STAND UP SIT DOWN
A NEW CAMPAIGN FOR A COMMON SENSE SOLUTION
TO THE ISSUE OF STANDING AT FOOTBALL MATCHES
Do you want to stand to watch football?
Do you prefer to sit, but find your view being blocked by others standing?
Are you concerned that ground capacities and away ticket allocations may be reduced?
Are you concerned that sanctions against those who stand my lead to crowd disorder?
Do you want your club to lose income?
STAND UP SIT DOWN has been set up to campaign for a solution to these issues.
Our aim is to restore supporters’ choice as to whether they stand or sit to watch football, by agreeing safe areas where standing will be accepted.
We want at least one area of each ground where supporters are allowed to stand in front of their seats.
Despite what the authorities would like us to believe, this would not require a change in the law.
This is not just a campaign for standing.
As the campaign’s name reflects, we want all supporters to have a choice as to how they watch football.
WHY THIS CAMPAIGN IS NEEDED
Football is a passionate game, and many supporters prefer to stand, as they feel more involved, and it helps to create the unique atmosphere of British football.
Other supporters prefer to sit, and quite reasonably object to their view being blocked by those who stand.
Many supporters have been ejected and some banned for persistent standing.
Nine clubs are currently under threat of having their away allocations halved. As well as preventing some supporters from following their team, this could lead to away fans buying tickets for home areas, leading to the possibility of disorder.
It is clear that in most cases standing does not cause a significant safety hazard. Even some of those whose job it is to stop supporters standing, privately admit that it in most cases is not unsafe.
The Government refuses to listen to reasoned argument, and although there is a very good case for the re-introduction of safe standing areas, it appears unlikely that this will be permitted in the foreseeable future.
A compromise solution based on common sense appears to be the best way forward for all concerned.
CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES
To work with football supporters, clubs and safety authorities, to achieve a common sense solution to the issue of standing, for the benefit of all concerned.
To campaign for decisions related to standing to be made in partnership with supporters, and to be based on objective safety assessments, but whilst maintaining a balance between safety and individual freedom.
To agree areas where standing can be permitted without significant safety risks, and wherever possible to provide supporters with a choice as to whether they may stand or sit.
To seek agreement that passive standing in front of allocated seats will be accepted in designated areas, for at least for trial period, subject to supporters adhering to a code of conduct.
To ensure that those supporters who do not wish to stand, will be able to sit in agreed areas, without their view being blocked by other spectators persistently standing.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Firstly we must be able to show the authorities that the campaign is widely supported.
We need as many people to join as possible.
Please join the campaign at www.standupsitdown.co.uk – It is free.
Please sign our online petition at www.PetitionOnline.com/standup/petition.html
It is important that we have as many members as possible, as well as signatures on the petition. To join see the website and complete a very short form. There is no charge and no commitment required.
Please sign up for both the petition & membership.
Please tell your friends and get them to join too.
Please copy & post this message on club chat sites and forums.
(Please email us at info@standupsitdown.co.uk with the names of forums you post it on, so we can make sure fans of all clubs are informed)
WHAT NEXT
Initially we need publicity, support and members.
Next we will need help to talk with clubs and the safety authorities.
A report on the issue of standing in seated areas has been produced (see our website), and this is being sent to all clubs in the top two divisions.
Once replies are received we will need supporters to follow this up with their own clubs.
This is an issue about which many supporters feel very strongly.
There is no good reason why a common sense solution cannot be reached.
Please help us to achieve this.
A NEW CAMPAIGN FOR A COMMON SENSE SOLUTION
TO THE ISSUE OF STANDING AT FOOTBALL MATCHES
Do you want to stand to watch football?
Do you prefer to sit, but find your view being blocked by others standing?
Are you concerned that ground capacities and away ticket allocations may be reduced?
Are you concerned that sanctions against those who stand my lead to crowd disorder?
Do you want your club to lose income?
STAND UP SIT DOWN has been set up to campaign for a solution to these issues.
Our aim is to restore supporters’ choice as to whether they stand or sit to watch football, by agreeing safe areas where standing will be accepted.
We want at least one area of each ground where supporters are allowed to stand in front of their seats.
Despite what the authorities would like us to believe, this would not require a change in the law.
This is not just a campaign for standing.
As the campaign’s name reflects, we want all supporters to have a choice as to how they watch football.
WHY THIS CAMPAIGN IS NEEDED
Football is a passionate game, and many supporters prefer to stand, as they feel more involved, and it helps to create the unique atmosphere of British football.
Other supporters prefer to sit, and quite reasonably object to their view being blocked by those who stand.
Many supporters have been ejected and some banned for persistent standing.
Nine clubs are currently under threat of having their away allocations halved. As well as preventing some supporters from following their team, this could lead to away fans buying tickets for home areas, leading to the possibility of disorder.
It is clear that in most cases standing does not cause a significant safety hazard. Even some of those whose job it is to stop supporters standing, privately admit that it in most cases is not unsafe.
The Government refuses to listen to reasoned argument, and although there is a very good case for the re-introduction of safe standing areas, it appears unlikely that this will be permitted in the foreseeable future.
A compromise solution based on common sense appears to be the best way forward for all concerned.
CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES
To work with football supporters, clubs and safety authorities, to achieve a common sense solution to the issue of standing, for the benefit of all concerned.
To campaign for decisions related to standing to be made in partnership with supporters, and to be based on objective safety assessments, but whilst maintaining a balance between safety and individual freedom.
To agree areas where standing can be permitted without significant safety risks, and wherever possible to provide supporters with a choice as to whether they may stand or sit.
To seek agreement that passive standing in front of allocated seats will be accepted in designated areas, for at least for trial period, subject to supporters adhering to a code of conduct.
To ensure that those supporters who do not wish to stand, will be able to sit in agreed areas, without their view being blocked by other spectators persistently standing.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Firstly we must be able to show the authorities that the campaign is widely supported.
We need as many people to join as possible.
Please join the campaign at www.standupsitdown.co.uk – It is free.
Please sign our online petition at www.PetitionOnline.com/standup/petition.html
It is important that we have as many members as possible, as well as signatures on the petition. To join see the website and complete a very short form. There is no charge and no commitment required.
Please sign up for both the petition & membership.
Please tell your friends and get them to join too.
Please copy & post this message on club chat sites and forums.
(Please email us at info@standupsitdown.co.uk with the names of forums you post it on, so we can make sure fans of all clubs are informed)
WHAT NEXT
Initially we need publicity, support and members.
Next we will need help to talk with clubs and the safety authorities.
A report on the issue of standing in seated areas has been produced (see our website), and this is being sent to all clubs in the top two divisions.
Once replies are received we will need supporters to follow this up with their own clubs.
This is an issue about which many supporters feel very strongly.
There is no good reason why a common sense solution cannot be reached.
Please help us to achieve this.
