Supporter Information

Club Charter

AFC Supporters Charter. Aberdeen Football Club recognises the special bond between the Club and its supporters. It recognises and respects the invaluable contribution the supporters make to the life of the Club. As such, the Club makes every effort to ensure that its policies and practices are open, accessible and communicated as effectively as possible with its supporters.

The Club will conduct an annual review of its Supporters Charter and associated activities, and make changes as appropriate in line with the guidance from relevant governing bodies. Documentary evidence of this shall be included in the Club’s audit submission.

Key Issues Accessibility Match-day Away Support Membership Consultation and Information Community Activity Merchandise Staff Conduct Customer Service

1.1. Aberdeen Football Club continues to strive for wider access to matches by offering the following:

1.1.1. The Club offers a broad range of ticket prices. Customers buying more expensive seats or packages enable us to charge other customers less for their tickets. From single match tickets and family tickets to corporate packages, a range of tickets are available.

1.1.2. More than 40% of tickets to each game are made available to non-season ticket holders.

1.1.3. Concessions are available for senior citizens over 60 years of age, for junior supporters under the age of 18 and full-time students.

1.1.4. The Club also offers Under 12 tickets in all areas of the ground which are available to purchase from the Pittodrie Ticket Office.

1.1.5. Support for disabled and visually impaired supporters and their carers. Our disability co-ordinator can be contacted at Pittodrie Stadium on 01224 650 428.

1.1.6. In the event of a game being abandoned after spectators are admitted to the ground before kick off or prior to half time, the ticket purchased shall be valid for the re-arranged game. Should individual spectators be unable to attend the re-arranged game then they will be entitled to a refund up to fourteen days after the abandoned game. Should a game be abandoned after half time refunds are not applicable. A comprehensive refund policy is on display in the Ticket Office.

1.1.7. Tickets for Cup competitions are announced to supporters following discussions between the clubs. Tickets for Cup matches are usually offered to season ticket holders and official supporters clubs in the first instance, shareholders with over 260 shares and then to the general public.

1.2. As a general rule, ticket refunds are only issued in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Club. For full details of the Club’s Refund Policy please contact Customer Services Manager on 01224 650428 or the Ticket Office on 01224 63 1903.

3.1. The Club’s supporters are allocated tickets for away matches as follows; tickets go on sale to season ticket holders and official supporters clubs in the first instance, shareholders with over 260 shares and then if any remain they are offered on sale to the general public. The host club determines the cost of these tickets, however, consultation with the away club may occur as appropriate.

3.2. The Club does not charge admission prices to supporters of a visiting club, which are higher than those charged to our own supporters for comparable accommodation. In particular, our concessionary rates are offered to senior citizens and junior supporters of visiting clubs. The club will offer free tickets to wheelchair bound away supporters along with their carer, up to the number of places available in their designated area.

3.3. The Merkland Family Stand is exempt from this charging policy.

3.4. The Club abides by the SPFL rules governing the allocation of tickets to visiting clubs.

4.1. The Club runs a membership scheme called Angus the Bull Club, ensuring young Dons supporters enjoy one of the best youngsters programmes in the country. Membership of the Angus the Bull Club is £10 and is open to any young AFC fan aged 12 or under. Each member receives an exclusive Angus the Bull t-shirt, Angus the Bull stories and pictures. At various stages throughout the season, members are given the chance to enter exclusive competitions to become “Little Gus” at certain home fixtures. The lucky youngsters are given a behind the scenes tour of Pittodrie prior to the match, before joining Angus the Bull for a kick about on the pitch before kick off. The winner and their family then watch all the action from complimentary seats in the Main Stand.

5.1. The Club consults supporters on a regular basis through our e-newsletter ‘Red Alert’ reaching over 35,000 subscribers, our website www.afc.co.uk, Match-day Programme ‘Red Match-day’ and with the Aberdeen Football Club Supporter’s Trust and Aberdeen Football Club Supporters Association.

5.2. The Club publicises its position on major policy issues in a concise format through press releases and additional communication channels such as the club match-day programme’ Red Match-day’ and our website www.afc.co.uk.

5.3. The Club is in regular consultation with shareholders, sponsors, local authorities and other interested parties.

5.4. The Club gives the earliest possible notice of any changes to its ticketing policy and the reasons for the changes.

5.5. The Club undertakes research on the design of new strips.

5.6. Meetings with Supporters Clubs will take place organised by a club director and attended by senior staff members of the club.

5.7. The Club will not knowingly buy goods from any supplier or manufacturer who does not comply fully with the labour, safety and other relevant laws of the countries of manufacture with respect to minimum wages, hours of work, overtime, sick pay and holiday entitlement.

6.1. In March 2014, Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) was registered as a standalone charitable organisation by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), Charity Register Number SC044720.

Aberdeen FC Community Trust is now responsible for the development and delivery of community programmes associated with Aberdeen Football Club plc. AFCCT will undertake the work previously delivered by the club’s community department AFC in the Community, and will participate in and deliver community programmes and initiatives across the North East of Scotland.

More than 8,500 community participants range from 3 year old ‘mini kickers’ to 90+ year old participants of ‘Still Game’, with AFCCT’s aim to significantly increase the numbers of those taking part in various positive activities. AFC Community Trust staff work hard to utilise AFC’s high profile and excellent facilities to benefit all those who live and work in Aberdeen City & Shire and beyond.

7.1. The Club will inform its supporters regarding new replica strip designs and prospective launch dates.

7.3. Future details of the next intended change of kits will be made available from the Club Shop and via the AFC website www.afc.co.uk

7.4. The Club carries out its obligations to prevent price fixing in relation to the sale of replica strips.

7.5. The Club offers refunds on merchandise in accordance with its legal obligations.

8.1. It is the policy of the Club that there should be equal opportunity for all. This applies to external recruitment, internal appointment, terms of employment, conditions of service, and opportunity for training and promotion regardless of sex, marital status, creed or religion, colour, race, age, disability, sexual orientation or ethnic or national origin. Also the Club is committed to the development and promotion of such equality of opportunity. The policy also applies equally to the treatment of our customers, clients and suppliers.