ACCESSIBILITY BOOKLET

www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC 1 Assistance dogs are admitted to the ground. The miles) passing the Police Station on your right, at services provided by the different departments ACCESSIBLE Club’s Stadium Manager or Disability Liaison Officer roundabout take 4th exit onto Western Way (signed of City Football Club. Access to goods and INFORMATION should be contacted in advance for all relevant Pinhoe and Broadclyst). At next roundabout take services, as well as match day facilities are being information. 2nd exit into Old Tiverton Rd, take 2nd left into fully assessed and a programme of measures in PARKING & ACCESS: Stadium Way for St James Centre/Centre Spot. place to ensure compliance with all associated Accessible Parking is very limited, (supporters are OTHER DISABILITIES: From East Take the A30 towards Exeter; Follow the legislation.. advised to contact club reception for availability). Unlimited places. directions ‘From M5’. TICKET PRICING Accessible Entrance to all stands is through the DESIGNATED DISABILITY STEWARD: From West Follow the A38 towards Exeter, joining The Club operates a specific non-discriminatory accessible gate to the Big Bank Stand via Stadium To assist home and away supporters with the M5 North at junction 31. Leave at junction 30 ticketing policy for supporters with disabilities and Way, it is fairly level and ramps are in use within the disabilities. and then follow the directions ‘From M5’. will ensure that the scheme does not differentiate Stadium. There is an accessible entrance for Away between all the different disability groups. supporters in St James’ Road to allow entry to the WHEELCHAIR FOR HIRE: ADDRESS & CONTACT DETAILS: Main Stand and Away Terrace. The club has an assistant wheelchair available for Exeter City Football Club St. James Park, Stadium Where charges are made, the charge will be made hire on match days for those supporters who have Way, Exeter, , EX4 6PX. to the person with the disability. This is in line with PLACES & POSITIONS: a need of a wheelchair because of a temporary Club Reception: Tel: 01392 411243, option 2 current “disability etiquette” which maintains that Wheelchair users (designated areas): 41 (57 if disablement. Anyone requiring the use of the Fax: 01392 413959 people with disabilities should be treated the same needed) Home Supporters: 1 area in the Main Stand assistant wheelchair is advised to contact club Email: [email protected] as any non-disabled person or in this case spectator. (covered & elevated), 3 areas in the Big Bank Stand reception for availability. Where Health and Safety requirements demand that (all elevated but only 2 are covered), 4 areas in the EXETER CITY TICKETING a person with a disability has to be accompanied Stagecoach Stand (1 elevated & 3 at pitch level). ACCESSIBLE TOILETS; CHANGING (HOME SUPPORTERS ONLY): by a personal assistant, that assistant will be given www.tickets.ecfc.co.uk NOTE: When demand is greatest, 16 more spaces PLACES ROOM & CATERING: Online Tickets: free entry to matches where the Club allows free will be provided in the front row of the Stagecoach 5 adapted toilets in total. 1 in corner of Big Bank ECFC Ticket Hotline: Tel: 01392 411243, option 3. admission. Stand (all pitch level). This gives 57 spaces for home Stand/Stadium Way Entrance; 1 plus 1 Changing Please note if the person with the disability cannot supporters, if and when needed. Waterproofs are Places room in the Stagecoach Stand (supporters WEBSITES: www.exetercityfc.co.uk attend a match, their personal assistant will only available to those supporters using area 1 in the Big are advised to bring their own sling for the portable Exeter City Football Club: http://ecfcst.org.uk be allowed access provided they pay for a full price Bank Stand. Ask the nearest steward if required. hoist) & 2 in ‘The Park’. Areas are stewarded with ECFC Supporters Trust: ticket. Radar locking key systems in use. 8 Away Supporters: 1 area in Main Stand (Area L - 3 EXETER CITY DISABLED SUPPORTERS The Club reserves the right to ask for ‘proof of PA seated spaces - covered & elevated), 1 area in St. Catering Facilities: Available. However, only the ASSOCIATION: disability’ before issuing any concession under the James Rd Stand (5 PA standing spaces - covered & Stagecoach Stand is dedicated at this time. Email: [email protected] Disability Discrimination Act 2005 (DDA), which pitch level). Website: http://ecfcdsa.co.uk OFFICIAL AWAY CLUB TRAVEL: was replaced by the Equality Act 2010. However, All personal assistants are seated or standing within For reasons of Health and Safety, wheelchair the Disability Equality Duty in the DDA continues to designated areas. ECFC DISABILITY POINT OF CONTACT: apply. users are asked to be accompanied by a personal Nick Saunders Disability Liaison Officer assistant. AMBULANT DISABILITIES: Tel: 01392 411243. Such proof shall include: Email: [email protected] Unlimited places. Seating is arranged in relation to TICKET INFORMATION: • Receipt of the Standard or Enhanced rate of the mobility difficulties. Supporters requiring access to accessible Personal Independence Payment (PIP), (daily wheelchair areas and all those others with DISABILITY POLICY living or mobility component). BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED: disabilities are advised to purchase tickets in OUR COMMITMENT • Receipt of the middle or higher rate of the Unlimited places, Personal Assistants are seated advance if they do not hold a season ticket at the Exeter City Football Club has an Equal Opportunities Disability Living Allowance (mobility or care adjacent. club. Tickets can be bought over the telephone or via Policy and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair component). the clubs online ticketing service. DEDICATED COMMENTARY SERVICE: discrimination on the grounds of disability. We • Receipt of either the Severe Disablement 10 headsets in total available for Home & Away For all the latest ticket information please visit the encourage the inclusion of all supporters with Allowance or Attendance Allowance. supporters. Supporters wishing to use the club’s official website. disabilities and welcome their involvement. commentary service are advised to contact club • A personal letter from a GP. THE PARK (CENTRE SPOT): The Club is committed to taking a proactive reception for availability and to reserve a headset. approach to ensure that the needs of all supporters Receipt of a Blue Badge will not be considered Has accessible facilities which include toilets with sufficient proof of disability. radar locks & lift. with disabilities and visitors are met as the Club DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING: recognises that not all of its facilities are fully Unlimited places. On request, a Portable Induction Should an existing season ticket holder become accessible to supporters with disabilities and Loop is available for use in the club shop and DIRECTIONS: disabled, they may apply for a transfer to a visitors. reception. From M5 Exit M5 at junction 30, and then follow designated viewing area. Where possible, the Club signs for Middlemoor. Take 2nd exit at Middlemoor The Club confirms that it is committed to making will aim to accommodate such a request. If after ASSISTANCE DOGS: roundabout (signed Heavitree); Follow signs the necessary reasonable adjustments to all the considering all possible reasonable adjustments the City Centre, going through Heavitree (Approx 2 Club concludes that it is unable to provide a space,

2 www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC 3 then priority consideration will be given when a pa, the club request that the Club’s Safeguarding WHEELCHAIR DEPENDENT tickets for a designated area are encouraged to space becomes available. Officer is notified. The Club’s Safeguarding Officer SUPPORTERS purchase tickets 48 hours in advance. can be contacted via email: safeguarding@ Opportunities for supporters with disabilities to Exeter City Football Club has a limited number of The club have wheelchairs for hire for those with a exetercityfc.co.uk attend away matches are limited by the allocation spaces for wheelchair dependent supporters and temporary disablement. Those wishing to use this their personal assistant in all parts of the ground. received from the away club. The Disability Liaison REPRESENTATION service are advised to contact club reception in Officer or the clubs Ticket Office will carry out co- advance for availability and hire. The Club’s Disability Liaison Officer works closely Wherever possible the Club will make suitable ordination of the sales of these tickets, when needed. with the Operations Manager and advises the alternative arrangements for those wheelchair dependent supporters wishing to attend matches SUPPORTERS WITH LEARNING DEFINITIONS Club on issues which are of particular concern to supporters with disabilities. with their families. DIFFICULTIES As a fundamental principle, the Disability Supporters with learning difficulties can be Discrimination Act 2005 (DDA) stated that disabled The Club’s Disability Liaison Officer can be contacted The Club wishes to make the most appropriate use accommodated in the stadium by various means people should not be treated ‘less favourably, via the Club or email: [email protected] of these facilities by providing them to those with as it is normally possible for them to use ordinary without justification’ and ‘reasonable adjustments disabilities who are unable to sit in any other part of stand accommodation. If for whatever reason, any should be made to make goods, facilities and PROVISION OF FACILITIES AND the stadium. person with a learning difficulty feels that ordinary services accessible’. Exeter City Football Club aims AMENITIES Individuals using, or wishing to apply for use of stand accommodation would be unsuitable for them, to comply fully with both the spirit and provisions Deaf and Hard of Hearing Supporters these designated areas must meet the following they should contact the Club for further information. of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 and the Supporters who are deaf or hard of hearing can be criteria: Supporters with learning difficulties can normally Equality Act 2010. accommodated in the stadium by various means. 1. Wheelchair using applicants must be largely attend games by themselves. However, if for For purposes of this policy only, the definition of a Unfortunately, the Club does not have induction loop dependent on a wheelchair for mobility whatever reason this is not the case, we encourage supporter with a disability is: equipment within the stadium. However, a portable purposes or not capable of walking a distance these people to be accompanied by a personal Any person who, because of their disability is induction loop system is used within the club shop further than that required to reasonably and assistant who is capable of supporting their needs in unable to use ordinary stand seating without and reception. It is strongly recommended that a safely access any other part of the stadium. the event of any emergency evacuation. person with a severe hearing loss attending a match contravening Health and Safety Regulations, 2. Wheelchair dependent applicants of either at St. James’ Park is accompanied by a personal SUPPORTERS WITH AMBULATORY Guidelines or Policy or where the Club has provided manual or powered wheelchairs are assistant DISABILITIES a ‘reasonable adjustment’ to enable that supporter encouraged to be accompanied by a personal The Club recognises that there are considerable to attend the venue. assistant who is capable of supporting who is fully able to support their needs in the numbers of people in the community who use their needs in the event of any emergency Any such person will be considered for use of the event of an emergency, unless said person has an wheelchairs mainly for outdoor mobility purposes evacuation, unless said person has an designated areas of the stadium in line with the Assistance Dog and in this case the Club’s Disability but are not necessarily confined to their wheelchair. Assistance Dog and in this case the Club’s procedures set out in this policy. Liaison Officer should be contacted in advance for all There are also many people suffering severe relevant information. Disability Liaison Officer should be contacted in As defined by the Equality Act 2010, a person with walking difficulties who may wish to watch a match. advance for all relevant information. a Disability is defined as an individual who “has a BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED There are also people with learning difficulties or physical or mental disability which has a substantial The Club would not refuse admittance to those who debilitating illnesses who have difficulty walking. and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry SUPPORTERS don’t bring a personal assistant; any refusals will For the purposes of this policy this category of The Club is able to accommodate supporters who out normal day-to-day activities”. only be on the grounds of a contravention of Health people will be termed ‘supporters with ambulatory are blind and partially sighted in all parts of the and Safety legislation. disabilities’ and they will be asked to follow the A ‘designated area’ is any area (including specific ground but the club recommends that the blind or procedure below in order to attend a match: seats within the stadium) that the Club shall at its severely partially sighted person attending a match Designated areas for wheelchair dependent home sole discretion determine as being available for at St James’ Park be accompanied by a personal supporters are located in the Main Stand = 4 spaces; Supporters with ambulatory disabilities who require those with disabilities at a concessionary price. assistant who is fully able to support their needs Big Bank Stand = 21 spaces and Family Stand = 16 seats in appropriate areas are encouraged to in the event of an emergency, unless said person spaces (When demand is greatest, 16 more spaces purchase tickets 48 hours in advance. A ‘reasonable adjustment’ in this context shall has an Assistance Dog and in this case the Club’s will be provided in the front row of the Family include (but is not limited to) the need to use a It will also be necessary for the ambulant supporter Disability Liaison Officer should be contacted in Stand). There are 2 designated areas for wheelchair wheelchair bay or the need to bring a personal to provide qualifying documentation relating to their advance for all relevant information. dependent away supporters located in the Main assistant. condition in order to qualify for a personal assistant Stand = 3 spaces (PA seated) and Away Terrace = 5 On match days, information will be carried via the ticket, if a personal assistant is required. A ‘personal assistant’ is someone who is spaces (PA standing). All areas in the Main Stand/ public-address system. accompanying a supporter with a disability and who Big Bank Stand are raised and covered with the The Club also recognises that people with is fully able to support the needs of said supporter in The club has a dedicated Descriptive Commentary exception of designated bay 1, which is uncovered disabilities have families and indeed may wish the event of an emergency. The Club recognise that Service for those who are blind or partially sighted with waterproofs provided when needed for said to attend a match as a family and therefore the many children are cares to their parents and won’t with 10 headsets in total available to both Home & bay. Club will provide designated ambulatory seats for be treated no differently than an adult personal families on request within the Family Stand. Tickets Away supporters. Those wishing to use this service People wishing to apply for season ticket places in assistant. However, we insist that the child carer is for such seats should be purchased 48 hours in are advised to contact Club Reception in advance for the designated areas should contact the Club. fully able to support their parent’s disability needs in availability. advance. the event of an emergency. If a child is the parent’s Wheelchair dependent supporters who require

4 www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC 5 SUPPORTERS WITH INFIRMITIES Additional information: STAFF TRAINING visitors and supporters and this policy has been developed to address specific issues relating to Supporters with certain conditions can sometimes 1. There are council run car parks situated close Elements of staff training that relate to ‘disability assistance dogs on Exeter City premises/grounds. It have difficulty in accessing seats in some parts of to the ground which are free to those with a awareness’ and ‘disability etiquette’ have been is also intended to raise awareness for staff, visitors the Stadium. Exeter City Football Club recognises Blue Badge. However, there are also car parks identified and a training programme is in place to and supporters of the issues relating to assistance that elderly people now form a larger part of the that are chargeable. ensure that awareness and etiquette are observed. population than younger people and the Club wishes This training programme will be on going. dogs. to make sure that our elderly supporters are able to 2. Those unable to walk far, there is a drop-off- Inclusion & Anti-Discrimination (Equality and This policy aims to outline: continue to attend matches whenever possible. The point at the bottom of Stadium Way close to the Diversity) staff training is also undertaken under Club therefore recognises that some of its longest accessible entrance to St. James’ Park. • The arrangements made to provide a the banner of ‘Playing for Inclusion’ provided by the serving supporters with infirmities may require welcoming and safe environment for assistance ‘EFL’ as part of the Club’s seating in an appropriate area of the stadium. ACCESSIBLE TOILETS AND CHANGING dogs and their owners. PLACES ROOM Code of Practice. Supporters with infirmities who require seats in • The roles and responsibilities within Exeter City There are 5 adapted toilets in total. 1 in corner of AFC Ltd in relation to assistance dogs. appropriate areas are encouraged to purchase Big Bank Stand / Stadium Way Entrance; 2 in the COMMUNITY ACTIVITY Exeter City Community Trust delivers regular tickets 48 hours in advance. Family Stand (changing places room can be used • The responsibilities of the owners of assistance coaching sessions for young people and adults with as an accessible toilet also) and 2 in ‘The Park’. dogs on Exeter City AFC Ltd grounds. disabilities across a range of footballing activities. ASSISTANCE DOGS The Changing Places Room is located in the Family Assistance dogs are admitted to the ground. The • A process for dealing with issues and Stand, in this room is a Changing Bench; a Portable For more details on ECCT disability activities visit: Club’s Disability Liaison Officer should be contacted complaints if they arise. Hoist (supporters are advised to bring own sling www.exetercitycommunitytrust.co.uk/disability1 in advance for all relevant information. Measures for hoist); a showering area and Privacy Screen. All More information on the definition of an assistance will be taken to ensure that the welfare of the equipment in the room is used at the supporters’ ADDITIONAL CLUB INFORMATION dog, as used in this policy, can be found in Appendix Assistance Dog is preserved. The club does have a own risk. Areas are stewarded with Radar locking Exeter City Disabled Supporters Association 1. separate Policy for Assistance Dogs. key systems in use. ‘ECDSA’: 2. ARRANGEMENTS The Club has a Disabled Supporters Association who Exeter City AFC Ltd makes the following CATERING works closely with Exeter City AFC Ltd by helping ACCESSIBLE PARKING arrangements in order to allow staff, visitors and Match day catering is provided within the stadium. to make improvements to all facilities for those with HOME SUPPORTERS supporters with assistance dogs to enjoy the best However, certain areas of the stadium do not have disabilities and regarded as one of the best in the Exeter City Football Club has 2 accessible spaces catering facilities suitable for those with mobility possible experience: allocated to its supporters with disabilities. These country. difficulties and it is therefore advised that for • Spending pens are provided for the toilet needs are allocated to supporters with the most severe http://ecfcdsa.co.uk/ these particular areas, supporters with disabilities Website details: of assistance dogs (for further information mobility difficulties, which is through a season [email protected] either bring along a personal assistant or notify Email details: contact: [email protected]) permit. the nearest steward who will be happy to provide • Water bowls are provided for assistance dogs Applications/requests should be made to the Club assistance. ONE GAME, ONE COMMUNITY ‘OGOC’: Exeter City AFC Ltd has long been recognised for (for further information contact: disability@ on a seasonal basis and each request will be judged Other facilities, which come under the general playing a positive role in the Kick-it-Out campaign. exetercityfc.co.uk). on its individual merit. heading of catering such as bars, executive lounges, The Club has had an active Kick-it-Out group • On request, Exeter City AFC Ltd will provide The Club would ask that people recognise that there boxes etc., are accessible to people with disabilities since 1997; now working under the One Game One familiarisation with and orientation of club are only a limited number of places available and it by means of a lift. In these areas’ waitress service Community banner and Disability is one of the many grounds. will not be possible to accommodate everyone who is provided. different things they campaign on. has a Blue Badge. • The club provides guidelines for staff on how to www.weownexetercityfc.co.uk/ ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION Website details: interact with assistance dogs. This information Home supporters given an Accessible Parking kick-it-out Steps have already been taken to put procedures can be found in Appendix 2. Permit are expected to display their Blue Badge and in place to provide information in formats that are Email details: [email protected] Permit at all times. If there is no Blue Badge and • The club is happy to listen to the suggestions more easily accessible to people with disabilities. This policy was approved at a meeting of the Board Permit on displayed, then parking will be refused. of assistance dog owners as to how the Information leaflets are available in large print, of Directors held in December, 2018 and will be clubs provision for assistance dogs could be electronic format and audio versions are available reviewed again in July 2021. AWAY SUPPORTERS on request. improved. There is 1 accessible space reserved for away The Clubs: Roles and responsibilities: supporters, booking of this space is by contacting The official Exeter City website (http://www. POLICY ON ASSISTANCE the Club up to 24 hours in advance. After that exetercityfc.co.uk/) is operated by EFL Digital 2.1 Facilities (informing of staff) The disability time, unallocated space will be released to a Home Limited (Company Number 04112553). They DOGS liaison officer or relevant member of staff is supporter. consistently monitor the levels of compliance 1. INTRODUCTION responsible for informing other staff, who are likely to come into contact with the assistance dog and against the Equality Act 2010, as well as working Exeter City AFC Ltd values the diversity of its Away supporters will be expected to have their Blue for asking them to confirm that they would not be on an individual level with a number of fans with employees, visitors and supporters and is committed Badge on display at all times. If a Blue Badge can’t disabilities to deliver best practice across the adversely affected by the presence of the dog. be produced, then parking will be refused. to providing an environment which is welcoming network of Official Football sites. for all. The Club provides information for its staff, The club will ensure that staff and stewards will

6 www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC 7 be provided with training, so that they can respond a member of staff, visitor or supporter with an - Assistance Dogs International, Assistance physically disabled clients train their dogs to appropriately to individual needs. assistance dog wishes to make a complaint about Dogs Europe, International Guide Dog assistance level. the treatment of themselves or their dog, they Federation - or other such international bodies Identification: Qualified Dog A.I.D. Assistance 2.2 Facilities (Grounds or Estates staff) Grounds should raise this issue with the clubs operations as may from time to time be recognised. dogs wear a red jacket. or Estates staff will ensure the upkeep of Spending manager. Pens to ensure the health of the dog and the safety Types of Assistance Dogs: • Medical Detection Dogs: Medical Alert Every attempt will be made to resolve the matter of the owner, including the provision of bins for dog • Guide Dogs: for adults and young people who Assistance Dogs for adults and children who informally, including where appropriate the use refuse and the disposal of the refuse. are blind or partially sighted. manage complex health conditions. Dogs are of mediation. If the matter cannot be resolved 2.3 Information The disability liaison officer or Identification: Qualified guide dogs wear a trained to identify the odour changes that are informally, the issue will be escalated and dealt with relevant member of staff will advise employees, white harness with yellow fluorescent strips. associated with life threatening medical events. through staff disciplinary procedures, with reference visitors and supporters with assistance dogs and to the Equality Act 2010. • Hearing Dogs: for adults with a hearing Cancer & Bio-detection Dogs detect cancer signpost them to this policy to make them aware of impairment (aged 17+) and for children with a volatiles in urine and breath samples. These the help provided by the club and their rights and If a member 4.2 Complaints about assistance dogs hearing impairment (ages 7-12). specialist dogs provide valuable data to assist responsibilities. If required, the disability liaison of staff, visitor or supporter wishes to make a Identification: Qualified hearing dogs wear a in the development of new ways to detect and officer or relevant member of staff will liaise with complaint about an assistance dog or notices any burgundy jacket. diagnose cancer. the grounds or estates staff to ensure that any breaches of this policy, they should also raise the Identification:Qualified dogs wear a red jacket. reasonable adjustments needed have been made. issue with the clubs operations manager. • Dogs for the Disabled: Assistance dogs for children with physical disabilities (Age7-16) and Members of Assistance Dogs (UK) 2.4 Operations Manager The operations manager Again, every attempt will be made to resolve the will ensure that staff with an assistance dog matter informally with the dog’s owner, including for adults with physical disabilities (Age 17+). The following are registered members of Assistance are aware of this policy, including their own where appropriate the use of mediation. If the matter Assistance dogs and other services for families Dogs (UK): with a child affected by autism (age 3-16) responsibilities and will work together with cannot be resolved informally, or if the request • Guide Dogs for the Blind Association The charity also runs a non-assistance dog the member of staff to arrange any reasonable to resolve the complaint is not complied with, the • Hearing Dogs for Deaf People programme called PAWS working with families adjustments required. The operations manager will issue will be escalated and dealt with through staff • Dogs for the Disabled with children with autism who have, or want to also ensure that other members of staff respond disciplinary procedures. • Canine Partners appropriately to the member of staff and the acquire a pet dog (see website for details). 4.3 Complaints about this policy Complaints about • Support Dogs assistance dog. Grounds or estates staff will provide Identification:Qualified disabled and assistance the operation of this Policy should be made to the • Dog A.I.D support to the operations manager in addressing dogs wear a fluorescent yellow jacket. Autism clubs operations manager. • Medical Detection Dogs any issues that arise. assistance dogs wear a blue harness. Membership of Assistance Dogs (UK) is open 3. The Owner: Roles and responsibilities • Canine Partners: Assistance dogs for adults APPENDIX 1 with physical disabilities. to organisations that are accredited members The assistance dog is the responsibility of its owner DEFINITION OF ASSISTANCE DOG: Identification:Qualified canine partners of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the who must ensure that the assistance dog: International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). For the purpose of this policy, an assistance dog assistance dogs wear a purple jacket. I. Is kept on a lead at all times when walking is one which has been specifically trained to assist • Support Dogs: are trained to do many tasks, Additional sources of information and guidance around the club premises/ grounds. disabled people and which has been qualified by which their owner may find difficult or II. Uses the Spending Pens provided by the one of the organisations registered as a member of impossible or disability assistance dogs for ASSISTANCE DOGS UK club and does not allow it to foul on club paths Assistance Dogs (UK) or an equivalent organisation people with physical disabilities (client-owned Assistance Dogs (UK) is a coalition of assistance or grounds. in another country. dogs specifically trained to meet their owner’s dog organisations that encourages the exchange of needs). ideas and best practice amongst its members, raises III. Has its requirements in relation to toileting Assistance dogs trained by members of Assistance awareness amongst the general public and promotes Autism Assistance dogs for children with and feeding requirements met. Dogs (UK) or by an equivalent organisation in behavioural and legislative changes to ensure the another country, have formal identification and are autism are trained to do many other tasks, IV. Behaves in an appropriate manner at all times which their owner may find difficult or freedom, independence and rights of its clients. permitted to accompany their owners at all times This policy* refers to the definitions and types of and does not disrupt others. The following and in all places within the United Kingdom (unless impossible or disability assistance dogs for action must be taken in the event of fouling: people with physical disabilities (client-owned assistance dogs provided on its website: www. there is a genuine health and safety risk). assistancedogs.org.uk In the unlikely event that the dog does foul inside dogs specifically trained to meet their owner’s On the grounds of Health and Safety responsibilities needs). club buildings, the owner must report this to an to its staff, visitors and supporters, the football club APPENDIX 2 appropriate member of staff to make arrangements reserves the right to refuse access for a dog that: Seizure Alert Dogs for people with epilepsy. with grounds or estates management to clean and Autism Assistance dogs for children with INTERACTING WITH ASSISTANCE DOGS: i. Is not qualified by one of the seven sanitize the area. autism. Seizure Alert dogs are trained to When interacting with assistance dogs or with membership organisations of Assistance Dogs behave differently when they detect a potential people who have assistance dogs, please bear the (UK). 4. PROCESS FOR DEALING WITH seizure, which may appear to be misbehaving. following points in mind: COMPLAINTS AND/OR BREACHES OF ii. Dogs from other nations, which do not meet Identification: All the above qualified support Talk to the handler, not the dog! THE POLICY the full membership criteria of the established dogs wear a blue jacket. It is very frustrating for a person to have to interrupt 4.1 Complaints by assistance dogs owners If international assistance dog organisations • Volunteer trainers supplied to help Dog A.I.D: your conversation with their dog. Likewise, if you are

8 www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC 9 helping a person with a guide dog to get somewhere, a hoist and room for a wheelchair and up two cares. give the person directions or talk with the person as Standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs they follow you. They will give the dog the correct of all people with a disability. People with profound commands for following you. Please do not call the and multiple learning disabilities, as well people with dog. The dog is used to working for the disabled other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, owner. If it is responding to you, it is no longer muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often focused on their needs but on you. need extra equipment and space to allow them to Do not pet or praise the dog without asking first, use the toilets safely and comfortably. These needs please! are met by Changing Places toilets. It can be very dangerous for the handler if their dog Although the new facility is housed in the Stagecoach is distracted and not doing its job. It is important to Adam Stansfield Stand it is open to all home and remember that while they are extremely intelligent, away supporters. devoted, and highly trained, service dogs are still capable of acting upon natural instincts and may The changing places facility has been a collaboration display the same behaviours as other dogs from between the club and the Exeter City Disabled time to time. Guide dogs sometimes scavenge for Supporters Association. The ECDSA raised £3000 food, get distracted by other animals, experience which has paid for the bench, hoist and privacy fear, and forget about their work when tempted by screen. The funds were raised through their things they like. People’s attention can be especially Christmas draw and bucket collections. alluring. Praise is a reward for service animals, Nick Saunders, ECDSA chairman said: and people who work with the dogs provide it when “We at ECDSA strive to ensure access for all. The it is appropriate. Sometimes it is given quietly in Changing Places room is a good chance to make an small doses; and at other times it is given lavishly. If improvement that has been missing. another person says, “What a good dog,” in passing, the person may have just rewarded the dog, without “This is a fantastic facility that is the first in Devon at knowing it, for something the dog did just before a professional football club. This has all been made the person arrived that was dangerous to the user. possible by the hard work of the ECDSA committee, When admiring a service dog, it is best to keep it’s members and the fans of Exeter City Football eyes averted, comments directed to the user, and Club.” voice modulated appropriately (e.g. do not speak as Justin Quick, Exeter City’s general manager said: if addressing a child or use an especially sweet- “Exeter City Football Club is constantly striving sounding voice, as this will draw the dog’s attention). to move forward and improve the facilities for all Don’t feed the service dog. supporters. Many - not all - service dogs are on strict, healthy “Changing Places was high on the agenda when diets to keep their working lives long, and they may discussing the facilities in the new stand. We are also have allergies that you are not aware of. It also delighted that in working with ECDSA the facility is can break the dog’s training if they learn that they now officially open.” get food in a public place. Elaine Davis, on behalf of the Supporters’ Trust added: “As a Supporters owned club we are proud to SECTION 4 look after all our supporters, both home and away, who will use the this fantastic new facility at the CHANGING PLACES FACILITY Park.” Exeter City’s Changing Places facility in the Stagecoach Adam Stansfield Stand was officially It costs just £5 to become a member of the ECDSA. opened on the EFL’s Day of Disabilities on Monday, By joining you will contribute to helping raise funds December 3. for the association, and you’ll also become a priority ticket member. The new changing places room in the Stagecoach Adam Stansfield Stand was part of the £3.5 million To find out more, please visit: http://ecfcdsa.co.uk redevelopment of which was This season the EFL have published a new set of completed in October 2018. Disabled Facilities Guides for supporters of all 72 Changing Places toilets are larger than a standard league clubs – every season there is a new set of disabled toilet and include a height-adjustable bench, guidelines produced.

10 www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC www.exetercityfc.co.ukBexetercityfc AOfficialECFC VOfficialECFC 11