
Forres Mechanics Football Club – Customer Charter
1.0 PURPOSE The Customer Charter sets out the commitment of Forres Mechanics Football Club Limited to give our supporters a safe and enjoyable experience of football. 1.1 Ticket Sales We are committed to providing access to our matches by offering:- Ample access to games at Mosset Park Stadium for non-season ticket holders. For all-ticket matches, non-season ticket holders will be able to purchase tickets after the initial requirements of season ticket holders have been met.
- A range of season ticket and individual match ticket prices, including concession prices for schoolchildren and senior citizens (over 60).
- Support for disabled customers and their carers. Dedicated, easily accessible areas are available in both home and away stands to disabled/visually impaired supporters and their carers.
- Tickets for Cup competitions priced according to the status of opposition with season ticket holders able to purchase their own seat prior to general sale.
- To abide by the rules and ground regulations of football’s governing bodies regarding the allocation of tickets to visiting clubs.
- Consulting our supporters on a regular basis through meetings and on-going direct communication.
- Communicating changes in policy and business practices via most effective forms of communication – internal and external e.g. customer information packs, match day announcements and e-mail.
- Continuing to develop ways to consult key stakeholders including members, sponsors, local authorities and other interested parties.
- Giving the earliest possible notice of any changes to our ticketing policy.
- Undertaking to keep supporters informed as to fixture changes by providing fixture lists at start of the season, on-going updates through the media, the supporters website and e-mails to season tickets holders and other mailing lists.
- Subcontracting our catering service for both fast food outlets and hospitality. This outsourcing will ensure a fresh approach, quality and service to our consumers.
- Offering a wide range of hospitality products to meet both individual and corporate budgets, with the highest level of quality and service throughout.
- Planning for all replica strips to have a lifespan of at least two seasons unless changes are enforced due to contractual obligations.
- Providing early details of the next intended change of both Home and Away strip, including the launch date of each new strip as soon as it is known.
- Offering refunds and exchanges on merchandise beyond our legal obligations.
- Not knowingly purchasing goods or merchandise from any supplier or manufacturer who does not fully comply with the labour, safety and other relevant statutory instruments of the countries of manufacture with regard to age of employees, health and safety of employees, hours of work and minimum wages.
- Continually monitoring the service we provide for our supporters.
- Reviewing and changing our processes to achieve the highest possible level of
- Treating all our customers in a professional and courteous manner at all times.
- Responding to any contact from a supporter within fourteen working days, unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
Reviewed: July 2022 Review Date: July 2023

Forres Mechanics Football Club – Disability Policy
1.0 INTRODUCTION Forres Mechanics Football Club Limited is a member of the Scottish Highland Football League and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of disability. No applicant or employee shall receive less favourable treatment because of disability. It is in the interest of Forres Mechanics Football Club Limited and those who work for it to ensure that all available human resource talents and skills are considered when employment opportunities arise. As such Forres Mechanics Football Club Limited is committed to maintaining and managing a diverse work force. This policy is applicable to all staff, contract workers, spectators and guests of the Club on all premises and places of work occupied by the Club. 2.0 POLICY – PURPOSE The purpose of this policy it to ensure that Forres Mechanics Football Club Limited complies with the Equality Act 2010 and to ensure that disabled people falling within the definition of the Act are treated equally and fairly. In line with the Equality Act 2010 in this policy:- DISABILITY refers to a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
- DISABLED PERSON refers to a person with such a disability.
- DISCRIMINATION refers to treating someone with a disability less favourably than he treats others whom have no disability, and that treatment cannot be shown to be justified in relation to the activities or circumstances involved.
- The Club is committed to ensuring that its disabled supporters and customers have as full access as is reasonably possible to all goods, services and facilities provided or offered to the public by the Club.
- The Club recognises that not all of its facilities are fully accessible to disabled customers and confirms that it is committed to making the necessary reasonable adjustments described by the Equality Act and its relevant Codes of Practice to ensure full compliance with the legislation.
- The Club is committed to making the necessary reasonable adjustments described by the Equality Act and its relevant Codes of Practice to ensure full compliance with the legislation.
- The Club will undertake such additional works as are reasonably required within the timescales set out in the Act.
- The Club has a grievance procedure in place and guarantees to its disabled supporters and customers that any complaints of discrimination will be dealt with quickly under that procedure.
- The Club has advised its staff that any incident of discrimination under the provisions of the Act is a serious matter and will be dealt with under the Club’s Disciplinary Procedures.
- In the arrangements made for the purpose of determining whom employment should be offered to.
- In the terms under which employment is offered.
- In deliberately refusing to offer or not offering employment to someone based on their disability.
- In the opportunities afforded to a person (i.e. training, promotions or any other work benefit).
- In dismissing someone or subjecting them to any detriment based on their disability.
Reviewed: July 2022 Review Date: July 2023

Forres Mechanics Football Club – Unacceptable Conduct Policy
1.0 GENERALAlong with other Scottish Highland Football League clubs Forres Mechanics Football Club Limited wants to create and promote a positive environment at its matches where both the home and away supporters can enjoy their team’s performance. Forres Mechanics football Club Limited will work on an on-going basis with other Scottish Highland Football League clubs and the relevant agencies to develop and maintain such an environment.
Forres Mechanics Football Club Limited requires that, as far as is reasonably practicable, its players, supporters, officials and any other person connected with the club do not engage in Unacceptable Conduct at a match. This responsibility is not limited to Mosset Park Stadium but extends to Forres Mechanics Football Club Limited matches at any other stadium.
Forres Mechanics Football Club Limited also has a responsibility for, as far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure that good order and security is maintained at matches played at Mosset Park Stadium. Forres Mechanics Football Club Limited accepts its responsibility and will not tolerate any form of unacceptable conduct.
Policies and procedures are in place to prevent and deal with incidents of Unacceptable Conduct.
- UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT
- Any actual, attempted or threatened physical violence against any person/persons
- Intentional damage to property.
- gender, colour, race, nationality or ethnic or national origin
- membership of a religious group or of a social or cultural group with perceived or actual religious affiliation
- sexual orientation, transgender identity
- disability
- Whilst in possession of a controlled container which is or was capable of holding liquid and which if thrown would be capable of causing injury to another person
- Whilst in possession of alcohol
- Whilst drunk
- Whilst in possession of any article or substance whose main purpose is the emission of a flare for purposes of illuminating or signalling or the emission of smoke or visible gas
- Any article which is a firework
- Using threatening, abusive or insulting words or conduct
- Displaying or writing anything which is threatening, abusive or insulting.
Reviewed: July 2022 Review Date: July 2023

Heart of our Community
Children’s Rights and Child Protection
Statement by the Chairperson Forres Mechanics FC
At Forres Mechanics FC, nothing is more important than the health and wellbeing of the young people who are involved in our community. Their safety, needs and rights are our first priority. In order to ensure their safety, meet their needs and respect their rights, we have adopted the Children’s Rights Statement and Child Protection Policy which follow. These provide a robust framework to ensure that all involved at our Club are safe, healthy, achieving, nurtured, active, respected, responsible and included. Words, though, are the easy part. Every office-holder at our Club will commit and take responsibility to ensure, through word, thought and deed, that these documents are meaningful and that our practice is the best possible. This commitment begins with me as Chairperson and runs right through our Club. If you have any query about our policies, or see or hear anything which you feel is wrong in relation to child health and wellbeing at the Club, please contact:- Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer – Alex McGettrick on 07432515194
- or Dave McCartney (Coordinator) on 07484617410,
- or speak to any Coach.
- Overarching Aim
- Definitions
- Introduction – Overarching Aim, Definitions, Children’s Wellbeing in Scotland, Risks to Children’s Wellbeing in Scottish Football, Everyone’s Responsibility and Review
- Policy Statement
- Set the Standards – Behaviours, Expectations and Requirements
- Procedures – Appointment and Selection, Responding to Concerns and Case Review
- All associated Practice Notes
- Children’s Wellbeing in Scotland
- Depend on a number of people for care and handling, some of which can be intimate care
- Depend on the abuser for their involvement in sport
- Fear disclosing abuse
- The signs of abuse can be misinterpreted as a symptom of the disability
- Have a reduced capacity to resist either verbally or physically
- Have significant communication differences – this may include very limited verbal communication, the use of sign language or other forms of non-verbal communication
- Lack a wide network of friends who support and protect them
- Lack access to peers to discover what is acceptable behaviour or to understand the inappropriateness of actions
- Not be believed due to negative attitudes towards children and young people with disabilities or possible failure to recognise the impact of abuse on children and young people with disabilities
- Experience racism and racist attitudes
- Experience people in authority ignoring or not responding to racist abuse or comments
- Experience no action being taken by others for fear of upsetting cultural norms
- Be afraid of further abuse if they challenge others
- Want to fit in and not make a fuss
- Be using or learning English as a second language
- The greatest risk of emotional and sexual abuse occurs among the highest ranked athletes
- Poor practice, emotional abuse and bullying are probably more prevalent in sport than sexual abuse
- Athletes perpetrate more sexual harassment on their peers than coaches
- Athlete-athlete bullying is widespread
- Coach perpetrators are often very highly qualified and very highly respected which acts as a mask for their poor practice and abuse
- Everyone’s Responsibility
No matter your role or involvement in Scottish football, you have a responsibility to safeguard, promote, support and protect the wellbeing of all children and young people involved in Scottish football. If you have any concerns about the wellbeing of a child or young person or about the conduct of any adult then you must report the matter to the Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer, Alex McGettrick, on 07432515194 or at alexmcgettrick@hotmail.co.uk or via Tootoot if you have an account with the club. Full information on how to record and report a concern can be found in the Responding to Concerns Procedure. |
- In accordance with changes in legislation and guidance on children’s wellbeing, protection or rights
- Following the review of an issue or concern raised about the wellbeing or protection of children within the club, when the case review suggests that this policy should be reviewed
- In all other circumstances, at least every three years.
- We will act in the best interests of children and young people
- The protection and wellbeing of all children in our care is everyone’s responsibility
- A child or young person’s rights, wishes and feelings should be respected and promoted. For example:
- A child or young person, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, socio-economic status, religious belief and/or sexual identity has the right to protection from all forms of harm, abuse and exploitation
- We see the child or young person before the player, coach, volunteer, spectator or referee
- Children and young people have the right to express views on matters that affect them, should they wish to do so, and to have those views taken into account
- Children and young people have the right to relax, play, and join in a wide range of sporting activities
- The best way to promote the wellbeing, health and development of a child or young person is to work in partnership with each other, the child or young person, their parents/carers and other relevant organisations
Reviewed: July 2022 Review Date: July 2023
Please find links below to download additional documentation relating to Forres Mechanics Child Wellbeing & Protection Policy’s.
(Click link to download/open the linked PDF file)
FMFC Child Wellbeing Organisational Chart (PDF)
Part 3 – Set the Standard – Behaviours, Expectations & Requirements (PDF)
Part 4 – Procedures – Appointment & Selection, Responding to Concerns & Case Review (PDF)
Part 6 – Concern Recording Form (PDF)
Part 7 – Responding to Concerns Flowchart – Role of the CWPO (PDF)
Part 8 – Responding to Concerns Flowchart – Guide for Staff & Volunteers (PDF)
Forres Mechanics Football Club – Health and Safety Policy
SAFETY POLICY
AND CONTINGENCY PLAN
CONTENTS
Serial | Section 1 – General Policy | Page
|
– | Policy Statement | 4 |
1 | Health & Safety Responsibilities | 5-6 |
2 | Accidents and Incidents | 6 |
3 | Advice and Information | 6-7 |
4 | Training | 7 |
5 | Hazards | 7 |
6 | Housekeeping and Premises | 8 |
7 | Visitors and contractors | 8 |
8 | Electricity at Work | 8 |
9 | Consultation with employees | 9 |
10 | Review
| 9 |
Section2 – Safety Arrangements
| ||
SA01 | Fire | 10-11 |
SA02 | Club Safety Rules | 11-12 |
SA03 | Spectator Safety | 12-13 |
SA04 | General Safety Procedures and Records | 14 |
SA05 | Contingency and Emergency Planning | 15-16 |
SAFETY POLICY
AND CONTINGENCY PLAN
OF
FORRES MECHANICS FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places an obligation on all employers to make every reasonable effort to ensure the health and safety at work of all their employees.
Forres Mechanics Football Club Limited also has a legal and moral responsibility to ensure the health and safety of spectators or any other members of the public visiting the club for any reason.
It is the policy of Forres Mechanics Football Club Limited to attach the greatest importance to all matters pertaining to the health, safety and welfare of all employees, visitors, and spectators.
Management and employees must abode by this policy and consistently take positive action to prevent all types of accidents. Your health and safety are my concern, as well as your won. By working together we should be able to achieve and maintain the stated aims and objectives in this policy.
The policy will be kept up to date, particularly if the business changes in nature or size.
This policy and supporting documents, including those in Section 2 (Safety arrangements) will be reviewed at least annually by a competent person.
Signed : DAVID MACDONALD Chairman
Date : _____July 2022_______________________
SECTION 1
GENERAL POLICY
1.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
The Chairman, David Macdonald shall be ultimately responsible for the adequacy and efficiency of all Health and Safety arrangements on behalf of Forres Mechanics Football Club Limited hereinafter called ‘the Club’. In the absence of the Chairman the responsibility is delegated to George Alexander, Vice Chairman.
1.2 General Responsibilities – Club Management
The general responsibilities of the Club management are to:
- Provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions on the premises and to treat current Health & Safety legislation as the minimum requirement against which standards will be set.
- Ensure that all employees receive adequate safety training as part of the standard induction procedure together with any appropriate special training.
- Produce all relevant information on safe operating procedures. This information will include any relevant Risk and COSHH Assessments.
- Supply to all employees all the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) required under the current legislation. No charge will be made to the employees for the provision of such PPE.
- Promote regular safety inspections and ensure that any equipment requiring a mandatory inspection (such as electrical and gas appliances) is so inspected and that records of the inspections are kept.
- Set an example in safe behaviour and safe working practices.
1.3 General Responsibilities – Club Employees
The general responsibilities of employees of the Club are to:
- Work safely at all times and to adhere to the established safe operating procedures laid down by management.
- Co-operate with the Club and help it meet their statutory requirements.
- Liaise with management on all aspects of health, safety and welfare at work.
- Wear protective equipment where necessary and utilise all safety devices if fitted to appliances or equipment. Not to interfere with or misuse such safety devices as this is a breach of Health & Safety legislation and as such a breach of the terms of employment.
- Report all accidents – those involving injury to persons, damage to equipment or near misses – to management as soon as possible so that effective action may be taken to prevent recurrence.
- Adhere to Club procedures for securing a safe workplace.
- Co-operate in the investigation of accidents or abnormal occurrences and help management implement any measures necessary to prevent recurrences of such incidents.
1.4 Employees Statutory Responsibilities
In addition to the general responsibilities specified above, Sections 7 and 8 of the Health and Safety at Work Act state the following statutory duties of employees:
It shall be the duty of every employee while at work:
- “To take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work”.
- “As regards any duty or requirement imposed on his employer or any other person by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions to co-operate with him so far as is necessary to enable that duty or requirement to be performed or complied with”.
- “Duty not to interfere with or misuse things provided pursuant to certain provisions”:
- “No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health safety or welfare in pursuance of any of the relevant statutory provisions”.
2.0 ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS
All accidents, near misses and incidents shall be reported through George Sewell, Safety Officer without undue delay to investigate such circumstances to help prevent recurrence.
2.1 First Aid Boxes and Accident Book
First aid boxes are in the Office and Members’ Lounge and shall be regularly checked and replenished as necessary by office staff. The accident book for the Club is held in the Office.
2.2 Reporting
Any employee of the Club who has an accident while at work shall be responsible for ensuring that the details of the accident are entered in the accident book by George Sewell, Safety Officer.
George Sewell, Safety Officer will also be responsible for entering in the accident book, any accident or injury to a spectator.
In the event of a notifiable injury i.e. a ‘major injury’ (as described in HSE leaflet INDG43) or one where the employee is off work for more than seven consecutive days or an injured member of the public is taken to hospital for treatment, the company must inform the HSE. In addition the club must report any dangerous occurrences or occupational diseases as described in HSE leaflet INDG453. The club must complete form F2508 and send to the HSE within 15 days of the accident or incident above. This can be done by done online through www.hse.gov.uk/riddor.
3.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVICE AND INFORMATION
Information regarding health and safety issues may be obtained from:
Development Services
Environmental Services Department
The Moray Council
Council Office
High Street
Elgin
IV30 1BX
Tel: 01343 563085
The Employment Medical Advisory Service is located at:
HSE Field Operations Division
Lord Cullen House
Fraser Place
Aberdeen
AB25 3UB
Tel: 01224 252500
4.0 TRAINING
4.1 General
The Club recognises that safety training is an integral part of its overall Safety Policy. No person shall be employed on any work involving any foreseeable, significant risk unless he or she has received adequate training. Personnel will also be trained to recognise the hazards involved and the precautions to be taken to reduce the risks to an acceptable degree.
4.2 Induction Training
All new employees will attend a safety induction period on the first day of employment. Induction training will include detailed information relevant to the employers and employees statutory duties under the various Acts. Also included will be fire prevention techniques, accident reporting and emergency procedures, together with information on any hazard specific to the work they will be asked to perform.
4.3 Specific Safety Training
Management will receive any necessary training in health and safety to enable them to effectively control the areas for which they are responsible.
Only experienced employees will conduct the necessary ‘on the job’ training of new employees.
5.0 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
5.1 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
A register of substances hazardous to health, as required by the COSHH Regulations 2002, will be compiled, and kept in the Office. All substances on this list will be used only in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions and any personal protective equipment deemed necessary shall be provided and must be used correctly.
5.2 Risk Assessments
All significant hazards shall be subject to formal, documented risk assessment. A risk assessment register shall be maintained and held for reference in the Office. Risk assessments shall be briefed to all personnel exposed to the hazards identified.
6.0 HOUSEKEEPING AND PREMISES
6.1 General
It is the policy of the Club to maintain its premises to a high standard to help ensure the safety of staff, visitors and spectators. To assist in this endeavour, all staff are required to comply with the following:
- All work areas shall be kept as tidy as possible by individuals.
- All materials shall be stored safely and returned to storage after use. Any excess material shall be returned to storage as soon as practicable.
- All walkways, doorways, and means of escape must be always kept clear of obstructions.
- All equipment shall be visually inspected before each use. The management shall be informed immediately of any defects and the defective equipment shall either be repaired or replaced.
- In all cases good working practices shall be employed to ensure that safety is of the highest standard possible.
7.0 VISTORS AND CONTRACTORS
7.1 General
Particular attention must be paid to the safety of members of the public (non-spectators) visiting the premises and any sub-contractors working on site.
7.2 Contractors
Contractors employed to carry out work on the Club premises must conduct their work safely and in accordance with the legal requirements placed upon them as providers of services. Additionally they must comply with any in-house rules and procedures specified by the Club management.
8.0 ELECTRICITY AT WORK
8.1 General
Only qualified electricians shall be permitted to carry out significant repairs to electrical equipment. A person trained to be competent by the management may carry out minor repairs such as replacing a plug or replacing an easily accessible light bulb.
8.2 Pre-Use Checks
Before any piece of electrical equipment is plugged in and switched on, the equipment, cable and plug will be visually examined to ensure that there is no damage to the appliance and that the outer insulation of the power cable is intact and the connections are sound.
8.3 Routine Inspections
A local electrical contractor shall carry out routine inspections of all portable electrical appliances. Such inspections shall be documented with records kept and reviewed by management as required.
9.0 CONSULTATION WITH EMPLOYEES
9.1 General
It is a requirement under the Health & Safety at Work that an employer shall consult with the employees particularly regarding safety issues. The Club safety officer shall consult with employees on matters relating to Health and Safety.
9.2 Employee Concerns
Employees concerns regarding Health and Safety issues, or any other legitimate concerns may communicate these issues to the Club management at any time.
10.0 REVIEW
This safety policy and all supporting documents will be reviewed at least annually or earlier if the management of the Club establish that legislation, working practices or the working environment has significantly changed.
SECTION 2
GENERAL POLICY
SAFETY ARRANGEMENT 01 – FIRE
1.0 General
It is the policy of the Club to minimise the risk of outbreak of fire and, in the event of a fire, to reduce the risk of injury to persons and to limit the damage to property. The principal way this may be affected is by the training of personnel in the precautions required to limit the risk of outbreak of fire and the actions to be taken in the event of an outbreak of fire.
2.0 Specific Training
All employees shall undergo training in the following areas:
- Types and uses of fire extinguishers.
- General fire prevention measures.
- Actions to be taken in the event of fire.
3.0 Action on Discovery of a Fire
In the event of an outbreak of fire the person discovering the fire shall carry out the following actions:
- Raise the alarm.
- Contact the emergency services by dialling 999 and alerting all other personnel of the situation.
- Evacuate the premises and report to the Assembly Point
Only if it is safe to do so and you are trained and confident may a fire be tackled with portable firefighting equipment.
On hearing the fire alarm employees shall switch off all electrical and gas appliances in use and leave the premises from the nearest fire escape door.
The management shall ensure that all employees, members of the public and any sub-contractors working on site are evacuated and guided to the Assembly Point (the centre spot on the pitch).
4.0 Fire Safety
4.1 General
All employees shall be responsible for ensuring that all fire escapes, corridors, and doors are kept clear of obstructions at all times.
Fire extinguishers shall be located within the stand enclosure with escape routes and exits clearly marked. A fire risk assessment shall be carried out with the results fully documented.
4.2 Fire Prevention
To minimise the possibility of fire, the following actions and procedures shall be implemented by all employees:
- Keep combustible materials away from sources of heat and ignition.
- Keep storeroom doors locked when not in use.
- Store rubbish or other combustible materials carefully and never allow these to accumulate. Wherever possible, store in metal or non-combustible containers. Small batteries should be stored in a metal box and disposed of in an appropriate manner.
- Hazardous/flammable substances – Wherever possible, dispose of or replace whatever constitutes the risk with a safer product e.g. use a less flammable material.
- Check all electrical equipment regularly to ensure that flexible cables are not damaged in any way.
- All heating appliances whether gas or electric must be fitted with a proper guard.
- Never place any form of portable heating appliance in corridors that form part of a fire escape route.
- Do not alter the fabric of a building or in any way substantially alter its use without first obtaining proper advice and permission. This is particularly relevant to routes that are used as means of fire escape.
To prevent the spread of fire all doors should be closed at the end of the working day.
A competent external supplier will be appointed to service fire appliances on an annual basis. The results of all checks and tests will be recorded in a Fire Log Book.
4.3 Smoking
Smoking is not permitted other than in a designated smoking area in accordance with national legislation and Club procedures. All smoking debris must be extinguished and deposited into the bins provided.
SAFETY ARRANGEMENT 02 – CLUB SAFETY RULES
1.0 General
To enable the Club to meet its legal responsibilities, it is a condition of employment that employees make themselves aware of the Club Health & Safety Policy and, in addition, comply with the following Health and Safety requirements.
1.1 Requirements
Reporting for work under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed/controlled drugs, or the consumption or taking of either whilst at work, will be classed as gross misconduct and could result in the termination of employment.
All accidents, injuries and abnormal occurrences must be reported immediately to the management for recording in the accident book.
Any defective equipment must be taken out of use immediately. The fault on the equipment should be reported immediately to the management.
Only qualified maintenance personnel shall remove machine guards where fitted to equipment. Under normal operations, machine guards must never be removed.
Horseplay is strictly prohibited.
Protective clothing shall always be worn as appropriate for the task.
SAFETY ARRANGEMENT 03 – SPECTATOR SAFETY
1.0 General Event Safety
The Club, through the Safety Officer, the committee and all staff will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure the safety of those attending events within Mosset Park and the social club facilities. The Club shall ensure that safe procedures are followed for the safe admission, accommodation and exit of spectators and patrons. The Club shall undertake and maintain a process of risk assessment as required by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1999 and will have due regard to the assessment(s) when formulating and updating this policy.
2.0 Responsibilities
Person with overall safety responsibility shall be David Macdonald, Chairman
Safety Officer is George Sewell
3.0 Communication and Monitoring
Each member of staff will be advised of the policy of the club regarding the safety of spectators. All staff and Board members engaged on match day duties will be provided with more detailed information relating to their duties. The Board will receive annual reports on the operation and implementation of the policy.
4.0 Review
This policy will be reviewed and amended as appropriate, following any incident involving spectators, in the light of findings of investigations. Likewise, if changes to operations or facilities lead to significant changes in working practices, the policy will come under review and amendment as necessary.
5.0 Spectator Management
5.1 Segregation
Segregation will be implemented as and when deemed necessary. When segregation is implemented, arrangements shall be made to ensure amenities for spectators such as toilets and refreshment facilities are available for spectators in the segregated area. Segregated turnstiles and entry/exit points will be in place. When spectator segregation is in place, arrangements will be made, in consultation with the Police, for segregated on street parking adjacent to the ground.
5.2 Entry of Spectators
Spectators will be admitted to the ground in an orderly, safe manner through turnstiles with stewards/club officials in attendance, as deemed appropriate, to ensure the safety of spectators.
People who are clearly under the influence of drink or are in possession of unauthorised objects (including drink cans) shall not be allowed into the ground.
The club will ensure that an effective system for counting spectators as they enter the ground is in place so that club officials can readily ascertain the number of spectators in the ground at any time.
If necessary, appropriate information can be relayed to spectators over the P.A. system which can be heard in all areas of the ground.
Should the club be involved in a Scottish Cup Tie or matches that may exceed the ground capacity set by The Moray Council, the club will liaise with The Moray Council and Police Scotland for guidance.
5.3 Management of Spectators in the Ground
Club officials will monitor the safety of spectators in the ground, as appropriate, and report any potential problems to David Macdonald or George Alexander. Board members will be responsible for ensuring that the “No Smoking” policy, for the stand, is rigorously implemented. The P.A. system will be used to relay safety related information to spectators. Spectators can enter the grandstand from either end, but stewards will ensure access/ exit walkways are kept clear. Appropriate signage will be in place to inform spectators.
All raised steps/uneven areas on spectator walkways will be highlighted with high visibility markings.
5.4 Exit of Spectators
Spectators shall be permitted to leave the ground at appropriate exits. Club officials will ensure that exit gates are opened before the end of the game and that spectators leave in an orderly manner, with consideration given to children and disabled persons. Exits and emergency escape routes will be clearly always marked and kept clear of obstructions.
5.5 Disabled Persons
Suitable accommodation is in place for disabled persons within the ground and they will be assisted to this designated area, or to another area if they wish, by steward or Board members as appropriate. Club officials will assist disabled persons to enter or leave the ground if such assistance is required. Likewise they will ensure disabled persons can safely access amenities e.g. toilets: refreshment facilities.
6.0 Review
This policy will be reviewed and amended as appropriate, following any incident involving spectators, in the light of findings of investigations. Likewise, if changes to operations or facilities lead to significant changes in working practices, the policy will come under review and amendment as necessary.
SAFETY ARRANGEMENT 04 – GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES AND RECORDS
1.0 Inspections
The Club objective is that spectators can attend Mosset Park in the knowledge that they are in a safe environment and to ensure that the club achieves these objective certain periodic checks will be carried out.
1.1 Periodic Inspections
General annual inspections will cover the following areas:
- Exits to ensure that there are no trip hazards and surfaces are not slippery,
- Signage, turnstiles, combustible and/or flammable materials, fire fighting equipment as appropriate is in place and serviceable.
- Fire fighting equipment, which will be located at the stand, will come under the same inspection regime applied to the social club premises.
- The emergency lighting will be tested with a 1 hour endurance test every six months and a three hour endurance test once a year.
2.0 Communications with the Public
Matters relating to the safety policy will be relayed to the public as appropriate, through the P.A. system. In the event of the normal P.A. system failing club officials will advise the public.
3.0 First Aid/Medical Provision
The required number of personnel with appropriate training will be available on match days in accordance with the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds. A designated first aid room is provided housing basic First Aid equipment to compliment the equipment carried by the trained first aiders on match days.
The club shall follow guidance by Karen Birse, Area Service Manager, Scottish Ambulance Service, Elgin, as detailed in her Medical & First Aid Risk Assessment.
4.0 Maintenance of Records
The Club is required to compile and retain records for both legal and administrative reasons. The following, non-exhaustive list specifies documents for retention:
- First aid and medical treatment provided during or in connection with a specified event
- Pre-match inspection
- Inspection and testing of fire fighting equipment, and annual certificate of inspection
- Inspection and testing of emergency lighting
- Testing of PA equipment
- Defects Log Book of any defect relating to the safety of the ground, however discovered, together with a record of when defect was remedied. This should also be recorded in the Health and Safety section of Board meeting minutes.
- Load testing on hand rails and barriers
- Inspection of electrical equipment
SAFETY ARRANGEMENT 05 – CONTINGENCY AND EMERGENCY PLANNING
1.0 General
The club has drawn up a Contingency Plan to deal with emergencies and incidents which might occur during a match or when spectators are queuing to enter the ground. Controlled copies of the Contingency Plan are circulated to the safety personnel, club management and emergency services.
The Board, together with the safety advisor will annually review the Plan and revise it in the light of expertise and in consultation with the Emergency Services.
1.1 Delayed Start to Match
If for any reason the start of a match is to be delayed, the spectators will be kept informed of the situation over the P.A. system or by club officials as appropriate.
If substantial numbers of spectators are still awaiting admission at the turnstiles when the match is due to start this may warrant a delayed kick off. Such a decision would be made by the match officials in discussion with club officials or the police if appropriate
Spectators awaiting entry will be kept informed of what is always happening via the P.A. system or directly by club officials.
1.2 Late Postponement or Match Abandoned
If a decision to postpone a match is taken just before kick-off time when spectators are queuing to get into the ground or if a match is abandoned, the spectators will be kept fully informed via the P.A. system or directly by club officials. This information will include details of any refunds or issue of vouchers in strict accordance with the SFA document “Ground Regulations”.
2.0 Crowd Control
If a situation arises involving unruly crowd behaviour which may lead to surging, crushing or pitch invasion, the club officials, will attempt to resolve the situation. If this is impossible the police will be notified immediately by David Macdonald or another senior club official.
3.0 Power Cuts
If a power cut occurs during a floodlit match, and the referee decides to abandon the game, spectators will be kept informed by club officials. Club officials will ensure that spectators leave the ground safely, with disabled spectators getting assistance as required.
4.0 Fire
Various measures to mitigate this risk have been put in place (refer to SA01), but in the event of a fire in the stand the following steps will be taken.
- As soon as a club official is aware of fire in the stand, spectators will be informed immediately by an appropriate method to leave the stand at the nearest exit.
- Club officials will ensure that all spectators exit the stand safely
- Depending on the extent and ferocity of the fire club officials will attempt to fight the fire with the fire extinguishers which are located at the stand without placing themselves or others in danger.
- If it is clear that this is impossible the fire service will be called immediately. Responsibility for contacting the fire service rests with the Safety Officer the Chairman or other senior club official.
5.0 Emergency Evacuation
If an emergency evacuation of the ground is required club officials shall ensure that spectators get out of the ground safely at the nearest exit. In such evacuations club officials shall ensure all disabled spectators make a safe exit from the ground, offering whatever assistance is required.
IF A DECISION IS MADE TO EVACUATE THE GROUND, THE ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
“AN EMERGENCY SITUATION HAS ARISEN IN THE GROUND, PLEASE LEAVE THE GROUND IMMEDIATELY, IN AN ORDERLY MANNER BY THE NEAREST AVAILABLE EXIT”.
5.1 Players and Match Officials
Players and officials shall be instructed to congregate in the centre circle until the situation can be assessed to see if it is safe to return to the dressing rooms. If not, they shall leave the ground at an appropriate exit.
Reviewed: July 2022 Review Date: July 2023