Return Of Fans FAQ’s

Are we allowed to have supporters in the ground?

Providing you are in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 area you will permitted to have supporters in the ground for your

home matches, providing that you have had approval from your SAG and Local Authority.

How do I know how many supporters I can have in the ground?

The tiering system permits the following spectator numbers. These must be validated against the SGSA

guidance (Green Guide 6 and SG02) on calculating safe capacities in any specific venue.

Tier 1 region Tier 2 region Tier 3 region

Unlawful for people to mix in groups

exceeding 6 unless from the same

household/support bubble

Unlawful for people to mix in groups of any

size other than their household/bubble

No

spectators

Outdoors: 4000* spectators or 50% venue

capacity, whichever is lower

Outdoors: 2000* spectators or 50% venue

capacity, whichever is lower

No

spectators

Unlawful for people to mix in groups

exceeding 6 unless from the same

household/support bubble

Unlawful for people to mix in groups

exceeding 6 unless from the same

household/support bubble

No

spectators

*Capacity cap relates to spectators only, as defined in the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975.

Exceptions - any government-endorsed test events will be subject to different arrangements and

capacity calculations.

Does the capacity as defined above include staff and players?

No the capacity as defined above is for spectators only as defined in the Safety of Sports Grounds Act

1975 . Normal match day staff including stewards and playing staff are not included in these capacities.

Are we required to allow away fans to attend?

Government Guidance states that there should be ‘no travelling away fans, for Competition Venues

hosting opposing sides. This is to significantly reduce impacts on transport and the movement of

populations between regions’. The EFL has temporarily suspended the requirement that clubs must

admit away supporters through a Board Directive.

Now that supporters are allowed back in grounds can we revert to pre-Covid matchday

operation plans?

No, the Protocols and Guidance under Stage 3 still apply to the operational aspects of holding the

match. This includes ensuring social distancing is in place, staff wear face-coverings and restricted

access to the Red Zone.

Do we still need to have Zones within the Stadium and maintain social distancing?

Yes you are required to maintain social distancing requirements set out in Stage 3. This includes the

demarcation of the Red Zone and social distancing throughout the Stadium. This should naturally also

form part of Clubs Supporters’ Code of Conduct, to ensure fans are aware of the protocol outside and

throughout the stadium.

Will the EFL be issuing any further guidance around the use of a Code of Conduct?

Yes, as guidance for Clubs, please find an EFL Supporters’ Code of Conduct attached at Appendix 1.

While we are aware that Clubs may have already drafted their own version, we have taken feedback

from a number of areas to develop the provided Code of Conduct, and Clubs are free to use/adapt as

they see appropriate based on local circumstances. As per SGSA recommendations Clubs should

ensure their Code of Conduct plays a consistent central role in their communication with supporters

leading up to and on the day of fixtures. The key messages within it should be accessible at various

touchpoints including point of sale and in and around the stadium, to advise on the various processes in

place and ensure their cooperation in adhering to the required safety protocol.

Is there any further support available to Clubs around supporter messaging in regards to the

return of fans to football grounds?

The EFL is supporting the sport-wide safety messaging campaign ‘For the Love of Sport’ in regards to

the Return of Fans. A full overview of the campaign is available at Appendix 2.

The campaign is set to launch on 2nd December and is supported by DCMS and the SGSA and the

Sports Technology and Innovation Group are working with all sports to integrate this into their supporter

communications campaigns.

A full toolkit will be available later this week, this will include downloadable editable assets and usage

guidance. This will be sent out to all Clubs as soon as we receive it. The EFL will also be supporting

the campaign with central messages.

Can supporters who live in Tier 3 areas attend matches in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas?

At this present time, travel from Tier 3 to Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas in order to attend a football match is

not permitted. Clubs should ensure that the latest UK Government restrictions are followed, both local

and national, with travelling between areas in different Tiers (as designated by the Government from

time to time).

Can Directors and other Staff who live in Tier 3 areas attend matches in a work capacity in Tier 1

and 2 areas?

At this present time, travel from Tier 3 to Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas in order to undertake work is permitted.

Clubs should ensure that the latest UK Government restrictions are followed, both local and national,

with travelling between areas in different Tiers (as designated by the Government from time to time).

Will there be any pre-entry checks for Supporters before they are allowed in to the Stadium?

Clubs should agree with their SAG any stadium entry procedures such as self-declaration forms or

temperature checking. This should naturally also form part of Clubs Supporters’ Code of Conduct, to

ensure fans are aware of the protocol outside and throughout the stadium. Any screening activity must

be designed to uphold social distancing and avoid bottlenecks

Clubs should ensure that any messaging to supporters includes the fact that supporters must not attend

if they are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms, are feeling unwell, or if they have been in close contact

recently with anyone experiencing symptoms or who has tested positive.

Do all supporters have to wear face coverings?

Supporters must wear face coverings when entering and exiting the stadium and in all communal areas

of the ground i.e. indoor toilet, internal concourse areas etc. It is mandatory for supporters to wear face

coverings in hospitality areas and they can only be removed when consuming food and drink.

In accordance with the Government Guidance, it is strongly recommended that face covers are worn at

all times inside the stadium bowl. This should form part of the Supporters’ Code of Conduct. Clubs will

also need to consider where there may be any specific exemptions, based on individual circumstances.

Please be mindful and respectful of such circumstances. Some people are less able to wear face

coverings, and the reasons for this may not be visible to others.

This includes (but is not limited to):

children under the age of 11 (Public Health England does not recommend face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)

people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability

where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress

if you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate

How do we decide who can attend matches?

Any decision on allocation of tickets to supporters etc. is for each individual Club to make. Clubs must

ensure they have up to date contact details for all people attending the match for ‘Test & Trace’

purposes, so any individual or group attending can be traced back through the booking system. Clear

zoning of venues may support accurate tracing, such a zonal QR codes for different venue areas.

Are there any restrictions on supporters travelling to the stadium?

Supporters should be actively encouraged to walk or cycle where possible, plan their journey in

advance to avoid busy routes and times, sanitise their hands regularly, wear a face covering unless

exempt, and make space when travelling.

Clubs should make supporters aware, before they travel, of the latest Safer Travel guidance, including

highlighting the mandatory requirement to wear a face covering including explaining who is exempt, and

advice on travel between tiers.

It is important that Clubs assess the comparative demands that the match day places on public

transport and engage early and fully with transport providers to ensure sufficient and safe capacity is

available.

Will supporters who have formed a ‘Christmas Bubble’ be able to attend football matches

through this period together as one bubble?

No. As a football match is not classed as an outdoor public space, a home, or a place of worship,

‘Christmas Bubbles’ will not be able to attend a match during the Christmas period together as one

bubble.

Are we able to serve food and drinks to supporters?

All aspects of the operation should be discussed with the SAG such as use of eating/drinking areas

(which may be subject to updated guidance). In addition use of such facilities should be risk assessed

to ensure no interference with social distancing processes that need to be in place. It should be noted

that food and drinks outlet are likely to cause queues and effective management of these in a social

distanced manner is required. Clubs should utilise their Supporters’ Code of Conduct to help provide

guidance for fans and communicate any restrictions on refreshments.

What about other areas where supporters may congregate such as smoking areas, Club Shops,

supporter bars?

As above, careful consideration should be given as to whether these areas should be available on a

match day. Any such approvals must be sought from your SAG and Local Authority. Again, Clubs

should consider how this is communicated to supporters in advance of the match and make reference

within a Supporters’ Code of Conduct.

Is there a possibility of having some in-stadium hospitality alongside the potential return of

spectators to stadium?

Yes, hospitality is referenced in the SGSA’s Supplementary Guidance (SG02) that accompanies the

Government’s Stage 5 Guidance. See section 3.16 on pages 46-47 which covers the sale of

refreshments.

Essentially clubs will need to ensure social distancing is maintained and follow the relevant Government

guidance on restaurants, pubs and bars.

Clubs must ensure that they take extra care in ensuring adequate ventilation, and uphold wider BEIS

good practice on making a venue COVID-secure for any indoor hospitality venues.

Any supporters who are in hospitality areas must be accounted for in the maximum numbers of the Tier

in which the Club sits.

Given the restrictions on use of concourses and limited numbers of fans within grounds, is

there any appetite from Government to relax the rules around fans drinking alcohol in view of

the pitch?

Under the Sporting Events Act 1985 football supporters are prohibited from consuming alcohol in sight

of the pitch during matches. The EFL have requested that the Government suspends this element of

the act in order to give clubs greater operational flexibility at the current time, as well as providing an

opportunity to increase matchday revenue.

The Government Guidance indicates that the following exemptions will be applied to sports stadia,

however football clubs will remain prevented from allowing fans to consume alcohol in sight of the pitch

by pre-existing legislation. The EFL will continue to make representations to Government on this issue.

In tier 1 and 2: sports stadia will be exempt from having to provide table service to spectators who

intend to sit to consume their food or drink (including alcohol). This should be limited to only those with

tickets and those who are planning to return to their seat. Venues should take steps to reduce queues

for ordering, ensuring social distancing is maintained at all times.

In tier 2: sports stadia are exempt from only serving alcohol with a substantial meal to spectators who

intend to sit in the auditorium to consume their drink. This should be limited only to customers with

tickets and those who intend to return to their seat

In tiers 1 and 2: hospitality services within sports venues must take last orders at 10pm, and close at

11pm. These venues may stay open beyond 11pm in order to conclude events that start before 10pm.

Are Directors allowed to bring guests and family members to matches in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas?

Yes Directors will be permitted to bring guests and family members to matches in Tier 1 and Tier 2

areas. These people must be accounted for in the maximum capacity figures for that Stadium.

We want to make as many seats available as possible. Do we still need to social distance the

team benches and if so, can we simply extend them down the touchline?

Yes you are required to maintain the social distancing requirements set out in Stage 3. This includes

the demarcation of the Red Zone and social distancing throughout the Stadium.

Any additional seats that are provided as part of the dug-out area, must be undercover and must

maintain significant distance from the match officials. Only the person stood in the technical area may

convey instructions to the team.

To what degree are clubs expected to police whether individuals are from the same social

bubble?

The SGSA’s guidance states in section SG02 1.5:

“Clearly management cannot be expected to question every applicant as to whether the other people in

the party are genuinely part of the same social bubble. Nevertheless it should be noted that in the UK,

for the purposes of test and tracing, all ticket applicants must supply their contact details and, if booking

on behalf of others, within their social bubble, the contact details of every other person in their party

“At the same time, when processing ticket applications from disabled people who wish to attend with a

companion, management will need to be flexible, given that the companion might not be part of that

person’s social bubble, that the person might not know the identity of the companion in advance, or

may find that on the event day a different individual is to act as a companion.”

The use of a Supporters’ Code of Conduct should place emphasis on fans adhering to the processes in

place at point of sale, specifically around the collection of ticket/attendee data, and to their compliance

with the stadium protocol in place, in order to maintain a safe matchday environment for themselves

and others around them.

Are there any changes to restrictions on Press Box capacity?

Press boxes must continue to maintain the social distancing requirements set out in Stage 3.

Individual Clubs can continue to determine their own maximum number of accredited media and

photographers based on the facilities at their disposal, ensuring social distancing requirements are

maintained at all times. Clubs can therefore continue to provide alternative seating capacity, both in

front and behind the press box, to be marked out clearly by the host Club with clear demarcation from

supporters within the stadium.

Can photographers be moved to sit in the Red Zone as we want to keep as many seats available

to supporters as possible?

Photographers should remain in the Amber Zone. Clubs may want to reassess their Red, Amber and

Green Zones based on the admittance of supporters.

Are Scouts allowed to attend matches?

Yes Scouts can attend matches as they are attending in a work capacity.

Will iFollow coverage still be available to fans who aren’t able to attend the match?

With the limited number of fans permitted to attend matches, all matches will still be able to be

streamed. Given the fluidity around who can attend, and indeed the fact that some supporters may not

be able or wish to attend, we would advise leaving access to iFollow available for supporters who have

had this to date (e.g. season ticket holders) . We will work closely with clubs to monitor and review this

as required

Are we able to screen matches in lounges as we did prior to the National Lockdown on 5th

November?

Screenings of matches are possible as per before the latest lockdown, subject to the Local Authority

approval. For home matches these people must be accounted for in the maximum numbers of

supporters allowed for in the Tier in which the Clubs sits and in all cases a substantial meal must be

served as per Government guidelines.

Clubs should contact the Broadcast Operations team for assistance with broadcast feeds, and as a

reminder the iFollow or streaming feed should not be used.

Do we have to provide EFL central sponsors with tickets?

Yes Clubs will still be required to provide tickets to the EFL central partners although this is may be on

a reduced basis. Clubs will receive separate communication in this regard.

Are clubs permitted to have Child Mascots?

Given the restrictions on Red Zone access and the continued requirements for social distancing, Child

Mascots who walk out with the team on to the pitch are not permitted at this current time.

Are Clubs permitted to have Furry Mascots?

Clubs are permitted to have furry mascots at matches providing they remain in the Amber Zone and

maintain social distancing at all times. There should be no interaction between furry mascots and

supporters. Furry mascots should not enter the Red Zone.

Are we able to hold half time entertainment?

All entertainment should be restricted to on-screen and should not take place within the stadium.

APPENDIX 1

Supporters’ Code of Conduct <Insert Club> looks forward to welcoming you back to <insert stadium>. In line with Government guidance on the admission of supporters to football stadia, this Code of Conduct acts to principally guide and advise ticket holders of the protocols in place during the matchday event. The Club has put in place a range of processes to ensure the safety of all supporters at our matches, however it is vitally important that all attendees play their part in making each event safe and enjoyable and to do so we need your continued support and cooperation. Supporters are therefore kindly reminded of the requirement to adhere to this Code of Conduct at all times, and follow all safety requirements, in order to assist Club staff and stewards, and to help protect you and your fellow fans.

[As per Club’s ticket ts & cs and Government guidance] supporters are reminded if purchasing tickets on behalf of others, they are required to provide names and contact details for each individual ticket holder and tickets must not be passed on to anyone else.

Supporters must not attend if they are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms, are feeling unwell, or if they have been in close contact recently with anyone experiencing symptoms or who has tested positive. In the event you develop COVID-19 symptoms whilst at the Stadium, please notify the nearest member of Club staff immediately.

Plan your journey in advance and arrive at the stadium in plenty of time – normal entry points might be closed and additional stadium entry procedures such as temperature testing may be in operation.

On arrival at the ground please be aware that social distancing and safety measures will be in operation and follow all Club signage, instructions and guidance issued by stewards and/or Club personnel.

It is Club policy that all supporters must wear a face cover when entering and exiting the Stadium. Face covers may/may not/only be removed once in your seat/standing area and/or while eating or drinking.

Please avoid bringing large bags into the stadium and only do so if absolutely necessary, to avoid slowing down the stadium entry process.

Please note that cash payments will only/will not be accepted inside/outside the ground.

At all times please observe social distancing and avoid close contact with others not in your social bubble.

Upon entering the stadium please pay close attention to signage, floor markings and instructions issued by stewards or via the club’s PA system, this will help get you where you need to be in the most efficient way.

Some of the ground’s amenities, such as toilets, food and drink outlets, may not be in operation or may be operating at a reduced capacity.

When using toilet facilities, please follow all guidance, be patient and considerate towards other users, and wait your turn to avoid toilets areas becoming crowded. Where possible, try to avoid peak times (such as half-time and the end of the game).

Maintain good hand hygiene at all times around the stadium – use the sanitiser dispensers provided and avoid touching your face, or handles and railings whenever possible.

Please remain in your seat/standing location for the full game if possible – including at half time, and avoid unnecessary movement. If you need to move, wait until gangways are clear, avoid face to face contact and follow stewards’ instructions.

We all hope we’ll be celebrating a goal but please remember to maintain safe distances to other supporters not in your social bubble, and be respectful and mindful to those around you whose individual circumstances may differ from your own.

Please refrain from touching the match ball if it is kicked out of play and into the stands. A member of Club staff will collect the ball in order to sanitise it and return it to the field of play.

Supporters are kindly asked not to approach any of the Club’s or visiting Cub’s players or coaching staff at any time, as players and staff will not be able to sign autographs or pose for photographs.

Please be patient when leaving the stadium and listen to the advice from stewards. It will take longer than normal to leave due to the procedures in place to allow supporters to exit the stadium safely and efficiently.

The Club reserves the right to eject any supporter that fails to comply with this Code of Conduct and reminds all fans that stadium capacities may ultimately be negatively impacted as a result of any safety issues.

Thank you for your support and full co-operation. Please stay alert, follow these guidelines and help us all

enjoy the match safely.

APPENDIX 2

Engage fans to promote positive

behaviour around supporters safely

returning to watch sporting events in

stadiums

Educate fans to reassure them of

the safety of sports groundsand

Ensure fans understand and follow all safety

measures to enable live sporting events to

take place safely, with supporters in

attendance

toCOMMUNICATIONS

TASKS

• This campaign is created for use by all sports to engage fans and help safely welcome supporters back.

• A flexible campaign – an approach that can be provided centrally and applied locally by all sports in their own brand and style.

• Education around safety and protocols is paramount – each sport should be responsible for providing clear, consistent, frequent messaging

to their supporters.

• Enable sports organisations to demonstrate they and their supporters are responsible and committed to safety.

• The campaign will launch and be available for sports to use from Wednesday 2 December 2020.

CONSIDERATIONS

Emotional creative position

o A central line to be used by sports

Functional messaging

o Clear, consistent and frequent safety

messaging must be provided by sports to their

supporters

o Campaign to provide a unifying mark for all

sports to use across their comms

1. Lead campaign message that acts as a rallying cry to

sports fans

Make fans feel part of the solution and

a collective responsibility

2. Underpinned by education and safety

messaging

Clarity on the measures in place

to ensure fans’ safety

A flexible line that can be adapted by different sports and supplemented with a clear safety message – the call to action

For the love of your club….. wash your hands regularly

For the love of 90 minutes……don’t travel if you have COVID-19 symptoms

For the love of a final-minute try……arrive early

For the love of the Posh….don’t travel if you have a temperature

For the love of the Falcons……follow our Code of Conduct

General

Sport specific

Event / club specific examples For the love of the Cherries……keep to your designated seat

For the love of the Oval……use the hand sanitiser

For the love of a last-gasp winner….. please keep a safe distance

For the love of the Gold Cup……follow the directional signs

For the love of your fellow fans….. remember your face covering

For the love of Twickenham……avoid hugs and high fives

o A single mark to be used on all communications to reassure fans and demonstrate sports are united in their commitment to providing a safe

environment for supporters. To appear next to each sport / event organiser logo

o This mark will allow each sport to execute the campaign in their own brand style yet maintain unity across the campaign

o Competition organisers should take responsibility for usage of this mark to show they have complied with the necessary regulations to safely

welcome supporters back. No additional certification required

o Supported by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA)

EFL club social media example

EFL club CRM (email) example

England Rugby Instagram story example

England Rugby outdoor advertising example

FOR THE LOVEOF

AINTREE

British Horseracing Association example

A toolkit will be available to all sports from w/c 30

November.

The toolkit will contain:

✓ Central campaign position with application

guidance

✓ Messaging examples

✓ Creative asset and usage guidance

✓ Communications guidance

✓ Example social media posts

✓ Campaign press release

✓ Example of comms points on a fan journey, from

ticket purchase to post-event

Contents and messaging will evolve in line with

changing Government guidance.

✓ Their communications campaign to supporters

✓ Adopting and deploying campaign messages across all relevant communications channels

✓ Production of their own content using this messaging as appropriate

✓ Production of in-venue safety messaging using this campaign as appropriate

✓ Briefing key personnel and partners as appropriate

✓ Creating bespoke communications plans to engage fans using their channels including but not limited to players / athletes and ambassadors, where appropriate

Central campaign development role (STIG): Each sport / League will be responsible for:

Campaign assets not for use prior to Wednesday 2 December

*Channels should be fulfilled by a mixture of clubs, governing bodies and local authorities.

✓ Key campaign visual to appeal to emotion – the rallying cry to fans

✓ Campaign assets will be flexible for each sport / league / club to apply across different channels and environments

✓ Communications from each sport must clearly outline safety measures in place and fan obligations

✓ Each sport to consider fan communications requirements at all points – from ticket purchase to post-event

✓ Sports to be responsible for campaign implementation and their own bespoke communications plans

Venue

Stadium signage

Fan materials

Matchday / event collateral

Pre-game asset

Matchday announcements

Other examples

Outdoor advertising

Press

Transport collateral

Radio

Partners

Key channels

Key campaign visual

Club digital channels

Social content

Club / sport social assets

Player / athlete social assets

CRM (Emails)

Ticketing process

Clear, consistent and frequent messaging to supporters