Join Fans Against Violence in Orlando at the What A Fan Sports Fan Convention!

Posted on July 26, 2013 by FAV

American sports fans have been the foundation of collegiate and professional sports going back as long as the games have been played. The success of the sports industry, it’s Major League Teams, Universities, Players and the Networks that cover them have grown largely because of the contributions of passionate fans! This Labor Day Weekend in Orlando Florida fans from around the Globe will come together to celebrate their passion for sports at the Sports Fan Conference presented by What A Fan.

FAV will be holding a Fan Safety workshop where we will discuss how we as fans can be proactive in our own safety, new security rules, and ways we can come together as fans to have fun and have an amazing game day experience. We will also be unveiling our newest, very exciting program!

Come join FAV , What A Fan and Sports Fans from around the world for this exciting event! Definitely a “ Don’t Miss ” for anyone who has a passion for sports!

Click here for more information and to get your tickets today! www.whatafan.com

NFL Announces New Bag Policy to Improve Fan Safety for 2013 Season

Posted on June 13, 2013 by FAV

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.

For more information on the new policy, please visit www.nfl.com/allclear.

So pack your zip lock bags and let’s get ready for some football!

Anti-Fan Violence “Improving Personal Safety at Stadiums Act” Passes CA Senate

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Anna Mohr

California is a signature away from passing legislation in an attempt to solve the growing problem of violence at sporting events- a small victory in the ongoing crusade to bring peace to fans statewide.

AB 2464, proposed by Assemblyman Mike Gatto, landed on Governor Jerry Brown’s desk on Tuesday, and is expected to be signed within the next two weeks. It will mandate owners of all sports facilities to post notices containing the telephone number and text message code to dial in the event an incident arises which calls for security to be summoned. Further, these notices must be strategically placed in locations visible to a majority of spectators in seating areas, parking lots located on the complex premises and at all points of entry.

Gatto introduced this bill back in February, in response to the outrageous number of violent acts reported at sporting events statewide. After being told by some of his constituents that they are concerned for their safety at stadiums and arenas, Gatto decided to take action. The passage of this bill, he hopes, will encourage people to alert authorities before situations escalate and assuage the fear that many have developed to attend games and matches.

We’re optimistic that this law will go into effect, and hopeful that California blazes a trail for other states to follow. As citizens and fans, we are entitled to protection and should not be shy about asking our politicians to ensure that we receive it at all times, including during sporting events. Thank you to the citizens of California, and to Assemblyman Gatto, for refusing to sit on the sideline while this vicious conduct continues. We admire their efforts and hope they inspire more people to join the cause.

New Security Measures are Necessary Considering the Increase in Violent Acts at Sporting Events

Posted on August 11, 2012 by kcdermody

There are some fans who are upset about the inconvenience of the new security screening measures put into place for all NFL games this year. Every stadium in the nation is affected, including O.co Coliseum. According to Raiders.com, everyone who walks into the stadium will be subject to “security screening of property and person, including metal detection.”

Are the new rules inconvenient? Yes. But are they worth eliminating even just one violent incident, and possibly the life of an NFL fan? Of course.

It’s unfortunate that we live in a world where security screening measures like these are necessary, but with the high number of violent acts committed at sporting venues across the country in recent years, the NFL is taking steps they feel will help reduce and eliminate potential injury or death to those who just want to watch their favorite team battle it out on the field.

Of course some incidents have happened in parking lots outside the stadium, as in the shooting after the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders preseason game last summer, and the new rules may not have prevented this horrendous situation, but there are others that would have been prevented through metal detection and advanced security screening.

At MetLife Stadium last September, a fan used an illegal taser at the game between the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys. In a cellphone video of the fight that occurred, one fan can be heard saying, “How did he get in here with that thing?”

Had metal detectors been in place, it’s unlikely he would have made it through with it.

With alcohol being consumed during the game, mixed with high tempers, adding a weapon of any kind is a recipe for disaster.

Yes, it’s inconvenient, and you’ll have to allow more time to get into the game, but considering the number of deaths involving random shootings at places we should be able to go into and feel safe, it only makes sense to take any action possible to prevent such horrific violence from happening again.

Other articles by K.C. Dermody can be found below. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter or at www.kcdermodywriter.com

Oakland Raiders Fan: Fans Against Violence Taking Back the Stands for All Sports

Raiders vs. 49ers Preseason Battle Nixed; NFL’s Latest Ideas to Stop Violence

Six Things to Look for in the Oakland Raiders First Preseason Game

What Can Sports Fans do to Take a More Proactive Approach Against Violence?

Posted on May 21, 2012 by FAV

We have had a lot of questions and comments in regards to our posting challenging fans to step up and take a more proactive approach in ending fan violence. Many of you have responded asking what it is you can do.

First and foremost, if you see something escalating, please do not try to get involved. We would never want anyone to put themselves or their family in danger. The best thing you can do is use the Game Day Security Hotlines and Text code to alert security to the issue. All calls are anonymous, so there is no need to be concerned about retaliation.

Although it is important that the venues do everything they can to ensure the fans safety, we as fans have to take on some of the responsibility. Along with the Game Day Security Hotlines and Text code we have also put together a list of Game Day Safety Tips. Please read them. Some of the tips may seem obvious but they are all important.

Lastly, with all of the recent incidents and all of the media attention to the issue of Fan Violence, many fans are afraid and on edge when attending a game. Remember be kind and respectful to all fans, no matter what team they are rooting for. At the end of the day, we are all fans of the sport. The smallest gesture of saying “hi” or “welcome to our stadium” to an opposing fan can make the largest impact!

BaseballintheBlood.com – On The Phone With…Fans Against Violence

Posted on May 18, 2012 by FAV

We recently had a great phone interview with Todd Coppernoll of Baseball in the Blood. Below is an excerpt from the interview and article about Fans Against Violence.
To read the full article please visit BaseballintheBlood.com.

Shootings and Savage Beatings…at the Ballpark

On The Phone With…Fans Against Violence

~By Todd Coppernoll-May 18, 2012

Over the past year, fan violence at U.S. sporting events has received heightened media attention. The savage beating of San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow, in the parking lot at Dodger Stadium, is causing many to take a second look at what is “acceptable” behavior in the stands.
Last August, the San Francisco 49ers hosted the Oakland Raiders for a preseason NFL game at Candlestick Park. Following the game, three fans were hospitalized…two had been shot, and the third had been beaten unconscious in a stadium restroom.
In September, Kathy Samoun, who is a Raiders fan, founded “Fans Against Violence.” read full article..

Anti-Fan Violence “Improving Personal Safety at Stadiums Act” Passes CA State Assembly Unanimously

Posted on May 18, 2012 by FAV

Yesterday, Thursday May 17, 2001, the bill known as the “Improving Personal Safety at Stadiums Act”, passed The California State Assembly unanimously with 72 votes. With the ever growing number of incidents of fan violence, this is great news for Sports Fans statewide.

AB2464 would require all professional sports venues to post Game Day hotlines and Security Text Codes in designated areas throughout the stadiums and arenas, as well as parking lots. Currently, a majority of professional sports venues already have the Game Day Hotline and Text code program in place. Should this bill become a law, it would, by extension, require all sports venues to adopt this program.

Although AB2464 will not end Fan Violence in its entirety, it is a small step in the right direction. While sports venues have a major responsibility towards ensuring fan safety, Game Day Text Codes and Hotlines are great tools for Sports fans to take a proactive approach in their safety.

The next step for the “Improving Personal Safety at Stadiums Act”, will be to pass the State Senate then on to the Governor for signature. In speaking with Assemblyman Mike Gattos staff today, there was an air of reserved confidence that AB2464 will not be met with resistance through the State Senate. If it does indeed pass and is signed by the Governor, the law could come into effect as soon as January 1, 2013.

We at Fans Against Violence, encourage sports fans to get behind and show your support for AB2464. If you are interested is joining us in supporting this bill, please email us at info@fansagainstviolence.org.

RaiderNationTimes.com -Interview with Fans Against Violence

Posted on May 13, 2012 by FAV

We recently were interview by Elias Trejo of the Raider Nation Times. Below is an excerpt from the interview and the great article on Fans Against Violence.

To read the full article please visit RaiderNationTimes.com.

Fans Against Violence: Taking Back the Stands and Promoting Fan Safety

~By Elias Trejo-May 13, 2012

Growing up as a an Oakland Raiders fan I always heard a lot about how “violent” and “scary” Raiders fans were. I still remember going to my first Raiders game with my wife and having people from all over warning me about going to the games and making sure I’m safe. I even had a cousin offer me a weapon, because he heard how bad it can get in Alameda. Needless to say, I’ve gone to several Raiders games and not once have I seen an incident where violence occurred.

Of course that doesn’t mean there is not a problem with violence at sporting events. You read about violence breaking out at sporting events and in some instances the violence escalates to fans being brutally hurt and in some cases killed. Sports are one of the nation’s and the world’s favorite past times and no one should ever feel unsafe while attending an event. I had the opportunity to speak to Kathy Samoun, the founder of F.A.V, Fans Against Violence, and was impressed by her passion and dedication towards making sure fans take the stands back and stand up against violence. read full article..

Baseball Rivals Nationals and Phillies Encourage Friendly Rivalry Between Fan Bases

Posted on May 4, 2012 by kcdermody

One of the most heated rivalries in baseball will be battling it out this weekend in Washington, D.C. when the Philadelphia Phillies face the Washington Nationals. With emotions running high there have been a few articles written, like this one from CrossingBroad.com, about the importance of bringing your passion along with respect for all baseball fans, regardless the team they are fans of.

Baseball is our nation’s favorite pastime, but it’s important to remember the phrase “for the love of the game.” One can not equate love with violence, and violence should have no part in any sporting event. Unfortunately it’s been happening all too often, hence the reason for the inception of Fans Against Violence. Refer to our site’s Game Day Safety Tips and Game Day Hotlines & Text Code pages before heading out to the game, taking responsibility for your own safety as well.

One of the most horrific incidents in the history of sporting events happened just last year in Los Angeles when San Francisco Giants’ fan, Bryan Stow, was brutally beaten and attacked by two Dodgers’ fans at the stadium after the game. No one wants to see something like that happen ever again.

While sports rivalries can be fun and exciting, tempers can flare, especially when alcohol is involved. Remember to use common sense and never forget that there is no game that is worth jeopardizing anyone’s health. On Sunday night ESPN will be televising the game, and any incidents would only feed fuel to the fire of alleged bad behavior by the fans.

Keep the game what it is, fun entertainment that kids and adults of all ages can enjoy. Be loud, be supportive, but also be respectful of everyone in the stands. A few bad apples can ruin it all for everyone.

CA Assembly Committee Passes the Amended “Improving Personal Safety at Stadiums Act”

Posted on April 25, 2012 by KSamoun

Great news for California sports fans! Today, an amended version of the bill known as the “Improving Personal Safety at Stadiums Act,” was sent before the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media and passed by a unanimous vote.

On April 17, 2012 the bill, which would have created a “Ban list” of persons convicted of violent crimes at sporting events statewide, A “Stadium Violence Reward Fund”, and require all professional sports venues post, in visible areas, the venues security telephone and text messaging numbers, failed to pass the Public Safety Committee.

Some of the Assembly Committees major concerns were the criminal enhancements, the constitutionality of the bill, fear might incite further violence due to release of public information, and budgets concerns with implementing the “Stadium Violence Reward Fund” program through the Department of Justice.

After the bill failed to pass the Assembly Public Safety Committee last week, Assemblyman Mike Gatto and his staff were not about to give up. They amended the bill removing the “Ban List” and “Stadium Violence Reward Fund” altogether. What remains is the portion of the bill that contained the “Safety Notification Provision”.

After passing the Public Safety Committee yesterday, the amended bill was set before the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media today and passed unanimously.

Although the bill was significantly amended, this is a big step towards improving fan safety at sporting events. The Bill will require all professional sporting venues to provide visible game day security text codes and hotlines for its fans. The Bill still has a process to go through before even getting to the Governor to be signed into law, but it looks very promising.

Fans Against Violence, a San Francisco based organization dedicated to improving the game day experience for fans in all sports, compiled a centralized list of the current security text codes and hotlines for the NFL, MLB and MLS and are currently in the process of putting together lists for the NBA and NHL. We encourage all sports fans to do what they can to support this bill.

There is still a long process for this bill reaches the Governor’s desk to be signed. We encourage all sports fans to do what they can to support this bill.