Club Charter

RAFC values communication with its supporters. In addition to the articles on our official website, we are also very active on all social media networks.

Social media enables us to have direct communication with fans and is a fantastic tool that allows us shout loud and proud about all things Rochdale related, from first team updates to ticketing information, to the club’s successful Academy and Community Trust.

In partnership with Urban Zoo, one of the leading sports streaming providers, we have launched video.rochdaleafc.co.uk.

This allows all supporters based in the UK & Ireland to listen to live audio commentary of every Dale match, across all competitions.

International supporters will be able to live stream all our Sky Bet League Two and EFL Trophy fixtures via the platform.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide live video streaming of Emirates FA Cup and Carabao Cup fixtures in any country.

UK-based supporters can watch League, Carabao and Trophy matches via Sky Sports+, subject to Article 48, which is the blocked broadcast period between 2.45pm and 5.15pm on Saturday afternoons.

Official website: www.rochdaleafc.co.uk
Facebook: @Rochdale AFC
Instagram: @officiallydale
X – Formally Twitter: @officiallydale
YouTube: OfficialRochdaleAFC
TikTok: OfficallyRochdale

RAFC insists its entire staff to act in a kind, courteous, respectful, friendly and helpful manner to all its customers (including supporters, clients, customers, visitors etc).

RAFC will respond to any contact from customers by telephone, email or letter within 14 days, and will respond by the most efficient and appropriate method of communication (phone, email, post). In the event that we feel unable to satisfy any matter raised within 14 days, an acknowledgement will be sent indicating the time scale that we anticipate resolving the issue.

All formal complaints will be directed to the relevant department for comment/response.

Please note that requests for trials, work experience, jobs and free merchandise are covered specifically in sections of this Charter below and, in those cases, it is likely that no responses will be sent.

As a professional football club, a Full member of The Football Association and as a member of The English Football League the club is committed to confront and eliminate discrimination in all its forms.

The aim of Rochdale AFC Equality Policy is to promote equality throughout everything we do and in doing so, help to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect. All Rochdale AFC representatives abide and adhere to this Policy and to the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

We adhere to the principles of the Equality Act 2010 and the protected characteristics of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes club activities, membership and dealing with grievances and discipline.

Every staff member, Board member, official, spectator, fan and visiting teams can be assured of an environment in which their rights, dignity and individual worth are respected, and in particular that they are able to work and watch football in an environment without the threat of intimidation, victimisation, harassment or abuse.

The club is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equal opportunity within our own organisation and will endeavour to encourage similar commitment from individuals and organisations within the game.

Equality at the Club means that in none of our activities including when vacancies arise across the Business will we discriminate against any person on the grounds of the age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status or civil partnership race, nationality, ethnicity (race), religion or belief, ability or disability or pregnancy and maternity. On some occasions operational reasons may mean that we need to fill a role either quickly or by business need. Generally, we will follow the recruitment and Selection process by way of;

• Employment opportunities being advertised whenever possible
  • The selection of candidates for employment or promotion.
  • Employment location or working environment
  • Pay and employment terms and conditions.
  • Internal training and development opportunities
  • Football development schemes
  • External education activities and qualifications

The club does not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with the appropriate disciplinary action.

The club supports the Football Association, The English Football League, The Professional Footballers Association and The League Managers Association in their commitment to develop programmes of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities in order to promote the eradication of discrimination.

We are committed to supporting various campaigns that promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in sports. Our dedication to these values evolves over time, reflecting the current needs and issues within our community.

To help support anyone if they have been the victim of abuse or have witnessed an incident of discrimination or harassment, RAFC would like the matter reported by email fanservices@rochdaleafc.co.uk or using the Club telephone number 01706 644648.

Should you feel the necessity to report the incident to Kick It Out rather than RAFC, supporters should ring freephone number (02039678989).

All complaints received by Kick It Out will be recorded and details of the incident forwarded to Rochdale AFC and the Football Association, with the complainants’ anonymity guaranteed if requested.

RAFC ensures that all complaints are dealt with sensitively and appropriately to help supporters feel comfortable with the process and are confident that the club is taking any issues seriously.

Should any supporter not be satisfied with any part of the Clubs Complaint Procedure then they have the right to direct the matter to the Independent Football Ombudsman (IFO) in line with the IFO procedure.

How to complain to the IFO

Complaints should be made in writing and may be submitted;

By Post: The Independent Football Ombudsman, Premier House, 1-5 Argyle Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2AD

By Email: contact@theifo.co.uk

Via the website: www.theifo.co.uk

You may initially register your concerns by phone and may wish to leave a message on the IFO Voicemail 0330 165 4223.

You should submit a summary of your complaint, to include details of your concerns and your desired outcome. This should be supported by any documentary evidence available, including correspondence to and from the provider. This may be submitted either in hard copy or electronically. You may communicate with the IFO and the provider online if you wish. You will be given sufficient time to submit full documentation in order for the IFO to consider a complete case file.

RAFC is committed to maintaining open and regular communication with its supporters through a range of channels, including The Dale Supporters Trust, email, the Club website, matchday programme, newsletters, and social media.

The Club recognises The Dale Supporters Trust as its official supporters’ body and values the strong working relationship established through a Memorandum of Understanding.

RAFC will consult and engage with The Dale Supporters Trust on matters where appropriate and will ensure that members of the Board of Directors and/or Club management meet with its democratically elected representatives at least twice each season. The trust also has an elected director on the official RAFC Board of Directors.

The Club Advisory Board (CAB) provides a structured forum for dialogue between the Club and its supporters, promoting effective communication, meaningful engagement, and sustainable growth. Through regular consultation, the CAB enables supporters to raise issues, contribute to Club projects and strategic initiatives, and help shape decisions on matters affecting the supporter experience. The Board also supports the Club’s ambition to grow and diversify its fanbase by encouraging participation from underrepresented groups and strengthening connections with the wider community.

The CAB comprises representatives from the Club, Dale Supporters Trust and a broad cross-section of the supporter base to ensure diverse and inclusive representation. It meets regularly throughout the season, with additional meetings convened where necessary, and operates under a published code of conduct. Meeting agendas and minutes will be made publicly available, and supporter representatives will maintain ongoing dialogue with the Club between meetings to ensure timely discussion of emerging issues.

RAFC hold two Fan’s Forums each year – open to all supporters and including information for the Club and then questions from the fans. The forums are organised at the start of the season and mid-season.

The Club welcomes questions and contributions from fans. They may do this by emailing the Club on fanservices@rochdaleafc.co.uk or by writing to the Club for the attention of the relevant person. The Club advises that letters or emails to coaches and players will be looked at by Club staff before forwarding.

RAFC will continue to strive for wider access to matches by offering a broad and innovative range of ticket prices and promotions.

Full details of ticket pricing for both Season Tickets and for matchday tickets will be found on the RAFC website, as will the Ticket Office opening hours. Tickets can also be purchased online through Fanbase.

Match Day concessionary prices are available to junior supporters, young persons and senior citizens. Senior citizens are available to all aged 65+.

The club urges all supporters who are looking to claim a concessionary price to bring PHOTOGRAPHIC ID, which includes their date of birth with them to confirm that they are entitled to claim the concession.

The club will provide support for disabled supporters, and their helper/carer.

Nicola Toolan can be contacted on 01706 644648 or by email at disability.liaisonofficer@rochdaleafc.co.uk to assist supporters with disabilities with any questions.

RAFC has a separate Disabled Policy (within the Admissions Policy), a copy can be obtained from the RAFC general office.

When there is a restriction on tickets, season ticket holders will be given priority to purchase. Tickets for all cup competitions will be fixed once the opponents are known and published on the club’s website. All prices have to be agreed with the opposing team, and these will be done on a match by match basis considering the status of the competition, the opponents and the rules relating to the competition.

The club has a separate Admissions Policy which is available on the RAFC website or by contacting RAFC.

The club’s Supporter Liaison Offer can be contacted by emailing office@rochdaleafc.co.uk or by calling 01706 644648.

RAFC abides by the English Football League Regulations governing the allocation of tickets to visiting clubs. RAFC charges the same admission prices to supporters from a visiting club as our own supporters for comparable accommodation. Our concessionary rates which are offered to our own junior supporters, young persons and senior citizens apply to supporters of the visiting team.

All visiting supporters who wish to claim a concessionary price to purchase their ticket must provide PHOTOGRAPHIC ID if requested, which includes the date of birth. All tickets will need to be purchased before approaching the turnstile as there are no cash turnstiles.

Subject to the rules and regulations of the Football Association and League governing bodies, Rochdale AFC will adopt the following policy for refunds for abandoned matches:

• A match postponed before supporters are admitted to the stadium will result in free admission to the rearranged game on production of a complete valid ticket or alternatively a full refund. Any refund will be processed following the fixture concluding on the rearranged date.
• A match postponed after spectators admitted to the stadium but before kick-off will result in free admission to the rearranged game or alternatively a full refund. Any refund will be processed following the fixture concluding on the rearranged date.
• If a match is abandoned after kick-off and during the first half the RAFC will issue a voucher entitling the spectators to half price admission to the re-arranged match. RAFC ask that tickets are retained as proof to enable half price admission to the re-arranged match
• If a match is abandoned after the completion of the first half RAFC reserves the right not to offer a refund or reduced admission to the re-arranged match. Tickets should be retained for a brief period as RAFC may decide to offer some reduction on the re-arranged fixture depending on circumstances and timing.

The RAFC Club Shop is situated on Pearl Street at the Crown Oil Arena. There is also an online shop available. The Club aim to offer a range of quality products that will appeal to fans. RAFC will make supporters aware when a replica strip is due to be launched by advertising the launch date on the club’s website. The club will always offer refunds on merchandise in accordance with the standard retail practices and as part of its legal obligations.

If you are a collector of club memorabilia and are looking to obtain free Rochdale AFC souvenirs by contacting us online, it is unlikely that a reply will be received. Badges, keyrings, posters and other such items can be purchased from the Club Shop at the Crown Oil Arena or online.

Rochdale AFC Football in the Community Trust is the clubs official Football Club Charity.

The charity is registered with the charity commission (number 11850), has its own board of trustees, operating independently from the club from a financial perspective.

Two members of the club board are nominated as trustees for the charity.

The charities mission is shared by the club, a vision of making Rochdale one of the best places in the world to live, work and play– a place where ALL voices are heard.
We use the power of football and our community standing to raise aspirations and transform lives.

The charity does this through its key project areas:

• In the Community: Trusted neighbourhood spaces, positive relationships, movement and community participation can help reduce inequalities, strengthen wellbeing, improve social connection and create healthier, more resilient communities where people feel able to belong, contribute and live well.
• Our Teams: Rochdale people in Rochdale shirts- giving everyone the ability to represent Rochdale AFC.
• Dale Works: We believe trusted relationships, practical learning and employer partnerships can help people build confidence, develop skills and create sustainable futures.

We will fly the Rochdale AFC flag, supporting the club on its mission, by:

– Being a voice for families, younger supporters and under-represented groups.

– Supporting sustainability by promoting matchday attendance as part of Project 5000.

– Enhance the Rochdale AFC brand and reputation through the delivery of social value.

– Connecting the club to the wider community, in particularly through player appearances and facility usage.

The charity can be contacted directly on: community@rochdaleafc.co.uk

At RAFC, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and club personnel have a duty to safeguard the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. RAFC does have in place comprehensive safeguarding policies and procedures which meet the requirements of the EFL, the FA and Government legislation. Our Safeguarding Policy can be found on the RAFC website.

The RAFC Designated Safeguarding Officer is:

Nicola Toolan – Head of Safeguarding.
Email: nicola.toolan@rochdaleafc.co.uk

For Hospitality Packages, Executive Boxes and Sponsorship Opportunities please contact our commercial department on:

Telephone: 01706 644648 (Option 5)

E-Mail: commercial@rochdaleafc.co.uk

A copy of the RAFC Ground Regulations can be found on the club’s website: www.rochdaleafc.co.uk

Anyone found to be in breach of the Ground Regulations renders themselves liable to arrest and prosecution and the possibility of a banning order. The Board of Directors of Rochdale AFC in conjunction with Greater Manchester Police will determine any banning orders based on the circumstances of the incident.

The Crown Oil Arena has a small car park that is used for club staff, players and officials as well as club guests, spaces are also reserved for emergency and regulatory purposes, which leaves a number of spaces, including disabled spaces that are sold on a seasonal basis, match by match car parking spaces are not available other than two disabled spaces that are reserved for visiting team supporters.

Street parking is permitted in and around the stadium with cone restrictions in place on match days, all supporters and visitors are asked to respect our neighbours in terms of where they park, keeping noise to a minimum and not leaving litter.

RAFC receives many requests from charitable organisations both locally and nationally. All such requests cannot be considered due to the effect on RAFC resources. As we consider that RAFC is at the “hub of the community”, then RAFC has a desire to support local charities in fundraising activities within the community and therefore “local” charities will be prioritised. Each individual request will be judged on a case by case basis. Although we cannot provide financial support there may be other ways, we can support your cause. All requests should be sent by post to the Club and be on headed paper setting out full details of what is being requested. Whilst we will endeavour to reply to all requests, applicants are advised to be aware of the strategy set out above.

Requests can also be emailed to fanservices@rochdaleafc.co.uk

School requests are dealt with by Rochdale AFC Community Trust. They can be contacted directly on: community@rochdaleafc.co.uk

The club receives many requests in relation to information to assist with dissertations and or questionnaires, unfortunately due to the number of requests and our limited resources it is not possible for us to respond to such requests.

The Rochdale AFC Academy, does hold trials at various times throughout the year. Anyone player wishing to be considered for a trial must in the first instance must send their football curriculum vitae to the club either by post to Rochdale Football Club, Crown Oil Arena, Sandy Lane, Rochdale, OL11 5DR or by email to james.caldwell@rochdaleafc.co.uk. Please monitor the club website for information regarding dates.

Due to the high volume of emails we receive regarding trial requests, we are unfortunately unable to respond to every enquiry individually.

Agents and scouts who wish to recommend a player can do so by emailing the player’s CV and a recent video to office@rochdaleafc.co.uk. If the Club is interested in pursuing the recommendation, we will make contact directly.

We kindly ask that you do not send follow-up or reminder emails after your initial submission. Owing to the large number of enquiries we receive, we are unable to respond to unsuccessful applications, as doing so often leads to further correspondence. If you do not hear from the Club, please assume that we will not be taking the enquiry any further at this time.

Rochdale AFC Women are owned and manged by Rochdale AFC.

The aim of Rochdale AFC Women is to play as high in the Women’s pyramid as resources dictate.

To support this aim, Rochdale AFC will also support and run elite female football pathway programmes and teams in order to develop players.

This is separate to Rochdale AFC Ladies who operate as grassroots, clubs for all under the management of Rochdale AFC Community Trust.