Ground Regulations

Old Spotted Dog – Ground Regulations 

Issued by the Old Spotted Dog Ground Trust (OSDGT) and Clapton Community Football Club (CCFC). September 2022 

Both Clapton Community FC and the Old Spotted Dog Ground Trust are run by volunteers and strive to represent the diverse, working-class community that surrounds our historic grounds.

In order to create an atmosphere and environment which best serves our community, players and supporters, we kindly ask attendees to the Old Spotted Dog to take note of the following: 

Conditions of entry 

  • By entering the Old Spotted Dog, you accept the ground regulations below
  • Entry to first team games for men’s and women’s games is typically by voluntary donation to make it accessible to all. However, there may be occasions where admission is by ticket only
  • No guarantees can be given by CCFC or the OSDGT that a match will take place at a particular time or on a particular date, or at all, and CCFC and the OSDGT reserve the right to reschedule or cancel a match without notice
  • You may be refused entry to, or ejected from, the OSD if you fail to comply with these ground regulations or any reasonable instruction issued by an authorised person
  • You may be refused entry, or refused service in the clubhouse bar, or ejected from the OSD if you are too intoxicated or aggressive
  • Anyone who is the subject of a current Banning Order under the Football Spectators Act 1989 is not allowed admission to games here and should not attempt entry 
  • CCFC and the OSDGT reserves the right to search any person and their belongings. should certified SIA staff feel it is necessary on the grounds of public safety, though we do not wish to routinely do so 
  • In line with FA rules, you’re free to photograph at CCFC/OSD games and events. However, if you’re photographing spectators please seek their permission and don’t be offended if they decline
  • In the event of the postponement, cancellation or abandonment of a match (or if the match has, for any reason, to be played out of the view of the public), refunds on match donations or tickets may be offered. However, CCFC and OSDGT will have no further liability whatsoever, including (but not limited to) liability for any in direct or consequential loss or damage, such as (but not limited to) loss of enjoyment or travel costs
  • CCFC and OSDGT excludes, to the maximum extent permitted by law, any liability for loss, injury or damage to persons and property in or around the OSD. Nothing in these ground regulations shall exclude CCFC and the OSDGT’s liability for death or personal injury caused by CCFC or OSDGT’s negligence 

Prohibited Items 

  • For the safety of all, you cannot bring dangerous or hazardous items into the OSD such as knives, weapons, lasers or glass. Anyone in possession of such items will be refused entry or ejected
  • Pyro, flares, smoke canisters and fireworks are banned from all football grounds. Any use at the OSD (or indeed CCFC away games) is prohibited and its use in competitive football will put CCFC’s position at severe risk. Anyone in possession of such items may be refused entry or ejected
  • Alcohol may only be consumed within the ground if purchased from the OSD bar/s and in accordance with the OSDGT’s licensing conditions
  • Do not bring into the OSD any promotional materials or goods for sale without the prior approval of CCFC or the OSDGT

Safe and supportive behaviour 

  • Threatening and abusive behaviour and discriminatory language are strictly forbidden. CCFC or the OSDGT may impose a ban for any such behaviour and/or refer the matter to other authorities
  • Any act of victimisation as defined in the Equality Act 2010 or any act of discrimination by reason of ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, religion or belief, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, disability, age, pregnancy, maternity, marital status or civil partnership, or other forms of harassment is strictly forbidden. CCFC or the OSDGT may impose a ban for any such behaviour and/or refer the matter to other authorities
  • Football is a passionate sport but please respect the differences between each other and treat others with kindness and care
  • CCFC and the OSDGT ask everyone, if they witness harmful actions or behaviour, to challenge it constructively and not assume others will deal with it
  • All members of CCFC have signed the Accountability Agreement that says ‘each of us is ready, when challenged about how we act… to take responsibility for our actions and make amends in the ways that are asked of us’.
  • Do not obstruct gangways, access ways, exits and entrances and stairways. Be considerate to help ensure fair and equal access for all attendees
  • Smoking is not permitted within designated non-smoking areas and drinking is not allowed in designated no-alcohol zones. Please respect fellow spectators who wish to avoid either or both of these
  • Under the law, the following are offences for which a person could receive a Banning Order: 

The throwing of any object without lawful authority or excuse; 
The chanting of anything of a discriminatory nature; and/or 
The entry onto the playing area without lawful authority or excuse. 

  • You must comply with any and all reasonable instructions and directions of safety reps or security staff while at the OSD. Failure to comply with any such instruction or direction may lead to refusal of entry or the immediate ejection
  • Please do not damage or deface the OSD
  • Dogs are welcomed to all events at the OSD unless otherwise stated, but please keep them on a lead

CCFC and the OSDGT reserve the right to make changes to any of these ground regulations from time to time – but they will be open to full scrutiny and evolution through relevant committees, working groups and AGM motions.