Our Policies
Everything you need to know
STATEMENT OF INTENT
We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all our players, staff and volunteers,
so they can participate in a relaxed and safe atmosphere.
Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our Football Club. If bullying does occur, all club players, staff,
volunteers and, where relevant, parents/carers should be able to tell the club about this and know that
incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively by the club.
We are a TELLING club. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the
CWPO or any member of the senior leadership team or a director.
The Football Club is committed to playing its part to teach players to treat each other with respect.
WHAT IS BULLYING?
Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the
relationship involves an imbalance of power. It can happen face-to-face or through cyberspace, and comes in many different forms:
Verbal: Name calling, persistent teasing, mocking, taunting and threats.
Physical: Any form of physical violence, intimidating behaviour, theft or the intentional damage of
possessions. This includes hitting, kicking and pushing.
Emotional: Excluding, tormenting, ridiculing, humiliation, setting people up and spreading rumours.
Cyberbullying: The misuse of digital technologies or communications to bully a person or a group, typically
through messages or actions that are threatening and/or intended to cause offence, anxiety or humiliation.
Examples of cyberbullying include:
• Abusive comments, rumours, gossip and threats made using digital communications and/ or
technologies – this includes internet trolling.
• Sharing pictures, videos or personal information without the consent of the owner and with the intent
to cause harm or humiliation.
• Hacking into someone’s email, phone or online profiles to extract and share personal information, or
to send hurtful content while posing as that person.
• Creating dedicated websites that intend to harm, make fun of someone or spread malicious rumours.
• Pressurising someone to do something they do not want to such as sending a sexually explicit image.
Falkirk Football Club commits to ensure our technologies are being used appropriately and any online bullying
will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately in line with procedures detailed in this policy.
People can be targeted for any reason, but people who bully others often target ‘difference’ and bullying can
be a form of wider discrimination. For example, bullying behaviour may be:
• Racist: Targeted at ethnicity, skin colour, and language, religious or cultural practices.
• Homophobic, biphobic and/or transphobic: Targeted at actual or perceived sexuality and/or gender.
• Sexual and/or sexist: Sexual and/or sexist behaviour that is intended to cause offence, humiliation or
intimidation.
Anti-Bulling Policy (May 2025)
2
• Disablist: Targeted at an impairment or special educational need.
• Targeting any ‘difference’: Bullying behaviour can also be targeted at ‘looks’, weight and height, colour
of hair, wearing glasses or braces, acne, psoriasis and eczema, scars, marks or conditions of the face
or body, body odour, poverty, gifts and talents or family situation (e.g. divorce, bereavement,
homelessness).
Everybody has the right to be treated with respect, and no one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Individuals
who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving.
Falkirk Football Club recognises its responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying.
PROCEDURES
1. Report bullying incidents to the CWPO, a member of the senior leadership team or a director.
2. Where relevant parents/carers should be informed and will be asked to come into a meeting to
discuss the problem.
3. If necessary and appropriate, the police will be consulted.
4. The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated, and the bullying stopped quickly.
5. An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour.
6. If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue the club will initiate disciplinary action under the
club policy.
RECOMMENDED CLUB ACTION
If the club decides it is appropriate for them to deal with the situation, they should follow the
procedure outlined below:
1. Reconciliation by getting the parties together. It may be that a genuine apology solves the problem.
2. If this fails/is not appropriate, a small panel (composed from the CEO, CWPO, Club Director
(Safeguarding) should meet with the player, member of staff, volunteer, parent/carer and child alleging
bullying to get details of the allegation. Minutes should be taken for clarity, which should be agreed by all
as a true account.
3. The same three persons should meet with the alleged bully and put the incident raised to them to
answer and give their view of the allegation. Minutes should again be taken and agreed.
4. If bullying has in the panel’s view taken place, the individual should be warned and put on notice of further
action i.e. temporary or permanent suspension if the bullying continues. Consideration should be given as
to whether a reconciliation meeting between parties is appropriate at this time.
5. In some cases, the perpetrator can be asked to attend training sessions, if they are able to do so, and if
appropriate. The CEO should monitor the situation for a given period to ensure the bullying is not being
repeated.
6. Line management and if relevant coaches involved with both individuals should be made aware of the
concerns and outcome of the process i.e. the warning.
In the case of adults reported to be bullying anyone within the club under 18
1. The CEO and the CWPO must be informed and will advise on action to be taken where appropriate.
2. More serious cases may be referred to the Police and/or Children’s Social Care.
PREVENTION
▪ The club will have a written safeguarding policy, which includes what is acceptable and proper behaviour
for all members, of which the Anti-Bullying Policy is one part.
▪ All players, staff and volunteers are made aware of this policy upon joining the club.
Anti-Bulling Policy (May 2025)
3
▪ The CWPO will raise awareness about bullying and why it matters, and if issues of bullying arise in the
club, will consider meeting with players, staff and volunteers as appropriate to discuss the issue openly
and constructively.
Falkirk Football Club is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the club at every level.
Football is a game for everyone.
Our commitment is to face up to and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.
At Falkirk Football Club we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably because of these circumstances.
This commitment applies to:
Advertising for volunteers
Selection of candidates for volunteers Staff Development
External coaching and educational activities
Selection for teams
Appointments to honorary positions
Falkirk Football Club will not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal and will ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action.
Falkirk Football Club is committed to the development of a programme of ongoing training events and activities aimed at promoting the eradication of discrimination within the club and within the wider football community.
FALKIRK FOOTBALL CLUB ANTI RACISM POLICY STATEMENT/PRACTICES
Falkirk Football Club (the club) has been free from the extremes of sectarianism and is similarly utterly opposed to any manifestation of racism in print, either by action(s) or verbally, both on or off the park.
THE CLUB SUPPORTS UEFA’S TEN POINT PLAN OF ACTION FOR PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL CLUBS WHICH CALLS FOR CLUBS TO:
Issue a statement saying the club will not tolerate racism, spelling out the action it will take against those engaged in racist chanting. The statement should be printed in all match programmes and displayed permanently and prominently around the ground.
Make public address announcements condemning racist chanting at matches.
Make it a condition for season ticket holders that they do not take part in racist abuse.
Take action to prevent the sale of racist literature inside and around the ground.
Take disciplinary action against players who engage in racial abuse.
Contact other clubs to make sure they understand the Club’s policy on racism.
Encourage a common strategy between stewards and police for dealing with racist abuse. Remove all racist graffiti from the ground as a matter of urgency. Adopt an equal opportunities policy in relation to employment and service provision.
Work with all other groups and agencies, such as the S.P.F.A., BairnsTrust, schools, voluntary organisations, youth clubs, sponsors, local authorities, local businesses and police, to develop pro-active programmes and make progress to eliminate racial abuse and discrimination.
A review of the anti-discrimination policy is available in an attachment. The review addresses each of the 10 points and outlines how FFC has actioned the various points.
DEFINITION OF A RACIST INCIDENT:
A racist incident is any incident that is perceived to be racist by the victim, or any other
person.
INTRODUCTION
Falkirk Football Club operates a zero-tolerance policy towards racism. It aims to create and maintain an environment for staff and spectators, free from racial harassment, abuse and
violence. Everyone connected with the club has a responsibility to prevent racist behaviour and as
such, are responsible not only for their behaviour but that of others.
Proven racist harassment, abuse or violence by an employee will result in disciplinary action
by the club and, if appropriate, action by the police. Similarly, such behaviour by a spectator
will result in a life ban from the club. The club will encourage and be fully supportive of any
criminal investigation.
Club employees, especially security staff, are obliged to report all racist incidents to the club, or to a police officer. It is NOT the sole responsibility of the victim of such abuse to initiate action. Racial abuse or racist behaviour of any kind is itself the trigger for action.
RACIAL HARASSMENT
Racial harassment is any verbal, physical, written or visible abuse that is aggravated by the race, ethnic background, nationality, language, skin colour or cultural background of a person and is unacceptable and offensive to that person.
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HARASSMENT INCLUDE:
PHYSICAL: Intimidating gestures, physical violence or assault or the threat of the
above, because of a persons’ race or ethnicity. Anti-Racism Policy (May 2025)
VERBAL: Derogatory remarks about a persons’ skin colour, nationality or
appearance, unwelcome remarks about a persons’ cultural observances or racist
jokes.
NON-VERBAL: Graffiti of a racial nature, defacing notices or posters, negative
stereotyping of a particular ethnic or national group or written threats of a racist
nature.
There is no such thing as unintentional harassment. The key characteristic is that the behaviour is unacceptable to the recipient.
THE CLUB SUPPORTS UEFA’S TEN POINT PLAN OF ACTION FOR PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL
CLUBS WHICH CALLS FOR CLUBS TO:
• Issue a statement saying the club will not tolerate racism, spelling out the action it will
take against those engaged in racist chanting. The statement should be printed in all match programmes and displayed permanently and prominently around the ground.
• Make public address announcements condemning racist chanting at matches.
• Make it a condition for season ticket holders that they do not take part in racist abuse.
• Take action to prevent the sale of racist literature inside and around the ground.
• Take disciplinary action against players who engage in racial abuse.
• Contact other clubs to make sure they understand the Club’s policy on racism.
• Encourage a common strategy between stewards and police for dealing with racist abuse.
• Remove all racist graffiti from the ground as a matter of urgency.
• Adopt an equal opportunities policy in relation to employment and service provision.
• Work with all other groups and agencies, such as the S.P.F.A., Falkirk Supporters
Society, schools, voluntary organisations, youth clubs, sponsors, local authorities, local businesses and police, to develop pro-active programmes and make progress to eliminate racial abuse and discrimination.
Last reviewed: Tom Angus, Club Secretary, Director 31 May 2025
The Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 makes it unlawful to be in possession of alcohol, be drunk, or possess flares, smoke bombs, fireworks, etc at football matches.
SECTIONS 20 OF THE ACT CREATE OFFENCES FOR ANY PERSON TO BE WITHIN, OR ATTEMPT TO ENTER, THE RELEVANT AREA OF A DESIGNATED SPORTS GROUND DURING THE PERIOD OF A DESIGNATED SPORTING EVENT IF THEY ARE :
- in possession of a controlled container, or
- in possession of any alcohol, or
- in possession of any firework or smoke flare etc., or
- drunk.
SECTION 21 OF THE ACT PROVIDES THAT A CONSTABLE MAY :
- enter any designated sports ground during the period of a designated sporting event,
- search any person reasonably suspected of committing an offence against section 20 of the Act,
- seize any container (and its contents) if it is reasonably suspected of containing alcohol, or if it is a controlled container,
- seize any fireworks etc.,
- arrest any person whom they have reasonable cause to suspect has committed an offence against section 20 of the Act.
POLICY
Falkirk FC fully supports the principle of equal opportunities in employment 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 Falkirk FC and those who work for the club to ensure that all available human resource talents and skills are considered when employment opportunities arise. Falkirk FC is committed to maintaining and managing a diverse work force.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Disability Discrimination Policy is to ensure that Falkirk FC complies with the Equality Act 2010 and to ensure that disabled persons falling within the definition of the Act are treated equally and fairly.
SCOPE
The Disability Discrimination Policy covers all staff and applicants. This also covers employees who become disabled during their employment. Where relevant, it also covers staff employed by outside agencies working on Falkirk FC premises.
POLICY GUIDELINES
Recruitment, training and promotion are carried out in line with Falkirk FC codes of practice. Clear job descriptions and person specifications are used (where appropriate) to enhance objective assessments and to ensure that decisions are made solely on objective and job related criteria. Falkirk FC will provide training and guidance to all relevant staff, who identify a need, to ensure that the risk of possible discriminatory attitudes affecting decisions are minimised and that there is an understanding of the relevant provisions of the Equality Act 2010.
Falkirk FC operates a Grievance Procedure to help enable grievances, including those relating to unfair decisions on grounds of disability, to be formally heard. All reasonable and necessary changes will be investigated, and any justified changes will be made to the workplace and to employment arrangements, so that disabled people are not at any substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled people. This covers all areas of employment, including recruitment.
A flexible approach will be adopted and where possible and justified, consideration to reallocation of duties, time off for rehabilitation, assessment or treatment or other appropriate measures to ensure equal opportunity. In recruitment and selection, Falkirk FC will modify selection techniques, where appropriate, and make any other reasonable changes to ensure that disabled people can be considered equally with non-disabled candidates.
Falkirk FC will ensure that disabled people will receive equal treatment in training and development and where appropriate, will supply additional training. Every endeavour will be made to ensure that contract workers are not discriminated against because of their disability and Falkirk FC will ensure that any and all other agencies which may be used are aware of this policy. Falkirk FC actively encourages promotion of this policy in its internal and external recruitment by ensuring that advertisements, job descriptions and person specifications do not discriminate.
Falkirk FC will ensure that all new employees are aware of this policy as part of their induction and will regularly review and monitor this policy to ensure its implementation and effectiveness.
For our Disabled supporters policy please click here.
To view our disorderly conduct page, please click here
To view our Environmental policy, please click here.
To view our Equal Opportunities policy, please click here.
To view our equality processes document, please click here
The Supporters Charter maps out the commitment of Falkirk Football Club to give our supporters a safe and enjoyable experience of football.
FALKIRK FOOTBALL CLUB
- Will set out and publish service aims, giving a framework by which performance can be judged by the Club and others.
Will take action if service or safety levels fall short of the published aims
Will provide a forum by which supporters may raise their comments or concerns.
Will review its aims annually.
Will commit to keep the supporters informed of activity at the Club.
Will publish its charter and make it freely available to all.
THE CHARTER
STANDARDS
Falkirk Football Club will set service standards. Falkirk Football Club will strive to achieve the standards and publish its performance in an annual review.
SUPPORTER INFORMATION
Falkirk Football Club undertakes to keep its supporters informed as to changes at the Club by whatever means it decides is the most cost effective.
Falkirk Football Club undertakes to publish its position on major policy issues.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Falkirk Football Club will publish details of the availability of, and pricing policy for, special needs and carers’ seating. These details will be published at the earliest possible opportunity.
TICKET SALES
Falkirk Football Club:
- Will publish details of the availability and pricing policy of all tickets.
Will publish amendments at the earliest possible opportunity.
Will publish its policy for returned and unwanted tickets.
Will publish its tickets return policy for abandoned matches.
Will provide a range of ticket prices.
Will endeavour to offer a method of installment payment for season tickets.
Will introduce ticket prices to take account of seats offering reduced facilities from the West & North Stands.
Will offer an appropriate concessionary ticket policy.
Will publish its policy on visiting support ticket allocation.
Will publish details of any membership, loyalty, bond, debenture or similar scheme.
FIXTURE LISTS
- Falkirk Football Club undertakes to keep supporters informed as to fixture changes by whatever means it decides is the most cost effective.
STADIUM
- Falkirk Football Club undertakes to provide a clean and safe stadium with the appropriate facilities
Falkirk Football Club will provide an area for the exclusive use of family groups and junior supporters wherever possible.
Falkirk Football Club undertakes to provide access for those with special needs and their carers.
Falkirk Football Club undertakes to encourage an environment free of sectarian and racial abuse.
CATERING
- Falkirk Football Club undertakes to provide or subcontract an appropriate catering service.
MERCHANDISING
- The Club will produce and sell through official club outlets replica strips and associated team wear. All official club garments will be of good quality and be of similar style and design as the items worn by the first team players and management.
The club reserves the right to change the design and style of replica team wear on a regular basis.
The club will endeavour to introduce incentive and loyalty schemes to reward regular retail customers. Details of any such schemes will be advertised on the club web site and in the official retail outlets.
The date of introduction will be included in the club shop catalogue.
Details of the next intended change of kits will be available from the Club, and communicated to supporters at the earliest possible date.
SUPPORTER CONTACT
- Falkirk Football Club will respond to any reasonable contact from a supporter, by the most appropriate method, unless extreme circumstances make the Club unable to respond.
SUPPORTERS’ TRUST
- Falkirk Football Club undertakes to work in close cooperation with the Falkirk Supporters’ Society. This cooperation will include joint meetings between the Board of the Trust and the Directors of Falkirk Football Club, at least once a year.
REVIEW DATE: 25/07/2022
NEXT REVIEW: 24/07/2023
The Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 makes it unlawful to be in possession of alcohol, be drunk, or possess flares, smoke bombs, fireworks, etc at football matches.
SECTIONS 20 OF THE ACT CREATE OFFENCES FOR ANY PERSON TO BE WITHIN, OR ATTEMPT TO ENTER, THE RELEVANT AREA OF A DESIGNATED SPORTS GROUND DURING THE PERIOD OF A DESIGNATED SPORTING EVENT IF THEY ARE :
- in possession of a controlled container, or
- in possession of any alcohol, or
- in possession of any firework or smoke flare etc., or
- drunk.
SECTION 21 OF THE ACT PROVIDES THAT A CONSTABLE MAY :
- enter any designated sports ground during the period of a designated sporting event,
- search any person reasonably suspected of committing an offence against section 20 of the Act,
- seize any container (and its contents) if it is reasonably suspected of containing alcohol, or if it is a controlled container,
- seize any fireworks etc.,
- arrest any person whom they have reasonable cause to suspect has committed an offence against section 20 of the Act.
Falkirk Football Club
Match Day Hospitality Agreement
Terms & Conditions
1 The Client is entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that the high standard of behaviour already established at the Falkirk Stadium is maintained, and must also ensure that representatives and guests adhere to the generally accepted standards of behaviour and conduct indicated in the Falkirk Stadium Regulations displayed at the Stadium. Any breach of the agreement or any such regulations by a guest or a representative of the Client will be deemed to be a breach by the Client. Any breach of this clause will be deemed to be a material breach of this agreement. In the event that the client or any of its representatives or guests breach or fail to comply in any material respect with the terms of this agreement or any such regulation, the Club shall be entitled forthwith to terminate this agreement without compensation to the Client and to revoke any right to receive provision of the Services. On such termination the Club shall be free to deal with the facilities as it thinks fit.
2 Should the Club participate in any game of football involving its first team held under the auspices of The Club at the Falkirk Stadium which is not covered in the Section entitled Validity in the main Agreement, then the Client will receive first option on their places at the rate to be agreed by the Club and the Client.
3 The Club will have no liability to the Client in the event of it being prevented by any clause beyond its control from performing its obligations under this Agreement.
4 The Club may, by giving written notice to the Client, forthwith terminate the Agreement on the following grounds:
4.1 If the Client has committed a material breach of its obligations under this Agreement.
4.2 If the Client, being a company goes into voluntary or involuntary liquidation
5 Payment to be made 4 weeks in advance of Hospitality date. All payments after the date of the Hospitality are subject to a 10% surcharge.
Cancellation fees:
(i) Hospitality cancelled within 48 hours (2 days) of the match must be paid for in full.
(ii) Hospitality cancelled within 72 hours (3 days) of the match is subject to a 75% charge.
(iii) Hospitality cancelled with 96 hours (4 days) of the match is subject to a 50% charge.
(iv) Hospitality cancelled within 1 week (i.e. between 5-7 days) of the match is subject to a 25% charge
Cancellation Charges will not apply for games postponed or re-arranged.
6 It is not permitted for any representative or guest to bring or consume at their facility any food or drink (whether alcoholic or otherwise) not provided by the Club.
7 The Club reserves the right to refuse admission to or reject any person whose dress is not in keeping with the high standard of dress customary for those attending match day hospitality. It is expressly forbidden to wear any team colours that may cause offence attending match day hospitality.
8 The facilities used are to be left in clean and tidy condition at the end of each period of use. If any damage is done to the facilities or any part of The Falkirk Stadium by the Client or their representatives or guests, then the expense of making good the same is to be paid by the Client.
9 The Club reserves the right to vary the provision and packages depending on match kick off times and licensing restrictions.
10 The Club reserves the right to vary or change the dates of matches and/or kick off times without notice to the Client, however, the Club will make every effort to notify in the event of such a change.
11 The Club is not liable to provide refunds due to lack of Cup games drawn at home unless stated in seasonal agreement. Nor is the Club liable to refund payment for any matches covered in the seasonal contract for which the client is unable to attend.
12 In the interest of safety, drivers must ensure vehicles are parked at least 90 minutes before kick-off. Drivers must park in the areas designated on their invitations. Vehicles not parked in designated areas will be removed and drivers could face a fine of up to £150. This will be out with the control of Falkirk Football Club. Vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk; Falkirk Football Club will not be held responsible for any damage to vehicles.
13 As part of the current legislation “it is an offence to drink in corporate areas overlooking the field of play (during relevant period of a designated event which is the period commencing two hours before the start and ending one hour after the end of a designated sporting event) unless the blinds are closed or curtains drawn” I would therefore ask for your full co-operation in complying with this legislation and request that guests do not open the blinds.
14 Please note if you have booked the complimentary bar package the following rules will apply;
i. No Double Measures
ii. No Brandies/Liquors/Champagne
iii. No shots
iv. One drink per person per order
v. Wine ordered by the glass only and only once the allocation on the table is complete. If several guests are drinking wine at the table, a bottle may be given to the table, however this will be on the basis on 1 drink per person as stated above
Please note alcohol will not be served prior to 12:30 on Sunday Matches; Alcohol purchased In the Brockville cannot be consumed elsewhere.
DATA PROTECTION STATEMENT AND CONSENT
The information and data (“Personal Data”) which is provided by you in this registration form will be held on the computers and manual records of, and will be used by, Falkirk Football Club, and other companies in the Falkirk FC Group, sponsors, affiliates and official suppliers to the aforesaid companies and any other suppliers of goods and services we believe may be of interest to you (“the Companies”). A complete list of all such companies is available from the address we set out below.
The Personal Data shall be used by the Companies for the following purposes:
(i) to update and develop the Companies’ records and for assessment and analysis including market and product analysis;
(ii) to assist the Companies in providing their services/products to you; and
(iii) to enable the Companies to review, develop and improve the services offered by them.
The Companies may inform you from time to time by e-mail, telephone, or mail about relevant news and information and services and products offered by any of them which they believe may be of interest to you.
If you do not wish to receive any such information about such services and products, please tick this box
By law you are entitled to receive a copy of information or data about you which is held by any of the Companies upon a payment of a fee (currently £10). You are also entitled to require the rectification, erasure or blocking of any such information or data which is inaccurate or not-up-to-date and held by the Companies, please write to Falkirk Football Club, Falkirk Stadium, Westfield, Falkirk, FK2 9DX stating your full name and address and providing any relevant information.
To view our Visually Impaired policy, please click here
BE PART OF THE GAME
Score big with your marketing!
Partner with Falkirk Football Club and get your business seen by thousands of dedicated supporters. Boost brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, and support local football.
Enquire now about advertising opportunities.
