Chesterfield Football Club – Club Charter 2024/25

Chesterfield FC traces its origins back to 1866 and as such is fourth oldest league club in the country. It was the first elite club to be owned by a local authority, the first to be controlled completely by its fans and the first to be owned by a charity.

As such the club is an integral part of the local area and a fundamental part of the community of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. The culture of the club is about being part of that community and making a positive difference to the lives of those who engage with Chesterfield FC.

Club Ownership

Chesterfield Football Club is the trading name of CFC (2001) Ltd, which is a Limited Company owned by its shareholders and run by a Board of Directors. The majority shareholder is Phil Kirk who is a successful businessman and life-long fan. Other major shareholders are the club’s charity Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Ashley Kirk, Phil’s brother.

However, there are a further 1500 smaller shareholder who are fans, home and abroad, as well as local businesses.

Club Objectives

Chesterfield Football Club believes it is on a journey that includes, the fans who are the heart of the club, the town and the wider community. When we make history, like last season, it belongs to all of us!

We want to play professional football at the highest level possible.

Any success should not come with the financial jeopardy common in football. Too often fans and partners have to step in to save clubs. We want our fans to enjoy the game secure in the knowledge that this is a well run club that can be followed by their children and grandchildren.

We have a stadium that we are proud of. This should be a facility that brings people to our town. We want this and our club to be fully accessible for all regardless of their background or categorisation including those with disabilities. Our stadium will also support training, education and employment opportunities.

Chesterfield FC, working with our community trust and other partners, can make a positive difference to the people of our community. The trust saved the club four years ago but it also helps to save lives, change behaviours and make a lives better. That work is part of what the club supports.

Chesterfield FC Community Trust

We recognise that our club charity organisation was integral to saving the club in 2020. That charity is still an important part of what the club means to our community.

The award-winning trust engages the local area with a significant number of projects that make a real difference to lives.

We know that the reach of the trust comes with the Chesterfield FC badge and we support this. We also recognise that support and goodwill for the Spireites is helped by the outreach work our trust does.

Customer Service

We aim to make our service is right first time. However, this sometimes doesn’t happen.

Where customers have an issue they are encouraged in the first instance to take up their query, complaint or concern with the relevant department of the club.

If the matter cannot be resolved verbally the issue should then be submitted in writing.

Letters should be addressed to:
Supporter Liaison Officer
Chesterfield FC
SMH Group Stadium
1866 Sheffield Road
Chesterfield
S41 8NZ

Emails should be sent to [email protected]

The club undertakes to acknowledge receipt of any complaint or query within 24 hours, or one working day, of receiving any correspondence. We endeavour to respond to any contact from any supporter, normally within seven working days. Every effort will be made to respond as soon as possible and particularly so if the nature of any communication warrants an urgent or early reply. Response may be by telephone, letter or email as deemed appropriate.

Should any correspondent be dissatisfied with the club’s response, they can refer the matter straight to the IFO.

The Independent Football Ombudsman 

Premier House

1-5 Argyle Way

Stevenage

SG1 2AD

Tel: 0330 165 4223

Email: [email protected] 

Consultation

Chesterfield FC has a Supporters Group that meets six times per year. This consists of elected supporters as well as club officers including Paul Stankard who is the director lead for fan engagement. The Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) also attends these meetings.

The group supports regular evening drop-in event where ideas and concerns can be raised. The SLO will address issues raised at the group or drop-in before the following group meeting.

Ticketing

Chesterfield Football Club strives to make football accessible whilst making the club sustainable.

At least ten percent of home ticket allocation will be made available to those without season tickets.

Concessions are available for those over state pension age (sixty-six), young adults of twenty-one and under as well as children. Prices for those age thirteen and under will encourage fans of the future.

Prices will be set in the family areas to support family groups and provide an area supportive to younger fans.

Chesterfield FC Community Trust will be provided with 500 Season tickets at a special rate to support its projects. These projects will include ones with schools, junior football, the blue-light services and former and serving servicepersons.

For away matches, the club will control and sell tickets where directed by the host club or the police, or where there is a limited number of tickets.

Priority for cup games or away and neutral matches where tickets are limited will prioritise season ticket holders.

Tickets for matches can be printed but there is a £2 charge for this. Print-at-home tickets sent to the registered email address can also be shown from phones at turnstiles. Digital tickets can be accessed from Google Pay or Apple Wallet.

Cup competitions

Ticket prices for cup competitions vary and will be based on the competition and stage of that competition, the nature of the opposition and other variable circumstances. However, the club endeavours to limit charges except in unusual circumstances to those charged for League games. In many cases it is expected that ticket prices for cup competitions will be below those set for League matches. Should the availability of tickets be limited due to potential demand, full details of allocation and availability are well publicised in advance of the game.

For home ties seats will be reserved for season ticket holders before they are available on general sale.

It is possible that season ticket holders will be moved from the North Stand for some Emirates FA Cup or Carabao Cup ties.

Ticket refunds

The club’s policy on the return and distribution of unwanted tickets is that refunds will be considered only if the ticket is cancelled no later than 24 hours before kick-off of the match when played.

The club will not make a refund in respect of any unwanted or unused ticket returned to the club within 48 hours prior to the match or after the match for which it has been issued.

If a match is postponed before kick-off, tickets issued will be valid for the rearranged fixture. Alternatively, the club will refund the face value of the ticket when next the Ticket Office is open.

If a match is abandoned after kick-off but before or at half-time, the club will issue a voucher entitling the spectator to half-price admission to the rearranged match.

If a match is abandoned after half-time, the club reserves the right not to offer a refund or reduced price admission to a rearranged match.

Away supporters

The club abides by league regulations governing the allocation of tickets to visiting clubs. 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 offered to seniors and junior supporters apply to supporters of a visiting club.

For EFL matches, 999 seats are available to visiting fans. The sale of those tickets will be facilitated in consultation with the visiting club.

Supporters with disabilities

Chesterfield FC wants the SMH Group Stadium to be the most accessible sporting venue in the country.

There are spaces for wheelchair users and their personal assistants in every stand. These wheelchair terraces are on three levels. There are also accessible toilets covering all stands and a Changing Places facility in the HUB.

Supporters with disabilities will pay the same ticket price as all supporters but the club will make reasonable adjustments to support their visit to the SMH Group Stadium.

The club endorses the support of personal assistants (carers) to support those with disabilities. While each case is looked at on an individual basis the award of Disability Living Allowance at the medium or higher rate or the enhanced rate of Personal Independence Payment will automatically suggest the need for a carer in fans aged fourteen and over. Where a carer ticket is issued this will be an additional uncharged ticket for the supporter with a disability.

Support and reasonable adjustments will also be offered to those with ambient disabilities. We work with the blind and partial sighted, D/deaf fans, those with mobility issues, fans with learning disabilities and the neuro-diverse. We also recognise there are supporters with hidden disabilities.

For the blind and partial sighted there is an audio service offering free commentary headsets.

Visiting fans who have disabilities, including wheelchair users, will be seated with other visiting fans. For all supporters with disabilities there will be the opportunity for family and friends to sit close by.

For all queries around access and supporters with disabilities should be directed to the Disability Liaison Officer, Peter Whiteley, [email protected]

Stadium Parking

Most of the parking spaces around the SMH Group Stadium are purchased on season passes. These passes cover all Chesterfield matches including friendly and cup games.

All those parking in the car park should display their parking pass.

Where spaces become available for the season priority is given to those with mobility issues.

Where other spaces are available for individual purchase this can be done face-to-face or by phone.

A number of disabled spaces are held for visiting fans with disabilities.

For spectator safety, at the end of games no vehicles should leave their spaces until directed by stewards.

We ask that those parking on neighbouring streets do so with courtesy.

Free facilities for the parking of bicycles is available in the car park.

Smoking and vaping

The SMH Group Stadium is a non-smoking venue. Anyone smoking or vaping in the stadium might be ejected from the stadium.

The opportunity to smoke or vape is dedicated areas outside of the stadium will be facilitated.

A Safe Environment

Chesterfield Football Club is committed to supporters having a safe and comfortable experience when attending the stadium.

There is a zero tolerance of any violence, abuse or anti-social behaviour. We work with the designated football officer from Derbyshire Police to make matches a better and safer place.

The board of directors is committed to ensuring the workplace is a safe and pleasant environment for staff and visitors alike.

All visitors are expected to behave in a reasonable manner. Violent, racist or aggressive behaviour both physical and verbal will not be tolerated, and action will be taken against any person acting in such a manner.

Staff Conduct

All staff whether full-time, part-time, or matchday staff have a duty to act as ambassadors for Chesterfield FC with a duty for supporter care and attention.

If a supporter has a problem with any member of Chesterfield FC staff, the matter should be referred in accordance with the procedures outlined above.

Chesterfield FC is committed to briefing staff on key issues so that they may answer the majority of supporters’ queries. If they are unable to do so they will refer the matter to the relevant person responsible.

The club will work with the stewards to ensure that spectators act in a reasonable manner and will not tolerate racial or sexual comments towards players, staff or fellow supporters. Staff will ensure that the provisions of the ground rules are complied with.

We actively search for ways to improve facilities, merchandise and service in a continuing drive to make every visit to the SMH Group Stadium efficient and enjoyable for our supporters, whose loyalty is recognised and appreciated.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

An Equality Policy operates at Chesterfield Football Club. Chesterfield FC’s commitment is to promote inclusion and to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status or civil partnership race, nationality, ethnicity (race), religion or belief, ability or disability, pregnancy and maternity and to encourage equal opportunities. These are known as ‘protected characteristics’ under the Equality Act 2010.

The Club also commits not to discriminate on the grounds of political beliefs or trade union membership, class, responsibility for dependents, physical attributes, ex-offender status as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, lack of formal qualifications where such qualifications are not formally required, or any other grounds which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

Supporter Conduct

The club wants supporters to be part of the passion at the SMH Group Stadium in a safe, secure and enjoyable environment. The club is committed to preventing people from behaving in a manner likely to jeopardise the safety or enjoyment of others, and from bringing discredit to Chesterfield Football Club or our opponents.

If the club becomes aware of any person having been convicted of a football-related offence or having been in breach of any of the club’s ground regulations, a decision will be made as to whether that person will be subject to a ban.

Each case will be judged on its own merits and the length of any ban will depend on the severity of the offence and/or the breach of the club’s ground regulations. There will always be an appeals process following sanctions. A review of any ban can be requested after two-thirds of the duration.

Banning Orders

Banning Orders will be issued for the following offences:

Encroachment onto the playing area before, during or after a match without the permission of the club (except for issues of public safety).

Banning Order: Up to three years.

Encroachment onto playing area, before, during or after a match and approaching and/or interaction with a player and/or making contact with the player (except for issues of public safety).

Banning Order: Up to ten years.

Discharge of a missile (eg bottle, coin etc) into the crowd or playing area at any time.

Banning Order: Up to five years.

Hate chanting or comments within the confines of the stadium.

Banning Order: Up to five years.

Inciting hatred and/or making malicious or false communications to the detriment of the club.

Banning Order: Up to three years.

A Banning Order means that any individual subject of such an Order will not be admitted into the stadium for any matchday or non-matchday event for the duration of the ban.

Anyone found guilty of breaking such a Banning Order will have it extended to a Lifetime Ban.

Individuals subject of a Banning Order will not have access to travel services with the club.

Season ticket holders and/or hospitality lounge members subject of a Banning Order will have their ticket cancelled without refund.

It is at the discretion of the club that the name of anyone with a Banning Order against them will be published on the official Chesterfield FC website.

Safeguarding Children and adults at risk at matches and events

Chesterfield Football Club is committed to providing a safe environment for all supporters.

All children aged 13 and under attending a match at the SMH Group Stadium must be accompanied by a responsible adult for the duration of the game.

Any children who become separated from family or friends should approach a uniformed steward who will take the appropriate action.

If children enter the stadium unaccompanied, the club reserves the right to treat them in the same manner as older supporters, including ejecting them from the stadium if they are in breach of the ground regulations.

Chesterfield FC recognises that older supporters and those with disabilities, including the neuro-diverse might need additional support at games and events. Our steward and ambassadors recognise this.

Consultation and Information

The Chesterfield FC official website – www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk – has up-to-date news 24 hours a day and this is supported by the club’s social networking channels, Facebook and Twitter.

The club is committed to keeping its supporters informed and publicises its position on major policy issues in the match day programme, local media and club website.

The club gives the earliest possible notice through the match day programme, local media and club website of any change in its ticketing policy and the reason for the changes.

The club has a Supporters Group with elected members. This group meets at least six times a year and allows an independent means for queries and questions. Elected members serve for three years. The group meetings are attended by the director lead and/or other directors and senior officials as well as the Supporter Liaison Officer. Minutes are published from these meetings.

There is also an associated monthly supporter drop-in session with two larger forums each year being hosted in the club lounges attended by directors and senior officials. Issues raised are considered at the following Supporters Group and/or board meeting.

Stadium catering

The stadium offers full catering facilities on match days in each of the four concourses. These include hot and cold food and drinks including locally sourced Jackson’s pies and Brampton Brewery real ale.

The club also offers match day hospitality through membership of the SBK Spires Restaurant, Brampton Brewery 1866 Lounge and the National Windscreens Suite in LMD Vacuum Excavation (West) Stand.

Single matchday hospitality can be bought in the SBK Spires Restaurant, which includes a three-course meal, pre and post-match entertainment and padded seats right outside of the lounge.

Stadium Car Parking

The club operates a permit only car at the stadium however there are several free parking spaces for pedal cycles.

Cars are parked at owners risk and must be parked in marked bays and clearly display the parking permit.

The club asks that supporters travelling by car do so by parking in appropriate places, respecting the needs of local residents and avoiding parking on ‘Access Only’ roads.

Pricing

The club continues to strive for the wider access at matches by offering a broad range of ticket prices. The prices for league matches are announced prior to the start of the season.

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Concessions:
The club sells tickets in five categories. Adults 21 and over. Concessions for 66 and over and for young adults 17-20 year-old. Youth 14-16 and those 13 and under.

The club provides areas of the ground for the primary use of family groups and junior supporters known as the Family Stands.

Away Matches

The allocation of away tickets is usually sufficient to accommodate all our travelling fans but season ticket holders have priority when these are limited.

Cup Competitions

The pricing policy is dependent upon the competition and status but is usually in accordance with our league fixtures and often cheaper.

Televised Matches

As part of the EFL Chesterfield FC matches are covered on Sky TV and Sky+. At least twenty matches a year will be broadcast live. Changes to dates and kick-off times will be determined at least six weeks before matches.

Merchandise

The club offers refunds on merchandise, deemed to be defective, purchased in its official retail outlets in accordance with its legal obligations.

Merchandise returned for other reasons will receive a full refund if returned within a reasonable period and that has a valid receipt. It should be returned unused and in a re-saleable condition, for clothing the tags should still be attached.

In the event that a customer is unable to provide a receipt, the Club will exchange the item or provide a credit note to the current retail value.

The club carries out its obligations under Regulations to prevent price fixing in relation to the sale of replica strips.

Data Protection

Chesterfield Football Club maintains the privacy and security of customer details held on record in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.

Customers are given the option to opt out of receiving any correspondence from Chesterfield Football Club on all forms of data capture.

Chesterfield Football Club does not pass on any information to  none associated third parties.

Official details

The Club directory is available on the website and gives contacts for all departments of the club.

The address for Chesterfield FC and the SMH Group Stadium is:

1866 Sheffield Road

Whittington Moor

Chesterfield

S41 8NZ