Rules

These rules of membership (the “Rules”) apply to all members (“Members”) of AFC Fylde Supporters Group.

Please read these Rules carefully to ensure that you understand, agree and accept them before applying for membership. The submission of an application for membership is deemed as confirmation and acceptance of these Rules.

Section 1 - Code of Conduct

These Rules are set out below and as a member you agree to adhere to this code.

Members should act as ambassadors for AFC Fylde, and act in such a way that will continue to enhance the image of supporters and the football club.

Members must abide by the highest standards of behaviour, and reject:

• acts involving violence, intimidation, provocation, abuse or anti-social behaviour;
• use of language that is anti-social, abusive, racist, homophobic or discriminatory, in any other way (this will include postings on any form of social, written or electronic media); or

(iii) behaviour or language contrary to standards of decency and respect towards the people, cultures and property

Section 2 – Membership Fees

For the 2023/24 Season and beyond:

Under 16: Cost £2  

16 to 18-year-olds: £5

Over 18: Cost £10

Members will receive the following benefits during the Membership Period:

• 1 Year's membership
• Away travel discount
• Attend member meetings/events
• Vote on decisions (under 16 years of age excluded)
• Vote for committee members (under 16 years of age excluded)

Section 3 - Cancellation/Suspension of Membership

Section 3.1 – Your right to cancel

You may cancel your membership at any time by contacting any member of the Committee. Please note that if you choose to cancel your membership, the membership fee is non-refundable.

Section 3.2 – Our right to cancel/suspend

We may:

• cancel or suspend your membership
• refuse your application for a membership or any future membership if:
• You are in breach of these Rules.
• You supply false or misleading information in an application for membership or otherwise, or you fail to declare any Relevant Offence.
• In our reasonable opinion, your language or behaviour is abusive, discriminatory, offensive, inappropriate and unacceptable or otherwise brings AFC Fylde or the AFC Fylde Supporters Group into disrepute. This includes any infringing language or behaviour via social media, email, post or other form of written or electronic communication or behaving in a threatening or abusive manner (whether through verbal or physical acts) towards any employee, agent or contractor of AFC Fylde
• If we cancel or suspend your membership, we shall not be obliged to give you a refund of your membership fee, unless otherwise stated in these Rules.
• If membership fees are not received by the 1st September

Section 4 – Security

Section 4.1 – Checks on Application

You agree that if you have been the subject of a Relevant Offence (as defined section 4.2) this will be disclosed in your application.

If you inform us of any Relevant Offence when you apply and you are subsequently excluded from becoming a member, you will receive a full refund of your membership fee. If you fail to inform us, you will not be entitled to a refund.

Section 4.2 - Relevant Offences

A “Relevant Offence” means an offence that has resulted in a conviction at a court or tribunal or has been made the subject of or been given a conditional discharge, bind over, fixed penalty notice fine (other than a traffic related fine), caution, formal warning, reprimand or other form of lawful judicial disposal, in relation to the following types of offence:

• Any football related offence including ticket touting.
• Any offence involving violence or the threat of violence to person(s) or property.
• Any public order offence.
• Any offence relating to drunkenness.
• Any offence relating to offensive weapons or firearms.
• Any racial or racially aggravated offence.
• Any offence involving harassment.
• Any offence relating to Class A drugs or any drug related offence relating to possession with the intent to supply, production or importation.
• Any offence under The Sexual Offences Act 2003 or the protection of Children Act 1978.

Section 4.3 – Cancellation/suspension

Anyone who has been the subject of a Relevant Offence (as defined in section 4.2) will be considered by the Committee and may receive an automatic cancellation or suspension of membership, subject to appeal.

Section 4.4 – Travel and Attendance at Matches

A member shall not wear clothing or display flags, banners or any other representation that either AFC Fylde Supporters Group Committee or AFC Fylde considers to be inappropriate. This includes, but is not limited to, any political or discriminatory messaging.

A member must always behave in a responsible manner when attending or travelling to and from a match. A Member should not act in any way that can be considered violent, indecent, insulting, abusive, discriminatory, or otherwise offensive.

Section 5 - Alterations

Alterations to these rules may only be made if the assent of a majority of those members present and voting is received at a meeting of the members convened for that specific purpose.

A resolution for the alteration of the rules shall be received by the Secretary at least 7 days before the meeting of which clear notice in writing shall be given by the Secretary to the members.