Code of Conduct

Forward Madison FC Supporters Section Code of Conduct

Forward Madison FC fans have a right to expect an environment where:

  • Supporters are encouraged to cheer, sing, wave flags and otherwise support Forward Madison FC while remaining respectful and courteous to their fellow patrons, referees, opposing team fans and players.

  • Supporters enjoy the soccer experience free from fighting, thrown objects, attempts to enter the playing field, and the use of (including on any sign or other visible representation) political*, threatening, abusive, insulting, discriminatory, offensive language and/or gestures, which includes racist, homophobic, anti-LGBTQIA, xenophobic, sexist or otherwise inappropriate language or behavior.

    • This also includes threatening and/or abusive behavior directed towards other fans, players, officials or FMFC staff members even if done outside the time period of a FMFC event (including on social media)

  • The use of flares, incendiary devices, smoke bombs, sparklers, and fireworks is prohibited without official prior approval.

  • Supporters promptly return the ball to a stadium staff member in the event that a soccer ball enters the stands.

  • Alcoholic beverages are consumed in a responsible manner and only by those of legal age.

  • Supporters comply with requests from Forward Madison FC supporter leaders and stadium staff regarding policies and emergency response procedures.

  • Supporters conduct themselves in a lawful manner to avoid incidents in the stadium, concourses, and surrounding neighborhoods.

  • Supporters adhere to the Breese Stevens Field Code of Conduct & USL Fan Code of Conduct


*As an Independent Supporters Association and federally-recognized 501(c)(3), we have and will continue to abstain from party politics, have never endorsed a candidate for office, do not participate in political campaigning, and have yet to endorse or oppose any specific ballot measures. That said, some of our messaging and actions related to human rights may be characterized as “political.” We maintain that human rights are not political, and yet, we actively participate in activities that can be potentially construed as political depending on what definition is used. For a longer read with much more context, see this post from the Independent Supporters Council and this post from Timbers Army.


What happens when these rules are broken

Individuals who break these rules may be given a verbal warning if the infraction is light enough, or the person may even be subject to a ban from the section and/or away travel. Stewards/security will be alerted if a situation escalates inside stadium grounds. The severity of a conduct violation will be determined by the Flock Board or by Forward Madison FC, depending on the circumstances.


 
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Section Captains

 

As the FMFC supporters community grows we aim to create a positive environment for everyone who stands in our section. All section captains will be wearing easily identifiable bight-colored armbands with a “C:” or “CAPTAIN” on them.

NOTE: section captains are not a replacement for in-stadium security. In the event of an urgent threat, or an emergency, please seek out stadium security.

Please seek out a section captain in the following situations:

•  A situation arises that makes you or another supporter feels unsafe, but a threat is not imminent (for imminent threats please contact in-stadium security)
•  Another supporter is using hateful, anti-LGBTQIA, and/or racist language towards anyone
•  Someone is found sporting opposing team colors in the supporters section (unless otherwise permitted during exhibition matches)
•  If you have any questions about supporters groups
•  If you’re new and want to know what’s going on


We are all responsible for addressing behavior that is in any way detrimental to the FMFC community, and it is our hope that this will be a useful step in achieving that goal.