only illegal but dangerous and threatening to the safety of those in the vicinity. The criminality aspect for the use of such devices not only carries hefty monetary penalties but also carries terms of imprisonment.
The regulations which have been introduced mean that the club could be severely penalised as a result of any unacceptable conduct.
Greenock Morton Football Club Ltd will pursue cost recovery in respect of any individual behaviour which results in sanctions against the club.
We acknowledge the tremendous support we receive and would ask that if you see or hear any inappropriate behaviour which may put the club at risk, both in monetary and reputational terms, that you bring the matter to the attention of a club official either verbally or in writing. In such instances we are willing to accept anonymous reports.
Any individuals who behave in an inappropriate manner and bring our club into disrepute may be ejected and/or banned from Cappielow, their details may also be forwarded to other clubs to ensure entry is refused. Such individuals may also receive a lifetime ban, loss of season ticket and, depending on the seriousness of the case, subjected to arrest.
The club, in acknowledging the outstanding contribution our supporters make to our success, are confident that any individuals engaging in such behaviour and associating themselves with Greenock Morton Football Club will be reported and the good name and reputation of the club protected.
The Club makes our Concession tickets available to supporters of visiting Clubs. These include tickets for those over 65 years of age, supporters under the age of 16, those registered as unemployed and full-time students.
Where applicable, the Club abides by the rules of the Scottish Football Association and the Scottish Football League governing the allocation of tickets to visiting Clubs.
The Club will make its position on policy issues in a clear and concise format through the matchday programme, the official Club website, and through press releases.
The Club is in regular consultation with Strathclyde Police, PMC Event Management and all other parties concerned with the staging of football matches.
The Club welcomes the opinions of its supporters, and this should ideally be done by letter to the Ground or by email to info@gmfc.net.
The Club will give the earliest possible notice of any changes to its ticketing policy and advise supporters of the reasons for the changes.
The Club communicates with supporterers on a regular basis through the production of a matchday programme, GMFC website and co-operation with the Greenock Telegraph by management and players.
The Club will communicate the prospective launch of new replica kits to supporters through our match day programme, the official website www.gmfc.net and by displays within the Club Shop.
The Club will offer merchandise for sale in the Club Shop, through www.smithsofgreenock.com and by mail order.
The Club will offer refunds on merchandise in accordance with its statutory obligations.
- Disability
- Sex
- Race
- Marital Status
- Colour
- Religion
- Age
- Sexual Orientation
The Club also believes in the principle that employees should be able to carry out their job in an environment that is free from harassment, bullying or victimisation of any kind.
The Club has established policies to ensure the protection of children and vulnerable adults, and has identified a Club Official to be responsible for the monitoring, development and implementation of these policies.
In their dealings with individual and corporate customers and supporters, the Club expects its staff to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest ethical standards. In return, we would appreciate our customers and supporters dealing with our staff in a similar fashion.
Greenock Morton Football Club is committed to delivering the very highest standards of service to all supporters and customers.
The club understands the relationship that needs to exist with all customers and the contribution that supporters make to Greenock Morton FC in every respect. Greenock Morton have a Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) in place who plays an active role in promoting club activities through social media and keeping supporters up to date with all developments and change programmes. The Club will annually conduct a review of its Customer Charter, making changes to policies in accordance with the recommendations put forward from the various stakeholder groups and from guidelines received from the relevant governing bodies.
In order that the Club may address the behaviour of supporters in a meaningful way, consideration must be given to the actions and activities of five integral parts of those associated with the club i.e. its coaches, players, officials, the parents/guardians of its youth players and its supporters.
It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a ‘win at all costs’ attitude. Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the club, school, coach or parent.
- Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of sport.
- Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations,including the development of performance.
- Coaches must adhere to the guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
- Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
- Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit and reward.
- Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behavior and performance.
- Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age,maturity, experience and ability of players.
- Coaches should clarify with the players, and where appropriate, parent, exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
- Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists e.g. officials, medical staff etc in the best interests of the player.
- Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport e.g. fair play, and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibitive substances or techniques.
- Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
- Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
- Coaches must promote and encourage, particularly to young players, the importance of a healthy lifestyle and diet.
- Coaches must provide guidance and support to players on the dangers of drug abuse.
- Coaches must operate within the Policies, Procedures and Guidelines developed by Greenock Morton Football Club – providing feedback as to their appropriateness if necessary.
This code focuses on players involved in professional football. Nevertheless, the key concepts in the Code are valid for players at all levels.
Obligations towards the game
A player should:
- Make every effort to develop their sporting abilities.
- Make every effort to lead a healthy lifestyle.
- Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if his team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.
- Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
- Avoid all forms of gamesmanship or time-wasting.
- Always have a regard for the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the game and any behaviour aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
- Not use inappropriate language.
Obligations towards one’s own team
A player should:
- Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help his own team win.
- Resist any influence that might, or might be seen to, bring into question his commitment to the team winning.
- Adhere to the terms of the Clubs Anti-Discrimination Policy.
Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules
A player should:
- Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules.
- Accept success and failure, victory and defeat with an equal measure of dignity.
- Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques.
Respect towards opponents
A player should:
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- Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.
- Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play and help injured opponents.
Respect towards Match Officials
A player should:
- Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest.
- Avoid words or actions that may mislead a Match Official.
- Show due respect to Match Officials.
Respect towards Team Officials
A player should:
- Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Team Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this code.
- Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition.
Obligations towards the Supporters
A player should:
- Show due respect to the interests of all supporters recognising that, to many, they are seen as role models and should set a positive example.
Obligations towards the Game
The team official should:
- Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
- Promote and develop their own team having regard to the interest of the Players, Supporters
and reputation of the national game.
3 Promote ethical principals
- Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
- Show due respect for Match Officials and others involved in the game.
- Always have regard for the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an
opinion of the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
- Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
Obligations towards the Team
The team official should:
- Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club/team, and
to obtain the best results for the team, using all permitted means.
- Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.
- Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.
- Promote ethical principles.
- Show due respect for the interests of the players, coaches and officials, their own club/team
and others.
- Operate within the Policies, Procedures and Guidelines developed by Greenock Morton Football Club – providing feedback as to their appropriateness if necessary.
Obligations towards the Supporters
The team official should:
- Show due respect to the interests of all supporters
Respect towards the Match Officials
A team official should:
- Accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest.
- Avoid words or actions that may mislead a Match Official.
Code of Conduct for Parents and Guardians – with young players connected with the Club
Parents have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because they first and foremost love the game. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football, it is important to reinforce the message to parents that positive encouragement will contribute to:
- Children enjoying football
- A sense of personal achievement
- Self-esteem
- Improving the child’s skills and techniques
A parent’s expectations and attitude have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:
- Other players
- Officials
- Managers
- Spectators
Coaches should ensure that parents within Greenock Morton Football Club are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children, not just their own.
Parents are encouraged to:
- Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.
- Avoid coaching the child during the game.
- Not to shout and scream.
- Respect the referee’s decision.
- Give attention to each of the children involved in football, not just the most talented.
Coaches should ensure that parents within Greenock Morton Football Club agree and adhere to the club’s Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.
The crowd is considered to be an organic component of a football game. The support of the fans may contribute to the success of the team. The crowd is not expected to watch the game in silence. Encouragement of the teams by shouting, non-abusive singing etc. may have a positive influence on the atmosphere in accordance with the spirit of Fair Play. The spectators are, however, expected to respect the opponents and the referee. They should appreciate the performance of the opposition even if they emerge as winners. They should in no way intimidate or frighten opponents, the referee or opposing supporters.
All parties are required to comply with the Clubs Racial Abuse Policy.
The Club recognises that the game belongs to the people, the supporters and is for the enjoyment of all equally.
Greenock Morton Football Club is part of the Inverclyde Community and strives to be a Club in which the Inverclyde Community can be proud of.
Our commitment as a Club is to confront, challenge and eliminate discrimination, whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.
Opportunity for all on a fair and equal basis at Greenock Morton Football Club means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.
We, as a Club will apply those principles stated above to;
- -Advertising and selecting candidates as Club Volunteers.
- -Courses offered as career or skill development
- -External coaching and educational activities/awards
- -Team selections
- -Appointments to any positions within the Club
Greenock Morton Football Club will not tolerate in any manner, sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, whether actual or implied and will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with a response that is appropriate and proportionate.
Greenock Morton Football Club is fully committed to the development of a programme of ongoing training and awareness raising aimed at promoting the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation and within the wider football community.The Club supports UEFA’s Ten Point Plan of Action for Professional Football Clubs which calls for clubs to:
1. Issue a statement saying the club will not tolerate racism, spelling out the action it will take against those engaged in racist chanting. The statement should be printed in all match programmes and displayed permanently and prominently around the ground.
2. Make public address announcements condemning racist chanting at matches.
3. Make it a condition for season ticket holders that they do not take part in racist abuse.
4. Take action to prevent the sale of racist literature inside and outside the ground
5. Take disciplinary action against players who engage in racial abuse.
6. Contact other clubs to make sure they understand the club’s policy on racism.
7. Encourage a common strategy between stewards and police for dealing with racist abuse.
8. Remove all racist graffiti from the ground as a matter of urgency.
9. Adopt an equal opportunities policy in relation to employment and service provision.
10. Work with all other groups and agencies, such as the players union, supporters, schools, voluntary organisations, youth clubs, sponsors, local authorities, local businesses and police, to develop pro-active programmes and make progress to raise awareness of campaigning to eliminate racial abuse and discrimination.
Unacceptable Conduct Policy. As a family and community club, open to everyone, the Board of Directors are keen to ensure that supporters, players and officials do not engage in any form of unacceptable conduct i.e. conduct which is violent or disorderly. Violent conduct includes any actual, attempted or threatened physical violence against any person, or intentional damage to property.
Disorderly conduct includes: Conduct which stirs up or sustains, or is likely or is designed to stir up or sustain hatred or ill will against or towards individuals or groups of people because of Gender, Age, Colour, race, nationality (including citizenship) or ethnic or national origin, Membership or presumed membership, of a religious group or of a social or cultural group with perceived religious affiliation, sexual orientation, transgender identity, disability, using threatening, abusive or insulting words or conduct, displaying writing or any other thing which is threatening, abusive or insulting
ANY PERSON ENGAGING IN UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT MAY BE SUBJECT TO ANY, OR A COMBINATION OF THE FOLLOWING: Removal from the Stadium, Suspension from attending matches or events involving Greenock Morton Football Club, Indefinite ban from attending matches or events involving Greenock Morton Football Club, Report to the police and possible criminal proceedings. We know behaviour such as that listed above involves a small minority of individuals in our society, however the club feels it is essential to ensure that we strive to continue to maintain the highest standards both on and off the field of play so that the Greenock Morton Football Club is associated with sporting behaviour at all times.
As a ‘community owned’ organisation, Greenock Morton Football Club recognises that football can be a positive influence on the community, families, and particularly, on young people.
Football provides opportunities for enjoyment and achievement, and develops essential life skills, such as leadership and teamwork. These opportunities can only take place if the organisation and management of the club is in the hands of those who place the wellbeing of children and young people first. These individuals must be in a position to challenge inequality, protect and implement children’s rights and create an environment where the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is an integral part of that club.
At Greenock Morton Football Club we recognise that everyone has a duty of care towards children and young people, and we have created a Child Protection Policy, (together with supporting procedures), which is at the heart of everything we do. All staff, coaches and volunteers are aware of this policy, and the associated procedures, and we are committed to implementing this policy in everything we do, in order to protect children and young people from harm.
John Laird
Chairman
GMFC
For all Greenock Morton FC safeguarding matters please contact safeguarding@gmfc.net
GMFC Child Protection Policy (Reviewed 2024)
Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination or any other conduct that could be deemed as unacceptable whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.
Equality of opportunity at Greenock Morton Football Club means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.
This includes:
- The advertisement for volunteers
- The selection of candidates for volunteers
- Courses
- External coaching and education activities and awards
- Football development activities
- Selection for teams
- Appointments to honorary positions
Greenock Morton Football Club will not tolerate racist, sectarian, sexual or bigoted harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.
Greenock Morton Football Club is committed to the development of the programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities, in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation, and within football as a whole.
Greenock Morton Football Club gives a commitment to ensure that the club is open to all and the team selection policy will be the footballing ability and character of the individual and the collective balance of the team.
Greenock Morton Football Club will:
- Respect the rights of children as paramount.
- Work together to develop positive relationships amongst children and adults which are mutually respectful, responsible and trusting; and promote their emotional health and wellbeing.
- Seek to prevent, reduce and respond effectively to bullying behaviour, through the implementation of this policy and guidelines.
- Require members of staff or volunteers to adopt and abide by this policy.
- Train, support and supervise its members of staff and volunteers to adopt best practice to prevent, reduce and respond to bullying.
- Address the needs of children who are bullied as well as those who bully within a framework of respect, responsibility, resolution and support.
- Respond to any concerns raised either in the experiences of children of poor practice/misconduct or abuse caused by an adult’s bullying behaviour.
- Highlight bullying based on prejudice and perceived differences, to ensure our practices are effective in dealing with these issues.
- Regularly monitor and evaluate the implementation of this policy and guidelines and include children’s views in this process.
Review
This policy and associated policies, procedures and safeguards will be regularly reviewed and will include children’s participation and feedback on the content and actual experience of implementation as part of the review:
- In accordance with changes in legislation and guidance on children’s rights or following
- Following any issue or concern raised about children’s rights being denied within Greenock Morton Football Club
- In all other circumstances, at least every three years.
Protecting Your Personal Information (Data Protection)
This privacy notice explains how we use any personal information we collect about you. We are owned and operated as a professional sports club, so the information we hold is used almost solely to allow us to: meet our regulatory or legal obligations; communicate more effectively with our own supporters; and process orders for products or services on behalf of our supporters and commercial contacts.
What information do we collect about you?
We collect information about you when you purchase a season ticket, match ticket, an item from our shop or attend a hospitality event organised by our club. This information will normally only relate to your personal details, such as your name, postal address, email address, phone number and your date of birth. It may also include special categories of personal data such as data about food allergies, if this is necessary for the provision of our services. We may also collect information when you voluntarily complete customer or supporter surveys or provide feedback to us, and video data may collected from the CCTV system that we have in place at the football stadium.
Why do we need to collect and use your personal data?
The primary legal basis that governs our processing of your data are for compliance with regulatory obligations to which we are subject, in terms of the SFA and SPFL Rules. However, we will also obtain your consent to the processing of your data for one or more specific purposes, such as marketing. Data may also be used on the legal basis that is fair to use the personal data either in our interests or someone else’s interests, where there is no disadvantage to you – this can include where it is in our interests to contact you about products or services, ask you to complete a survey or collaborate with others to improve our services. The information that we collect about you may be essential for us to be able to carry out effectively the services that you require from us, for example in the performance of a contract where you have ordered a product or service from us. Where special category data is required we will obtain your explicit consent in order to collect and process this information.
How will we use the information about you?
As a supporter and a commercial partner, we collect information about you in order to provide you with the services for which you engage us, provide appropriate follow up after you have been provided with the product or service and to keep you informed about developments at our club.
Who might we share your information with?
In order to deliver our services to you effectively we may send your details to third parties such as technology providers that we use to arrange services for you. We may need to store your personal information with other organisations to provide you with the product or service you have chosen. If you have a debit, credit or charge card with us, we will share transaction details with companies which help us to provide this service (such as Visa and Mastercard). If you use direct debits, we will share your data with the Direct Debit scheme.
Where third parties are involved in processing your data we will have a contract in place with them to ensure that the nature and purpose of the processing is clear, that they are subject to a duty of confidentiality in processing your data and that they will only act in accordance with our written instructions. Where it is necessary for your personal data to be transferred to a third party we will use appropriate security measures to protect your personal data in transit.
How long do we keep hold of your information?
We will keep your personal information for as long as you are a customer of Greenock Morton Football Club. After you stop being a customer, we may keep your data for up to five years to: respond to any questions or complaints; or maintain records according to SPFL or SFA rules that apply to us. We may keep your data for longer than five years if we cannot delete it for legal, regulatory or technical reasons. If we do, we will make sure that your privacy is protected and only use it for those purposes. You have the right to request deletion of your personal data. We will comply with this request, subject to the restrictions of our regulatory obligations and legitimate interests as noted above.
How can I access the information you hold about me?
You have the right to request a copy of the information that we hold about you. If you would like a copy of some or all of your personal data, please email or write to us using the contact details noted below. When your personal data is processed by automated means you have the right to ask us to transfer your personal data to another organisation for their use.
We have an obligation to ensure that your personal information is accurate and up to date. Please ask us to correct or remove any information that you think is incorrect.
Safeguards
We have in place physical, electronic and procedural safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information we maintain to keep personal information protected from unauthorised access. Among such safeguards are the encryption of communications via SSL, encryption of information while it is in storage, firewalls, access controls, separation of duties and similar security protocols. However, due to the nature of the Internet and related technology, we cannot guarantee the security of personal information and GMFC expressly disclaims any such obligation.
Marketing
In terms of contacting our supporters for marketing purposes, there may be occasions where we would like to send you information about our products and services that we think may genuinely be of interest to you. If you have agreed to receive marketing information, you may opt out at a later date. You have a right at any time to stop us from contacting you for marketing purposes. If you no longer wish to be contacted for marketing purposes, please email or write to us using the contact details noted below
Other websites
Greenock Morton Football Club sites may include links to other websites whose privacy policies we do not control. Once you leave our servers (you can tell where you are by checking the URL in the location bar on your web browser), use of any personal information you provide is governed by the privacy note of the operator of the website you are visiting.
What can you do if you are unhappy with how your personal data is processed?
You also have a right to lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority for data protection. In the UK this is: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF. Telephone: 0303 123 1113 (local rate).
Changes to our privacy policy
We keep our privacy policy under regular review and we will inform you of any changes when they occur. This privacy policy was last updated on 18th May 2018.
How to contact us
Please contact us if you have any questions about our privacy policy or information we hold about you by email at admin@gmfc.net or you can write to us at: Greenock Morton Football Club, Cappielow Park, Sinclair Street, Greenock, PA15 2TY. Our main telephone number is 01475 723571.
Greenock Morton Football Club (GMFC) actively promotes Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in our behaviour, values, and practices.
GMFC believes that football is for everyone and should be enjoyed by participants at all levels whether as a player, official, staff member or spectator. GMFC aims, therefore, to encapsulate people in a way that encourages positive change, allows people to feel valued and improve the lives and experiences of our staff, fans, and the wider community which GMFC are part of.
At GMFC, we are one family, and regardless of your background, it is fundamental to our values that everyone be made to feel welcome as a supporter of this club. We are
committed, therefore, to confronting and eradicating any form of discrimination, whether it is of race (including ethnic origin, colour, nationality, and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, age, pregnancy or maternity, disability, or gender reassignment. (Protected characteristics outlined within the Equality Act 2010).
We ensure that we treat everyone fairly and with respect, and that we provide access and opportunities for all members of the community to enjoy their matchday experience with us.
We are proud to represent every part of our diverse community and for those that don’t share these views, we will not compromise on our values.
Greenock Morton Football Club is fully committed to the development of a programme of ongoing training and awareness raising aimed at promoting the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation and within the wider football community. The Club supports UEFA’s Ten Point Plan of Action for Professional Football Clubs which calls for clubs to:
1. Issue a statement saying the club will not tolerate racism, spelling out the action it will take against those engaged in racist chanting. The statement should be printed in all match programmes and displayed permanently and prominently around the ground.
2. Make public address announcements condemning racist chanting at matches.
3. Make it a condition for season ticket holders that they do not take part in racist abuse.
4. Take action to prevent the sale of racist literature inside and outside the ground
5. Take disciplinary action against players who engage in racial abuse.
6. Contact other clubs to make sure they understand the club’s policy on racism.
7. Encourage a common strategy between stewards and police for dealing with racist abuse.
8. Remove all racist graffiti from the ground as a matter of urgency.
9. Adopt an equal opportunities policy in relation to employment and service provision.
10. Work with all other groups and agencies, such as the players union, supporters, schools, voluntary organisations, youth clubs, sponsors, local authorities, local businesses and police, to develop pro-active programmes and make progress to raise awareness of campaigning to eliminate racial abuse and discrimination.
Greenock Morton Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Policy
This policy must be associated with the Clubs SFA approved document relating to Safeguarding Children. It must be noted that Child within the SFA approved document is up to 18 years of age.
In terms of vulnerable adults the age of an adult is 16 years of age. For the avoidance of confusion if the person is on the playing staff the age of a child is up to 18 years.
For all other purposes a person ceases to be a child at 16 years. The term Safeguarding is a generic term used widely in this regard. In Scotland however the Scottish Government prefers the term adult support and protection.
To avoid any further confusion the term safeguarding will be used as it is the most commonly understood term.
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