Stand Up Sit Down was launched in July 2004 in response to growing conflict between supporters, clubs and safety authorities with regard to persistent standing in seated areas.

Our membership covers supporters of over 130 clubs, and includes both those who wish to stand and those who prefer to sit.

The campaign's name was specifically chosen to indicate that we want to get back to supporters having a choice as to whether they stand or sit. It is not just a campaign for fans who want to stand, but is for all football supporters.

With a little common sense and compromise on all sides this issue could easily be resolved.

The campaign was set up with the objective to get at least one area of each ground where standing will be allowed, provided that supporters keep to a Code of Conduct.

We aim to work with the safety authorities and clubs to agree the most suitable areas for standing where this causes is no real risk.

We accept that standing should not be permitted in areas where this could cause a significant safety hazard.

By restricting standing to the most suitable areas we would improve safety over the current situation. By separating those who wish to stand from those who prefer to sit, we would overcome the customer care issues.

WHY THIS CAMPAIGN IS NECESSARY

To varying degrees, there are difficulties at most clubs because some supporters have a very strong desire to stand, and may block the views of those who prefer to sit.

Until recent years spectators had a choice as to whether they sit or stand. Football is a passionate game, and many supporters prefer to stand, as they feel more involved, and it is more conducive to creating the unique atmosphere of British football.

The authorities seek to prevent persistent standing, but increasing sanctions such as ejections, bans, capacity and ticket reductions, will affect all supporters, could lead to disorder, and will have an increasing financial impact on clubs. However despite these efforts, thousands of fans continue to stand every week.

The time spent on this issue by the safety authorities is out of all proportion to the risks involved, and a resolution would allow them to concentrate resources on other more pressing issues.

The Government appears unwilling to listen to reasoned argument, and although there is a very good case for the re-introduction of safe terraced areas, it appears unlikely that this will be permitted in the foreseeable future.

A compromise solution based on common sense appears to be the best way forward for all concerned.