Official Squadron FSC response to the introduction of FFA active support restrictions

[Blackmac79]

Fellow Supporters,

Over the last month The Squadron Football Supporters Club (Squadron FSC) has been working hard on how we would choose to react to the restrictions imposed by Football Federation Australia on all active supporters across the A-League. The Squadron FSC has communicated with the Jets that we have significant concerns over the implementation of these restrictions and their effect on the future of active support in Newcastle. The club then kindly negotiated on our behalf new measures for active supporters which fit inside the constraints of the FFA restrictions.

However it is with regret that The Squadron FSC informs you that we can not accept the new restrictions for active support this season. This is a decision we have made after discussion with our Members. In the interests of engaging a wider cross-section of Newcastle supporters on this particular issue, we are looking for feedback from people as to whether they believe these restrictions are necessary, and whether it will impact if you choose to participate in active support in the future if these restrictions remain.

The Newcastle Jets management, The Squadron FSC, Hunter Stadium and Newcastle Police have been working tirelessly together over past seasons putting in place measures to improve and enhance the active support and to make it a more welcoming and inclusive experience at Newcastle Jets games. This included a safe and secure environment for all supporters who wanted to join the active area and this hard work resulted in zero incidents occurring within Bay60, a positive we were looking forward to increase this coming season. Let us make this clear, we had ZERO incidents in Bay60 last season. However these new restrictions will completely negate the work that has been done over many seasons and especially last season.

The Squadron Football Supporters Club wants the best for the Club, the A-League, and Football, however our biggest concern is the Fans and Supporters who we represent. In light of this The Squadron FSC will be vacating the designated active supporter bay for the 2014/15 season, or until such time as these restrictions are removed. This is not an action against the Newcastle Jets, it is however a response to the absurd and overbearing one-size-fits-all FFA restrictions. Should these restrictions be removed, we will return to our place in Bay60.

We will however continue to provide a voice for the fans, by being a link between them and the club. Further to this, we believe that between ourselves and the club we can negotiate, plan and provide an experience on game day that allows for growth of active support, and the general support in Newcastle.
We believe in a free and organic active support, one which can grow and diversify. The new FFA restrictions do not allow this to occur, neither do the Clubs negotiated measures. Through discussion with other fans within the Newcastle Jets supporter base, we have already seen that these measures will reduce and restrict our members and growth.

Our issues with the proposed changes to active support are:

1) Membership only access - The Squadron prided itself on the number of young people becoming involved in the matchday active support in the 2013/14 season. These young people ranged from early to late teens, people that the Squadron considers vital components of the future Newcastle, and more broadly A-League, support. A no-membership, no-access restriction disadvantages this key demographic of our support, now and into the future. Membership-only access also forces people to buy memberships which some younger supporters & parents are not able to afford. Yet more supporters will also be disadvantaged as not everyone able to attend every game due to family, work and local sporting commitments thus negating the benefits of purchasing a membership.

2)No Match-day Purchase of Active tickets - Through having a conversation with stakeholders of the game, i.e. supporters, we have found that the purchase of active tickets on game day was a common occurrence. Supporters being unable to purchase these "walk-up" tickets to our bay will significantly reduce the number of people able to experience our unique style of support for the first time.

3) Restricting movement into Active Support areas - We believe that support, particularly active support, ebbs and flows minute by minute, game by game, season by season. Whether our team is winning or holding onto the game as it draws to a close, putting a run of victories together, or excitement peaks for the season launch or a run to the finals series, the numbers in the active support bays would swell as people wanted to join in and put their voices behind the team. We believe that supporters should be free to do this, and that these new restrictions are placing barriers in front of people wanting to move into the active support area.

4) Price Gouging of fans - Further to restricting the purchase of active bay tickets on match day, it is forcing the pre-purchase of tickets online. The Ticketmaster/Ticketek monopoly on online sales, one company of which the Jets now use, are well known for their absurd price "add-ons". We believe that by forcing fans to buy online that this incurs extra expense for the purchaser that will further put them off buying active tickets. In the interests of transparency, the Club has proposed that active supporter members would have a "bring a friend option" which would see a $5 reduction of the face value of tickets bought through these sites for active support.

5) The collection and storage of personal information - The Squadron FSC has always maintained a strict self-policing policy. Perpetrators of anti-social behaviour in our Bay have always been easily identified and removed, or encouraged to participate in a positive way. We believe that the bulk collection of everyone in the bay's personal information is unnecessary and invades their privacy. We believe that those who commit acts of crime, or behave in an inappropriate manner should have details collected as per legal requirements. The Club says that they have "Strict privacy rules surrounding the collection of information", however it is our belief that if the club is unable to say no to the FFA on these new restrictions, they won't say no when asked to divulge personal information.

6) Supporters United Australia - We believe that in light of the League wide situation facing active supporters that it would be unfair of us to accept a deal based on the FFA restrictions. We believe that the best way for OUR game to continue to grow is to provide both active support and general support that is free from these restrictions. We also believe that the best way to achieve freedom from these FFA restrictions is to join with our fellow supporters from other clubs in protest against these measures. The overall aim & attitude of football administrators should be to remove barriers and restrictions so as to make it easier for people to migrate into the active support bays when they wish to. Active support is frequently used as a point of difference between our game and the other sporting codes in FFA advertising and public relations, yet it seems the overall attitude is to dilute, restrict and reduce this point of difference rather than work with the various groups on how to best maximise the effects and help grow the unique atmosphere generated by the supporter groups around the league.


We have a unique set of circumstances which affect us as a group, circumstances which are shared by all supporters of our club. These new FFA restrictions are a 'one-size-fits-all' solution to be applied across the league and will have a negative effect on active support, due to the individual circumstances with each stadium, supporter group and club. These measures are vehemently opposed by all other active support groups, who we are continuing to liaise with. We believe all supporter groups should be allowed to continue working with their own clubs to continue to implement measures specific to their circumstances without interference. We are willing to have discussion with OUR club to implement such measures, which should not involve FFA restrictions or input.

We appreciate the management team of the Newcastle United Jets, and look forward to working closely with them into the future.

Thank you for your continued support,

The Squadron FSC Committee

[Premy]

See you guy's on the Hill.

Totally support these actions FFA are hell bent on ruining our game from the inside out. The sooner someone at head office remembers the game is for the fans and without us it would just be 25 blokes in the middle of some field.

[hausmann]

Sounds good. Just a few comments.

1. The FFA have made public what restrictions are to be placed on active support areas. Are you able to say exactly what were the club negotiated conditions? You may have mentioned them up there but it doesn't appear to be clearly detailed what these conditions are as a package.
2. From the perspective of the FFA, they will be using the unsavoury incidents involving WSW and Mebourne Victory fans to justify their position. It's my opinion that they will not cave quickly. I think they will be prepared to go at least a year without active support, which is just crazy in the 10th year of the A-League but be prepared to be frozen out.

It's clear that for many seasons, initially due to issues with flares and then with violence between fans that they want more control over organised fan activity within stadiums. There is a risk that the protest will be described in the media and by the FFA as tacit approval of anti-social activities of these fans. I know that you have said that you have worked to make Bay60 safe. But it seems to me that you need to make it very very clear that you do not condone or support the anti-social or illegal activities of any fans of any club. You need to be clear that your solidarity with other fan organisations is only for the reasons you outline and should not be seen as condoning anti-social or illegal behaviour.
3. However, this is also an opportunity to embrace the rest of the supporter community in ways that we did in early seasons eg. giving free gold balloons to kids in the stands etc. It seems like you are already thinking down this line but you should be looking to show in many ways that this is not a negative protest but that you don't want to be locked away from other fans because we are all part of the one support of the team.
4. I should mention that you weren't in Bay 60 for the whole season, so you should make this clear because it looks like you are saying that there were no incidents last year, and there was an incident in Bay2 last season, just no Bay60. You need to make sure that people don't think you are trying to bend the truth.

All in all, that's a positive and mature statement.

[furns]

The statement was fairly lengthy as it was, we didnt feel we should make it any longer and that we could answer peoples queries and go into further detail here and on social media when its released to the wider public.

To answer a few of your points:
* The original statement we released when a new Squadron committee was elected clearly stated that we do not condone any antisocial/violent/racist/etc behaviour and would work to ensure that these actions are dealt with appropriately.
* The incident in bay 2 was dealt with by security and police, and we clearly stated that there were no incidents in bay 60 once we had moved.

The negotiated measures that the Jets were putting forward were as follows:
* Bay 60 memberships would be classed as an Active Support membership not a Community Reserved Membership
* People would be able to purchase tickets to the active area, but only online
* Bay 60 members would have the option to purchase up to 2 "bring a friend" tickets for a discount of $5 each
* Club will create a mini membership available for purchase for 3 games
* Members would still be able to "upgrade" to an active support ticket on gameday via the Membership Service Box Office

The major issues with these negotiated measures is that it still doesnt deal with the underlying objections as we outlined in the statement with these new measures:
No gameday walkup sales, all sales are online to enable detail capture
Collection of private details for every single person in bay 60
Bay 60 would basically be a tightly secured, segregated area, with no movement allowed in unless you had decided to jump through multiple FFA hoops prior to gameday if you wanted to join in, what is supposed to be lets remember this, the FUN.

[hausmann]

The statement was fairly lengthy as it was, we didnt feel we should make it any longer and that we could answer peoples queries and go into further detail here and on social media when its released to the wider public.

To answer a few of your points:
* The original statement we released when a new Squadron committee was elected clearly stated that we do not condone any antisocial/violent/racist/etc behaviour and would work to ensure that these actions are dealt with appropriately.
* The incident in bay 2 was dealt with by security and police, and we clearly stated that there were no incidents in bay 60 once we had moved.

The negotiated measures that the Jets were putting forward were as follows:
* Bay 60 memberships would be classed as an Active Support membership not a Community Reserved Membership
* People would be able to purchase tickets to the active area, but only online
* Bay 60 members would have the option to purchase up to 2 "bring a friend" tickets for a discount of $5 each
* Club will create a mini membership available for purchase for 3 games
* Members would still be able to "upgrade" to an active support ticket on gameday via the Membership Service Box Office

The major issues with these negotiated measures is that it still doesnt deal with the underlying problems with these new measures:
No gameday walkup sales, all sales are online to enable detail capture
Collection of private details for every single person in bay 60
Bay 60 would basically be a tightly secured, segregated area, with no movement allowed in unless you had decided to jump through multiple FFA hoops prior to gameday if you wanted to join in, what is supposed to be lets remember this, the FUN.

Thanks for that.

That's cool, your first two responses were to questions where I was just playing devil's advocate. I think the majority of media definitely are happy to take the "Soccer Hooligan" approach to any fan behaviour so you want to be a clear as possible so that your position is not distorted. It is easier for them to misrepresent your position if it is not clearly stated in each public statement you make. Once they report a quote from you, it's too late to try and clarify what you meant. They are under no obligation to do a follow up story to correct their original misrepresentation of your position. I can just see the football unfriendly media running with a Hooligan angle to this story, trying to claim that all the Hooligans are ganging together. Which is why I also mentioned the Bay2 v Bay60 issue, because I could see a RDillon type person mocking you in the media by pointing such a thing out.

[MFKS]

So as things stand with the new rules are you gonna sit/stand at another spot in the ground and still be active or are you just gonna be quiet and let the FFA win??

[furns]

We will still be supporting the team as active as we can be without being in bay60.
We will be on the Southern Hill.

[furns]

Thanks for that.

That's cool, your first two responses were to questions where I was just playing devil's advocate. I think the majority of media definitely are happy to take the "Soccer Hooligan" approach to any fan behaviour so you want to be a clear as possible so that your position is not distorted. It is easier for them to misrepresent your position if it is not clearly stated in each public statement you make. Once they report a quote from you, it's too late to try and clarify what you meant. They are under no obligation to do a follow up story to correct their original misrepresentation of your position. I can just see the football unfriendly media running with a Hooligan angle to this story, trying to claim that all the Hooligans are ganging together. Which is why I also mentioned the Bay2 v Bay60 issue, because I could see a RDillon type person mocking you in the media by pointing such a thing out.
No worries
Also, that position is made clear in point 5 - where we state that we self-police and we identify perpetrators for removal or encouraged to participate in a positive way.

[furns]

Reason this has been posted here is to gather more feedback from general foz and non-actives before a wider release in a few days.
Whether your response is Agree/Disagree/Dont Care, we would ask as many people as possible to post up their thoughts please.

[borat]

Wasn't membership only introduced for the former Marinators years back which is what directly led to them killing them off........that and supporting a sh*t team of course.

[MFKS]

We will still be supporting the team as active as we can be without being in bay60.
We will be on the Southern Hill.

Well done.

Any reason to get there will do

[hawk]

as I mentioned before the FFa couldnt care less about active support. They used it to get their product off the ground and into main stream, job basically done. An idiot would realise the FFA should have stopped the minor trouble occuring at individual clubs by using the supposed santions on an individual club basis but they chose the lazy way out.

I wonder if they are spending junior rego fees more wisely other than blowing it on world cup bribes?

[Couscous]

What is the statement's purpose? If it is to be read, you have failed. FFS, edit it down.

[furns]

The statements purpose is to provide people with the relevant reasoning behind why we are taking a course of action.
We would rather it be a little long and provide the info required to explain our position rather than a two sentence statement giving no reasons at all.

[hausmann]

The statements purpose is to provide people with the relevant reasoning behind why we are taking a course of action.
We would rather it be a little long and provide the info required to explain our position rather than a two sentence statement giving no reasons at all.

With regards to specific feedback you requested on how the regulations will affect me:

I do want to occasionally participate in Active Support in Bay 60. I'm a member in Bay55.
Under the club negotiated concessions, I would be able to change my ticket on gameday, so there is no issue there. I'm happy to do this on the occasions that I want to participate.
The concern is whether or not I would be able to, say, walk across and have a chat at half-time. If movement within and without active support is restricted so that we have to exit the Bays to talk to people then it seems a bit draconian. However, I'm not sure the security staff will have the resources to restrict this kind of movement. And this kind of begs the question: If the new regulations are implemented and someone wants to sneak in and cause trouble, don't the regulations give the media ammunition to say that the troublemaker must have been a Squadron member?

[Jeterpool]

Gents, I have had a read and it explains why you have taken the decision.

My question would be, how do you want this to be received? There is a lot of anger behind the letter and this may be to your detriment when people are reading it. There are very emotive words used.

My advice, review it and take some of that emotion out. This will result in a more professional, considered and measured response. You can still get your point across without having to use words like "absurd", "over-bearing" which are based on opinion, not a fact. Also consider the tense you are using throughout the letter.

I work on "taking the emotion out" regularly and can provide an edit of my suggestions if you wish.

[pv4]

Now that active support is "dead" will Ray Baartz be leading his three chants to the entire stadium?

[furns]

With regards to specific feedback you requested on how the regulations will affect me:

I do want to occasionally participate in Active Support in Bay 60. I'm a member in Bay55.
Under the club negotiated concessions, I would be able to change my ticket on gameday, so there is no issue there. I'm happy to do this on the occasions that I want to participate.
The concern is whether or not I would be able to, say, walk across and have a chat at half-time. If movement within and without active support is restricted so that we have to exit the Bays to talk to people then it seems a bit draconian. However, I'm not sure the security staff will have the resources to restrict this kind of movement. And this kind of begs the question: If the new regulations are implemented and someone wants to sneak in and cause trouble, don't the regulations give the media ammunition to say that the troublemaker must have been a Squadron member?This is the intent behind these measures. No-one, including home supporters, will be allowed into bay 60 without a valid ticket/membership.
This was to take the excuse away from the RBB and NTC that all their consistent problems are caused by blow-ins who they have no control over. As far as I am lead to believe clubs, security and police are also against these measures. It puts the onus on them that if people get in, they catch the blame.
None of these parties are in favour of these measures league wide - it was only MV and WSW that pushed for these restrictions to be for everyone.

[q-money]

Now that active support is "dead" will Ray Baartz be leading his three chants to the entire stadium?

:rof:

[Mark325]

Should we still buy passes for bay 60 or for the southern hill?

[BodyNovo]

Should we still buy passes for bay 60 or for the southern hill?

that is really up to the individual

i personally will be renewing my bay 60 membership but will be residing on the hill.

[Blackmac79]

Should we still buy passes for bay 60 or for the southern hill?

It's up to each individual. Do what you feel you want to. Personally went for the GA

[WolfMan]

that is really up to the individual

i personally will be renewing my bay 60 membership but will be residing on the hill.

Did this also, in the hopes that the restrictions are eased/lifted and we can return as we were

[Jetmaster]

What are the other supporters groups doing - united front and all that?

[Blackmac79]

What are the other supporters groups doing - united front and all that?

Furns can answer more accurately, however my understanding is that due to their circumstances they can shrink their official active area and enlarge the GA areas around it so as to negate the effect. We obviously cannot do that.

[furns]

This is correct
And I am also led to believe they will be protesting in some form or another once the season is underway.

[halo se7en]

Hmmmm... I can see security cracking down on you pretty quick if you're standing on the hill with banners/megaphone etc... Not sure who mentioned it earlier (hausmann maybe?) but maybe you need to use the first game or two to do walk arounds, give the kids balloons and even let people know as you're giving them out "The reason you won't hear us today is because of the FFA restrictions" and leave it at that. People will soon realise how quiet it gets and you might get a lot more support the next day in the paper etc..

[Blackmac79]

Gents, I have had a read and it explains why you have taken the decision.

My question would be, how do you want this to be received? There is a lot of anger behind the letter and this may be to your detriment when people are reading it. There are very emotive words used.

My advice, review it and take some of that emotion out. This will result in a more professional, considered and measured response. You can still get your point across without having to use words like "absurd", "over-bearing" which are based on opinion, not a fact. Also consider the tense you are using throughout the letter.

I work on "taking the emotion out" regularly and can provide an edit of my suggestions if you wish.

This would be good were it intended for a purpose greater than that of letting other supporters know exactly how we feel about the restrictions.

We are not a business that is devoid of emotion. We are a group of fans that have a strong emotional attachment to the club for one reason or another. The release is for other fans that have an equal, perhaps greater, or even lesser attachment. The emotion is there because it is involved.

The restrictions are absurd, and over bearing it is the opinion of the Squadron FSC that they will result in zero to negative growth in their current form should we remain in bay60.

I am glad you sensed the anger. It's there.

[furns]

Hmmmm... I can see security cracking down on you pretty quick if you're standing on the hill with banners/megaphone etc... Not sure who mentioned it earlier (hausmann maybe?) but maybe you need to use the first game or two to do walk arounds, give the kids balloons and even let people know as you're giving them out "The reason you won't hear us today is because of the FFA restrictions" and leave it at that. People will soon realise how quiet it gets and you might get a lot more support the next day in the paper etc..
We will still be actively supporting from the hill. Whether that includes mega, drums, banners, etc depends on how the Jets and stadium wish to respond to us vacating the bay.
We will be deciding on how to publicise our actions (beyond releasing the public statement) as the season draws close. Dont forget we arent at a home game until November, so we have plenty of time to get the word out.

[Blackmac79]

We will still be actively supporting from the hill. Whether that includes mega, drums, banners, etc depends on how the Jets and stadium wish to respond to us vacating the bay.
We will be deciding on how to publicise our actions (beyond releasing the public statement) as the season draws close. Dont forget we arent at a home game until November, so we have plenty of time to get the word out.

And for negotiations to be effective and the restrictions removed.

[Jeterpool]

This would be good were it intended for a purpose greater than that of letting other supporters know exactly how we feel about the restrictions.

We are not a business that is devoid of emotion. We are a group of fans that have a strong emotional attachment to the club for one reason or another. The release is for other fans that have an equal, perhaps greater, or even lesser attachment. The emotion is there because it is involved.

The restrictions are absurd, and over bearing it is the opinion of the Squadron FSC that they will result in zero to negative growth in their current form should we remain in bay60.

I am glad you sensed the anger. It's there.

No worries. I certainly don't want to detract from your message or remove the emotion. Thought I'd make the offer regardless.

[Blackmac79]

No worries. I certainly don't want to detract from your message or remove the emotion. Thought I'd make the offer regardless.

All good. I do understand where you are coming from, this is not for that purpose.

[northern_swan]

Some questions/comments:

-What % of the Squadron are already members (bay2/bay60)?
-Of your "blow ins" (for the want of a better term) what % are season ticket holders elsewhere in the stadium?
-Australian fan culture lends itself to the walk up ticket purchase. Elsewhere (eg EPL) all tickets must be purchased online. Why the concern with FFA instigating a worldwide accepted practice?
-Given the Australian privacy act, divulging of personal information to the FFA by Ticketmaster could constitute an offence under this legislation.

[militiamon]

So what do y'all actually think about this response? I figure the foz is a good enough medium to have an open debate about it without descending into the lunacy that you see on facebook.

My summary of the decision would be:
FFA have introduced ridiculous restrictions on us unnecessarily, and these restrictions would be guaranteed to kill off active support in bay 60 (virtually no potential for growth), so we've decided the best way forward is to just do our own thing in GA areas (which is what many have been asking for for years anyway). The ball is in the FFA/club's court as to how they want to respond.

Seeing it like that here it does seem a bit wordy. Good comments from Couscous (no.1 multi of the off-season btw).
For the purposes of public info, we just need 1-2 paragraphs letting everyone know our intentions. Justifications can follow afterwards for those who want to read on.

[lquiquer]

so we've decided the best way forward is to just do our own thing in GA areas (which is what many have been asking for for years anyway). The ball is in the FFA/club's court as to how they want to respond.


I think that could just do it......Southern hill V Victory 8th of November 2014

765

[lquiquer]

I didn't need a membership for trip to Bay 60 in 2013

766

[militiamon]

^ Paging SD.

[scarfy96]

As an occasional blow in who holds a season pass with family and friends in another part of the stadium I would have to say I understand the sentiment and fully support your actions.

Overall I think it is a fairly well constructed comment. I not the comment above that you want to express the anger you feel - well that certainly comes across which could be detrimental if the intended audience is wider, so perhaps a "media friendly" version of it when sharing with the press (which I assume you will do).

Out of interest has any approach been made to SBS re fan forums to champion the issue - either via squadron or other fan groups? (Although timing now would suck due to WC, so that clearly would be better left till August).

Personally I really hope that the club/police/venue give you a little lee way with the hill although I suspect FFA will try to flex their muscle with that. Ultimately it is the best location to recruit due to the GA nature of it, just may require pulling back on some tiffo :(

[Jetmaster]

The Southern Hill is actually quite unique....we are the only A-League stadium with that 70's throwback still in existence - a grassed area with no numbered seating. Interesting times ahead.

[Superdylan]

I think that could just do it......Southern hill V Victory 8th of November 2014

765

Hehe would be good.

Only concern with the hill espicially on the grass is people like to park their camping chairs at the top of there so as a group we will have to get down there earlier then normal. I actually can see this move working quite well espicially with your Newcastle lunatics already based there.

[Beeen]

Hehe would be good.

Only concern with the hill espicially on the grass is people like to park their camping chairs at the top of there so as a group we will have to get down there earlier then normal. I actually can see this move working quite well espicially with your Newcastle lunatics already based there.

:lulzturtle: :pissup:

[scarfy96]

Only concern with the hill espicially on the grass is people like to park their camping chairs at the top of there so as a group we will have to get down there earlier then normal. I actually can see this move working quite well espicially with your Newcastle lunatics already based there.

This will be a big consideration. If you want to manage other people around you and not piss off a whole raft of people you have to be there before them now, so no staying at the Tenzo till half an hour before kick off and then wandering over. Will have to be set up in your location an hour before kick off. Managing others reactions (and hence the club response) will be key but if it works then IMO it will be the most effective way to grow the group because it will be so easy to just drift in from the edges.

Other big bonus is seen by BOTH major stands, in past 2 locations you have been invisible to half the crowd.

[MFKS]

So your not able to use the seated area behind the goals and have to use the grass???

Zads Lads ain't using it

[Superdylan]

So your not able to use the seated area behind the goals and have to use the grass???

Zads Lads ain't using it

Better view from the hill, the seats down below are quite cramped in as they are not fold away seats.

[hawk]

Should we still buy passes for bay 60 or for the southern hill?

take a southern shot ma man

[plague]

I reackon stuff em.
Just don't worry about active support this year. Club don't care, FFA don't care, half the players don't care, half the mongs on here love bagging you, let alone your herald journos and readers.
Have a year off, just go to the games and enjoy yourselves.
You blokes put in way too much effort that doesn't seem to get anywhere near enough recognition.

[hawk]

I reackon stuff em.
Just don't worry about active support this year. Club don't care, FFA don't care, half the players don't care, half the mongs on here love bagging you, let alone your herald journos and readers.
Have a year off, just go to the games and enjoy yourselves.
You blokes put in way too much effort that doesn't seem to get anywhere near enough recognition.

excellent, pez award
http://media.giphy.com/media/KPdzGp8a20QbC/giphy.gif

[MFKS]

Your right with the stuff them attitude

Though I think active should still happen

Do it in any bay area of the ground you like

The police and secos do not have the man power. To turf all of you out.

Throw the ball back in the FFA court

They created the problem


We sing where we want
we sing where we want
**** the ffa
We sing where we want

[MFKS]

Your right with the stuff them attitude

Though I think active should still happen

Do it in any bay area of the ground you like

The police and secos do not have the man power. To turf all of you out.

Throw the ball back in the FFA court

They created the problem


We sing where we want
we sing where we want
**** the ffa
We sing where we want

[Blackmac79]

Your right with the stuff them attitude

Though I think active should still happen

Do it in any bay area of the ground you like

The police and secos do not have the man power. To turf all of you out.

Throw the ball back in the FFA court

They created the problem


We sing where we want
we sing where we want
**** the ffa
We sing where we want

While I agree they will just start throwing the book at people for being allegedly intoxicated on a licensed premises. Same bullshit they use at coast away to evict dozens of people each time we go down there.

[plague]

While I agree they will just start throwing the book at people for being allegedly intoxicated on a licensed premises. Same bullshit they use at coast away to evict dozens of people each time we go down there.

Nah, as long as you clap for goals, chant "dee-fence" when we don't have the ball and you "MAKE SOME NOISE" when the ground announcer asks you to "MAKE SOME NOISE" you'll be fine.

[GazFish35]

Can we boo Bid Dog?

[plague]

Can we boo Bid Dog?
Nope.
Him, Super Hubert, Jet Man (and Jet Girl), Miss Kim and Alex Wileman are all protected species up here.

[Brownie]

My family has held a membership since season 2 in bay 3 on the aisle alongside the Squadron. My kids have literally grown from children to young adults sitting in bay 3. We have never felt unsafe, if anything the opposite. It has always amazed me that the riot squad and mounted police are required at football matches where there is only ever a few minor scuffles. We have changed our seats for the coming season to bay 59 to be closer to the singing once again but will probably stand with the squadron on the hill in support of your stand against what can only be seen as oppression.

[Blackmac79]

Messages of support as the above are what will make a real difference with our action against these restrictions.

Thank you.

[GazFish35]

My family has held a membership since season 2 in bay 3 on the aisle alongside the Squadron. My kids have literally grown from children to young adults sitting in bay 3. We have never felt unsafe, if anything the opposite. It has always amazed me that the riot squad and mounted police are required at football matches where there is only ever a few minor scuffles. We have changed our seats for the coming season to bay 59 to be closer to the singing once again but will probably stand with the squadron on the hill in support of your stand against what can only be seen as oppression.


Taree?

I'm in Wingham!

Can we carpool?


Ps. Thanks for the support.

[joel31]

http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/08/02/ffa-restrictions-force-squadron-fly/

[WolfMan]

Good write-up

[Blackmac79]

Good article, some of the comments though....

[WolfMan]

Good article, some of the comments though....

Oh, I never even look at comments. It's where the uneducated and misinformed copulate

[furns]

have replied in comments that we are not disbanding, we are vacating the bay. Also posted reply to some of the retard comments.

[Jeterpool]

have replied in comments that we are not disbanding, we are vacating the bay. Also posted reply to some of the retard comments.

Careful arguing with idiots, Furns. They bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.

[plague]

http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/08/02/ffa-restrictions-force-squadron-fly/
Pfffft.
Nowhere near enough mention of the Geneva Convention.

[joel31]

Careful arguing with idiots, Furns. They bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.
why do u talk to MFKS on here then Jeterpool

[Jeterpool]

why do u talk to MFKS on here then Jeterpool

Because I don't think he's an idiot.

[hawk]

:lulz:

[Grimario]

Apparently you guys have been forced to disband.

http://www.fromthestandsal.com/2014/08/04/perspectiv%E2%80%8Be-restrictio%E2%80%8Bns-set-active-support-ffa/

[q-money]

fmd what an absolute moron

[Grimario]

I pointed out that you didn't disband and his response was "they didn't? Yeah let's just move to another area and release a statement about it..."

[Grimario]

fmd what an absolute moron

Blahahhaa, now he is saying "Grimario said they aren't disbanding but @newyboys say otherwise"

[MFKS]

So has anything been said about the dimwits at the RBB and NT who actually asked the FFA for these restrictions on all clubs cause they are unable to handle their own idiots and are the cause of the restrictions in the first place???

[Grimario]

ahahaha, ffs. This guy is terrible. Now he has basically said "If this response is from Timmy V, I don't care because all Jets fans hate you". (paraphrased to make it more controversial)

[furns]

So has anything been said about the dimwits at the RBB and NT who actually asked the FFA for these restrictions on all clubs cause they are unable to handle their own idiots and are the cause of the restrictions in the first place???
Just to clarify, it was MV and WSW who asked for the restrictions not the active groups.
And the whole thrust of the argument is that restrictions for the NT and RBB are not going to be suitable at the other clubs. We had procedures in place to deal with dickheads in bay 60, yet the FFA wades in and demands that everyone follow ridiculous one-size-fits-all guidelines.

[plague]

Apparently you guys have been forced to disband.

http://www.fromthestandsal.com/2014/08/04/perspectiv%E2%80%8Be-restrictio%E2%80%8Bns-set-active-support-ffa/

Whoa, that dude gave you guys the sickest burn.
Take that Squadronz.

[furns]

ahahaha, ffs. This guy is terrible. Now he has basically said "If this response is from Timmy V, I don't care because all Jets fans hate you". (paraphrased to make it more controversial)Not to mention picking and choosing one or two points from our statement to back up his view, then deriding the remainder.
Even other Brisbane fans are telling him he is wrong.

[Grimario]

Not to mention picking and choosing one or two points from our statement to back up his view, then deriding the remainder.
Even other Brisbane fans are telling him he is wrong.

You're just wrong. The Squadron is shit and the fact that you have to rely on walk ins is a clear example of your failure.

[furns]

You're just wrong. The Squadron is shit and the fact that you have to rely on walk ins is a clear example of your failure.I have been telling people this for years. Finally time to pack it all in I guess.

[Grimario]

Wonder if the active support in Newcastle would be better if our team hadn't been shit for****ingever.

Squadron do an amazing job with **** all buy in from Joe public and anyone who says otherwise can go and get ****ed, IMO.

[MFKS]

Just to clarify, it was MV and WSW who asked for the restrictions not the active groups.
And the whole thrust of the argument is that restrictions for the NT and RBB are not going to be suitable at the other clubs. We had procedures in place to deal with dickheads in bay 60, yet the FFA wades in and demands that everyone follow ridiculous one-size-fits-all guidelines.
So the 2 clubs asked for restrictions on the clubs as they are unable to police their own dickheads??

Gee that makes the FFA's stance even stupider

[furns]

So the 2 clubs asked for restrictions on the clubs as they are unable to police their own dickheads??

Gee that makes the FFA's stance even stupider
yep

basically the argument was "Why should we be the only ones to have these restrictions? They should apply to everyone"
Even though the other clubs disagreed, DBD said "That sounds brilliant, I cant see a problem with that at all"

And here we are.

[Grimario]

After a season fighting the most onerous supporter restrictions in the history of the league, the North Terrace is set to return!

Gone are the tarps separating the fans,
Gone is the scanning in and scanning out, and
Gone are restriction on banners.

The NT standing area at both Docklands and Swan Street is set to more than double in size and, most importantly, all fans will have the ability to join us.

While the simplest way to stand in the NT is to buy a membership to the area, the North Terrace fundamentally rejects the idea that our way of support should be restricted to those who have the means to buy a season ticket.

As such, the NTC has been working with the Club to establish access for all other members and non-members.

Details are still being finalised but what we're working towards is a quick and simple way for fans to pick up an NT area ticket from in or around the NT on match day.

The North Terrace would like to thank all fans of Melbourne Victory for the overwhelming support we've received over the past year, we recognise that without your support this would not have been possible.

So... if they are FFA enforced, how is MV circumventing it?

[Blackmac79]

On the surface, it appears as though melbourne have done what we asked our club to do and they said "nah cant". Key line in that at the moment is "DETAILS STILL BEING FINALISED".

Wait to see this. If the details are what we asked our club to do then they better have a decent explanation.

[Premy]

On the surface, it appears as though melbourne have done what we asked our club to do and they said "nah cant". Key line in that at the moment is "DETAILS STILL BEING FINALISED".

Wait to see this. If the details are what we asked our club to do then they better have a decent explanation.
Apparently the Roar have a 1 game membership in the active supporter area, I'm unsure if they are available on matchday or during the game.

[Blackmac79]

Apparently the Roar have a 1 game membership in the active supporter area, I'm unsure if they are available on matchday or during the game.

If it was like us the answer is no.

[Premy]

NT: that's not fair, if we have the restrictions why doesn't everyone else have them to.

FFA: that's a good point.

FFA: Ok now everyone has these restrictions.

NT: Hey Melbourne Victory Board here's a loop hole in these restrictions so we're not effected by them.

MV Board: Great Idea lets get this sorted.

Everyone else: :banghead:

[plague]

This is fantastic news for the 6 non NT members who give a shit about them.
Just shows all those hours of watching Hogans Hero's re-runs has pointed out just how effective the Geneva Convention can be.
Am expecting a big bump in the Vic economy based on this most glorious news.

[plague]

More importantly though, WD Double-eff-aye.
Hashtag fanmade.

[lquiquer]

If NT get their way then all the club has to do is make bay 59 and 72 "Squadron Area" .Same as NT working on getting a NT area for "fans to pick up an NT area ticket from in or around the NT on match day."

[furns]

The issue for us isnt the size of our area
Its the ability of everyone being able to access our area without requiring these memberships

[hawk]

Jets management are as flexible as fibro. dont count on any changes.

We could have a 'Fun Facts' banner rejected cause an anagram could offend.

[BodyNovo]

melbourne victory are likely to tell them all the good stuff, get them back onside than a week from the season bring out restrictions and boom the NT are quoting geneva and protesting for another year.

[Blackmac79]

People wanting to be active at the SU v SFC game at edensor have to show a specific cove membership to enter the area designated

[Blackmac79]

Jets keen to develop stronger bond with fans
By ROBERT DILLON
Sept. 4, 2014, 10:45 p.m.
REACHING OUT: Jets officials are eager to strengthen their bond with fans. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

JETS owner Nathan Tinkler has declared he "can't wait" to sell Newcastle's A-League franchise and sever ties completely with a city that he says "hasn't done anything but s - - t on me".

But as the struggling tycoon waits impatiently for a buyer so he can discard the team he has owned for almost four years, behind the scenes Newcastle officials are making a concerted effort to strengthen the bond with the fans who will keep the turnstiles clicking long after Tinkler has gone.

The Jets announced this week that they are creating a new six-person members committee that will meet four times each year to discuss issues surrounding the "match-day experience".

And in a further development, Newcastle chief executive Robbie Middleby has invited Football Federation Australia officials to meet with disgruntled members of the Squadron in the hope of resolving the dispute over this season's seating arrangements.

The Squadron have vehemently opposed FFA's plan to introduce compulsory ticketing for "active support" areas in all stadiums, describing this proposal as "absurd and overbearing".

Rather than congregate in FFA's designated Bay 60 zone at Hunter Stadium, the Squadron are threatening to stage a boycott by instead buying general-admission tickets and sitting elsewhere.

Middleby said both parties had valid viewpoints and was hopeful the issue could be resolved before the season kicks off in five weeks.

"I can see both sides of the argument, but it's a situation where we'll keep working towards facilitating a compromise that suits everyone..

"The Squadron is obviously very, very important to our club, and active support is very important for the A-League in general.
See your ad here

"As a club, we want to work with all parties and for that reason I spoke to the FFA yesterday and asked them to come and meet with the Squadron committee and talk through it.

"Hopefully there will be a meeting in the next couple of weeks and they can resolve some differences."

Middleby said there had been strong interest from potential candidates for the members committee, after the club invited nominations via its website this week.

But he stressed the new body was not intended as a replacement for the now-defunct advisory board, disbanded by Tinkler more than two years ago and never replaced, despite a promise from the Hunter Sports Group that it would be "restructured" so that it "re-emerges with contributors from politics, the community, football and commerce".

"We hope the members committee will play an important role, but not so much with strategic decisions like signing players or coaches or how the team should be playing," Middleby said.

"It will be more about trying to work together so there is a forum to discuss things like membership packages, match-day atmosphere, active support and merchandise.

"Basically, we want to open up the lines of communication with our members so that they can have a bit more input and hopefully enjoy the best possible experience on game day."

The Jets believe they are on track to surpass last season's membership tally of 10,200. Their website said yesterday that they had almost 7200 members, 1000 of whom have joined in the past three weeks.

● Former Adelaide youth-team skipper Allan Welsh is close to signing a one-season contract with Newcastle after impressing coach Phil Stubbins during his three games at last week's Townsville Cup.

Welsh, a 20-year-old centre back, is still eligible for youth league, but the Jets see him as a first-team contender.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2538456/jets-keen-to-develop-stronger-bond-with-fans/?cs=306

[furns]

Roberto has been quite positive in regards to Jets articles in general recently. Wow.

Just to inform everyone, The Squadron committee has a meeting with Jets and FFA representatives next Friday to discuss the current situation.

[Couscous]

Just to inform everyone, The Squadron committee has a meeting with Jets and FFA representatives next Friday to discuss the current situation.

Good to hear the FFA and others are going to be monitoring the Dillon situation and his recent change in tune. We need to take care not to jump to conclusions, but to evaluate what's happening over time.

[hausmann]

Is there any update on this?

Is it possible to restrict the official FFA sanctioned and designated "Active Support" area to the part of Bay 60 below the concourse walkway? This is a very tiny area from memory. The Jets should know by now how many people have applied for Bay 60 Memberships and if it is a tiny number they could argue that it is uncommercial to cut the whole bay off from game day walk-ups.

If they could cut Bay 60 in half for ticketing purposes, and make Bay 60 above the concourse a GA area, it might reduce the impact of the FFA restrictions on your activities, as casuals could sit in the area above the concourse and still participate in active support.

Also, the Jets website still refers to Bay 2 as the active area in their Memberships > Active Support page. Maybe someone can ask the webmaster to alter this.

[furns]

An announcement will be made shortly. Negotiations have been ongoing.

[furns]

Squadron Statement regarding Active Support agreement

Fellow Supporters,
The Squadron FSC is pleased to announce we have come to an agreement with our Club in regards to active supporter measures for the 2014/15 A-League Season. This agreement will see The Squadron take our place in Bay 60 as normal, rather than the planned protest location on the Southern Hill.

This decision has been made after several discussions with the club. The Squadron would like to thank all supporters of the Newcastle United Jets for their support during this time.

What this agreement means:
* Single game memberships for Bay 60 will be available for purchase on match-days
* Single game memberships for Bay 60 will be available for pre-purchase at a discounted price to negate the effect of the ticket provider charges
* Non Active Jets Members will be able to swap their membership ticket for a Bay 60 ticket on match-days

This agreement ensures that all supporters will have the ability to join The Squadron in Bay 60 on match days and help us support our team throughout the A-League season.

The Squadron FSC believes that these measures address our concerns surrounding the restrictions on who can and cannot join active support, as well as the disadvantaging those of less means who may not be able to purchase a full season membership. We believe that the above ensures that Bay 60 is open to all to sample the type of support we create for the Jets at home games.

Due to the new restrictions, we were unable to see a complete removal of the collection of data to be held by the Club, however we were prepared to work with the Club on this in favour of other issues in order to achieve an outcome for the benefit of all supporters, and to see our return to Bay 60.

While we still disagree with the introduction of the restrictions by the FFA, particularly around restricting who can and cannot be involved in active support and the collection of personal data, The Squadron would like to thank the Club for being willing to listen to our concerns and reach an agreement which is beneficial to all parties.

We continue to enjoy a fantastic working relationship and clear communication with the Club on a wide range of issues and look forward to working with them in the future.

Thank you,

Squadron FSC Committee

Bay 60 Single game membership
Pre-purchase(incurs a $4.35 handling fee, and a 1.95% purchase fee)*

Adult $22
Concession $16
Junior $8
Family $50

Walk-up Single game membership
Adult $27
Concession $19
Junior $10
Family $60

To purchase a single game membership on match day please go to the assigned window at the Hunter Stadium box office. Note: single game memberships only include a ticket and do not gain benefits and inclusions afforded to full Newcastle Jets membership packages.

Those who purchased General Admission memberships are able to swap their memberships to Bay60 through the club. A cost of $10, or $1/month on the payment plan will be incurred.

[GazFish35]

So if you bought ga and wanna get into 60 can you just go up to the ticket window and change?

[furns]

That's correct. There will be a dedicated line at the western stand ticket windows. If you are a GA member, there will be a small upgrade fee. Other members will be at no charge.
Or you can call the Jets office and change your GA membership to a bay 60 membership.

[hawk]

get ya banners out!