CAB FAQs

Introduction

At Rochdale AFC, we are committed to maintaining open, honest and constructive dialogue with supporters. Questions raised through the Club Advisory Board (CAB), Fans Forums, supporter correspondence and engagement meetings provide valuable feedback that helps shape decision-making across the Club.

This document brings together answers to a number of commonly raised questions. It is intended to act as a supporter information guide and will be reviewed and updated periodically as circumstances evolve.

MATCHDAY OPERATIONS AND SAFETY

How does the Club carry out bag searches and entry screening?

The safety and security of supporters, staff and visitors is a priority for the Club. Bag searches and other screening measures form part of our matchday safety procedures and are undertaken in accordance with guidance provided by relevant authorities and the requirements of the stadium Safety Certificate.

Stewards receive appropriate briefing and training, and the Club continues to review procedures to ensure they are applied consistently, respectfully and proportionately. We recognise that stewards may not always get the balance right in every situation. Supporters who have a negative experience are encouraged to contact Fan Services (fanservices@rochdaleafc.co.uk) so that the feedback can be reviewed and passed on to CSG, our stewarding and security partner. Supporters with questions regarding entry procedures are also encouraged to contact Fan Services before attending a match.

What is the policy on pre-entry searches?

Search procedures are determined according to operational and safety requirements and may vary depending on the assessed level of risk for a fixture. This may include full searches, random searches or targeted searches where appropriate.

The Club regularly reviews supporter feedback regarding the application of these procedures and works with its stewarding and security partners to ensure a consistent and professional approach.

How does the Club manage supporter safety around player access areas?

Supporter behaviour and movement around restricted areas are monitored by stewards on matchdays. The Club regularly reviews steward deployment and physical control measures to ensure that supporters, players and officials can move safely around the stadium while maintaining a positive matchday atmosphere.

SUPPORTER COMMUNICATION & ENGAGEMENT

How are supporter emails and enquiries managed?

The Club receives a significant number of supporter enquiries through a variety of channels and aims to respond to all correspondence as promptly as possible. Response times may vary during particularly busy periods.

Feedback received through Fan Services, the Club Advisory Board, supporter meetings and other engagement channels is reviewed by the appropriate department and, where appropriate, helps inform future decisions and improvements.

When are Club Advisory Board (CAB) minutes published?

The Club is committed to transparency and supporter engagement. CAB minutes are published following review and approval to ensure they accurately reflect discussions and agreed actions. We acknowledge this could be better.

The Club continues to review its publication processes to ensure information is shared with supporters in a timely manner and that website content remains current and accurate.

Why was the recent Fans Forum structured in the way it was?

Earlier in the week of the Fan Forum, members of the Club Advisory Board had expressed concerns regarding the timing of the forum and suggested that it didn’t go ahead or, if it did, additional security measures may be required. Having reviewed the situation, the Club felt it was important that the event proceeded as planned, ensuring supporters had the opportunity to ask questions directly to Club representatives. The Club’s Head Coach attended and was available throughout the session to answer supporter questions.

The panel also included a director of the Rochdale AFC Supporters Trust, who was present to raise and discuss questions submitted through Trust channels. As a member of the panel, he had access to a microphone throughout the event and was able to introduce any additional supporter questions or points for discussion if required.

The Fans Forum concluded after approximately one hour. There was no pre-determined finishing time and the session would have continued had additional questions been raised.

For anyone who felt they were not given the opportunity to ask a question, this was not due to any deliberate policy of exclusion. It was more likely to have been unintentional because they were not visible from the stage.

The club remains committed to open and constructive dialogue with supporters through Fans Forums, the Club Advisory Board, supporter groups and direct engagement opportunities.

ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION

Are there plans to improve facilities for female supporters?

Yes. The Club remains committed to ensuring that all supporters feel comfortable and welcome when attending matches. This includes ongoing reviews of facilities throughout the stadium, including the provision of sanitary products and appropriate disposal facilities.

Supporter feedback plays an important role in helping identify areas where further improvements can be made.

Are there plans to improve accessibility within the stadium?

The Club continually reviews accessibility across the stadium and welcomes feedback from supporters regarding movement around stands, stairways and spectator areas.

Suggestions such as additional handrails and other accessibility enhancements are considered alongside safety requirements, operational considerations and available investment programmes.

How can supporters raise accessibility concerns?

Supporters are encouraged to raise accessibility concerns directly with Fan Services. Feedback is monitored and considered as part of ongoing facility reviews and future improvement planning.

MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE

Why are supporters required to sit in their allocated seats?

The Club operates an allocated seating policy within designated stadium areas. This helps ensure compliance with safety requirements, ticketing controls and insurance obligations.

Stewards are briefed to assist supporters in locating their allocated seats and may ask supporters to move if they are seated in a location other than the one identified on their ticket.

What happens to supporter feedback regarding matchday atmosphere and entertainment?

The Club welcomes supporter feedback on all aspects of the matchday experience, including music, displays, giveaways, at-the-ground activity and fan engagement initiatives.

Feedback received is reviewed post-match and any suggestions and changes to better our experience are put into a plan to revise and upgrade.

Suggestions received through formal and informal channels are considered alongside operational requirements and the overall supporter experience.

TICKETING

How will tickets be allocated for the Oldham Athletic away fixture and other high-demand matches?

The Club recognises that certain fixtures are likely to generate exceptionally high demand for tickets, particularly local derby matches and fixtures where the allocation received may be lower than supporter demand.

Season Ticket holders will receive priority access to tickets. Full details of the sales process, including any additional priority criteria, purchase limits and sales windows, will be communicated well in advance of tickets going on sale. The Club’s objective is to operate a fair, transparent and clearly understood allocation process for all high-demand fixtures.

Will season ticket holders receive priority for high-demand fixtures?

Yes. Where demand is expected to exceed the ticket allocation received by the Club, season ticket holders will be given priority access to purchase tickets.

The Club will publish full sales arrangements in advance of each fixture, including any additional priority windows, purchase limits or eligibility criteria that may apply. The aim is to ensure the process remains fair, transparent and clearly communicated to supporters.

STADIUM FACILITIES

Why is the bottle bar beneath the Pearl Street Stand currently closed?

The bottle bar beneath the Pearl Street Stand is closed because the space has been repurposed as part of the stadium’s catering improvements. The area now accommodates the new kitchen facility serving the kiosk operation.

The Club continually reviews its catering and refreshment facilities to ensure supporters receive the best possible service on matchdays.

What happened to the trophy cabinets?

The trophy cabinets were removed during refurbishment and decoration works within the stadium. Unfortunately, the original cabinets could not be reinstated once those works had been completed.

All trophies remain safe, secure and appropriately recorded. The majority of these were Community Trust or Youth trophies; these are now safe in the Community Trust cabinet. The Club continues to explore alternative ways of displaying and celebrating the history, heritage and achievements of Rochdale AFC within the stadium environment.

Why are some stadium areas still undergoing development or enhancement?

The ongoing redevelopment and improvement of Club facilities is a phased process. Significant progress has been made across supporter, hospitality and operational areas, but the Club recognises that further work remains.

Future improvements will continue to be prioritised based on supporter feedback, available resources and the club’s long-term strategic objectives.

HOSPITALITY

How are hospitality prices determined?

Hospitality pricing is reviewed periodically and reflects the experience, facilities, catering provision and service included within each package.

Are Season Ticket holders eligible for hospitality discounts?

Where discounts are available, these will be clearly communicated as part of the hospitality package details. The Club continues to review hospitality offerings to ensure value for supporters and guests.

BROADCASTING & REGULATIONS

Can televised football matches be shown in stadium bars during the 3pm blackout?

The Club complies with all applicable broadcasting regulations and licence requirements.

Any decision to show live football broadcasts within Club facilities must comply with the relevant rights agreements, licences and regulatory requirements in force at the time.

What is the Club’s view on alcohol being permitted in the stands?

At present, legislation prohibits the consumption of alcohol whilst watching football matches from designated viewing areas within English football grounds.

Any change to those arrangements would be a matter for Government and football authorities rather than individual clubs.

Should national regulations change in the future, the Club would carefully consider any new guidance, supporter feedback, safety considerations and operational implications before determining its approach.

SUPPORTER FEEDBACK & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

How does the Club use supporter feedback?

Supporter feedback is collected through a variety of channels, including Fan Services, CAB meetings, Fans Forums, supporter groups, social media, surveys and direct correspondence.

While it is not always possible to implement every suggestion, feedback is regularly reviewed and helps inform decision-making across operational, commercial and supporter engagement activities.

How can supporters raise suggestions or concerns?

Supporters can raise questions, concerns or suggestions through Fan Services, members of the Club Advisory Board, supporter engagement events and direct communication with the Club.

The Club values constructive feedback and remains committed to maintaining open and meaningful dialogue with supporters.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTERS

Rochdale AFC remains committed to providing a safe, welcoming and enjoyable matchday experience for all supporters.

Through ongoing engagement with supporters, the Club Advisory Board, supporter groups and community stakeholders, the Club will continue to listen, learn and improve wherever possible. We value the passion, loyalty and feedback of our supporters and recognise the important role they play in shaping the future of Rochdale AFC.