AGM 2011 Update

The AGM will take place on 9th June 2011 from 3.30pm to 5.00pm in the Jubilee Room in the Houses of Parliament.

Many thanks to those of you that have already regsitered for the LPF AGM.

If you have not yet responded but do wish to come please let us know as soon as possible at the usual address info@levelplayingfield.org.uk or by calling 0845 2306237. Please note you will not be able to turn up on the day without having informed us of your attendance. This is for security reasons.

It can take around 30 minutes to clear security so please ensure you arrive at the Cromwell Green visitors entrance by 3pm at the latest. You will be able to get into the room from 3pm onwards and refreshments will be available.

As well as the AGM business there will be a presentation by Mark Bradley at the Fans Experience Company followed by a panel discussion and Q & A's to representatives of the football authorities.

With regards to travelling to and from Parliament and disabled access to the Parliamentary estate, please use the links below.

http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/access/events/

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/facilities/maps

Unfortunately parking at the Houses of Parliament is not available but Westminster station is fully accessible. The above map link also shows where the closest car parks are.

If you require any advice regarding travel please contact Jackie via 0845 230 6237 or via info@levelplayingfield.org.uk.

Please bring your invitation (which will be emailed to you the week commencing 30th May) with you to the event as these will form part of the security procedures. You may be asked to show proof of identity.

Please arrive via the Cromwell Green entrance.

Security procedures will be in place for all persons entering the building. This includes an airport style search.

If you have not already done so please inform us of any access requirements. There may be a queue of people waiting to get in the building. If you have a mobility requirement or for some other reason have difficulty in standing in queues please contact Jackie Newing prior to attending to arrange assistance.

Level Playing Field Awards 2011

This is a reminder that the closing date to receive nominations for a Level Playing Field award is 5pm on 31st May 2011.

Here is a quick reminder of the categories:

The Joseph Wratten Award: in memory of Joseph, a passionate West Ham supporter and good friend to Level Playing Field. Do you know of a disabled supporter who is a real advocate for social inclusion and equality as a sports fan? Please tell us how she or he has pushed the boundaries or highlighted the possibilities for disabled fans as a passionate and dedicated fan who follows his or her own club and/or chosen sport. Describe how this individual demonstrates that passion and committment to his/her own team and/or sport.

Club/Organisation Employee of the Year Award:
Next, we are looking to identify an employee of a club or organisation who has been pro-active in identifying and solving issues for disabled supporters. The Level Playing Field Club/Organisation Employee of the Year Award is dedicated to those who have made a difference in improving access, increased opportunities for disabled supporters – you know the score. Someone who has been positive and helpful.

Club Volunteer of the Year: Do you know a club volunteer who has encouraged the participation and inclusion of disabled supporters? Please tell us how they have opened up significant areas to disabled supporters, or worked to break down barriers and stereotypes at their club or in their sport.

Write to us with about 400-600 words about the person you wish to nominate. We really want to celebrate and praise those people who have made a difference. If you require any further information or would like some assistance please contact Jackie via Jackie@levelplayingfield.org.uk.

Level Playing Field Statement in response to Nottingham Forest’s increases to ticket pricing for season 2011/12

It appears that Nottingham Forest has inadvertently led its disabled supporters to believe that the club were advised directly by Level Playing Field about ticket pricing and that we apparently have sanctioned their increases for next season.

This is simply not correct and we have only advised Nottingham Forest directly with respect to their stadium and general policy. Further, we have received numerous complaints from Nottingham Forest disabled fans who have informed us that there has been no consultation about ticketing prices between themselves, the Disabled Supporters Association (DSA) and the club. We would recommend that the club meet with their disabled fans as a matter of urgency.

At the Football League Seminar earlier this season we expressed our views to all attendees as follows:

Our guidance on this subject is very clear in that we do not believe that clubs should offer routine concessions based purely on a fan being a disabled person as this does not embrace the social model of disability. In our view, concessions should be applied across the board for more general reasons including marketing of tickets to underrepresented groups, etc. and not purely because someone is considered to be a disabled person. Ticketing prices and management should be applied equally in line with non-disabled fans and as advised by the Football Association and Football League in their guidance documents. Further, it is our view that where a personal assistant is required by a disabled fan as a reasonable adjustment to enable them to access the match day service, then a complimentary ticket should be provided by the club such that there should be no increase in overall ticketing costs to the disabled fan.

Level Playing Field always advises clubs to consult with their own local disabled fans (ideally this should include the DSA where one exists) when considering any changes to services, and especially any changes to ticket prices. We also recommend that a club should consider staged increases to ticket prices over several seasons when removing any existing concessions.

We would recommend that only clubs that provide an equal service and adequate facilities (such as good sightlines and easy access) for disabled fans should consider any moderate increases to existing ticket prices and especially given the current financial climate. If any seating conditions are poor or unequal (such as lack of shelter, no choice of seating areas etc.), then it would seem only right for the club to continue to offer a concessionary price in those seating areas in the same way as a club would do in areas where for example pillars might obscure a fan’s view, etc. and until such time as the facilities were improved. However, what we really want to see is clubs making the necessary adjustments to meet their duty to disabled fans and to ensure that football is finally equal and fairly available to all.

Joyce Cook, Chair Level Playing Field

26th May 2011.

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Helpline: 0845 230 6237 | Email: info@levelplayingfield.org.uk | Web: www.levelplayingfield.org.uk
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Level Playing Field is the trading name for the National Association of Disabled Supporters.