Contact Details
Contact: Jenny Christey
Email: disability@fulhamfc.com|
Tel: 020 8336 7420
INTRODUCTION
Fulham Football Club is committed to ensuring that its disabled supporters and visitors have as much access as reasonably possible to all goods, services and facilities provided or offered to the public by the Club.
The Club is committed to taking a proactive approach to ensure that the needs of its disabled supporters and visitors are met.
The Club is in dialogue with the FA Premier League and disability organisations to ensure that good practice methods are employed and legislative requirements are met.
ELIGIBILITY
A disabled person is one that has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities, or has had such impairment in the past.
The Club reserves the right to check a person’s eligibility under the Disability Discrimination Act (“DDA”). The Club may request sight of one of the following documents:
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Confirmation of entitlement to the medium or higher rate care component of the Disability Living Allowance.
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Confirmation of entitlement to the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance.
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Confirmation that the person is a holder of a Blue badge (with the person named as the disabled person).
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Confirmation that the person is a holder of an “I Count” card (with the person named as the disabled person).
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Confirmation from a Local Authority Social Services department that the person is in receipt of support services.
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Confirmation from the person’s GP.
MATCHDAY ACCESS AND SEATING
Ambulant Disabled Seating
An area has been set aside for ambulant disabled supporters. This area is in Block KL of the Johnny Haynes Stand and has been chosen for its clear entry and exit routes.
This is the area that we recommend to any supporter who has concerns regarding their ability to leave the stadium in the event of an emergency. This area is under cover and sheltered, and is in close proximity to the disabled toilet. The escape route to Stevenage Road involves no steps and is approximately 20 yards from the pavement. Supporters should indicate on their season ticket application if they wish to take advantage of this option.
Home Wheelchair Spaces
The home wheelchair enclosures at Craven Cottage are in 3 separate areas of the ground. The total number of home wheelchair spaces is 31.
The first area is in Block KL of the Johnny Haynes Stand Lower which has a capacity of 11 wheelchairs and is situated in the corner near to the Putney End.
The second area is also in the Johnny Haynes Stand Lower in Block AL. This area has a capacity of 6 wheelchairs and is situated in the corner near to the Hammersmith End.
The third home wheelchair area is in the Riverside Stand, in Block S and has a capacity of 14 wheelchairs.
All the wheelchair spaces are under cover at the front of each stand. However, in the winter months this particular area of the stands can be exposed to the elements. As there is no seating in front of these spaces, the view is largely unobstructed.
The seats for personal assistants are located either next to or behind the wheelchair space. Exit routes are in the corners of the stands.
There is a disabled toilet situated close to each of the wheelchair enclosures and easy access, by the personal assistant, to the catering units.
Away Wheelchair Spaces
Spaces for away supporters are located amongst the away fans in the Putney End, Block PU7.
STADIUM PLAN
MATCHDAY FACILITIES
CORPORATE LOUNGES / BOXES
The corporate lounges and bars on the ground floor of the Riverside Stand (SW6 Sports Bar, George Cohen Restaurant and Trophy Lounge) and Johnny Haynes Stand (Maestros’ Lounge) are fully accessible to disabled supporters. The 1st floor corporate box situated on the corner of the Hammersmith End and Johnny Haynes Stand is accessible to ambulant disabled supporters. However, we regret that corporate boxes are not accessible to supporters in wheelchairs due to the number of steps involved.
Hospitality packages can be purchased in addition to match day tickets, but will not be subject to a reduced rate. Please contact Mike McSweeney on 020 8336 7555 for more information.
ASSISTANCE DOGS
Assistance dogs are admitted to the ground. The Club should be notified in advance of the game by contacting the Club’s Disability Liaison Officer (“DLO”), so adequate provision can be made. It may be necessary for the Club to decide the most appropriate location in the ground for the supporter to sit.
CAR PARKING
Free car parking is available upon request to both home and away disabled supporters. Due to the limited parking provision, priority is given to those persons who hold a Wheelchair Space Ticket and is subject to availability.
AUDIO COMMENTARY
The Club has 10 radio headsets available to visually impaired supporters. Headsets need to be reserved in advance of the game through the DLO. A credit or debit card number will be required and users must give written consent agreeing to cover the cost of the headset should it not be returned.
RETAIL OUTLETS
The Club has one shop at Craven Cottage, selling replica kit and accessories. Unfortunately, due to layout constraints the tills on the lower floor are inaccessible to wheelchair users. The Club is committed to finding a feasible solution to overcome this situation, however, in the meantime, a member of staff will be happy to assist with the purchasing goods. There are several mobile units located around the ground on a match day which are fully accessible to wheelchair users.
The Club’s main shop is located on the Fulham Palace Road. The shop is accessible at street level, however due to layout constraints the lower floor is inaccessible to wheelchair users. As with the shop at Craven Cottage, the Club is committed to finding a feasible solution to overcome this situation, however in the meantime the staff in the shop will be happy to bring any requested goods upstairs.
Alternatively, merchandise can be purchased online.|
TICKETING
TICKETING POLICY
The Club will provide general information to its disabled supporters about ticket availability and pricing. Information will be produced in accessible formats and will be published on the Club website.
The Club will adopt a system of concessionary ticket prices tailored to its disabled supporters. The scheme will apply to those supporters where a reasonable adjustment has been made to facilitate viewing or where a personal support need has been identified.
Concessions are not based on impairment type but recognise that some disabled supporters have a restricted choice of viewing in the stadium and/or could not attend a match without personal support.
Should an existing season ticket holder become disabled they may apply for a transfer to a designated disabled viewing area. Where possible, the Club will aim to accommodate such a request.
If after considering all possible reasonable adjustments the Club concludes that it is unable to provide a space then priority consideration will be given when a space becomes available.
TICKET PRICES & SALES
The Club will operate a concessionary ticketing policy for disabled supporters and will ensure that the scheme does not discriminate between disabled people with differing impairments.
Season Tickets: There is a 50% concession available to registered disabled supporters. This should be mentioned on disabled supporters’ renewal forms and a current document should be enclosed to confirm registration as a disabled person (e.g. a copy of the blue badge).
Wheelchair Users
Johnny Haynes A&K
Adult - £200
OAP/Student - £175
Junior - £78
Riverside S
Adult - £265
OAP/Student - £175
Junior - £78
For ambulant disabled supporters the discount will be available in all seating areas at the Cottage and will not be restricted to the recommended Block KL.
MATCHDAY TICKETS
Home Games
Tickets for individual matches may be purchased as follows:
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Tickets for Season Ticket Holders on sale approximately 6 weeks prior to the game.
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Tickets for Club FFC members on sale 5 weeks prior to the game.
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General Sale dates published on a match by match basis.
As with Season tickets, tickets for both wheelchair spaces and ambulant disabled supporters are sold with a 50% discount. In the case of a wheelchair user a personal assistant may accompany the supporter free of charge. Should an ambulant disabled supporter require an assistant then this person will also be admitted free of charge.
The available wheelchair spaces are sold on a first come, first served basis, with a waiting list run in the event of a game being oversubscribed.
Away Games
Wheelchair tickets for the away games are sold, in the first instance, to season ticket holders on first come, first served basis with any remaining tickets going on general sale. In the event that any game is oversubscribed a ballot will take place for the available tickets
Away Supporter Tickets
Tickets for the Putney Stand away wheelchair area will be dispatched to the visiting team for their distribution. This area is adjacent to Block 7 of the Putney Stand.
There is an area in the Putney Stand Block 7, Rows G and R reserved for ambulant disabled supporters. This can be accessed through the wheelchair area and does not involve climbing any stairs.
The away club is notified of this availability and will distribute tickets accordingly.
Buying Tickets
Whilst all ticket office staff are able to deal with requests from disabled persons a designated member of staff, Tracey Hubbard, has been allocated to provide a more comprehensive service.
Any person wishing to purchase a ticket with a disabled discount should purchase from the Ticket Office directly either in person or by post.
Confirmation of eligibility should be produced or sent as appropriate.
The Club is currently investigating a system whereby tickets can be purchased via our website.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
A match day information sheet detailing facility information for disabled persons is distributed with all disabled tickets.
STAFF AWARENESS
The Club is committed to ensuring that all Senior Managers and appropriate “front line staff” are aware of their responsibilities in regard to disability, equality and the provisions of the DDA.
The Club publicises to its staff that any incident of discrimination is a serious matter and will be dealt with under the Club’s Disciplinary Procedures.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY
The Club’s Community Department currently run regular coaching sessions for disabled adults and children. Up to 200 people are participating in Fulham FC Disability Football each week.
Along with regular coaching sessions the Club hold special events such as tournaments, visits and holiday courses.
The Club currently works with the following impairment groups on a regular basis: Moderate Learning Difficulties, Severe Learning Difficulties, Wheelchair Users, Visually Impaired, Deaf/Hearing Impaired, Down Syndrome and Autism.
For further information, Susie Williams, Football Development Officer for Disabled People, Fulham Football Club Community Trust Ltd, can be contacted on 020 8336 7542.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
The Club has a grievance procedure in place and guarantees to its disabled supporters that any complaints of discrimination will be dealt with quickly under that procedure.
In the first instance any issue should be raised with the Club’s DLO.
In conjunction with the supporter the DLO will establish the following:
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How the matter will be dealt with
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Possible solutions
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Timescale
The DLO will maintain constant dialogue until such time as the matter has reached a reasonable outcome.
Should it be felt that the grievance has not been satisfactorily settled within the specified timeframe then the matter should be raised with the Club Secretary.
The Club Secretary, having considered all the circumstances, will establish the most appropriate way of taking the matter forward.
ALTERNATIVE FORMATS
Copies of this document are available upon request in large print or audio formats. Should you require this Policy in an alternative format, please contact the Club’s DLO.
DATE AND REVIEW
This policy is applicable to Season 2007/08 and is under constant review. A revised policy will be drafted in July 2008 for use in the following season.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jenny Christey - Disability Liaison Officer
Tel: 020 8336 7420
Fax: 020 8336 7526
Email: disability@fulhamfc.com|
Tracey Hubbard - Deputy Ticket Office Manager
Tel: 020 7384 4716
Fax: 020 7384 4810
Email: thubbard@fulhamfc.com|
Rachel Pallant - Supporter Relations Manager
Tel: 020 8336 7477
Fax: 020 8336 7548
Email: rpallant@fulhamfc.com|
Susie Williams - Football Dev. Officer for Disabled People
Tel: 020 8336 7542
Fax: 020 8336 7574
Email: swilliams@fulhamfc.com|
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Stadium
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Training Ground
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Craven Cottage
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Motspur Park
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Stevenage Road
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New Malden
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Fulham
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Surrey
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SW6 6HH
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KT3 6PT
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Fulham Main Number 0870 442 1222
Club Website www.fulhamfc.com|