Weymouth Football Club fully supports the principle of equal opportunities and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of disability.
Most matches are pay on the day. When matches are ticketed, the club operates a specific ticketing policy for disabled supporters and will ensure that the scheme does not discriminate between disabled people with differing disabilities.
The club recognises that not all of its facilities are fully accessible to disabled customers and confirms it is committed to making the necessary reasonable adjustments, described by the Equality Act and its relevant codes of practice to ensure full compliance with the legislation.
DEFINITION OF DISABILITY
As a fundamental principle the Equality Act 2010 states disabled people should not be treated “less favourably, without justification” and “reasonable adjustments should be made to make goods, facilities and services accessible”.
Weymouth Football Club aims to comply with both the provisions and spirit of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 and the Equality Act 2010.
For the purposes of this policy only, the definition of a disabled supporter is:- “Any person who, because of their disability or impairment, is unable to use ordinary stand seating without contravening Health and Safety Regulations, Guidelines or Policy or where the club has provided a ” reasonable adjustment” to enable that supporter to attend the venue. Any such person will be considered for use of the “designated areas” of the stadium in line with the procedures set out in ths policy”.
As defined by the Equality Act 2010, a person with a Disability is defined as an individual who “has a physical or mental disability which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities”.
A “reasonable adjustment” in the context should include (but is not limited to), the need to use a wheelchair user space, the need to bring a “personal assistant” for personal care reasons, or the use of an auxiliary service (e.g. match commentary for blind and partially sighted supporters).
A ‘personal assistant’ is someone who is accompanying a supporter with a disability and who is fully able to support the needs of said supporter in the event of an emergency.
Weymouth Football Club reserves the right to request “proof of a disability” before issuing any concession / reasonable adjustment.
Proof of Disability Documentation includes;
Proof of entitlement of middle or higher rate of Disability Living Allowance – Mobility or Care Component (DLA)
Proof of entitlement of enhanced rate of Personal Independent Payment Mobility or Care Component (PIP)
Proof of entitlement of Severe Disablement Allowance
A personal letter from your GP or Care Worker
A copy of registration documents which certify Registered Blind or Registered Partially Sighted status, or qualifying documentation from a registered optician equivalent to registration requirements
Please note that Blue Badges are not sufficient proof of disability and it is the responsibly of the supporter to inform the club of any changes in their circumstances.
FACILITIES FOR WHEELCHAIR USING SUPPORTERS
Disabled Seating and wheelchair area is situated in front of the main stand at pitch side.
We suggest all our supporters should arrive at the ground approximately half an hour prior to kick off and enter via Gate 3 or the Reception Doors if not manned.
Proof of the medium or high disability living allowance being received either to the car or mobility component is required.
Weymouth FC welcomes all disabled supporters therefore ticketing prices remain at the standard charge for an adult or child – we believe our facilities ensure all public receive an equal football experience at Bob Lucas Stadium.
DISABLED PARKING
The club has the following accessible positions for supporters who are wheelchair users and, if required, a personal assistant: – 16 spaces. Car parking charges apply.
It is the club policy that one companion with any wheelchair user receives their admission to the ground free of charge. The wheelchair-user is required to pay the standard admission price for that particular game. Season tickets will be available for both the wheelchair-user and their companion.
FACILITIES FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING SUPPORTERS
The club welcomes deaf and hard of hearing supporters and hearing assistance dogs.
FACILITIES FOR SUPPORTERS WITH AN INTELLECTUAL OR LEARNING DISABILITY
Supporters with an intellectual or learning disability can normally be accommodated in any part of the stadium in general allocation seating. However if for whatever reason any such supporter feels that general allocation seating would be unsuitable for them, reasonable adjustment can be arranged in advance through the Disability Liaison Officer.
AWAY AMBULANT DISABLED SUPPORTERS
Away supporters are welcomed to the area set aside for disabled seating and wheelchair.
CATERING FACILITIES
Match day catering for wheelchair using supporters is provided in the kiosk located in the main stand or buy the burger van next to the main stand.
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
The club has provided accessible toilets adjacent to those areas occupied by wheelchair users.
If you experience any problems with the use of the accessible toilets please contact the nearest steward on the day or the club safety officer after the match.
CONTACT WITH EXISTING DISABLED SUPPORTERS
Weymouth Football Club strives to create an open dialogue with its disabled supporters and encourages them to contact the club on a regular basis to discuss facilities and improvements etc.
For further information please contact club via office@weymouthfootballclub.co.uk or call 01305 785558
http://access.btck.co.uk/ – Weymouth and Portland Access Group
https://www.levelplayingfield.org.uk/ – Level Playing Field