Stand Up Sit Down

NEWS - OCTOBER 2004

Date	Action
1st October 2004	1000th member joins Stand Up Sit Down
2nd October 2004	Further letter sent to Richard Caborn MP (Minister for Sport) outlining our proposals and asking that they receive appropriate consideration
3rd October 2004	A poll of Southend supporters shows 61% want standing areas in their new ground
4th October 2004	Petition reaches 2500 signatures
6th October 2004	Message of support from Kate Hoey MP (Former Minister for Sport)
9th October 2004	Letter received from Lord Moynihan, Shadow Minister for Sport. He recognises that many feel strongly about standing, but says he sees no real cause to reconsider Taylor's recommendations. However, he notes the thoroughness of our report, and suggests that it is up to clubs to demonstrate ways in which they would maintain or improve safety
11th October 2004	We are advised by an MP that whilst the Minister for Sport is opposed to safe standing areas, Downing Street, where the power really resides, has a more open mind. It is suggested that supporters should write to their MPs, and that if a head of steam can be built up with political campaign in the run up to an election, the policy makers may be more sympathetic to our arguments than the current Minister
16th October 2004	Leaflets are given to West Ham supporters at QPR, saying that if they stand their allocation will be cut next season, yet from many seats in the upper tier the design of the ground means that it is not possible to see goal mouth action whilst seated
18th October 2004	Letter sent to West Ham, pointing out why some supporters had to stand at QPR, and suggesting that they inform the FLA of this if the club is asked to defend the standing
19th October 2004	Letter sent to QPR asking whether they consider that seats where ground design means it is necessary to stand to see goal mouth action, are safe. We point out that if this is safe, passive standing during the rest of the game must also be safe
21st October 2004	Letter received from John de Quidt, FLA Chief Executive. He says our proposals have been discussed but are considered counter to the Government's all-seater policy. However he is happy to meet us and we will write back to arrange this
21st October 2004	Letter received from Scottish Executive on behalf of Scottish Sports Minister. States that whilst the all seater approach in Scotland is voluntary, the Executive & SPL see no reason to ‘compromise safety' by setting aside standing areas. We will write back pointing out that our proposals which actually improve safety
22nd October 2004	We obtain confirmation that the Guide to Safety of Sports Grounds ‘Green Guide', from which the FLA often quotes, is not a statutory document, just guidance
22nd October 2004	We note that the ‘Green Guide' recommends that seat design should ensure that spectators are encouraged to remain seated and not to have to stretch or strain to see an event. Most supporters can point to examples where this is not the case
22nd October 2004	Stand Up Sit Down write an article for www.4thegame which is featured on this popular website
23rd October 2004	Letter received from Leader of Scottish Liberal Democrats. States the Scottish Executive & SFA's views, but not his own party's policy. We will write again pointing out the strong views of many supporters and asking for their policy in the light of an imminent election.
23rd October 2004	FSF News highlights inconsistencies in the way clubs treat fans standing in seated areas, and questions why it is safe to stand for an entire pop concert, but not for a few minutes during a football match at the same stadium.
25th October 2004	Dundee United send a letter to their supporters saying that Tayside Police had informed them that persistent standing in the East Stand is considered to be 'a safety issue of real concern', and that if this is not tackled they would be forced to close the stand.
26th October 2004	Stand Up Sit Down member holds meeting with Chief Executive of Norwich City. The club understand how supporters feel but are unable to publicly comment on the issue.
28th October 2004	Stand Up Sit Down member meets with Blackburn Rovers.

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