SLCP Code of Conduct

Saint Louis City Punks Code of Conduct

The Saint Louis City Punks are committed to fostering a welcoming and positive environment, rooted in the St. Louis community and open to all, regardless of background. We believe in inclusivity in creating the best supporter section in Major League Soccer. As such, violence, racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, threats, and all forms of discrimination or harassment will not be tolerated. This commitment is also rooted in the St. Louis community beyond the confines of St. Louis’s MLS Stadium on match day. Whether we are at public events, watch parties, away games or on social media, our individual actions are reflective of the Saint Louis City Punks as a whole.

We ask that those who identify as Punks abide by a few simple rules that we refer to as our Code of Conduct.

1. Conduct yourself respectfully and respect others around you.

2. Language or actions considered to be harassing, threatening, violent, racist, homophobic, sexist, xenophobic, or in any way bigoted is unacceptable as a Punk.

3. Behavior that appears to target any individual or group in a way that is perceived as or is objectively threatening is not allowed.

4. When attending an event on behalf of Saint Louis City Punks, illegal behavior is not ok.

5. Saint Louis City Punks encourages creativity from our members. When using the SLCP name, brand elements, or logos; we ask that Leadership approval is obtained prior to use on social media, apparel, flags, or other items.

6. Resale of supporter section tickets in your possession for greater than $25 (per ticket, per game) is discouraged and will lead to disciplinary action or expulsion from the group. In the event that you cannot attend a home match and do resell, you are encouraged to advise purchasers of section expectations in advance of the purchase - standing, chanting, flags, etc.

7. Comply with stadium policy whether at home or on the road: CITYPARK Fan Code of Conduct 

8. Comply with the MLS Fan Code of Conduct.

Anyone violating this Code of Conduct will face disciplinary action up to and including removal from the Saint Louis City Punks. All members, regardless of position or tenure with the group will be subject to and held to the same standard under this Code of Conduct. Members of the Leadership Board may be held to a higher standard than others.

In a nutshell, it is up to each member to deliver on our commitment of having a safe and welcoming supporter group. This starts by speaking up when you see or hear something that goes against our code of conduct. It is all our responsibility to hold each other accountable. This includes addressing the person in question at the time of the incident and then passing on that information to Punks leadership so they are made aware of the incident and can take appropriate action. We are all accountable for making the Punks better.

Disciplinary Levels

Minor violations (Yellow Card) – Will be handled as a verbal warning. We recognize that there can be misunderstandings with the code of conduct in applying it in the real world and things can happen in the heat of the moment.

Major violations (Red Card) – Will be issued to the offending party when the Leadership Board deems it warranted. This also includes repeat offenses of improper behavior addressed previously as a minor violation (Yellow Card). Instances of racism, sexism, homophobic, xenophobic, transphobic chants and slurs, threats, violence, sexual or other harassment, grossly inappropriate behavior in person or on social media, and all forms of discrimination will result in an immediate major violation (Red Card).

Immediate Disciplinary Action – If two major violations occur within a 1-year period (dating to the first Red Card violation) it will result in immediate disciplinary action with the Leadership Board. Certain situations may arise where the offense committed leads to immediate disciplinary action up to and including permanent removal from the Saint Louis City Punks.

Disciplinary Process

The Disciplinary process is only used for complaints against Saint Louis City Punks Members. It does not extend to non-members.

A Yellow Card warning will be provided verbally by any Leadership Board member upon witnessing any act that violates the Code of Conduct. Yellow Card warnings can also be issued by the following paths:

All Yellow Card warnings will be recorded in writing by the issuer and presented to the Leadership Board. The violation will be reviewed and any violation found to be credible will be voted on by the Leadership Board and will be upheld by a majority vote. If a violation is upheld the Leadership Board will determine the appropriate sanction which may be probation or suspension from Punks activity for a period to be determined by the Leadership Board. Yellow Card warnings will remain on the Member’s record for a period not to exceed 3 months from the date the violation occurred.

A Red Card warning will be issued in cases where a violation as laid out in the Red Card section of the Code of Conduct has been deemed to occur, OR the offender has received two Yellow Card warnings within a 3-month period. The Red Card will be issued to the offender by a Member of the Leadership Board verbally upon witnessing any act that meets the Red Card criteria. Red Card warnings can also be issued by the following path:

All Red Card warnings will be recorded in writing by the issuer and presented to the Leadership Board. The violation will be reviewed and any violation found to be credible will be voted on by the Leadership Board and will be upheld by a majority vote. If a violation is upheld the Leadership Board will determine the appropriate sanction. Removal from the Saint Louis City Punks and forfeiture of any previously paid dues requires a unanimous vote from the Leadership Board. In cases where unanimous consent is not reached the Leadership Board reserves the right to determine the length of suspension from Saint Louis City Punks privileges and activity as well as additional progressive Yellow Card sanctions in the future.

Written complaints as used above are understood to contain the following: identity of the issuer of the complaint, the Member complained about, and as clear a description of the alleged misconduct as possible.

Note regarding non-members & this Code of Conduct

Members and leaders of Saint Louis City Punks are encouraged to hold the soccer community to inclusive standards, as outlined in this Code of Conduct. Because non-members have not provided agreement to adhere to this Code of Conduct, disciplinary actions cannot apply. The Saint Louis City Punks leaders and members are not responsible for non-member behavior and should escalate any issues to the appropriate authority.