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Bag Limit Size Ban at The Valley - updated policy p13
Comments
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Weegie Addick said:
Not everyone can do that, though. We’ve often flown down from Scotland late afternoon for an evening match or Saturday morning for a 3pm and therefore sometimes have to go straight to The Valley with an overnight bag if we’re staying on for a few days.Covered End said:I'm not criticising anyone, but I must have been to @2,000 football matches all over the country, with and without kids and have never taken a bag or thought about taking a bag.As with any policy, 90-95% is fine for most of the people most of the time. But the devil is in the detail of the 5-10% of people and occasions impacted. Just 5% of a 20K crowd is 1,000 people. And that’s why there needs to be proper consultation and discussion on such policies - ideally in advance rather than during / post implementation which just leads to more confusion.This with knobs on.- Why is the policy being introduced?- When is the planned introduction?- Will there be medical/other dispensations?- If so, will there be permits on a match by match or season long?- Will it apply to midweek night games?- If so, with some fans coming straight from work, will laptop bags be allowed in the stadium?- Will there be a bag drop facility?- If so, where will the bag drop be located?- Will this policy apply to away fans?- Will the away fans have their own bag drop facility?- If not, how will it work with both home and away fans using the same facility?- Will the bag drop facility be secure, especially if expensive and confidential laptops at mid-week games will have to be stored?- How will the bags be tagged/identified?- Have you considered lockers?- Will the bag drop facility be free?- If not, what will be the charge?This is not an exhaustive list but all have come up in this thread - they would have also come up during a meaningful consultation BEFORE implementation - not afterthoughts by the club (or no thoughts).Fans will accept justification for introducing the policy but would expect answers to the above questions. That's not being unreasonable or precious - it's called effective communication. It aint rocket science!
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Have I got it right that the unacceptable bags are all stored at the foot of the covered end and not searched?Is it also true they aren’t searched pre game going into the Fans Bar ie within the stand but only on attempting to go through a turnstile?
If I’ve got this right I see some more flaws in the policy / process. ☹️0 -
Bags are searched going into fans bar.valleynick66 said:Have I got it right that the unacceptable bags are all stored at the foot of the covered end and not searched?Is it also true they aren’t searched pre game going into the Fans Bar ie within the stand but only on attempting to go through a turnstile?
If I’ve got this right I see some more flaws in the policy / process. ☹️0 -
Nope. If that was any kind of concern they’d have a current, working, signed off PAVA system…fenaddick said:
Not defending the policy at all but I don’t think it’s purely about bombs etc. I think the club would attempt to defend it by saying in a fire big bags would get in the way. Whether that’s true or not is a different discussionAFKABartram said:If this is purely a security concern, then collecting unscanned bags that may contain contents that could explode or catch fire and storing them in the Covered End stand underneath thousands of people, doesn’t sound particularly safety conscious to me…0 -
The bag drop is announced as opening 45 mins after the Fans' Bar does.....shine166 said:
Bags are searched going into fans bar.valleynick66 said:Have I got it right that the unacceptable bags are all stored at the foot of the covered end and not searched?Is it also true they aren’t searched pre game going into the Fans Bar ie within the stand but only on attempting to go through a turnstile?
If I’ve got this right I see some more flaws in the policy / process. ☹️
Total lack of joined up thinking or indeed ANY adequate pre planning.
About time there was a named Senior Manager that can be contacted directly when the named contact on the OS fails to respond within 24 hours to any related emails/enquiries.
At present, NO-ONE is taking responsibility for this fiasco....unsurprisingly.
I ask again, does anyone on here know the name of any of the SMT ?3 -
Thanks for clarifying.shine166 said:
Bags are searched going into fans bar.valleynick66 said:Have I got it right that the unacceptable bags are all stored at the foot of the covered end and not searched?Is it also true they aren’t searched pre game going into the Fans Bar ie within the stand but only on attempting to go through a turnstile?
If I’ve got this right I see some more flaws in the policy / process. ☹️Does beg the question though if it’s ok to have them in the bar (post search) why not in the other stands?
I’m trying to highlight the process doesn’t really seem to mitigate much risk.2 -
But no consideration for the elderly, slower moving fans getting in the way ?fenaddick said:
Not defending the policy at all but I don’t think it’s purely about bombs etc. I think the club would attempt to defend it by saying in a fire big bags would get in the way. Whether that’s true or not is a different discussionAFKABartram said:If this is purely a security concern, then collecting unscanned bags that may contain contents that could explode or catch fire and storing them in the Covered End stand underneath thousands of people, doesn’t sound particularly safety conscious to me…0 -
Unless I missed it, we're all saying 'the club' should or could do this or that... but, ultimately, who at the club are we actually talking about? Pardon my ignorance on this.3
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No quibbles with the policy, but it has been poorly communicated. First I knew of the policy was when I went into the Fans Bar on Wednesday with a rucksack. Why not change the policy at the start of the year and send out details of the new policy with season tickets, or as a reminder when buying tickets. even better give a A4 handout when checking rucksacks at a previous game. Not everyone reads the club websites or the many emails it sends out. Might I suggest in future when the club wants to make changes it could iron out many problems by working with a users group (ie fans) beforehand.1
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Finally got a reply and an exemption. Cancelled what I’d planned for tomorrow and got a ticket for the game. They better bloody let me in!DaveMehmet said:
Despite sending a chaser email, not heard anything back. Have made alternative arrangements for Saturday now so they can go and fuck themselves.DaveMehmet said:
Cheers, that’s the email address I used (still haven’t had a response).Todds_right_hook said:
I received an email on the same day as my phone call to the club. I found the club very helpful and understanding, the problem lies with the stewards not being suitably briefed and also not caringDaveMehmet said:
This is what concerns me as well. Can’t trust the stewards to understand that I need to keep mine with me so bag drop is not an option.Todds_right_hook said:I need a bag for medical reasons, I contacted the club in advance and they sent me a letter confirming exemption
what could go wrong………
the steward wouldn’t let me in despite the letter. A colleague got involved but still refused access. I asked them to go get a supervisor which they did, I took the opportunity and entered the ground
very poor preparation and training
It makes me think is it worth it and should I watch he game on sky insteadI’ve requested an exemption but not heard anything back yet.Told them I was going to Pompey but I’ve held off buying a ticket until I get confirmation. If I don’t hear back today I’ll make alternative arrangements for the day.
safetyteam@cafc.co.ukThey did say that they’ll be setting up a request form on the website.0 -
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I believe the club are legally obliged to write to season ticket holders to highlight any significant changes to their Ts&Cs BEFORE renewal time. The club, as far as I am concerned, have failed to do this. If the club make changes after renewals then they must still write to season ticket holders who, if they disagreed with the changes, would be eligible for a full refund. Please note, I am not legally qualified !!!sm said:No quibbles with the policy, but it has been poorly communicated. First I knew of the policy was when I went into the Fans Bar on Wednesday with a rucksack. Why not change the policy at the start of the year and send out details of the new policy with season tickets, or as a reminder when buying tickets. even better give a A4 handout when checking rucksacks at a previous game. Not everyone reads the club websites or the many emails it sends out. Might I suggest in future when the club wants to make changes it could iron out many problems by working with a users group (ie fans) beforehand.2 -
Guaranteed defeat now… 😡DaveMehmet said:
Finally got a reply and an exemption. Cancelled what I’d planned for tomorrow and got a ticket for the game. They better bloody let me in!DaveMehmet said:
Despite sending a chaser email, not heard anything back. Have made alternative arrangements for Saturday now so they can go and fuck themselves.DaveMehmet said:
Cheers, that’s the email address I used (still haven’t had a response).Todds_right_hook said:
I received an email on the same day as my phone call to the club. I found the club very helpful and understanding, the problem lies with the stewards not being suitably briefed and also not caringDaveMehmet said:
This is what concerns me as well. Can’t trust the stewards to understand that I need to keep mine with me so bag drop is not an option.Todds_right_hook said:I need a bag for medical reasons, I contacted the club in advance and they sent me a letter confirming exemption
what could go wrong………
the steward wouldn’t let me in despite the letter. A colleague got involved but still refused access. I asked them to go get a supervisor which they did, I took the opportunity and entered the ground
very poor preparation and training
It makes me think is it worth it and should I watch he game on sky insteadI’ve requested an exemption but not heard anything back yet.Told them I was going to Pompey but I’ve held off buying a ticket until I get confirmation. If I don’t hear back today I’ll make alternative arrangements for the day.
safetyteam@cafc.co.ukThey did say that they’ll be setting up a request form on the website.5 -
Hindsight is a wonderful thing !sm said:No quibbles with the policy, but it has been poorly communicated. First I knew of the policy was when I went into the Fans Bar on Wednesday with a rucksack. Why not change the policy at the start of the year and send out details of the new policy with season tickets, or as a reminder when buying tickets. even better give a A4 handout when checking rucksacks at a previous game. Not everyone reads the club websites or the many emails it sends out. Might I suggest in future when the club wants to make changes it could iron out many problems by working with a users group (ie fans) beforehand.
The way you suggest is what we're told IS the way decisions are made....So many "working parties" with fancy names but clearly not working so basically merely tick box exercises to "assure" the fans they are listening to our concerns....
Methinks their cunning plan has finally been rumbled.
Think about the proof of the pudding....
..and not just the catering issues.2 -
You could always try getting in round the back.DaveMehmet said:
Finally got a reply and an exemption. Cancelled what I’d planned for tomorrow and got a ticket for the game. They better bloody let me in!DaveMehmet said:
Despite sending a chaser email, not heard anything back. Have made alternative arrangements for Saturday now so they can go and fuck themselves.DaveMehmet said:
Cheers, that’s the email address I used (still haven’t had a response).Todds_right_hook said:
I received an email on the same day as my phone call to the club. I found the club very helpful and understanding, the problem lies with the stewards not being suitably briefed and also not caringDaveMehmet said:
This is what concerns me as well. Can’t trust the stewards to understand that I need to keep mine with me so bag drop is not an option.Todds_right_hook said:I need a bag for medical reasons, I contacted the club in advance and they sent me a letter confirming exemption
what could go wrong………
the steward wouldn’t let me in despite the letter. A colleague got involved but still refused access. I asked them to go get a supervisor which they did, I took the opportunity and entered the ground
very poor preparation and training
It makes me think is it worth it and should I watch he game on sky insteadI’ve requested an exemption but not heard anything back yet.Told them I was going to Pompey but I’ve held off buying a ticket until I get confirmation. If I don’t hear back today I’ll make alternative arrangements for the day.
safetyteam@cafc.co.uk0 -
Saw during the week that clubs have stopped allowing fans to bring powerbanks into grounds. Bolton & Sunderland to start with.If you’re on a long away day, people rely on these to keep their phones charged.3
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Tried that, there’s always a no entry sign upguinnessaddick said:
You could always try getting in round the back.DaveMehmet said:
Finally got a reply and an exemption. Cancelled what I’d planned for tomorrow and got a ticket for the game. They better bloody let me in!DaveMehmet said:
Despite sending a chaser email, not heard anything back. Have made alternative arrangements for Saturday now so they can go and fuck themselves.DaveMehmet said:
Cheers, that’s the email address I used (still haven’t had a response).Todds_right_hook said:
I received an email on the same day as my phone call to the club. I found the club very helpful and understanding, the problem lies with the stewards not being suitably briefed and also not caringDaveMehmet said:
This is what concerns me as well. Can’t trust the stewards to understand that I need to keep mine with me so bag drop is not an option.Todds_right_hook said:I need a bag for medical reasons, I contacted the club in advance and they sent me a letter confirming exemption
what could go wrong………
the steward wouldn’t let me in despite the letter. A colleague got involved but still refused access. I asked them to go get a supervisor which they did, I took the opportunity and entered the ground
very poor preparation and training
It makes me think is it worth it and should I watch he game on sky insteadI’ve requested an exemption but not heard anything back yet.Told them I was going to Pompey but I’ve held off buying a ticket until I get confirmation. If I don’t hear back today I’ll make alternative arrangements for the day.
safetyteam@cafc.co.uk1 -
Don’t really get why they’re being banned, if it’s because of safety then you can equally argue phones should be banned too. They both use lithium batteries and both can ignite if not used properly4
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Apparently it’s because they believe fans will throw them into the opposite’s fans.Sheepie1985 said:Don’t really get why they’re being banned, if it’s because of safety then you can equally argue phones should be banned too. They both use lithium batteries and both can ignite if not used properly4 -
Which is crazy, I'm not buying a £60 power bank to launch itguinnessaddick said:
Apparently it’s because they believe fans will throw them into the opposite’s fans.Sheepie1985 said:Don’t really get why they’re being banned, if it’s because of safety then you can equally argue phones should be banned too. They both use lithium batteries and both can ignite if not used properly1 -
Personally I think that throughout the season there should be consultation about potential new policies affecting fans involvement and access. Then once those policies have been agreed they should be communicated in good time such as when people are buying their season tickets.sm said:No quibbles with the policy, but it has been poorly communicated. First I knew of the policy was when I went into the Fans Bar on Wednesday with a rucksack. Why not change the policy at the start of the year and send out details of the new policy with season tickets, or as a reminder when buying tickets. even better give a A4 handout when checking rucksacks at a previous game. Not everyone reads the club websites or the many emails it sends out. Might I suggest in future when the club wants to make changes it could iron out many problems by working with a users group (ie fans) beforehand.
There will be times when a new policy may need to be introduced, but generally like the A4 bags policy and the Main Reception policy there is nonreason why they cannot be communicated in good time in advance.
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The Sunderland one has been in place for a couple of yearsguinnessaddick said:Saw during the week that clubs have stopped allowing fans to bring powerbanks into grounds. Bolton & Sunderland to start with.If you’re on a long away day, people rely on these to keep their phones charged.1 -
Remember football is now a rich person's sport, what is £ 60 to you.sam3110 said:
Which is crazy, I'm not buying a £60 power bank to launch itguinnessaddick said:
Apparently it’s because they believe fans will throw them into the opposite’s fans.Sheepie1985 said:Don’t really get why they’re being banned, if it’s because of safety then you can equally argue phones should be banned too. They both use lithium batteries and both can ignite if not used properly0 -
Do we know, if the club are issued against theft or damage of the property they force you to leave with them.4
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NO.msomerton said:Do we know, if the club are issued against theft or damage of the property they force you to leave with them.
In fact we know very little of anything worthwhile about said bag policy.
Lack of information, announcements open to differing interpretations & cascaded too late for most to adhere to are the order of the day this season.
An absolute mess especially when emailed queries are rarely answered....
Just who is going to tackle these increasingly serious issues on behalf of the fans ?
( Maybe " Our Jim" will bring out a relevant You Tube video before Xmas )
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Like comms bloopers maybe? 😆Fanny Fanackapan said:
NO.msomerton said:Do we know, if the club are issued against theft or damage of the property they force you to leave with them.
In fact we know very little of anything worthwhile about said bag policy.
Lack of information, announcements open to differing interpretations & cascaded too late for most to adhere to are the order of the day this season.
An absolute mess especially when emailed queries are rarely answered....
Just who is going to tackle these increasingly serious issues on behalf of the fans ?
( Maybe " Our Jim" will bring out a relevant You Tube video before Xmas )
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Couldn’t have been smoother getting in. Steward seemed as frustrated as everyone with the new restrictionsDaveMehmet said:
Finally got a reply and an exemption. Cancelled what I’d planned for tomorrow and got a ticket for the game. They better bloody let me in!DaveMehmet said:
Despite sending a chaser email, not heard anything back. Have made alternative arrangements for Saturday now so they can go and fuck themselves.DaveMehmet said:
Cheers, that’s the email address I used (still haven’t had a response).Todds_right_hook said:
I received an email on the same day as my phone call to the club. I found the club very helpful and understanding, the problem lies with the stewards not being suitably briefed and also not caringDaveMehmet said:
This is what concerns me as well. Can’t trust the stewards to understand that I need to keep mine with me so bag drop is not an option.Todds_right_hook said:I need a bag for medical reasons, I contacted the club in advance and they sent me a letter confirming exemption
what could go wrong………
the steward wouldn’t let me in despite the letter. A colleague got involved but still refused access. I asked them to go get a supervisor which they did, I took the opportunity and entered the ground
very poor preparation and training
It makes me think is it worth it and should I watch he game on sky insteadI’ve requested an exemption but not heard anything back yet.Told them I was going to Pompey but I’ve held off buying a ticket until I get confirmation. If I don’t hear back today I’ll make alternative arrangements for the day.
safetyteam@cafc.co.ukThey did say that they’ll be setting up a request form on the website.2 -
Can anyone give an answer to this please?DaveMehmet said:Will be interesting to see how long it takes to retrieve bags from the drop area after the game.
At the Norwich game I will have to pick up our four bags and get the train at 3.30 pm to travel directly to the south coast. I've allowed an hour from the end of the game so should be fine but I would like to know how long it's been taking.0 -
I've got an exemption email (which I already had from the QPR game) so despite having it at the ready at the East Stand turnstiles I didn't have to show it at either game, I just opened my bag for the steward to see that I didn't have a bomb in it and went in. My bag is a little bigger than A4.
Going home on the Valley Express coach, there were still fans on board who hadn't heard about the new rules, and that was just downstairs which is much smaller. I managed to get the new policy showing on my phone and showed it to some (fans who don't have a PC or laptop at home ), and I also showed some of them my Exemption Email. One of them took a picture of it, I hope he dosn't try to use it !. So, the "word" still isn't getting around.1 -
No such word as "communication" in the club's list of priorities.CombeMartin said:I've got an exemption email (which I already had from the QPR game) so despite having it at the ready at the East Stand turnstiles I didn't have to show it at either game, I just opened my bag for the steward to see that I didn't have a bomb in it and went in. My bag is a little bigger than A4.
Going home on the Valley Express coach, there were still fans on board who hadn't heard about the new rules, and that was just downstairs which is much smaller. I managed to get the new policy showing on my phone and showed it to some (fans who don't have a PC or laptop at home ), and I also showed some of them my Exemption Email. One of them took a picture of it. So, the "word" still isn't getting around.0 -
The bag size limits on the site says:-
- Maximum size: A4 (21cm x 29.7cm / 8.3in x 11.7in) and must be soft-sided and flexible where possible. For example, small handbags, tote bags (A4 or smaller) or small backpacks (within A4 dimensions).
You need three measurements for a bag. So is it 29.7 x 29.7 x 11.7?4
