TICKETING PROTOCOL

The RFL require a ticketing platform to facilitate Spectator Assessment and Test & Trace requirements.

Keighley Cougars have already notified their prospective fans of this process on social media and in the local press.

All tickets will need to be pre purchased and no on the gate sales will be allowed. Life members will also need a ticket prior to any event even if they are not paying.

A ticketing system is being implemented on our website. If customers cannot access the website tickets can be purchased in advance at the club office. This will be by appointment only to avoid queuing and crowds.

The Spectator Assessment will take place at the point of ticket purchase.

ON purchasing the ticket, the user will be informed of:

  • Transport planning and options
  • Social distancing measures
  • Control of entry and exit, queuing systems and crowd flows
  • Hygiene protocols
  • Catering and retail concessions protocols
  • In stadium restrictions
  • Medical support and facilities

Customers will be issued with a specific zone to stand/ sit in to comply with local authority reduced capacity allowance. Customers will also be given a specific arrival time to avoid crowding, congregation, and crossover of pathways.

The customer will also be asked to sign and acknowledge a spectator code of conduct and “opt in” to attendi Cougar Park. Where under 18’s are part of a group booking, the parent/guardians contact details should be used.

The customer will also be required to fill in contact details for all members of the booking party to comply with NHS Test and Trace.

This information will be used for NHS Test and Trace only and will not be used for other purposes, including marketing, profiling, analysis, or other purposes unrelated to contact tracing. These records will be kept for 21 days.

NHS QR codes are also displayed on all entry and exits to Cougar Park and throughout the stadium and we will encourage customers to “check in”.

Customers will be zoned/ seated as individuals or in group bookings, and group bookings can only be made for individuals within the same household or permitted bubble.

SPECTATOR COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

  1. INTRODUCTION 

We are delighted that [a limited number of] home fans are once again entitled to attend Keighley Cougars matches.  We have changed our operating practices to ensure that we comply with Government and RFL guidance and regulations.

This guide is intended to advise you of those changes and also provide you with other information that you need to know in advance of attending any match at Keighley Cougars.

As you will appreciate the situation in relation to Covid-19 is constantly evolving we will seek to keep you updated as to any changes to our operating practices via the Club website and social media.

Whilst this guide relates to matches at Keighley Cougars, the restriction on only home fans attending matches is a Government requirement across all grounds.  Fans of Keighley Cougars are therefore not entitled to attend our away matches.  Whilst we understand how keen you will be to do so, it is imperative that you comply with this prohibition to demonstrate how responsible our fans are and therefore support the return to being able to attend all matches in the near future.

  1. PURCHASING A MATCH TICKET

Only spectators with valid match tickets bought in advance of the match, may attend matches.

Spectators will be able to purchase match tickets from https://keighleycougars.uk/ up until 10am on the day of the match in order that the ground can prepare accordingly.

Spectators will only be able to purchase match tickets as individuals unless a group booking is made by individuals from the same household or the same social bubble as per Government guidance please see here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and- cannot-do#meeting-friends-and-family-outdoors-rule-of-6

This is to ensure appropriate Social Distancing at the ground.

Prior to purchasing tickets, you will be asked to:

  • ensure that you have read the following Spectator Code of Behaviour
  • ensure that you considered the associated risks of attending a match and your own vulnerability status via the following links:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing-after-4-july#clinically-vulnerable-people 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19 

  • provide accurate contact information for everyone attending in your group to assist with NHS test and trace requirements, (you will be prompted)
  • ‘opt in’ to confirm that you understand all of the above statements and will abide by all requirements
  • confirm you will abide by all other requirements the Club may set out in advance of the match including but not limited to [temperature checking and the use of face coverings]
  • confirm that you are a fan of CLUB

Seats will be allocated with a distance of 2 seats between separate bookings to seek to ensure compliance with Social Distancing Guidelines. For Standing areas, spectators will still be required to ensure Social Distancing which will be managed by the Club by our stewards. (4 persons per 10sq m as per SGSA SG02 item 2.5)

When purchasing a match ticket this can only be for home games, away fans are not permitted to travel and attend a game.

Upon purchasing a match ticket, the Club will send electronic confirmation that you will be abide the Spectator Code of Behaviour and have confirmed you are aware of the associated risks of attending a match.

Spectators with disabilities when purchasing match tickets should contact the Club ticket office on 01535 606 044 to discuss what adjustments may be required to be made by the Club, including in light of Covid-19 regulation.

  1. SERVICES AVAILABLE/RESTRICTIONS TO SPECTATORS

Outside food and beverage kiosks will be open on match days but the Hall of Fame, VIP and President’s Suite bars will be closed at this time.

All financial transactions will be contactless

The Outside toilets will be available along with the accessible toilet for spectators entering by the Royd Ings Avenue entrance. For Spectators using the Sir Tom Moore gates porta loos will be in use adjacent to the entrance.

Spectators may bring the following water and snacks however we do ask that bags are limited to small bags where possible.

Hand sanitisation stations will be positioned at all entrance and concession stands and around the ground.

Face coverings will be mandated at all times whilst within the ground both indoors and outdoors: the latter is due to the higher risk of transmission associated with singing and shouting. Face coverings will be mandated indoors and in all covered communal/covered areas including on entry and in concourses, queues, toilets etc and are strongly encouraged to be worn outdoors due to the higher risk of transmission associated with singing and shouting.

  1. JOURNEY TO THE STADIUM

The Keighley Cougars Rugby League Club encourages all spectators to avoid crowded areas, specifically those that are indoors to reduce the risk of infection and encourage all spectators to come directly from home to the ground.

The Keighley Cougars Rugby League Club advises all spectators to avoid public transport where possible. Where unavoidable spectators should ensure they are compliant with government guidance such as face coverings.

Where spectators use public transport, please note the available options are via train to Keighley Railway station approximately a 20 minutes’ walk or via bus to Bradford Road. For a social distanced match, the anticipated numbers of those travelling by trains or buses is expected to be minimal.

Where spectators travel by car, please note the routes to the stadium

Where spectators travel foot or bicycle, please note the routes to the stadium. There are no parking facilities at Cougar Park, but parking is available at a small fee in Stells Car Park.

  1. DAY OF THE MATCH

Spectators should check the club website and/or social media channels on the day of the match to be reminded of risks associated with attending and to consider any symptoms they may have before travelling.

In accordance with the Spectator Code of Conduct, spectators should not attend the match if they (or any member of their household) are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • a high temperature (37.8 of higher); or
  • a new onset of a continuous cough; or
  • loss of or change in normal sense of taste or smell

In addition, and again outlined within the Spectators Code of Conduct, spectators should not attend if they have been requested to isolate by NHS Track and Trace.

  1. ARRIVAL AND EXITING THE GROUND

Entrance and exit times will be controlled so that everyone can enter and exit in a controlled and safe manner.

Spectators should arrive by and exit at the specified time stated by your ticket for the area of the stadium you are seated in

The Club is using both the Royd Ings Avenue and the Sir Tom Moore entrances and exits. Please carefully check your ticket and booking confirmation to ensure you using the correct entrance and exit.

Spectators will be subject to temperature checking. If a spectator’s temperature is over 37.8, they may be refused access to the ground.

Spectators are asked to limit the number of bags they bring to the ground to avoid the build-up of queues in this area.

Please remember that there must be no waiting outside the stadium.

  1. INSIDE THE GROUND

Spectators shall remain within their seats at all times unless accessing the facilities.

Spectators are required to follow all Social Distancing guidelines, and the instructions of all stewards.

To assist spectators, signage has been installed throughout the stadium, spectators should follow this signage when moving around the ground including when accessing any facilities.

Spectators are responsible for ensuring supervision of children in their care.

The Club will notify all spectators via the PA system about the importance of Social Distancing and other appropriate measures in place at the stadium.

The Club will remind all spectators via the PA system about the exiting procedures which have been circulated to all spectators prior to the match.

Spectators are reminded to frequently use the hand sanitisers provided.

Spectators are reminded that many people attending matches will be understandably nervous about attending events with people outside of their social households and bubbles. It is therefore important, in line with the RFL Respect and Enjoy the Game campaigns to be understanding of others by complying with all Codes of Conducts and guidance issued.

Spectators wishing to report concerns about spectator behaviour should contact the following number 07961 444 851

  1. ILLNESS/SUSPECTED COVID-19 CASE

Spectators who become ill whilst at the ground must, where possible, contact the following number 07961 444 851 in order that the situation can be managed accordingly.

Spectators who are displaying suspected Covid-19 symptoms will be taking to an isolation room contained within the ground.