Club Policies

(Reviewed October 2024)

This policy is designed to provide clarity to employees, stakeholders, supporters and everyone connected with Hamilton Academical Football Club Limited (“The Club”) (Hamilton Accies) on the Club’s attitude to issues of racial harassment and abuse. It is further designed to promote good relations between persons of different ethnic or national groups and to preserve the good name of Hamilton Accies.

1. The Club condemns racism in any form, either on or off the pitch. The Club aims to create and maintain a working and spectating environment free from racial harassment and abuse. Everyone connected with the Club has a responsibility to prevent racial harassment or abuse.

2. A racist incident is defined by the Club as any incident that is perceived to be racist by the victim, or any other person. Racial harassment is defined by the Club to be any verbal, physical, written or visible abuse that is based on a person’s race, ethnic background, colour, nationality, language or cultural background – and is considered to be unwanted, unacceptable and offensive to the person.

3. Proven racial harassment or abuse will lead to action being taken against employees. Similarly, such behaviour by a spectator will be reported to the police and may result in a life ban from the Club. The Club will give their full support to the police in any criminal actions.

4. All employees have a responsibility to make it clear that such behaviour by anyone connected with the Club is unacceptable.

5. Line managers are required to investigate and produce a written report of all cases of reported racial harassment. This report must be provided to the Chief Executive for consideration by the Board of Directors. Thereafter, the Club may decide to attempt to resolve the issue informally, through mediation and/or in confidence.

6. Should the Club decide to deal with the issue on a formal basis, the employee making the allegations should provide a written statement. The person(s) complained about should be offered the opportunity of providing a verbal or written statement. They should also be advised to seek legal advice at their own expense, or use the services of their trade union.

7. Any employee found guilty of racially harassing another employee, or any other person, is liable to disciplinary action. The normal disciplinary process will apply. Depending on the circumstances, consideration will be given to reporting the matter to the police.

8. Supporters will also be informed on a regular basis that racist taunts and abusive or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated by the Club and will be encouraged to condemn and report such behaviour.

9. Any supporters (home or visiting) behaving in this way will be detained by stewards, passed to the police and may be arrested. Season ticket holders detained for such a reason, face having their season ticket revoked and all spectators detained in this way face a life ban from the stadium.

10. The club supports all FIFA, UEFA, Scottish FA and SPFL campaigns for Show Racism the Red Card www.theredcardscotland.org and the UEFA club guides on tackling racism within football http://www.uefa.org/newsfiles/459063.pdf  UEFA’s policies and information on social responsibility in general can be found HERE http://www.uefa.org/social-responsibility/index.html

(Reviewed October 2024)

1. The Club’s policy is not to discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability. The Club will not tolerate any such discrimination in any of the Club’s activities.

2. The Club will apply this policy when 1) advertising for and selecting applicants for employment; 2) seeking volunteers; 3) running courses; 4) running external coaching, educational activities and award schemes; 5) promoting football development activities; 6) selecting teams; and 7) considering appointments.

3. The Club will not tolerate racist, sectarian, sexual or bigoted harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.

4. The Club is committed to the development of the programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities, in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation, and within football as a whole.

5. The Club gives a commitment to ensure that it is open to all and that team selection policy will be the footballing ability and character of the individual, together with the collective balance of the team.

6. Each player and employee contract will include a clause stating that the Club is opposed to racism, sectarianism, bigotry and discrimination in any form and that the player or employee shares these principles and gives a commitment to uphold and promote these standards.

STATEMENT FROM THE CHAIRPERSON

Hamilton Academical FC recognises that football can have a very powerful and positive influence within all sectors of the community, especially on young people. Not only can it provide opportunities for social and emotional inclusion and wellbeing, it can also help to support and develop valuable life skills, such as confidence, leadership and teamwork.  These positive effects can only take place, however,  IF football is in the right hands, the hands of those who place the welfare of young people first and foremost by providing support, protection and empowerment.

We, as a Football Club, have a duty of care towards children and young people and to support this ethos, have the following policies and procedures in place which must be read, understood and adhered to.  As overarching principle, these provide the Football Club with robust guidelines which will protect children and young people from harm.

Diversity and inclusion is of paramount importance to Hamilton Academical FC, where everyone is treated equally, regardless of their background, age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, socio-economic status, religious belief and/or sexual identity.  Hamilton Academical FC Executive Board of Directors and our Club CEO are publicly accountable for Equality and will receive regular updates on Hamilton Academical FC activities and the implementation of the Equality Policy from an appointed member of our EBoD. It is the role of the EBoD and CEO to address any actual, or potential, breaches of this Policy.

Everyone has the right to protection from all harm and abuse and Hamilton Academical FC is committed to achieving this through the implementation of these policies and procedures.

Jock Brown

Chairperson

reviewed 30th September 2025

CWP Policy - Intro Policy, Set the Standards

CWP Policy Procedures

CWP Policy - Practice Notes

Organogram

Recording Concern Form

U18 Consent Form

Information for Young People on the role of an intermediary 

Information for Parents and Carers on the role of an intermediary

Our Safeguarding & Children’s Wellbeing Officer can be contacted at anytime through the details below.

Broadwood Stadium

Cumbernauld

G89 9NE

EMAIL: childwellbeing@acciesfc.co.uk

Childwellbeing and Protection Officers - Rob Brown & David Marshall
childwellbeing@acciesfc.co.uk

Club Charter

Hamilton Academical Football Club (Hamilton Accies)  recognises the special bond between the Club and its supporters. It recognises and respects the invaluable contribution the supporters make to the life of the Club.

As such, the Club makes every effort to ensure that its policies and practices are open, accessible and communicated as effectively as possible with its supporters.

The Club will conduct an annual review of its customer charter and associated activities, and make changes as appropriate in line with the guidance from relevant governing bodies. Documentary evidence of this shall be included in the Club’s audit submission.

Key Issues

1. Accessibility
2. Away Support
3. Loyalty & Membership
4. Consultation & Information
5. Community Activity
6. Merchandise
7. Staff Conduct
8. Customer Service

1. ACCESSIBILITY

1.1 Hamilton Accies continue to strive for wider access to matches by offering –

1.1.1 The Club offers a broad range of ticket prices. Customers buying more expensive seats or packages in hospitality enable us to charge other customers less for their tickets. From single match tickets and family oriented season tickets to corporate packages, a range of tickets are available. In season 2025-26 childrens season tickets are free

1.1.2 More than 50% of tickets to each game are made available to non-season ticket holders.

1.1.3 Concessions are available for supporters aged under 18 (as of 1st August 2023) and those over 65 years of age, and disabled supporters plus carers where appropriate. No seating offers a restricted view to supporters. (Our meaning of “restricted view” is where you have to move to gain an unrestricted view, or where one or both goals is completely blocked by a post.  Movement of the head to the side to gain a view is not considered a restricted view.)

1.1.4 Areas of the ground are made available for the exclusive use of family groups.

1.1.5 Support for disabled and visually impaired supporters and their carers. Our disability co-ordinator can be contacted at the stadium office on clubsupport@acciesfc.co.uk 

1.1.6 The Club offers reduced admission to restaging of abandoned games, depending upon time of abandonment. If a match is abandoned having kicked off you may be entitled to a refund of the cash admission charge paid at the turnstile in the determination of the Club/Event Organiser acting reasonably. Where a match is abandoned before the expiry of the first half admission vouchers for the rearranged fixture will be issued to those who attend the abandoned match. The issue of such vouchers in cases where the match is abandoned after the expiry of the first half shall be a matter for the reasonable discretion of the Club. Ticket stubs / vouchers issued upon entrance must be retained for potential use as above to any restaging. Complimentary tickets used to gain entry to a match which is later abandoned, are not valid for any restaging

1.2 Tickets for cup competitions are announced to supporters following discussions between the clubs. Away clubs will receive a minimum of 10 % of tickets, and normally the whole North Stand, and tickets for Cup matches, which are ‘all ticket’ are usually offered to season ticket holders, and then to the general public.

1.2.1 As a general rule, ticket refunds are only issued in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the club.

2. AWAY SUPPORT

2.1 The Club does not charge admission prices to supporters of a visiting club which are higher than those charged to our own supporters for comparable accommodation. In particular, our concessionary match day rates offered to senior citizens and junior supporters apply to supporters of a visiting club. The Club also intends to offer tickets for away visually impaired fans at the same admission price and with the same facilities as home fans.

2.2 The Club abides by the SPFL and SFA rules governing the allocation of tickets to visiting clubs.

3. LOYALTY & MEMBERSHIP

3.1 The Club offers additional Gold Hospitality season tickets which give access to the executive suite.

3.2 The Club subject to demand, organises and escorts mascots for every home fixture.

4. CONSULTATION & INFORMATION

4.1 The Club publicises its position on major policy issues in a concise format in the club match day programme, through the official club Internet website, and through press releases and where appropriate  Social Media platforms. It is recognised in post covid times, and with reduced demand, a match programme may not be produced for each home first team fixture

4.2 The Club is in regular consultation with shareholders, sponsors, the local authority, and other interested parties.

4.3 The Club gives the earliest possible notice of any changes to its ticketing policy and the reasons for the changes.

4.4 The Club will undertake research and consultation on the design and number of new strips.

5. COMMUNITY ACTIVITY

5.1 The Club supports activity in both the local community and the wider football community.

5.1.1 The Club seeks to promote close links between the Club and its community and to introduce young people, male and female, to football as players and spectators.

5.2 The Club will support and work with outside agencies, especially disadvantaged groups (disabled, those suffering from addiction, ethnic minorities and the unemployed.)

5.3 Regarding anti-racism initiatives, the Club supports the aims of leading initiatives such as “Show Racism the Red Card” to tackle problems of racism in the game.

5.4 The Club supports local community and schools events that promote youth football and grass roots football.

6. MERCHANDISE

6.1 Both home and away replica strip designs will normally have a life span of at least one or two seasons, unless changes are enforced due to contractual obligations.

6.2 The Club intends to communicate with its supporters regarding new replica strip designs.

6.3 Future details of the next intended change of kits will be made available from the club shop.

6.4 The Club carries out its obligations to prevent price fixing in relation to the sale of replica strips.

6.5 The Club offers refunds on merchandise in accordance with its legal obligations.

6.6 The Club will not knowingly buy goods from any supplier or manufacturer who does not comply fully with the labour, safety and other relevant laws of the countries of manufacture with respect to minimum wages, hours of work, overtime, sick pay and holiday entitlement.

7. STAFF CONDUCT

7.1 It is the policy of the Club that there should be equal opportunity for all. This applies to external recruitment, internal appointment, terms of employment, conditions of service, and opportunity for training and promotion regardless of sex, marital status, creed or religion, colour, race, age, disability, sexual orientation or ethnic or national origin. Also, the Club is committed to the development and promotion of such equality of opportunity. The policy also applies equally to the treatment of our customers, clients and suppliers.

8. CUSTOMER SERVICE

Hamilton Accies Football Club….

8.1 strive to provide value for money in all areas of its business.

8.1.1. seeks to achieve the highest level of service

8.1.2. will treat all customers with respect and courtesy.

8.2 The Club responds promptly to any contact from a customer.

8.2.1 To avoid confusion, Hamilton Accies Football Club prefers all complaints to be made in writing by e-mail or letter and will respond in form. In the first instance, we encourage customers to contact the club which is committed to acknowledge any letter of complaint within three working days of receipt and will endeavour to provide a full response within 10 days.

8.2.2 If your complaint has not been dealt with speedily and efficiently by the department concerned, then recourse is again in writing to The Chairman as follows :

Hamilton Academical Football Club Ltd
Broadwood Stadium

Cumbernauld

G68 9NE

updated 1st October 2024

Hamilton Academical Football Club Ltd

Broadwood Stadium

Cumbernauld, G68 9NE

Email: enquiries@acciesfc.co.uk

CEO: - Rebecca Nuttall

Chairman: – Allan Currie

First Team Coach – Darian McKinnon

Kit Manager: – Danny Cunning

Sports Science – Euan Taylor

Disability Access Officer - Jim Cuthbertson
dao@acciesfc.co.uk

Childwellbeing and Protection Officers - Rob Brown & David Marshall
childwellbeing@acciesfc.co.uk

Media Liaison Officer –Ben Paterson  (b.paterson@the-accies.com)

Supporters Liaison Officer - Alan Macintyre

slo@acciesfc.co.uk

(Reviewed October 2024)

Disability Policy

Hamilton Academical Football Club is committed to ensuring that our disabled supporters and customers have full access to all goods, services and facilities provided or offered to the public by the club.

ENTRY FOR WHEELCHAIR AND AMBULANT SUPPORTERS

Stewards are always on hand to assist where required.

Accessible seats are available in all stands for ambulant disabled.

Disabled Toilets

Main stand segregated – Home fans within Kiosk 1, Away fans within Kiosk 2.

More than one stand in use – Toilets located within all Kiosks.

Parking

Home Turnstiles (D/E/F)
4 Parking Bays outside turnstiles
6 Parking Bays across road.

Away Turnstiles (A/B/C)
4 Parking Bays outside turnstiles
6 Parking Bays across road.

Admission Charges

Admission
Home supporters can buy a discounted season ticket (valid for all home league games only).

General Match day admission, all disabled / ambulant supporters come with a carer ticket, if required, free of charge. Tickets should be reserved in advance, and collected / paid at the ticket office on match day.

Contact jen@acciesfc.co.uk ideally by Friday lunchtime prior to a weekend fixture. All ticket (or likely sell out) fixtures are different and requests should be made 14 days in advance of game at latest. Away supporters should contact their own club who will then notify us. Please note – depending on the fixture, part of the disabled seating area in the main stand may also be given over to away supporters depending on segregation requirements.

Customer Care

Our staff, stewards and all match day personnel are tasked with ensuring that disabled supporters and customers are at all times treated with due patience, politeness, courtesy and practical assistance. The club’s Disability Access Officer is based at ticket office on a match day.

The club, its employees and stewards shall not discriminate between people with differing impairments.

Hamilton Academical Football Club is aware that any incidents of discrimination under the provisions of The Equality Act 2010 are serious matters, which could lead to appropriate disciplinary action being initiated.

Any grievance relating to the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 will be dealt with promptly by a senior member of staff. Please in the first instance contact TheStadium Manager at HAFC.

Audio Descriptive Commentary

With the new season now underway, we would like to remind supporters of our audio descriptive commentary service available upon request for all home matches.

This service is completely free of charge and can be requested by contacting jen@acciesfc.co.uk Requests should be made at least 24 hours before kick-off to allow us to allocate an adequate number of headsets.

Once you have made your request for this service you will receive a confirmation email from the club with details on how to collect and return the headset on the day of the match.

• All match tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. The purchase of a match ticket shall constitute acceptance by the ticket holder of these Terms and Conditions. A breach of these Terms and Conditions shall render the ticket void and all rights conferred or evidenced by it shall be nullified.

Disability Access Officer - Jim Cuthbertson
dao@acciesfc.co.uk

reviewed 1st October 2024

Equal Opportunities Policy

MATCH TICKETS ARE ISSUED SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 

• All match tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. The purchase of a match ticket shall constitute acceptance by the ticket holder of these Terms and Conditions. A breach of these Terms and Conditions shall render the ticket void and all rights conferred or evidenced by it shall be nullified.  
• A match ticket gives you access to the match purchased. The club reserves the right to change its advertised fixtures without notice or without liability. Play cannot be guaranteed to take place on a particular date at any time.
• Match tickets and any digital passes remain the property of Hamilton Academical FC and its use is subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of use.
• Each match ticket/digital pass is valid for the advertised match date or any date to which a match is re-scheduled. In the event be a match is abandoned or postponed, no entitlements to refund shall be authorised.  
• Concession tickets are available to persons aged over 65, under 18 and under 16. A person’s age on the date of purchase will determine the category of pass/ticket. Proof of age will be required and must be provided upon request.
• The Club reserves the right to re-locate reserved seats for safety or segregation reasons. The club cannot guarantee your seat will not be affected by adverse weather conditions.
• The Club reserves the right to re-locate reserved seats in line with the covid-19 government restrictions. The club cannot guarantee you will sit in the seat you reserve due to social distancing requirements.
• Ticket Holders are not permitted to exit and re-enter the event, except in the case of an emergency. Patrons must inform a steward in order to ensure controlled and secure egress and access.
• If you cannot attend a match in person due to the covid-19 pandemic, your ticket will remain non-refundable. 
• Match attendees are subject to ground regulations which are displayed in the Stadium and copies of which are available on request.
• The Club has a strict behavioural policy. Racial and sectarian abuse will not be tolerated at any time. Repeated use of foul or abusive language will be regarded as verbal assault and offenders will be ejected from the Stadium without refund or compensation.
• Entry to the ground is conditional upon ticket holders consent to being searched on entering the stadium and to the confiscation of prohibited items in terms of the ground regulations. Hamilton Academical FC reserves the right in its sole discretion, to refuse admission to the ticket holder to the event or any part of the event, to remove the ticket holder from the event or to direct the ticket holder to another part of the event.
• Standing is forbidden in seated viewing areas.
• Entry into the event will be authorised on a event day only upon the presentation of a valid ticket by each ticket holder seeking to gain entrance. Individuals who have been banned from attending events by competent authorities or sports governing bodies in any jurisdiction, or who are considered as a security risk, are prohibited from entering or remaining in the event. On entering the events, the ticket holder agrees to abide by event regulations at all times.  

PLEASE NOTE THAT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CRIMINAL LAW (CONSOLIDATION) (SCOTLAND) ACT 1995 IT IS AN OFFENCE PUNISHABLE BY LAW FOR ANY PERSON TO ENTER OR ATTEMPT TO ENTER THE STADIUM: 

• Whilst in possession of a prohibited container which is or was capable of holding liquid and which if thrown would be capable of causing injury to another person 
• Whilst in possession of alcohol 
• Whilst drunk 
• Whilst in possession of any article or substance whose main purpose is the emission of a flare for purposes of illuminating or signalling of the emission of smoke or visible gas 
• Whilst in possession of a firework 
• Match attendees are subject to ground regulations which are displayed in the Stadium and copies of which are available on request. 
• Hamilton Academical FC, its servants or agents shall have no liability for loss injury or damage to the ticket holder, or his/her property while in the events or any part thereof on entering or leaving the events, whether caused by negligence or breach of contract of the Hamilton Academical FC or any of its servants or agents or otherwise. 
• Any photograph, image, film or recording taken of any performer, participant or any member of any team may not be reproduced for any commercial purpose, whatsoever, whether for money or otherwise. 
• All ticket holders acknowledge that photographic images and/or video recordings and/or stills taken from those video recordings may be taken of them and may also be used by Hamilton Academical FC for marketing or promotional purposes. 
• The purchase of tickets by visiting supporters in areas designated for Hamilton Academical fans is contrary to ground regulations and the Club must stress that away fans found to be in home seated areas will face the risk of being ejected from the stadium, without recompense. 

HAFC Spectator Safety Policy

(Reviewed October 2024)

The New Law

The Smoking, Health & Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005 and The Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Places (Scotland) Regulations 2006 came into effect on 26th March 2006 in an effort to improve public health in Scotland. Smoking is no longer permitted in enclosed public spaces. This building is one of over 9000 premises in South Lanarkshire affected by the ban. All internal stadium areas are covered, as is the complete seating area externally.

Purpose

It is the policy of Hamilton Academical Football Club and all stadium operators and businesses that all of our workplaces are smoke-free and all employees have a right to work in a smoke free environment. The Policy came into effect at 6.00am on Sunday 26th March 2006 and will be reviewed periodically.

Policy

Smoking is prohibited throughout the entire workplace and stadium with no exceptions. This includes Company Vehicles. This Policy applies to ALL employees, consultants, contractors, customers and visitors. No special provision will be made, anyone wishing to smoke must do so in the Car Park and at least 9 metres from the Main Door. Following consultation with representatives from South Lanarkshire Council and Police Scotland, the Policy will be applied to ALL football matches. In terms of the legislation, and for the avoidance of doubt, persons will NOT be permitted to exit the stadium then re-enter in order to smoke. For the avoidance of doubt ‘e-cigs’ or similar are also prohibited in or around the stadium.

Implementation

Overall responsibility for policy implementation and review rests with Stadium and Football Club Management. All staff are obliged to adhere to and facilitate the implementation of the policy.

Non-Compliance

Disciplinary Procedures will be followed if any member of staff does not comply with this policy. Those who do not comply with the smoking law are also liable to a fixed penalty fine and possible criminal prosecution.

Further Information

General information regarding smoking is available on the Scottish Executive website www.clearingtheairscotland.com Should you or your staff wish to stop smoking please contact www.smokingconcerns.com or phone smokeline 0800 848484 Should you wish to discuss any aspect of the new legislation or South Lanarkshire Council’s approach to it, please contact Environmental Services at smokefreeslc@southlanarkshire.gov.uk or phone the Smoking Enforcement Hotline on 0845 600 2593

Should you wish to register a complaint regarding someone who you believe to be breaking the law in relation to the smoking ban you can either contact the above number or the National Call Line which has been set up by the Scottish Executive which is 0845 130 7250

Supporter & Customer Charter

Unacceptable Conduct Policy