GFA Issues Stern Reminder to Clubs on Steward Deployment Regulations
In a bid to ensure the safety and security of fans during matches, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has issued a crucial reminder to all clubs regarding the deployment of Club Stewards at home games.
The announcement comes as part of the GFA’s ongoing efforts to maintain order and discipline within the stadiums, emphasizing that strict adherence to established protocols is mandatory.
The GFA’s Safety and Security Committee has outlined a series of guidelines that clubs must follow or face potential sanctions. Key points from the directive include:
- Steward Training Requirements: Clubs must train their stewards using the GFA Approved Manual. A list of trained stewards, along with a training report, must be submitted to the GFA for approval.
- Pre-match Validation: The deployment of stewards must be discussed at the Pre-match Technical Meeting and receive approval from the Head of Police Operations assigned to the match.
- Approval of Stewards: Only stewards who have been trained and approved by the GFA are permitted to be deployed. Clubs found using unapproved personnel will face disciplinary action.
- Dressing Room Restrictions: Stewards are prohibited from accessing the dressing room area, including its entrance and the inner perimeter, designated as Zones 1 and 2.
- Match Commissioners’ Role: Match Commissioners are tasked with ensuring compliance with these deployment rules and must report the conduct of stewards to the GFA.
- Steward Duties: The primary responsibilities of stewards include providing directional assistance, controlling entry, and managing access in spectator areas, as well as ensuring the orderly exit of supporters after the match.
- Pre-match Orientation: It is essential that stewards receive orientation on their duties and core values during pre-match briefings.
- Professional Conduct: The GFA has made it clear that any partisan behavior by stewards will not be tolerated and will result in sanctions for the offending clubs.
- Incident Reporting: Special Observers are tasked with monitoring steward conduct and reporting any incidents directly to the GFA.
- Penalties for Non-compliance: Clubs that violate these regulations face stringent penalties, including the permanent ban of offending stewards from any football-related activities.
