ACCESSIBILITY BOOKLET - Salford City FC
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ACCESSIBILITY
BOOKLET
www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC 1
ACCESSIBLE Assistance dogs are admitted to the ground. The
Club’s Stadium Manager or Disability Liaison Officer
miles) passing the Police Station on your right, at
roundabout take 4th exit onto Western Way (signed
services provided by the different departments
of Exeter City Football Club. Access to goods and
INFORMATION should be contacted in advance for all relevant
information.
Pinhoe and Broadclyst). At next roundabout take
2nd exit into Old Tiverton Rd, take 2nd left into
services, as well as match day facilities are being
fully assessed and a programme of measures in
PARKING & ACCESS: Stadium Way for St James Centre/Centre Spot. place to ensure compliance with all associated
Accessible Parking is very limited, (supporters are OTHER DISABILITIES: From East Take the A30 towards Exeter; Follow the legislation..
advised to contact club reception for availability). Unlimited places. directions ‘From M5’.
Accessible Entrance to all stands is through the
TICKET PRICING
DESIGNATED DISABILITY STEWARD: From West Follow the A38 towards Exeter, joining The Club operates a specific non-discriminatory
accessible gate to the Big Bank Stand via Stadium To assist home and away supporters with the M5 North at junction 31. Leave at junction 30 ticketing policy for supporters with disabilities and
Way, it is fairly level and ramps are in use within the disabilities. and then follow the directions ‘From M5’. will ensure that the scheme does not differentiate
Stadium. There is an accessible entrance for Away
between all the different disability groups.
supporters in St James’ Road to allow entry to the WHEELCHAIR FOR HIRE: ADDRESS & CONTACT DETAILS:
Main Stand and Away Terrace. The club has an assistant wheelchair available for Exeter City Football Club St. James Park, Stadium Where charges are made, the charge will be made
hire on match days for those supporters who have Way, Exeter, Devon, EX4 6PX. to the person with the disability. This is in line with
PLACES & POSITIONS: a need of a wheelchair because of a temporary Club Reception: Tel: 01392 411243, option 2 current “disability etiquette” which maintains that
Wheelchair users (designated areas): 41 (57 if disablement. Anyone requiring the use of the Fax: 01392 413959 people with disabilities should be treated the same
needed) Home Supporters: 1 area in the Main Stand assistant wheelchair is advised to contact club Email: reception@ecfc.co.uk as any non-disabled person or in this case spectator.
(covered & elevated), 3 areas in the Big Bank Stand reception for availability. Where Health and Safety requirements demand that
(all elevated but only 2 are covered), 4 areas in the EXETER CITY TICKETING
a person with a disability has to be accompanied
Stagecoach Stand (1 elevated & 3 at pitch level). ACCESSIBLE TOILETS; CHANGING (HOME SUPPORTERS ONLY): by a personal assistant, that assistant will be given
NOTE: When demand is greatest, 16 more spaces PLACES ROOM & CATERING: Online Tickets: www.tickets.ecfc.co.uk free entry to matches where the Club allows free
will be provided in the front row of the Stagecoach 5 adapted toilets in total. 1 in corner of Big Bank ECFC Ticket Hotline: Tel: 01392 411243, option 3. admission.
Stand (all pitch level). This gives 57 spaces for home Stand/Stadium Way Entrance; 1 plus 1 Changing
supporters, if and when needed. Waterproofs are Places room in the Stagecoach Stand (supporters
WEBSITES: Please note if the person with the disability cannot
Exeter City Football Club: www.exetercityfc.co.uk attend a match, their personal assistant will only
available to those supporters using area 1 in the Big are advised to bring their own sling for the portable
ECFC Supporters Trust: http://ecfcst.org.uk be allowed access provided they pay for a full price
Bank Stand. Ask the nearest steward if required. hoist) & 2 in ‘The Park’. Areas are stewarded with
ticket.
Radar locking key systems in use.
8 Away Supporters: 1 area in Main Stand (Area L - 3 EXETER CITY DISABLED SUPPORTERS
The Club reserves the right to ask for ‘proof of
PA seated spaces - covered & elevated), 1 area in St. Catering Facilities: Available. However, only the ASSOCIATION: disability’ before issuing any concession under the
James Rd Stand (5 PA standing spaces - covered & Stagecoach Stand is dedicated at this time. Email: ecfcdsa@gmail.com Disability Discrimination Act 2005 (DDA), which
pitch level). Website: http://ecfcdsa.co.uk
OFFICIAL AWAY CLUB TRAVEL: was replaced by the Equality Act 2010. However,
All personal assistants are seated or standing within For reasons of Health and Safety, wheelchair the Disability Equality Duty in the DDA continues to
designated areas.
ECFC DISABILITY POINT OF CONTACT: apply.
users are asked to be accompanied by a personal Nick Saunders Disability Liaison Officer
assistant. Tel: 01392 411243. Such proof shall include:
AMBULANT DISABILITIES:
Unlimited places. Seating is arranged in relation to Email: disability@exetercityfc.co.uk
TICKET INFORMATION: • Receipt of the Standard or Enhanced rate of the
mobility difficulties. Personal Independence Payment (PIP), (daily
Supporters requiring access to accessible
wheelchair areas and all those others with DISABILITY POLICY living or mobility component).
BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED: disabilities are advised to purchase tickets in
Unlimited places, Personal Assistants are seated OUR COMMITMENT • Receipt of the middle or higher rate of the
advance if they do not hold a season ticket at the Disability Living Allowance (mobility or care
adjacent. Exeter City Football Club has an Equal Opportunities
club. Tickets can be bought over the telephone or via component).
Policy and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair
the clubs online ticketing service.
DEDICATED COMMENTARY SERVICE: discrimination on the grounds of disability. We • Receipt of either the Severe Disablement
10 headsets in total available for Home & Away For all the latest ticket information please visit the encourage the inclusion of all supporters with Allowance or Attendance Allowance.
supporters. Supporters wishing to use the club’s official website. disabilities and welcome their involvement.
commentary service are advised to contact club • A personal letter from a GP.
THE PARK (CENTRE SPOT): The Club is committed to taking a proactive
reception for availability and to reserve a headset. approach to ensure that the needs of all supporters Receipt of a Blue Badge will not be considered
Has accessible facilities which include toilets with sufficient proof of disability.
with disabilities and visitors are met as the Club
DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING: radar locks & lift.
recognises that not all of its facilities are fully
Unlimited places. On request, a Portable Induction Should an existing season ticket holder become
Loop is available for use in the club shop and DIRECTIONS: accessible to supporters with disabilities and disabled, they may apply for a transfer to a
From M5 Exit M5 at junction 30, and then follow visitors. designated viewing area. Where possible, the Club
reception.
signs for Middlemoor. Take 2nd exit at Middlemoor The Club confirms that it is committed to making will aim to accommodate such a request. If after
ASSISTANCE DOGS: roundabout (signed Heavitree); Follow signs the necessary reasonable adjustments to all the considering all possible reasonable adjustments the
City Centre, going through Heavitree (Approx 2 Club concludes that it is unable to provide a space,
2 www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC 3then priority consideration will be given when a pa, the club request that the Club’s Safeguarding WHEELCHAIR DEPENDENT tickets for a designated area are encouraged to
space becomes available. Officer is notified. The Club’s Safeguarding Officer SUPPORTERS purchase tickets 48 hours in advance.
can be contacted via email: safeguarding@ Exeter City Football Club has a limited number of
Opportunities for supporters with disabilities to The club have wheelchairs for hire for those with a
exetercityfc.co.uk spaces for wheelchair dependent supporters and
attend away matches are limited by the allocation temporary disablement. Those wishing to use this
received from the away club. The Disability Liaison their personal assistant in all parts of the ground. service are advised to contact club reception in
REPRESENTATION
Officer or the clubs Ticket Office will carry out co- Wherever possible the Club will make suitable advance for availability and hire.
The Club’s Disability Liaison Officer works closely
ordination of the sales of these tickets, when needed. alternative arrangements for those wheelchair
with the Operations Manager and advises the
dependent supporters wishing to attend matches
SUPPORTERS WITH LEARNING
Club on issues which are of particular concern to
DEFINITIONS with their families. DIFFICULTIES
supporters with disabilities.
As a fundamental principle, the Disability Supporters with learning difficulties can be
Discrimination Act 2005 (DDA) stated that disabled The Club’s Disability Liaison Officer can be contacted The Club wishes to make the most appropriate use accommodated in the stadium by various means
people should not be treated ‘less favourably, via the Club or email: disability@exetercityfc.co.uk of these facilities by providing them to those with as it is normally possible for them to use ordinary
without justification’ and ‘reasonable adjustments disabilities who are unable to sit in any other part of stand accommodation. If for whatever reason, any
should be made to make goods, facilities and PROVISION OF FACILITIES AND the stadium. person with a learning difficulty feels that ordinary
services accessible’. Exeter City Football Club aims AMENITIES Individuals using, or wishing to apply for use of stand accommodation would be unsuitable for them,
to comply fully with both the spirit and provisions Deaf and Hard of Hearing Supporters these designated areas must meet the following they should contact the Club for further information.
of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 and the Supporters who are deaf or hard of hearing can be criteria:
Equality Act 2010. Supporters with learning difficulties can normally
accommodated in the stadium by various means. attend games by themselves. However, if for
1. Wheelchair using applicants must be largely
For purposes of this policy only, the definition of a Unfortunately, the Club does not have induction loop dependent on a wheelchair for mobility whatever reason this is not the case, we encourage
supporter with a disability is: equipment within the stadium. However, a portable purposes or not capable of walking a distance these people to be accompanied by a personal
Any person who, because of their disability is induction loop system is used within the club shop further than that required to reasonably and assistant who is capable of supporting their needs in
unable to use ordinary stand seating without and reception. It is strongly recommended that a safely access any other part of the stadium. the event of any emergency evacuation.
contravening Health and Safety Regulations, person with a severe hearing loss attending a match
2. Wheelchair dependent applicants of either SUPPORTERS WITH AMBULATORY
Guidelines or Policy or where the Club has provided at St. James’ Park is accompanied by a personal
manual or powered wheelchairs are
a ‘reasonable adjustment’ to enable that supporter assistant DISABILITIES
encouraged to be accompanied by a personal
to attend the venue. The Club recognises that there are considerable
who is fully able to support their needs in the assistant who is capable of supporting
numbers of people in the community who use
Any such person will be considered for use of the event of an emergency, unless said person has an their needs in the event of any emergency
wheelchairs mainly for outdoor mobility purposes
designated areas of the stadium in line with the Assistance Dog and in this case the Club’s Disability evacuation, unless said person has an
but are not necessarily confined to their wheelchair.
procedures set out in this policy. Liaison Officer should be contacted in advance for all Assistance Dog and in this case the Club’s
There are also many people suffering severe
relevant information. Disability Liaison Officer should be contacted in
As defined by the Equality Act 2010, a person with walking difficulties who may wish to watch a match.
advance for all relevant information.
a Disability is defined as an individual who “has a There are also people with learning difficulties or
BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED
physical or mental disability which has a substantial The Club would not refuse admittance to those who debilitating illnesses who have difficulty walking.
SUPPORTERS don’t bring a personal assistant; any refusals will For the purposes of this policy this category of
and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry
The Club is able to accommodate supporters who only be on the grounds of a contravention of Health people will be termed ‘supporters with ambulatory
out normal day-to-day activities”.
are blind and partially sighted in all parts of the and Safety legislation. disabilities’ and they will be asked to follow the
A ‘designated area’ is any area (including specific ground but the club recommends that the blind or procedure below in order to attend a match:
seats within the stadium) that the Club shall at its severely partially sighted person attending a match Designated areas for wheelchair dependent home
sole discretion determine as being available for at St James’ Park be accompanied by a personal supporters are located in the Main Stand = 4 spaces; Supporters with ambulatory disabilities who require
those with disabilities at a concessionary price. assistant who is fully able to support their needs Big Bank Stand = 21 spaces and Family Stand = 16 seats in appropriate areas are encouraged to
in the event of an emergency, unless said person spaces (When demand is greatest, 16 more spaces purchase tickets 48 hours in advance.
A ‘reasonable adjustment’ in this context shall
has an Assistance Dog and in this case the Club’s will be provided in the front row of the Family
include (but is not limited to) the need to use a It will also be necessary for the ambulant supporter
Disability Liaison Officer should be contacted in Stand). There are 2 designated areas for wheelchair
wheelchair bay or the need to bring a personal to provide qualifying documentation relating to their
advance for all relevant information. dependent away supporters located in the Main
assistant. condition in order to qualify for a personal assistant
Stand = 3 spaces (PA seated) and Away Terrace = 5
On match days, information will be carried via the ticket, if a personal assistant is required.
A ‘personal assistant’ is someone who is spaces (PA standing). All areas in the Main Stand/
public-address system. Big Bank Stand are raised and covered with the The Club also recognises that people with
accompanying a supporter with a disability and who
is fully able to support the needs of said supporter in The club has a dedicated Descriptive Commentary exception of designated bay 1, which is uncovered disabilities have families and indeed may wish
the event of an emergency. The Club recognise that Service for those who are blind or partially sighted with waterproofs provided when needed for said to attend a match as a family and therefore the
many children are cares to their parents and won’t with 10 headsets in total available to both Home & bay. Club will provide designated ambulatory seats for
be treated no differently than an adult personal Away supporters. Those wishing to use this service families on request within the Family Stand. Tickets
People wishing to apply for season ticket places in
assistant. However, we insist that the child carer is are advised to contact Club Reception in advance for for such seats should be purchased 48 hours in
the designated areas should contact the Club.
fully able to support their parent’s disability needs in availability. advance.
the event of an emergency. If a child is the parent’s Wheelchair dependent supporters who require
4 www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC 5SUPPORTERS WITH INFIRMITIES Additional information: STAFF TRAINING visitors and supporters and this policy has been
Supporters with certain conditions can sometimes Elements of staff training that relate to ‘disability developed to address specific issues relating to
1. There are council run car parks situated close
have difficulty in accessing seats in some parts of awareness’ and ‘disability etiquette’ have been assistance dogs on Exeter City premises/grounds. It
to the ground which are free to those with a
the Stadium. Exeter City Football Club recognises identified and a training programme is in place to is also intended to raise awareness for staff, visitors
Blue Badge. However, there are also car parks
that elderly people now form a larger part of the ensure that awareness and etiquette are observed. and supporters of the issues relating to assistance
that are chargeable.
population than younger people and the Club wishes This training programme will be on going. dogs.
to make sure that our elderly supporters are able to 2. Those unable to walk far, there is a drop-off-
Inclusion & Anti-Discrimination (Equality and This policy aims to outline:
continue to attend matches whenever possible. The point at the bottom of Stadium Way close to the
accessible entrance to St. James’ Park. Diversity) staff training is also undertaken under • The arrangements made to provide a
Club therefore recognises that some of its longest
the banner of ‘Playing for Inclusion’ provided by the welcoming and safe environment for assistance
serving supporters with infirmities may require
seating in an appropriate area of the stadium. ACCESSIBLE TOILETS AND CHANGING English Football League ‘EFL’ as part of the Club’s dogs and their owners.
PLACES ROOM Code of Practice.
Supporters with infirmities who require seats in • The roles and responsibilities within Exeter City
There are 5 adapted toilets in total. 1 in corner of
appropriate areas are encouraged to purchase Big Bank Stand / Stadium Way Entrance; 2 in the
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY AFC Ltd in relation to assistance dogs.
tickets 48 hours in advance. Exeter City Community Trust delivers regular • The responsibilities of the owners of assistance
Family Stand (changing places room can be used
coaching sessions for young people and adults with dogs on Exeter City AFC Ltd grounds.
as an accessible toilet also) and 2 in ‘The Park’.
ASSISTANCE DOGS The Changing Places Room is located in the Family
disabilities across a range of footballing activities.
Assistance dogs are admitted to the ground. The • A process for dealing with issues and
Stand, in this room is a Changing Bench; a Portable For more details on ECCT disability activities visit: complaints if they arise.
Club’s Disability Liaison Officer should be contacted
Hoist (supporters are advised to bring own sling www.exetercitycommunitytrust.co.uk/disability1
in advance for all relevant information. Measures More information on the definition of an assistance
for hoist); a showering area and Privacy Screen. All
will be taken to ensure that the welfare of the ADDITIONAL CLUB INFORMATION dog, as used in this policy, can be found in Appendix
equipment in the room is used at the supporters’
Assistance Dog is preserved. The club does have a Exeter City Disabled Supporters Association 1.
own risk. Areas are stewarded with Radar locking
separate Policy for Assistance Dogs. ‘ECDSA’:
key systems in use.
2. ARRANGEMENTS
ACCESSIBLE PARKING CATERING
The Club has a Disabled Supporters Association who
works closely with Exeter City AFC Ltd by helping
Exeter City AFC Ltd makes the following
arrangements in order to allow staff, visitors and
Match day catering is provided within the stadium. to make improvements to all facilities for those with
HOME SUPPORTERS However, certain areas of the stadium do not have supporters with assistance dogs to enjoy the best
Exeter City Football Club has 2 accessible spaces disabilities and regarded as one of the best in the
catering facilities suitable for those with mobility possible experience:
allocated to its supporters with disabilities. These country.
difficulties and it is therefore advised that for • Spending pens are provided for the toilet needs
are allocated to supporters with the most severe these particular areas, supporters with disabilities Website details: http://ecfcdsa.co.uk/
of assistance dogs (for further information
mobility difficulties, which is through a season either bring along a personal assistant or notify Email details: ecfcdsa@gmail.com
contact: disability@exetercityfc.co.uk)
permit. the nearest steward who will be happy to provide
assistance. ONE GAME, ONE COMMUNITY ‘OGOC’: • Water bowls are provided for assistance dogs
Applications/requests should be made to the Club
Exeter City AFC Ltd has long been recognised for (for further information contact: disability@
on a seasonal basis and each request will be judged Other facilities, which come under the general playing a positive role in the Kick-it-Out campaign. exetercityfc.co.uk).
on its individual merit. heading of catering such as bars, executive lounges, The Club has had an active Kick-it-Out group
boxes etc., are accessible to people with disabilities • On request, Exeter City AFC Ltd will provide
The Club would ask that people recognise that there since 1997; now working under the One Game One
by means of a lift. In these areas’ waitress service familiarisation with and orientation of club
are only a limited number of places available and it Community banner and Disability is one of the many
is provided. grounds.
will not be possible to accommodate everyone who different things they campaign on.
has a Blue Badge. • The club provides guidelines for staff on how to
ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION Website details: www.weownexetercityfc.co.uk/
interact with assistance dogs. This information
Home supporters given an Accessible Parking Steps have already been taken to put procedures kick-it-out
can be found in Appendix 2.
Permit are expected to display their Blue Badge and in place to provide information in formats that are Email details: kickitout@exetercityfc.co.uk
Permit at all times. If there is no Blue Badge and more easily accessible to people with disabilities. • The club is happy to listen to the suggestions
This policy was approved at a meeting of the Board
Permit on displayed, then parking will be refused. Information leaflets are available in large print, of assistance dog owners as to how the
of Directors held in December, 2018 and will be
electronic format and audio versions are available clubs provision for assistance dogs could be
AWAY SUPPORTERS reviewed again in July 2021.
on request. improved.
There is 1 accessible space reserved for away
supporters, booking of this space is by contacting The official Exeter City website (http://www. POLICY ON ASSISTANCE The Clubs: Roles and responsibilities:
the Club up to 24 hours in advance. After that
time, unallocated space will be released to a Home
exetercityfc.co.uk/) is operated by EFL Digital
Limited (Company Number 04112553). They DOGS 2.1 Facilities (informing of staff) The disability
liaison officer or relevant member of staff is
consistently monitor the levels of compliance responsible for informing other staff, who are likely
supporter. 1. INTRODUCTION
against the Equality Act 2010, as well as working to come into contact with the assistance dog and
Away supporters will be expected to have their Blue Exeter City AFC Ltd values the diversity of its
on an individual level with a number of fans with for asking them to confirm that they would not be
Badge on display at all times. If a Blue Badge can’t employees, visitors and supporters and is committed
disabilities to deliver best practice across the adversely affected by the presence of the dog.
be produced, then parking will be refused. to providing an environment which is welcoming
network of Official Football sites. for all. The Club provides information for its staff, The club will ensure that staff and stewards will
6 www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC 7be provided with training, so that they can respond a member of staff, visitor or supporter with an - Assistance Dogs International, Assistance physically disabled clients train their dogs to
appropriately to individual needs. assistance dog wishes to make a complaint about Dogs Europe, International Guide Dog assistance level.
the treatment of themselves or their dog, they Federation - or other such international bodies Identification: Qualified Dog A.I.D. Assistance
2.2 Facilities (Grounds or Estates staff) Grounds
should raise this issue with the clubs operations as may from time to time be recognised. dogs wear a red jacket.
or Estates staff will ensure the upkeep of Spending
manager.
Pens to ensure the health of the dog and the safety Types of Assistance Dogs: • Medical Detection Dogs: Medical Alert
of the owner, including the provision of bins for dog Every attempt will be made to resolve the matter Assistance Dogs for adults and children who
• Guide Dogs: for adults and young people who
refuse and the disposal of the refuse. informally, including where appropriate the use manage complex health conditions. Dogs are
are blind or partially sighted.
of mediation. If the matter cannot be resolved trained to identify the odour changes that are
2.3 Information The disability liaison officer or Identification: Qualified guide dogs wear a
informally, the issue will be escalated and dealt with associated with life threatening medical events.
relevant member of staff will advise employees, white harness with yellow fluorescent strips.
through staff disciplinary procedures, with reference
visitors and supporters with assistance dogs and Cancer & Bio-detection Dogs detect cancer
to the Equality Act 2010. • Hearing Dogs: for adults with a hearing
signpost them to this policy to make them aware of volatiles in urine and breath samples. These
impairment (aged 17+) and for children with a
the help provided by the club and their rights and 4.2 Complaints about assistance dogs If a member specialist dogs provide valuable data to assist
hearing impairment (ages 7-12).
responsibilities. If required, the disability liaison of staff, visitor or supporter wishes to make a in the development of new ways to detect and
Identification: Qualified hearing dogs wear a
officer or relevant member of staff will liaise with complaint about an assistance dog or notices any diagnose cancer.
burgundy jacket.
the grounds or estates staff to ensure that any breaches of this policy, they should also raise the Identification: Qualified dogs wear a red jacket.
reasonable adjustments needed have been made. issue with the clubs operations manager. • Dogs for the Disabled: Assistance dogs for
children with physical disabilities (Age7-16) and Members of Assistance Dogs (UK)
2.4 Operations Manager The operations manager Again, every attempt will be made to resolve the
will ensure that staff with an assistance dog matter informally with the dog’s owner, including for adults with physical disabilities (Age 17+). The following are registered members of Assistance
are aware of this policy, including their own where appropriate the use of mediation. If the matter Assistance dogs and other services for families Dogs (UK):
responsibilities and will work together with cannot be resolved informally, or if the request with a child affected by autism (age 3-16)
• Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
the member of staff to arrange any reasonable to resolve the complaint is not complied with, the The charity also runs a non-assistance dog
• Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
adjustments required. The operations manager will issue will be escalated and dealt with through staff programme called PAWS working with families
• Dogs for the Disabled
also ensure that other members of staff respond disciplinary procedures. with children with autism who have, or want to
acquire a pet dog (see website for details). • Canine Partners
appropriately to the member of staff and the • Support Dogs
4.3 Complaints about this policy Complaints about Identification: Qualified disabled and assistance
assistance dog. Grounds or estates staff will provide • Dog A.I.D
the operation of this Policy should be made to the dogs wear a fluorescent yellow jacket. Autism
support to the operations manager in addressing
clubs operations manager. assistance dogs wear a blue harness. • Medical Detection Dogs
any issues that arise.
3. The Owner: Roles and responsibilities APPENDIX 1 • Canine Partners: Assistance dogs for adults
with physical disabilities.
Membership of Assistance Dogs (UK) is open
to organisations that are accredited members
The assistance dog is the responsibility of its owner of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the
DEFINITION OF ASSISTANCE DOG: Identification: Qualified canine partners
who must ensure that the assistance dog: International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).
For the purpose of this policy, an assistance dog assistance dogs wear a purple jacket.
I. Is kept on a lead at all times when walking is one which has been specifically trained to assist Additional sources of information and guidance
• Support Dogs: are trained to do many tasks,
around the club premises/ grounds. disabled people and which has been qualified by which their owner may find difficult or
II. Uses the Spending Pens provided by the one of the organisations registered as a member of impossible or disability assistance dogs for ASSISTANCE DOGS UK
club and does not allow it to foul on club paths Assistance Dogs (UK) or an equivalent organisation people with physical disabilities (client-owned Assistance Dogs (UK) is a coalition of assistance
or grounds. in another country. dogs specifically trained to meet their owner’s dog organisations that encourages the exchange of
needs). ideas and best practice amongst its members, raises
III. Has its requirements in relation to toileting Assistance dogs trained by members of Assistance awareness amongst the general public and promotes
Dogs (UK) or by an equivalent organisation in Autism Assistance dogs for children with
and feeding requirements met. behavioural and legislative changes to ensure the
another country, have formal identification and are autism are trained to do many other tasks,
IV. Behaves in an appropriate manner at all times which their owner may find difficult or freedom, independence and rights of its clients.
permitted to accompany their owners at all times This policy* refers to the definitions and types of
and does not disrupt others. The following and in all places within the United Kingdom (unless impossible or disability assistance dogs for
action must be taken in the event of fouling: people with physical disabilities (client-owned assistance dogs provided on its website: www.
there is a genuine health and safety risk). assistancedogs.org.uk
In the unlikely event that the dog does foul inside dogs specifically trained to meet their owner’s
On the grounds of Health and Safety responsibilities needs).
club buildings, the owner must report this to an
appropriate member of staff to make arrangements
to its staff, visitors and supporters, the football club
Seizure Alert Dogs for people with epilepsy.
APPENDIX 2
reserves the right to refuse access for a dog that:
with grounds or estates management to clean and Autism Assistance dogs for children with INTERACTING WITH ASSISTANCE DOGS:
sanitize the area. i. Is not qualified by one of the seven autism. Seizure Alert dogs are trained to When interacting with assistance dogs or with
membership organisations of Assistance Dogs behave differently when they detect a potential people who have assistance dogs, please bear the
4. PROCESS FOR DEALING WITH (UK). seizure, which may appear to be misbehaving. following points in mind:
COMPLAINTS AND/OR BREACHES OF ii. Dogs from other nations, which do not meet Identification: All the above qualified support
Talk to the handler, not the dog!
THE POLICY the full membership criteria of the established dogs wear a blue jacket.
4.1 Complaints by assistance dogs owners If international assistance dog organisations It is very frustrating for a person to have to interrupt
• Dog A.I.D: Volunteer trainers supplied to help
your conversation with their dog. Likewise, if you are
8 www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC 9helping a person with a guide dog to get somewhere, a hoist and room for a wheelchair and up two cares.
give the person directions or talk with the person as
Standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs
they follow you. They will give the dog the correct
of all people with a disability. People with profound
commands for following you. Please do not call the
and multiple learning disabilities, as well people with
dog. The dog is used to working for the disabled
other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries,
owner. If it is responding to you, it is no longer
muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often
focused on their needs but on you.
need extra equipment and space to allow them to
Do not pet or praise the dog without asking first, use the toilets safely and comfortably. These needs
please! are met by Changing Places toilets.
It can be very dangerous for the handler if their dog Although the new facility is housed in the Stagecoach
is distracted and not doing its job. It is important to Adam Stansfield Stand it is open to all home and
remember that while they are extremely intelligent, away supporters.
devoted, and highly trained, service dogs are still
capable of acting upon natural instincts and may The changing places facility has been a collaboration
display the same behaviours as other dogs from between the club and the Exeter City Disabled
time to time. Guide dogs sometimes scavenge for Supporters Association. The ECDSA raised £3000
food, get distracted by other animals, experience which has paid for the bench, hoist and privacy
fear, and forget about their work when tempted by screen. The funds were raised through their
things they like. People’s attention can be especially Christmas draw and bucket collections.
alluring. Praise is a reward for service animals, Nick Saunders, ECDSA chairman said:
and people who work with the dogs provide it when
“We at ECDSA strive to ensure access for all. The
it is appropriate. Sometimes it is given quietly in
Changing Places room is a good chance to make an
small doses; and at other times it is given lavishly. If
improvement that has been missing.
another person says, “What a good dog,” in passing,
the person may have just rewarded the dog, without “This is a fantastic facility that is the first in Devon at
knowing it, for something the dog did just before a professional football club. This has all been made
the person arrived that was dangerous to the user. possible by the hard work of the ECDSA committee,
When admiring a service dog, it is best to keep it’s members and the fans of Exeter City Football
eyes averted, comments directed to the user, and Club.”
voice modulated appropriately (e.g. do not speak as Justin Quick, Exeter City’s general manager said:
if addressing a child or use an especially sweet- “Exeter City Football Club is constantly striving
sounding voice, as this will draw the dog’s attention). to move forward and improve the facilities for all
Don’t feed the service dog. supporters.
Many - not all - service dogs are on strict, healthy “Changing Places was high on the agenda when
diets to keep their working lives long, and they may discussing the facilities in the new stand. We are
also have allergies that you are not aware of. It also delighted that in working with ECDSA the facility is
can break the dog’s training if they learn that they now officially open.”
get food in a public place.
Elaine Davis, on behalf of the Supporters’ Trust
SECTION 4 added: “As a Supporters owned club we are proud to
look after all our supporters, both home and away,
who will use the this fantastic new facility at the
CHANGING PLACES FACILITY Park.”
Exeter City’s Changing Places facility in the
Stagecoach Adam Stansfield Stand was officially It costs just £5 to become a member of the ECDSA.
opened on the EFL’s Day of Disabilities on Monday, By joining you will contribute to helping raise funds
December 3. for the association, and you’ll also become a priority
ticket member.
The new changing places room in the Stagecoach
Adam Stansfield Stand was part of the £3.5 million To find out more, please visit: http://ecfcdsa.co.uk
redevelopment of St James Park which was This season the EFL have published a new set of
completed in October 2018. Disabled Facilities Guides for supporters of all 72
Changing Places toilets are larger than a standard league clubs – every season there is a new set of
disabled toilet and include a height-adjustable bench, guidelines produced.
10 www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC 11You can also read
