NSL Fan Code of Conduct:

By attending NSL matches and supporting the league, fans agree to adhere to these standards of conduct, which are designed to create a respectful, inclusive and safe atmosphere for all.

1. Respect for All Participants

  • Players, Coaches and Officials: Fans should cheer passionately but remain respectful to all participants. Abusive language or behaviour is prohibited.
  • Fair Play: Acknowledge the opposition, even in defeat. Applauding good play and showing sportsmanship is encouraged.
  • Inclusive Environment: Treat all fans with dignity, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

2. Positive Fan Engagement

  • Positive Atmosphere: Fans should contribute to a welcoming environment through chanting, singing and creating a lively, fair atmosphere.
  • Supportive Behaviour: Applauding the opposition or supporting your team during tough moments is encouraged.
  • Fair Play: Support should always respect the integrity of the game. Fans should avoid intimidating or undermining others.

3. Prohibited Behaviours

  • Violence and Aggression: Physical altercations or threats of violence will result in ejection and possible legal consequences.
  • Discriminatory Language: Racist, homophobic, or any discriminatory chants, gestures, or language are prohibited.
  • Aggressive Chants and Insults: Abusive, insulting, or discriminatory chants are not allowed.
  • Throwing Objects: Throwing any objects towards players, officials, or fans is strictly prohibited.
  • Pyrotechnics and Laser Pointers: The use of fireworks, flares, or laser pointers is banned and may lead to ejection and legal action.

4. Spectator Behaviour

  • Pitch Invasion: Fans are prohibited from entering the pitch or restricted areas. Violators will be banned from future matches.
  • Intimidation and Harassment: Bullying or harassment of any kind, whether physical or verbal, will not be tolerated.
  • Alcohol Consumption: Fans must consume alcohol responsibly. Disruptive behaviour due to intoxication may result in removal from the stadium.

5. Compliance with Laws and Policies

  • Obeying Laws: Fans must follow all local, state and venue-specific regulations, including emergency procedures.
  • Respect for Staff: Fans should cooperate with stadium staff and security. Failure to do so may result in ejection.

6. Enforcement and Consequences

  • Ejection and Bans: Fans violating the Code may be ejected from the venue, have their ticket privileges revoked, or face a permanent ban.
  • Legal Action: Serious offences, such as violence or discrimination, may lead to law enforcement involvement.
  • Fan Behaviour Scoring: Teams may face consequences for the behaviour of their fans, including additional scrutiny or penalties.

7. Reporting Violations

  • Report Violations: Fans are encouraged to report any misconduct to stadium security or authorities. Anonymous reporting is available.

 

Prohibited Items

RESTRICTED ITEMS

For the safety and security of our fans, the following is not permitted inside the stadium: 

  • Umbrellas (Fans should bring raincoats/ponchos for inclement weather)
     
  • Outside food & beverage of any kind
     
  • Metal or glass containers of any kind
     
  • Backpacks and large bags over 14x14x6 inches (subject to search)
     
  • Large flags, banners and drums **
     
  • Noisemakers (airhorns, whistles, cowbells, horns, etc.)
     
  • Aerosol cans (hairspray, silly string, etc.)
     
  • Bikes, inline skates, skateboards, scooters, shoes with wheels, bicycle and Motorcycle Helmets
     
  • Frisbees or inflated balls of any kind
     
  • Un-approved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements, etc.
     
  • Pets, with the exception of service animals
     
  • Strollers or baby seats may not be taken into the stands or left in section entrances
     

  • Tripods, selfie sticks and/or monopods

     

**These items will be permitted in the supporters sections as long as they meet the following guidelines:

  • Are event related or in good taste
  • Cannot be commercial, political, or offensive in nature
  • Flag poles are made out of flexible PVC.

All items need to be pre-approved by THE HOST CLUB/ York Lions Stadium and pre-arranged for entry.
No items are permitted to enter the stadium through gates once they have been opened.
Storage and distribution of items on matchdays will be controlled by THE HOST CLUB/ York Lions Stadium.

 

SMOKE DISCHARGE IN STADIUMS AND EVENTS

For pre and regular season Matches, there are two (2) permitted uses only for the discharge of smoke:

  1. Discharge is completely under the control of the home Club stadium and approved by the local fire authority.
  2. Discharged by supporters in an area monitored by security and NOT in an area controlled by fans or supporters (approved by home Club stadium and local fire authority).

Where the second option is utilized, a number of restrictions apply. Smoke must be: 

  1. Purchased by the home Club.
  2. Stored by the home Club.
  3. Pre-approved by local fire authority.
  4. Discharged by an individual who has been instructed by the home Club as to the process for discharge during the Match.

Each Club should have in place an agreement for the discharge/timing/frequency of smoke and any abuse of such agreement will result in the loss of smoke privileges.

There is NO circumstance allowing a fan/supporter to enter a stadium or Match in possession of pyrotechnics, smoke flares, fireworks, or other device used to discharge smoke.

Any person found entering a stadium in possession of prohibited smoke equipment or identified setting off of the above-mentioned devices, will be banned from all Matches and events:

  • First offense: One (1) year ban.
  • Second offense: Lifetime ban.

The Home Club will also be subject to disciplinary sanction by Canada Soccer where pyrotechnic, smoke flare, firework, or other similar equipment is discharged in the spectator area.

Thank you, your NSL