Hello Fans Against Violence supporters! With Football season almost upon us, FAV needs your help to put an end to the violence going on at our stadiums nationwide! We are trying to raise $5,000 before the season starts to help us with all the activities we are planning throughout the season! Every little bit helps so whatever you can give would be very much appreciated! Thank you so much for your support. You can click the DONATE NOW link on our website or go to our Fundrazr page at Fans Against Violence Fundrazr.
It is FAVs mission to enhance the game day experience by promoting goodwill and sportsman-like conduct between fans by implementing a series of creative and effective programs through education, discussion and partnerships with leagues, teams and like-minded organizations.
Please join us in taking a stand against violence!
With the tragic events such as the Boston Bombings and the seemingly increasing threats at public venues, the NFL has stepped up its security policies to help prevent such incidents from occurring at football stadiums nationwide.
In an effort to improve fan safety and expedite entry into the stadiums, the NFL Committee on Stadium Security voted unanimously to implement a policy which would ban large bags, backpack and handbags into the stadium.
According to NFL.com
The restrictions are designed to enhance security while speeding up entry into stadiums.
With the exception of medically necessary items, only clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches will be allowed. One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags also will be OK, as will small clear plastic bags approximately the size of someone’s hand, with or without a handle or strap.
One of those clear bags and a small clutch bag will be allowed per person.
Binoculars, cameras, and smartphones also will be permitted.
Banned items will include purses larger than a clutch bag; coolers; briefcases; backpacks; fanny packs; cinch bags; seat cushions; luggage; computer bags; and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.
The league is encouraging fans not to bring any bags to games.
“Our fans deserve to be in a safe and secure environment,” Jeffrey Miller, the NFL’s chief security officer, said Thursday. “Public safety is our top priority. This will make the job of checking items much more efficient and effective. We will be able to deliver a better and quicker experience at the gates and also provide a safer environment. We appreciate our fans’ cooperation.”
This new policy will certainly be viewed as an inconvenience by many fans, especially families and those with small children, but it is quite possibly a necessary inconvenience to ensure our safety.
We know that change is sometimes hard to accept, but at the end of the day our safety must supersede convenience. The key for fans will be to plan ahead and be prepared when attending an NFL game this season.
On May 3, 2013 in Bergen County Criminal Court, a judge sentenced Merle Lee, the man responsible for the brutal attack on James Mohr outside of MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2011, to three years in a New Jersey State Prison following Lee’s plea of guilty to the assault.
The attack left Mohr with several fractures, including his jaw and eye socket, as well as internal bleeding on his brain. He spent a week in the hospital, undergoing a four hour surgery to repair his face, and months recovering at home before being able to return to work and other daily activities.
Lee was initially cited a desk appearance ticket for disorderly conduct, but upon learning of the severity of Mohr’s injuries, police officials raised the charge to aggravated assault and a warrant was issued for Lee’s arrest. He was taken into custody two days following the attack and was indicted by a grand jury.
The judge’s ruling comes as a victory for the Mohr family, who has waited over a year for justice to be served. While the family was not present at the sentencing, the outcome was welcomed with great relief and tears of joy. It is now a closed chapter, and focus can be redirected to James’ ongoing recovery and a celebration of the strides he has made in the process.
Fans Against Violence has followed this case from the beginning, and we are ecstatic to learn of this news. We hope this serves as a lesson to fans everywhere- violence at sporting events can be extremely dangerous, even fatal, and offenders will be held accountable for their actions and poor judgment. This incident caused many people pain, and now a man will lose three years of his life behind bars for his crime. It is never worth it. No one wins. Everyone suffers. Please remember that it is just a game, and we are there to enjoy ourselves, root for our teams and show respect for our fellow man.
Most of you who know Randy Hahn know him part of the broadcasting duo of “Randy and Drew” who deliver play-by-play updates during the San Jose Sharks’ games. We are proud and happy to announce he has given his endorsement of Fans Against Violence.
Randy Hahn has been part of the sports industry for decades, and he has attended many games in his position. While a tenured reporter such Hahn has undoubtedly seen many legendary moments throughout his career, he also shares with us the less fond memories of bearing witness to fans subjecting each other to violence. It is for this reason that Hahn has decided to endorse Fans Against Violence. As a father and a fan, Hahn has a different yet equally important message to broadcast.:
“In my 30+ years as a play by play broadcaster covering a variety of live events, I have unfortunately witnessed instances of fan violence. I absolutely endorse the work being carried out by FAV to help reduce or hopefully bring an end to such incidents. We owe it to our children to set the right example for them. Whether that might be at a big rivalry game like the SJ Sharks vs the LA Kings or even at the local soccer field where those same children might be competing themselves.”
We are so thrilled to release our first Public Service Announcement for our FanShake Program. The FanShake program and the FanShake Cam was built on the premise that the smallest of gestures can sometimes have the most impact. With the simple act of shaking an opposing fans hand and welcoming them to “your house” you can change the entire mood of your section.
The FanShake Cam first made its debut at the Oakland Raiders season opener versus the San Diego Chargers and was a huge hit! Our hope is that by encouraging fans to welcome each other through the FanShake, we can start to help reduce the number of incidents at sports venue nationwide.
So Next time you are at a game..make sure and do the FanShake!!
In September FAV held a raffle for tickets to the Oakland Raiders vs Denver Broncos game on December 6, 2012. The winner of the tickets, Michael Sottile of New York, graciously donated the tickets back to FAV and asked that we give the tickets to some kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a Raider game.
We were thrilled at the prospect of giving a child such a wonderful opportunity. We immediately contacted the Oakland Raiders who also jumped on the opportunity to make this a very special day. Along with the tickets to the game, the Oakland Raiders donated Field passes for the kids.
We immediately contacted the Boys 2 Men Youth Outreach group and held a contest, asking each child to write a sentence on what we can do to end violence.
We were thrilled to be joined by Oakland Raiders Wide Receiver Derek Hagan in picking and announcing the three winners. We are also very grateful to have super fans Gorilla Rilla & the Pirate, as well as, Dont Even from the Hazmat Boyz for come down and show their support for FAV and make the day so special for some very well deserving children. It was a very memorable day for them and FAV.
Here are a few of the entries from the children of Boys to Men Youth Outreach BOYS 2 MEN YOUTH OUTREACH
Helping to decrease the violence in the Oakland community!
By…….
James (10): Having Confidence in yourself and self-control.
Solomon (10): Having Integrity, Discipline, and Honor, leading positive.
Jordan (10): By showing others Respect and having a positive outlook on life.
Arnell (5): By having Discipline – Training that teaches one to obey rules and to control ones behavior.
Allen (10): By showing love to everyone.
Flore (8) and Flora (8): Having pride in your- self.
George (5): To be good and respectful.
The winning entries:
Damariye (11): By following our 5 daily words: Discipline, Morals, Integrity, Self-Esteem, and Respect, alone with some Love and that will make all the fans safe and happy.
Julia (11): By having Morals – Principles of right and wrong.
Joseph (13): Leading by example, To be respectful of our self and others.
Sundays during football season tend to place media focus on the match-ups, the players, the injury reports, the spreads and the action on the field. So little is said about what takes place off of the field- particularly in the stands, in the parking lots and on stadium premises. Outside the Lines gives us a look at the dangers of fan violence, the impact it has on its victims and the need to create safer environments in which fans can enjoy the experience of a football game. The necessity of advocacy groups such as Fans Against Violence is also stressed, and Outside the Lines features Kathy Samoun at the opening Raiders game against the San Diego Chargers, promoting FAV’s cause on foot and encouraging fans of both teams to be welcoming and respectful towards one another. Also interviewed is Aaron Curry of the Oakland Raiders, who is a supporter of FAV and the fight against violence. Raising awareness and exposing people to the seriousness of this issue is a great step towards lessening the number of incidents and attacks reported each week, and we are glad ESPN is shining some light on it.
In case you missed yesterday’s airing of “Outside the Lines, ” here are some highlights from this week’s episode.
We are so thrilled to share with you the FAV FanShake Cam™ which was first Introduced at the Oakland Raiders home opener on Monday Night Football vs San Diego Chargers. In all the excitement, everyone forgot to record the unveiling! Thankfully we did not forget to record it at the Raiders/Steeler game so we could share it with you if you weren’t able to attend the game!
We are happy to announce the FanShake™ has been a huge success and has received a tremendous response by the fans!
We look forward to spotting you soon on the FanShake Cam™ so be sure to stand up, shake the hand of a visiting fan and get your FanShake™ on!!
Aaron Curry sends out a message to Raider fans asking them to end the violence! Wanting join in the FanShake™ Fun, Aaron is asking fans to post their FanShake photos to the FAV Facebook page or tweet your photos to @FansAv @AaronCurry51 with the hashtag #FanShake. Five Lucky winners will win autographed pictures of Aaron Curry!
Fans Against Violence is proud to announce our first team partnership with the Oakland Raiders. We are happy to be unveiling our newest program “FanShake™” and the “FanShake Cam™”. We look forward to seeing home fans and visiting fans interacting in a positive way. In addition to the FanShake™, FAV will have a permanent residence in Raiderville at all home games. We at FAV know that together with the Oakland Raiders, we can make a difference and help put an end to Fan Violence.
As part of the Raiders continuing efforts to provide a safe, secure, family friendly environment, the Silver and Black and Fans Against Violence (FAV) are teaming up.
RAIDERS CONTINUE TO PROMOTE SAFE, SECURE, FAMILY FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT; TEAM UP FOR FANSHAKE™ The Oakland Raiders’ Fan Code of Conduct is part of the Silver and Black’s commitment to a safe, secure, family friendly environment. The Fan Code of Conduct can be found by clicking here.
The Fan Code of Conduct also includes parking and tailgate guidelines as well as texting and designated driver programs which continue to help fans enjoy the best possible game day experience.
The Fan Code of Conduct Public Service Announcement, which features the Raiderettes and contains video clips of fans of all ages enjoying a day at a Raiders game, can be seen by clicking here.
As part of the Raiders continuing efforts to provide a safe, secure, family friendly environment, the Silver and Black and Fans Against Violence (FAV) are teaming up beginning with tonight’s regular season opener against San Diego at O.co Coliseum to highlight fan interaction at the stadium with the FanShake™.
The FanShake™, a term originated by Fans Against Violence, will be prominently displayed in a number of ways at Monday night’s contest between two original American Football League and present American Football Conference Western Division rivals.
A FanShake™ photo gallery will be showcased on raiders.com’s “Game Center” as well as on the team’s Twitter and Face book accounts. Fans are encouraged to take their own photos of FanShakes™ and upload those to Twitter using the hash tag #fanshake. The Raiders will then re-Tweet the best photos throughout the pregame and game.
In addition, FanShake™ moments will be videotaped and shared with the crowd inside the Coliseum on the video during the game as part of FanShakeCam™. Fans Against Violence (http://www.fansagainstviolence.org/) is a fan-based organization that aims to improve and enhance game day experiences at professional sports venues across the United States.
