On the eve of MLS First Kick 2009, Major League Soccer has announced a Fan Code of Conduct and a Pledge to Fans, which the league expects will help enhance the supporters' experience and safety at stadiums throughout the league.
"MLS is proud of its Fan Code of Conduct and Pledge to Fans because they communicate the core values we share with our fans, who we believe are the best in sports," Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber said. "Our goal is to reinforce our commitment to positive and enthusiastic behavior while maintaining the proper respect for everyone in the stadium and for the competition itself."
The Fan Code of Conduct is not meant to mute the voice of fans or the increased traveling support seen throughout the league, but rather to serve as a guideline for appropriate behavior to ensure the ultimate fan experience before, during and after Major League Soccer games.
The Pledge to Fans is a list of what fans can expect from the league during a game. Both the Fan Code of Conduct and Pledge to Fans will be visible on signage in every Major League Soccer stadium, as well as distributed to fans entering MLS stadiums.
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER FAN CODE OF CONDUCT
Major League Soccer is committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable soccer experience for all guests in and around our stadiums. MLS fans have a right to expect an environment where:
• Fans are encouraged to cheer, sing, and otherwise support their team while remaining respectful and courteous to their fellow patrons, referees, opposing team fans and players.
• Fans enjoy the soccer experience free from fighting, *thrown objects, attempts to enter the playing field, political or inciting messages, and disorderly behavior, including foul, sexist, racial, obscene or abusive language or gestures.
• Fans comply with requests from stadium staff regarding stadium policies and emergency response procedures.
• Fans promptly and carefully return the ball to a stadium staff member or the ball kid on the sidelines 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.
• Fans conduct themselves in a lawful manner to avoid incidents in the stadium and in the parking lots.
*NOTE: The use of streamers and confetti as an expression of fan enthusiasm is not prohibited, but will be kept under review. Streamers are not to be used to impact the competition and/or thrown at or toward a player, referee or stadium staff member.
FAILURE TO ABIDE BY THIS CODE OF CONDUCT IS SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS, INCLUDING EJECTION, BANISHMENT AND ARREST.
MLS and its Clubs thank you for adhering to the provisions of this Code of Conduct and for making this event special and memorable to you and your fellow patrons.
MLS PLEDGE TO FANS
Major League Soccer values the support of every one of its fans. MLS pledges to protect a fan's right to:
• Watch the game in a safe, clean and healthy environment.
• Be treated in a courteous, consistent and professional manner.
• Be treated with dignity and respect by other spectators attending the game and those organizing the event.
• 'Support' his or her team, provided that the support is in good taste and neither adversely impacts the event experience of fellow spectators nor negatively impacts the game.
• Expect displays of good sportsmanship.
• Expect timely and accurate information related to the game.
