Redeemer University Athletics

Royals Spectator Conduct Policy 

1. Photography & Video Recording

At Redeemer Royals home games, photography and video recording by spectators is welcomed in a way that enhances the experience for individuals and supports a positive atmosphere. However, such activity cannot interfere with gameplay, distract participants, or infringe on the safety and integrity of the event. The following guidelines apply:

Personal Photography Permitted:

• Non-commercial photography is permitted. All photography must be conducted from designated spectator areas. The use of flash photography is not permitted. Flash photography can distract athletes and officials, increase safety risks, and negatively impact performance.
• Professional or Live-Stream Equipment Requires Approval:
• The use of tripods, monopods, long lenses, drones, or live-streaming devices is not permitted. Consent can be requested in advance from the Redeemer Athletics Department (atheltics@redeemer.ca).These types of equipment can block views, create hazards, and interfere with broadcast rights and media agreements.
• No Field or Bench Access for Spectators:
• Spectators are not permitted to enter the court, field, ice, or team bench areas for any reason, including photography or filming. Access to these zones is reserved for credentialed personnel, media, and game operations staff only. For credentials please request access from the Redeemer Athletics Department (atheltics@redeemer.ca).

2. Signage (Homemade or Professional)

Redeemer Royals spectators are encouraged to show their support through signs and visual displays that enhance the game day atmosphere. However, to maintain a respectful environment for all participants, officials, coaches and spectators, the following signage guidelines must be followed:

Permitted Signage

• Homemade or professionally printed signs are welcome, provided they reflect a positive, respectful, and family-friendly message.
• Signs that celebrate team spirit, encourage athletes, or show school pride are encouraged.
• Signs may not obstruct the view or movement of others.

Not Permitted Signage

• Signs that contain profanity, crude or suggestive language, discriminatory harassing, or inflammatory remarks are prohibited.
• Signs that  target or criticise individual athletes, coaches, officials, or spectators are prohibited. 
• Signs with political, commercial, or other endorsements unrelated to the event or university values are prohibited.

Size & Placement Guidelines

• Signs should not exceed 2 feet by 3 feet in size, and must not be affixed to walls, railings, bleachers, doors, scoreboards, or equipment without prior Athletics Department approval, or placed in a way that blocks sponsor signage, obstruct sightlines for other spectators, or interferes with the operation of the event or safety/emergency signage.

All signage is subject to the discretion of the Athletics Department and game day staff, and violations of these guidelines may result in removal from the venue or further disciplinary action. For approval of larger displays, banners, or pre-game setups, please contact: atheltics@redeemer.ca.

3. Artificial Noisemakers

Redeemer Royals games are meant to be spirited and energetic, but always within a framework of sportsmanship, safety, and mutual respect. Artificial noisemakers do not always contribute to the atmosphere of the event in a positive way. The following policy governs what is and isn't appropriate regarding noise-making devices at all Redeemer athletic events. At Redeemer, we believe the loudest support comes not from devices, but from cheering with heart, encouraging others, and celebrating with joy and class that reflects our shared values and our Vertical Purpose.

Not Permitted Noisemakers

Due to their potential to create unsafe, excessive, or distracting noise levels that may interfere with gameplay, disrupt communication between officials and players, or detract from the experience of others the following are not permitted: air horns whistles, sirens, cowbells, vuvuzelas, metal objects such as pots, pans, and lids, any custom or homemade devices designed or used to amplify sound at a high volume.

These items will be confiscated (returned on exit) upon entry or removed during the game if discovered. Repeated violations may result in removal from the facility.

Permitted Items (With Conditions)

Select, low-decibel, commercially produced noisemakers may be permitted at the discretion of the Athletics Department and game day staff. These include: Clappers, thunder sticks or similar items.

Usage Conditions

• Permitted items may only be used during stoppages in play (e.g., timeouts, halftime, post-goal celebrations, or player introductions).
• Permitted items must be used in a way that does not interfere with officials' communication, athlete concentration, or the experience of surrounding spectators.
• Game Day staff reserve the right to ask spectators to refrain from using noisemakers or other permitted items should these terms be breached, which items may be confiscated. In some cases, the individual responsible may be asked to leave the venue if their behavior negatively impacts the game day environment.

4. Flags & Banners

Redeemer Royals home games are meant to reflect the spirit of competition, community, and Christ-centred sportsmanship. While we encourage spectators to show their support through creative expressions, including team flags and banners, these must be used in a way that ensures a safe, respectful, and distraction-free environment for all in attendance. The following policy applies to the use of all flags and banners, whether homemade or professionally produced:

Permitted Flag Use

• Handheld team flags supporting one of the participating teams are allowed, provided they:
• • Do not obstruct the view of other spectators.
  • Are waved only during stoppages in play (e.g., timeouts, halftime, post-goal celebrations, or player introductions).
  • Are held securely and used in a safe, respectful, and non-disruptive manner.
• Large flags or banners (e.g., for team sections or pre-approved spectators groups) must:
• • Receive prior written approval from the Athletics Department.
  • Be displayed only in pre-designated areas and may not block sponsor signage, emergency exits, or venue pathways.

Not Permitted Flag Use

To preserve the game's focus on sport, community, and shared values, the following types of flags and banners are not permitted, regardless of intent, size, or wording:

• Flags or banners representing political parties, national affiliations, social causes, or identity-based movements.
• Any signage that distracts from the athletic event or shifts attention from sport to sociopolitical messaging will not be permitted.

This policy is not a statement on the validity or importance of those causes, but rather a commitment to maintaining a neutral, unified, and Christ-centered atmosphere during all Royals competitions.

Prohibited Items & Practices

• Flagpoles or flag sticks of any kind (plastic, metal, wood, etc.) are not permitted, due to safety concerns.
• Flags or items that interfere with the field of play or event visibility are not permitted.

Enforcement

Game Day staff and Athletics personnel reserve the right to:

• Request the removal of any flag or banner not in compliance with these guidelines.
• Remove items or individuals that are disruptive or unsafe or those who refuse to comply.

5. Prohibited Items

• Outside food and beverages may be restricted depending on the venue or specific event. Please check posted signs or speak with Game Day staff on site for venue-specific policies. 
• All bags may be subject to inspection by Game Day staff upon entry.
• Any not permitted items discovered will be confiscated, and individuals in violation may be asked to leave the premises.

6. Venue Access & Seating

• Spectators must remain in designated seating or standing areas and are not permitted on the field, court, ice surface, or in team bench or sideline areas at any time.
• Accessible seating is available at all venues. If you or someone in your group requires accessible seating, please speak with a Game Day staff member upon arrival or contact the Athletics Department in advance to make arrangements.
• Space for mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) is available and will be prioritized for those with accessibility needs. Seating in accessible sections may not be occupied by others when not in use.
• Spectators must follow all posted signage, respect seating assignments, and comply with Game Day staff and security instructions at all times.

7. Dress Code

• All spectators are expected to wear clothing that is appropriate for a family-friendly, faith-based environment and reflects the respectful tone of our campus community.
• Clothing or body paint that contains offensive, vulgar, or suggestive language, imagery, or slogans is not permitted.
• Apparel that promotes violence, drugs/alcohol, or that may be seen as inflammatory, or inconsistent with the values of Redeemer University are not permitted.
• Shirts and shoes are required at all times inside the facility.
• Game Day staff reserve the right to address any attire that is deemed disruptive to the game day environment or contrary to the spirit of the event.

8. Children & Youth Supervision

• Children under the age of 12 must be actively supervised by a parent or guardian at all times while attending sporting events on campus.
• Unsupervised children may be asked to return to their parents or guardian.
• Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that children:
• • Remain in designated seating or spectator areas and do not enter playing surfaces, team benches, or restricted areas.
  • Do not engage in disruptive or unsafe behavior, including running in walkways, climbing on equipment, or interfering with others' enjoyment of the game. Children must not be left alone in bleachers, concourses, or bathrooms during events.
• Youth groups attending games as part of a school, church, or community organization must be accompanied by a responsible adult with a clear plan for supervision.

9. Emergency & Safety Procedures

• The safety of all spectators, athletes, and staff is a top priority. Spectators are required to immediately follow the instructions of Game Day staff, security personnel, and emergency responders at all times.
• In the event of an emergency such as medical incidents, fire, facility lockdown, severe weather, or evacuation spectators should:
• • Remain calm and alert.
  • Listen carefully to public address announcements or direct verbal instructions.
  • Exit the facility at designated emergency exits.
  • Avoid crowding or blocking stairways, exits, or emergency responders.
• Shelter-in-place or lockdown protocols may be enacted depending on the situation. In such cases, spectators must follow staff guidance.
• If you witness a medical emergency, unsafe behavior, or suspicious activity, please report it immediately to the nearest staff member or security personnel.

10. Pet/Animal Policy

Definitions: 

Custodian: the person primarily responsible for the care, oversight and/or use of a pet or service animal. 

Pet: a domestic or tamed animal kept for companionship or pleasure. 

Service Animal: an animal that has been trained to provide specific assistance to those with respect to their disability. Service animals include those which assist individuals who are visually impaired, which alert and protect those who suffer from seizures, which remind them to take medication, or which perform other specialized tasks such as providing support for those with mental, emotional, or psychological disabilities.

General Rule:

Pets and animals are not permitted at indoor or outdoor Redeemer Royals athletic venues, with the following exceptions:

• Service animals trained to assist individuals with disabilities (as defined in Part IV.2 of O. Reg. 191/11 to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005).
• Service animals on campus grounds (or in campus buildings, when permitted) must be on a leash or otherwise be under the control of their custodian, restrained from running loose on campus. Approved service animals may be asked to relocate if they are disruptive or pose a safety concern to the event or others..
• Custodians are responsible for the prompt clean-up of soiled property, including the appropriate disposal of feces.

Other Animals:

Emotional support animals that are not designated as service animals may be permitted on campus but require prior approval in accordance with Redeemer University's Domestic Animals on Campus Policy.

This policy ensures a safe, clean, and distraction-free environment for all athletes and spectators.