USL Fan Code of Conduct
– Fans will be respectful towards the players, staff, officials, and fellow fans.
– Fans will refrain from displaying signs, symbols, images, using language, or any other actions that are threatening, abusive, or discriminatory, including, but not limited to, on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, ability, and/or sexual orientation.
– Fans will abide by both the venue and USL smoke device policy. Adherence to this policy includes only the use of approved devices, timing of use, locations, safety precautions, and users with signed waivers on file.
– Fans will follow directions from venue staff regarding compliance with the Fan Code of Conduct, stadium policies, and emergency procedures.
– Fans that are 21 and older will consume alcohol in a responsible fashion.
– Fans will not behave in ways that are unruly, disruptive, inappropriate, or illegal in nature.
– Fans will not fight or incite violence.
– Fans will not damage property either inside or outside the venue. – Fans will not interfere with the progress of the match including entering the playing field or surrounding area, throwing objects, including throwing of objects on or towards the field or declining to promptly return a ball that has gone out of play.
Fan Consequences
In the event of adverse fan behavior, specific consequences shall be instituted depending on both the violation type and severity of that violation. The violations are divided into two categories “Primary” and “Secondary”. Please note that all ramifications shown below are listed as minimums. Sanctions can be more severe if deemed necessary by the League and Member Club.
Primary Offenses
First offenses will result in a minimum 8 match ban from all USL matches. In the interest of clarity, the 8 match ban is based on the amount of time it takes the venue in which the incident occurred to host 8 matches. During this time frame, the ban applies to all USL venues and matches. Second offenses will result in a minimum full season (16-17 match) ban from all USL matches. The same timing standards are applicable.
– Use of language that is threatening, abusive, or discriminatory, including, but not limited to, on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, ability, and/or sexual orientation.
– The display of signs, symbols, images, or any other actions that are threatening, abusive, or discriminatory, including, but not limited to, on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, ability, and/or sexual orientation.
– Fighting or inciting any other acts of violence towards players, staff, officials, or other fans.
– Throwing of items, including the throwing of items on or towards the field of play. – Field or playing area intrusion.
– Causing damage to property, including the parking lots. – Disruptive, inappropriate, or illegal behavior at a USL match, including in parking lots.
– Usage of any pyrotechnics outside of approved smoke devices.
Secondary Offenses
First offenses will result in a warning. Second offenses will result in a minimum 1 match suspension from all USL matches.
– Use of foul language or gestures.
– Intoxication to the level at which it negatively impacts the fan experience. – Failure to return a match ball to the field in a timely matter.
– Failure to follow staff direction.
– Failure to follow smoke guidelines in relation to timing, safety precautions, or usage by a non-approved user (Smoke ban).
– Second offense will lead to a smoke ban.
