CSC Meeting: Outcomes

I think everyone who was there will agree that all concerns that have been raised on Big Soccer were addressed at the meeting. In that sense it was a success.

Stephen Zack is going to put together some notes/outcomes from the meeting and share them within a few days.

Rather than everyone jumping in now, it was pretty much agreed to wait a day or two for Stephen's notes and then obviously people can and will say whatever they'd like. That just seems like a more organized and productive approach....

 

Amazingly the one exception to fireworks being banned at RFK is that anyone from BigSoccer with the name GreatScott is permitted to shoot M-80s at Tim Howard.


Not.

 

Meeting Minutes

Directly from Stephen Zach (except the next two paragraphs, which I wrote).

As a matter of organization, we first talked through the existing policies for RFK stadium and for security, then we talked about specific suggestions for any changes to these policies, then we focused on the matters perceived to be of greater concern related to CSC and fans.

Everyone who has a comment should feel free to make them, but please know that these minutes are reviewed and approved by representatives of each fan support group.
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RFK Security Meeting

Discussion Points and Next Steps:

RFK Rules and Regulations discussed. The following list of Prohibited Items and Security and Courtesy Policies were reviewed:

Prohibited Items
-Metal, plastic, glass containers of any kind
-Backpacks and large bags
-Large flags and banners
-Poles and staffs (metal, plastic or wooden)
-Weapons and illegal substances
-Food and Beverages
-Audio and Video recording devices
-Professional cameras w/detachable zoom lenses and/or tripods
-Camera tri-pods
-Pets
-Fireworks
-Whistles



In relation to the above the following was discussed:

- The policy on large flags and banners are relaxed for supporters clubs at D.C. United games.

- While poles/staffs are still not allowed, RFK was amenable to looking at a flag with sewn in pole proposed by Barra Brava. Oscar Zambrano to develop sample for RFK review.

- To clarify, it is only professional recording/photography equipment that is prohibited. Hand held video recorders, cameras, etc. are allowed.

- Fireworks continue to be prohibited and it was clarified that anyone caught using any type of fireworks (firecrackers/smoke bombs, etc) in the stadium would be ejected. The idea of a smoke machine being purchased by one or more of the supporters clubs then “donated” to D.C. United for supervised use at D.C. United matches was discussed. It was determined that this would be acceptable assuming the equipment and usage were pre-approved by RFK and the Fire Marshall. Matt Mathai to investigate smoke machine options and provide information to D.C. United to review with RFK.



Security and Courtesy Policies


- Proper behavior is expected from all of our guests. Offensive language and/or rowdy behavior will not be tolerated and will be cause for ejection.

- Retain ticket stubs for Event Staff to verify proper seat location. Be prepared to show your ticket stub each time you enter your assigned seating section.

- Sit only in your assigned seat to avoid inconveniencing of other guests. Offenders will be escorted from the Stadium.

- Aisles must be clear at all times.

- Entering the playing field level without authorization or proper credentials will result in ejection from the Stadium and violators will be subject to arrest.

- Throwing of objects of any kind is a violation of Stadium policy. Offenders will be ejected from the Stadium and subject to arrest.

- Smoking is prohibited in all seating areas and restrooms. Smoking is permitted only in open-air areas such as concourses. Offenders will be escorted from the rest rooms of RFK Stadium.



In relation to the above the following was discussed:

- All of these policies apply to all fans however:

o Supporters clubs are allowed more freedom in relation to their activities (standing, instruments, large flags and banners, etc.). D.C. United purposely blocks seats behind supporters clubs so that other fans are not disturbed by entire standing sections. Fans who are disturbed may request a seat location change at D.C. United’s customer service window.

o RFK/Security are willing to extend greater freedom to the supporters clubs in relations to celebrations involving the throwing of confetti, streamers and toilet paper (as long as the toilet paper is not being removed from RFK restrooms). This courtesy is extended for these items only and are based on current activity levels. If all groups/fans began throwing toilet paper the courtesy would likely be revoked. No other items (register tape, beer, etc.) are acceptable.



Lenny Lambert of CSC was introduced and explained CSC’s responsibilities at D.C. United matches. The following issues/concerns were discussed related to CSC:



- There have been accusations of CSC personnel using abusive/foul and/or racist language at D.C. United matches

- It is believed that some CSC personnel have been over zealous in enforcing rules and regulations and in effect sparking conflict within a group

- There is a perception that CSC employees that have been singled out for the behavior outlined above are not dealt with/disciplined in a timely manner or at all

- There does not appear to be consistency in staffing within supporters sections (different staffers from game to game)

- It appears that CSC employees are often unclear on what is or is not allowed in certain sections.

- The relationship between CSC and Metropolitan police was questioned in relation to ejections and physical conflicts





The following was discussed/agreed to related to the above:



- Abusive/improper language or actions by CSC staff is unacceptable to CSC, RFK and D.C. United. This is communicated as standard procedure to all CSC staff. It will be reiterated to all CSC staff working D.C. United matches. Spectators that witness this type of behavior should report the staff members ID # (located on their shirt or jacket) to a CSC supervisor (blue shirts) as well as to D.C. United.

- It was agreed that when a staff member is identified for unacceptable behavior that D.C. United would confirm receipt of complaint with CSC. CSC would address the situation and report back to D.C. United on the situation resolution. D.C. United to report situation resolution to club liaisons for dissemination to club membership as appropriate.

- It was determined that each club should have “liaisons” that introduce themselves to security in there area to help diffuse situations that might arise between fans and security. Specifically, in the case of Barra Brava, where there have been recent and repetitive security issues, D.C. United will be assigning a team representative to be in the area to act as a liason between CSC and Barra Brava. This liason will be know to CSC staffing, MPD and Barra Brava leaders. To be clear, the liason is in place to help diffuse situations before they arise or to keep unacceptable behaviors from continuing. Should CSC witness “ejectionable” or dangerous activities (fireworks, fighting, etc.) however they will act accordingly.

- CSC does try to maintain consistency in staffing, especially in supporters club areas. The nature of the security business and staffing issues does not always allow for this to occur. CSC agreed that they will make best efforts to maintain consistent staffing (most importantly among supervisors) in each of the supporters club areas.

- D.C. United to put in writing to CSC all details related to all supporters clubs (location, size, standing policy, buffer zones, etc.). CSC to communicate this information to day of game staff during pre-game meeting prior to every D.C. United match.

- CSC’s overall role is to assist with enforcement of RFK polices and security. CSC usually attempts to enforce rules by speaking with offenders and requiring an appropriate change in behavior. If an issue cannot be immediately resolved, CSC will ask that a patron step into the concourse to address the issue further. Preferably CSC will request MPD personnel to handle ejections or criminal offenses. There are however times when CSC is required to take physical action for safety/security reasons. RFK, CSC and MPD to discuss the issue of physical confrontation further to clarify policies and procedures. It was clearly stated by all parties that physical confrontations were not desired and should be avoided unless safety or security issues truly necessitate such actions.

 

For me, the biggest outcome is that there will be feedback, through United, if a CSC member is being removed or disciplined. I think the heart of the problem was that people had no idea if their concerns about improper treatment ever results in outcome. I was impressed with Lennie. He says that his goal is to be able to act on a complaint immediately. The problem was that if that was happening the fans who were offended never heard about it. Now they will - or at least they can get the feedback if they want it - through the leadership of their fan club (and probably directly from Stephen if you're not in a fan club.)

Everyone stayed until every last issue was discussed. So all of this said I think it was a very fair and good meeting.