NORTON ATHLETIC FOOTBALL CLUB

SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT

Version: 1.0

Effective Date: 1 July 2026

Review Date: Annually

Approved By: Board of Directors

 

1. PURPOSE

Norton Athletic Football Club aims to create a positive, welcoming and enjoyable matchday environment for players, officials, volunteers, sponsors, families and supporters.

This Code of Conduct establishes the standards expected of all spectators attending matches, events and activities organised by Norton Athletic FC.

The Club wishes to build a strong community atmosphere at The Highfield whilst ensuring respect and sportsmanship remain at the heart of the game.

 

2. OUR VALUES

All spectators are expected to support the Club’s values of:

Respect

Integrity

Community

Inclusion

Sportsmanship

Positive Support

Every spectator contributes to the atmosphere and reputation of the Club.

 

3. POSITIVE SUPPORT

Spectators are encouraged to:

Support their team positively.

Encourage players.

Celebrate good play.

Create a welcoming atmosphere.

Help make football enjoyable for all participants.

Passionate support is welcomed.

Abusive behaviour is not.

 

4. RESPECT FOR PLAYERS

Spectators shall:

Respect all players.

Avoid personal criticism.

Avoid abusive language.

Avoid intimidation.

Support player wellbeing.

Players should be able to enjoy football without fear of abuse from spectators.

 

5. RESPECT FOR MATCH OFFICIALS

Spectators shall:

Respect referee decisions.

Avoid abusive language.

Avoid threatening behaviour.

Avoid confrontations.

Referees are essential to football and must be treated with respect at all times.

 

6. RESPECT FOR OPPOSING TEAMS

Spectators shall:

Respect opposing players.

Respect opposing management.

Respect visiting supporters.

Competition should never become hostility.

Norton Athletic FC wishes to be recognised as a welcoming and respected football club.

 

7. DISCRIMINATION

The Club operates a zero-tolerance approach towards discrimination.

Discrimination based upon:

Race

Nationality

Religion

Gender

Disability

Sexual orientation

Age

will not be tolerated.

Anyone engaging in discriminatory behaviour may be removed from the ground and prohibited from attending future events.

 

8. BULLYING AND HARASSMENT

Bullying, harassment and intimidation are unacceptable.

This includes:

Verbal abuse

Online abuse

Threatening behaviour

Targeted harassment

The Club reserves the right to take immediate action where necessary.

 

9. SOCIAL MEDIA

Spectators attending Club events should use social media responsibly.

Supporters shall not:

Abuse players online.

Abuse officials online.

Abuse volunteers online.

Publish offensive content.

Bring the Club into disrepute.

Supporters are encouraged to positively promote:

The Club

Sponsors

Events

Fundraising activities

Community initiatives

 

10. ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Where alcohol is available within Club facilities:

Consumption must be responsible.

Excessive intoxication will not be tolerated.

Aggressive behaviour linked to alcohol may result in removal from Club premises.

The safety and enjoyment of all visitors remains the priority.

 

11. CLUBHOUSE CONDUCT

Spectators using the Clubhouse shall:

Behave respectfully.

Respect staff and volunteers.

Respect Club property.

Follow licensing requirements.

The Clubhouse is intended to be a family-friendly community facility.

 

12. SUPPORTING CLUB GROWTH

Supporters are encouraged to support:

Sponsorship initiatives

Fundraising campaigns

1920 Club memberships

Merchandise purchases

Community events

Clubhouse activities

The continued growth of Norton Athletic FC benefits the entire community.

 

13. MATCHDAY ENVIRONMENT

The Club aims to create one of the best grassroots football experiences in Norfolk.

Supporters are encouraged to:

Create a positive atmosphere.

Welcome visiting teams.

Support community initiatives.

Help attract new spectators and families.

The long-term vision is to increase attendance and build a thriving football community at The Highfield.

 

14. SAFETY

All spectators shall:

Follow instructions from Club officials.

Respect safety signage.

Remain within designated spectator areas.

Report safety concerns immediately.

The Club reserves the right to restrict access to areas where safety concerns exist.

 

15. DOGS

Dogs are welcome where permitted by Club policy provided they:

Remain under control.

Are kept on a lead.

Do not present a risk to players or spectators.

Owners clean up after them.

The Club reserves the right to restrict access where necessary.

16. PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO

Spectators may take photographs and videos for personal use.

Images should be used responsibly and respectfully.

The Club reserves the right to restrict photography where safeguarding concerns exist.

 

17. UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR

Examples of unacceptable behaviour include:

Abusive language

Threatening behaviour

Violence

Harassment

Discrimination

Intoxication causing disruption

Damage to property

Bringing the Club into disrepute

 

18. SANCTIONS

The Club may take action including:

Verbal warning

Formal warning

Removal from the ground

Temporary suspension from attendance

Permanent exclusion from Club events

The severity of sanctions will reflect the seriousness of the conduct.

 

19. COMMITMENT

By attending Norton Athletic FC matches or events, spectators agree to:

Respect this Code.

Support positive behaviour.

Respect all participants.

Help create a welcoming environment.

 

20. REVIEW

This Code shall be reviewed annually.

The Board may amend the Code to reflect:

FA guidance

Ground regulations

Club development

Approved by Norton Athletic Football Club

Version 1.0

Effective from 1 July 2026

Review Date: Annually

Together We Build The Millers

#UpTheMillers