Our Community, Our Standards, Our Club

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Welcome to Blackwell Meadows. As a fan-owned and volunteer-run club, Darlington FC belongs to all of us. We take immense pride in being a family-friendly, inclusive club at the absolute heart of our community, driven by the passion and excellent behaviour of our fantastic supporters.

To help us protect the club we love, maintain a safe environment, and comply with Football Association (FA) and National League regulations, we ask all fans, both at home and away games, to uphold the following standards.

Zero Tolerance for Discrimination and Abuse

We are building a club where everyone feels welcome. Darlington FC strongly condemns all forms of discriminatory behaviour.

We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy and will take decisive action against:

  • Discriminatory behaviour: Any forms of racism, misogyny, homophobia, sexism, or other targeted abuse.
  • Offensive chanting: The chanting of indecent, racist, or discriminatory songs.
  • Prohibited displays: The exhibition of offensive or discriminatory banners, flags, or garments.

Whether directed at a fellow supporter, player, volunteer, staff member, or match official, abuse has no place at our matches or in our community.

Ground Regulations & Legal Offences

Under the Football (Offences) Act 1991, the following acts are criminal offences and can lead to prosecution and football banning orders:

  • Throwing objects: Launching any object onto the pitch or within the ground without lawful authority.
  • Pitch encroachment: Entering the playing area or adjacent restricted zones without permission.
  • Pyrotechnics: Attempting to bring or ignite flares, smoke bombs, or fireworks. These items pose severe health risks, especially to those with breathing difficulties. You can read the full National League policy on our Smoke: No Joke page.

Please note: Misconduct at matches risks severe financial and disciplinary penalties for our club from the FA.

Safeguarding: Under 14s Policy

To ensure we meet licensing standards and keep our youngest supporters safe, we enforce the following National League safeguarding guidelines:

  • Accompanied entry: Children aged 13 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult (18+) to enter the ground.
  • Supervision: The accompanying adult must remain inside the stadium for the duration of the match.
  • Identity checks: If a child appears to be unaccompanied, stewards or staff may ask for the contact details of their responsible adult. If no adult can be identified, entry may be refused, or necessary safeguarding actions will be taken.

For any questions regarding these youth guidelines, please contact: tickets@darlingtonfc.org.

How to Report Misconduct

If you witness or experience any form of abuse or safety concern at a match, please report it immediately. Every report is treated with the strictest confidence.

  • In person: Alert the nearest matchday steward or speak directly to our Supporter Liaison Officer, Andrew Scullion.
  • Text service: Message our dedicated discriminatory text line at 07897 031883.
  • Email: Send details to report@darlingtonfc.org.

We continue to work closely with organisations like Her Game Too and Kick It Out to eradicate discrimination, and we co-operate fully with police investigations to protect our fans.

Thank you for your continued, brilliant support and for helping us keep Darlington FC safe, welcoming, and proud!