Supporters Group Code of Conduct
The Charlotte Independence is committed to creating a safe, comfortable, fun and entertaining soccer experience for all guests in and around American Legion Memorial Stadium. This Code of Conduct exists to ensure and maximize the enjoyment of Independence matches and all related events for everyone in attendance. It is the Club’s expectation that Supporter Groups will be courteous to their patrons, all fans, all players, all coaches and the referees.
Charlotte Independence expects all fans to abide by the following Code of Conduct guidelines. Supporter Groups have a right to expect an environment where:
- Supporter Groups are encouraged to cheer, sing, chant, wave flags and otherwise support their team while remaining respectful and courteous to their fellow patrons, referees, opposing team fans and players. No chants with inappropriate language, including any comments regarding racism, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc., will be tolerated.
- Supporter Groups enjoy the soccer experience free from fighting and disorderly or violent behavior, including foul, sexist, racial, obscene, derogatory or abusive language or gestures. The Independence will not tolerate unnecessary negativity or bigotry toward fans, players, staff members or referees in any capacity. If you start or participate in a fight, you will be removed from the stadium and banned for the season.
- Supporter Groups respect and comply with requests from game day staff regarding the stadium policies and emergency response procedures. If you feel as though you have been treated unfairly, please report the incident to Rich Posipanko, who can be reached at 803-524-2501 or rposipanko@charlotteindependence.com , and the incident will be addressed as quickly as possible.
- Supporter Groups do not interfere with the match. No objects of any kind are to be thrown from the stands or onto the field. Fans are not allowed to enter the playing field. In the event that a soccer ball enters the stands, please promptly and carefully return the ball to a game day staff member or the ball person on the sidelines.
- Alcoholic beverages must be consumed in a responsible manner and only by those of legal age. Engaging in or enabling underage drinking will not be tolerated. Beer will be for sale at stadium concession stands for those with proper identification. Fans are not allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages into the stadium.
- Supporter Groups conduct themselves in a lawful manner to avoid incidents in the stadium and in the parking lots. Illegal activities at group tailgates or in the stadium will not be condoned or covered up. If these types of behaviors are witnessed, they must immediately be reported to Rich Posipanko, who can be reached at 803-524-2501 or rposipanko@charlotteindependence.com or directly to law enforcement.
- Supporter Groups sit in their assigned ticketed area.
- Supporter Groups refrain from activities that damage the reputation of the Charlotte Independence, USL or the American Legion Memorial Stadium.
Charlotte Independence Smoke Device Policy
The USL and the Charlotte Independence permit the use of smoke devices in the American Legion Memorial Stadium, but the following rules must be followed to ensure safety, that there is no interference with the match, and that the other supporters in the stadium have an enjoyable experience. The right to use smoke devices is a privilege, one which the Charlotte Independence and the USL can take away from supporters at any time. Before any smoke devices are used all team employees, stadium employees, security, and fans must understand the following:
Must have prior approval from the Charlotte Police, Fire Department and the USL.
- The type of approved device allowed.
- The approved timing and method of use.
- The specific approved locations for use.
- Safety equipment required and any conditions that would change normal procedures for use.
Approved Device
All smoke devices must be a “cool burn” device, which burns at a safe temperature. It must have less than a two minute release time and have a non-incendiary trigger. It must indicate a moderate level of smoke density and not a high density smoke (military HD smoke). Sport Smoke and Enola Gay products currently meet these standards. The home team must purchase, store, and distribute all smoke devices. Supporters are not permitted to bring their own smoke devices into the stadium.
Approved Timing and Method of Use
All smoke devices can be deployed at player walkout, after a home goal, and at the end of the match with a home win. Devices can only be deployed in the assigned Supporter section. Teams must employ the use of a bucket, which the smoke device is deposited in once triggered.
Safety
Recommended safety gear should be worn when handling or around smoke devices. All local and state regulations must be followed in the discharge of a device. Consideration should be given to weather, specifically wind direction, and humidity. Supporters who wish to use smoke devices must sign a “Policy Receipt Acknowledgement”. The signed documents must be submitted to the USL before smoke devices can be used.
Charlotte Independence Prohibited Items
Certain exceptions to the list of prohibited items will be made for those fans attending Charlotte Independence matches as a member of a recognized supporter group, and for items pre-approved by the Charlotte Independence and the USL at the American Legion Memorial Stadium.
- Weapons of any kind including, but not limited to, knives, pepper spray, stun guns, concealed weapons and firearms.
- Illegal drugs or harmful chemicals.
- Any missile or projectile like object, including but not limited to Frisbees or inflated balls of any kind.
- Aerosol cans or pressurized containers.
- Professional camera equipment; tripods, battery packs, large commercial video cameras, cameras with detachable lenses and/or lenses 6 in. or longer.
- Laser pointers or flashlights.
- Remote controlled aircraft or unmanned aircraft systems (drones).
- Animals (except pre-approved service animals).
- Signs / banners larger than 2 ft. x 2 ft. (or any other item that could obstruct other patron’s views). All banners must be pre-approved by the Team prior to their admittance into the stadium.
- Umbrellas (Fans should bring raincoats/ponchos for inclement weather).
- Outside food and beverage of any kind.
- Metal or glass containers of any kind.
- Backpacks and large bags over 14x14x6 inches (subject to search). All bags must have clear sides per the ALMS and Mecklenburg County policies.
- Bikes, inline skates, skateboards, scooters, shoes with wheels.
- Un-approved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements, etc. All of these types of resources need to be submitted for approval by the team three weeks in advance of the match.
- Strollers or baby seats may not be taken into the stands or left in section entrances.
- Selfie sticks and/or monopods.
- Any other items deemed to be inappropriate or dangerous by the person responsible for safety/security at the American Legion Memorial Stadium.
The Charlotte Independence thanks you in advance for your cooperation and assistance in maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment.
Plan for Visiting Supporters Group
Our point of contact is in contact with the visiting team’s Supporter Group’s contact the week of the game. Visiting team Supporter Groups will pick up any tickets needed from our contact. Our contact will meet their bus/vans and will be directed where to drop off and park upon arrival. When visiting Supporter groups are on site in the stadium a security person is designated to their section.