Torquay United AFC would like to issue the following guidance to supporters, in relation to matchdays at Plainmoor.
As part of the Club’s continuous reviewal of the matchday experience at Plainmoor, and in response to feedback received from supporters, the Club would like to clarify the arrangements for young supporters at Plainmoor, as well as the use of flags and banners within the stadium.
Safeguarding At Plainmoor
TUAFC fully respects, and supports, that it is the responsibility of parents / guardians of young supporters to decide if their children should be allowed to attend matches at Plainmoor alone. However, having received queries from supporters regarding the minimum age for young supporters to attend matches at Plainmoor, the Club can confirm that the minimum age for children to attend matches at Plainmoor unattended is 14 years of age. Therefore, any children aged 13 or below must attend with, and remain in close proximity of, an adult aged 18 or over when watching the match, with the Club reserving the right of determining the proximity between the child and their accompanying adult.
However, in addition this, Matchday Stewards will also use their discretion on occasions, in order to maintain the safety of all supporters visiting Plainmoor. With this in mind, there may be occasions where they may request a children aged over 14 is accompanied into the stadium by an adult – for instance when a child appears to be vulnerable, or potentially at risk if unaccompanied.
Banners & Flags At Plainmoor
TUAFC fully recognises that bringing flags and banners into stadiums, home and away is a popular way for supporters to show their support and express their feelings, and therefore flags and banners are permitted inside Plainmoor on matchdays, as long as they do not contravene the conditions the Club has put in place to ensure the safety of all supporters.
Subject to space, Banners and flags are permitted at the back of the stands, provided that have been fire certificated. Any size banner or flag that is likely to be passed over head is not permitted, with the maximum size allowed being 2m x 1m.
Please Note: No displaying of banners or flags is allowed in seated areas, and no flagpoles are permitted anywhere inside the stadium.
Any flags or banners that are deemed offensive, likely to intimidate, or liable cause supporter unrest, will not be permitted. For the avoidance of doubt, and to ensure that flags or banners do not pose a fire hazard, we therefore suggest all banners are inspected by our Safety Officer prior to be taken inside the stadium.
Wherever possible, we will assist supporters with erecting suitable flags or banners up around the stadium, with a number of these visible at Plainmoor at the back of the Popside Terrace and also Bristow’s Bench.
All supporters are reminded that it is the responsibility of our team of Matchday Stewards to ensure the safety of all supporters on matchdays, and therefore it will be down to their own experience, judgement and discretion as to what poses a risk to unrest inside the stadium.
Everyone at TUAFC would like to once again place on record its thanks for the continued support of our Yellow Army, which is hugely appreciated by everyone at Plainmoor.