Mask wearing/drunks in your block at IAW

[august04 2.0]

I don’t get how people say that the bar sales are prioritised over fans? Nothing has changed to before covid? The bars are all open as they were before.

You’re absolutely right, nothing has changed since before Covid, in terms of bars being open. This anti social behaviour by larger groups of drunks is not new, it was happening long before Covid came along. Which makes it more disappointing that we still see it and it’s seemingly on the increase and not being stamped out. Maybe behaviours have changed this year due to Covid which has made it worse, I really don’t know. Maybe more Saturday games is the reason (if that’s the case). Who knows? But it’s getting worse that’s for sure.

 

[Diafol]

It's the shift from having the majority of home games on Sundays to Saturdays IMO.

Like I said earlier, it seems to have attracted people who are just out for a skinful on a Saturday rather than those who are genuinely interested in watching a game of hockey.
Similar to the problems the WRU are currently experiencing.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/59208662

Sure, the bars are open exactly the same but you get far more people intent on getting hammered on a Saturday night than if the games were played on a Sunday.

 

[Martynwo]

Bit of a warning that mask wearing compliance is not being adhered to in other Welsh indoor events.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-59469125

I am sure it is on the WG radar now and may have implications for us, really hope not, just wish people
would comply.
I saw the ridiculous non-compliance where 2 lads each held a pint in their hand so they did not wear their
mask correctly for the entire 2nd period on Saturday. Despite the steward, who have a thankless job dealing
with these muppets, telling them they just held their pints up in a "cheers" motion.
I fear the worst case scenario now, maybe it is time to restrict the consumption of Alcohol to within the bar
and sponsors bar banning it from the walkway and seating areas.
Drastic times need drastic measures.

I saw my new local side Angers in the French league a few weeks ago, EVERYONE wore a mask, quickly sliding
it down to drink and or to eat.

Need a review I think

 

[august04 2.0]

Bit of a warning that mask wearing compliance is not being adhered to in other Welsh indoor events.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-59469125

I am sure it is on the WG radar now and may have implications for us, really hope not, just wish people
would comply.
I saw the ridiculous non-compliance where 2 lads each held a pint in their hand so they did not wear their
mask correctly for the entire 2nd period on Saturday. Despite the steward, who have a thankless job dealing
with these muppets, telling them they just held their pints up in a "cheers" motion.
I fear the worst case scenario now, maybe it is time to restrict the consumption of Alcohol to within the bar
and sponsors bar banning it from the walkway and seating areas.
Drastic times need drastic measures.

I saw my new local side Angers in the French league a few weeks ago, EVERYONE wore a mask, quickly sliding
it down to drink and or to eat.

Need a review I think

Totally agree with this. This rule about removing masks when eating or drinking is so open to abuse and it’s being abused throughout IAW (not by everyone I might add, but we all see it every week). I honestly don’t know how we’ve got away with it for so long. I suppose we're fortunate that when we're on TV, it’s on Premier Sports with hardly anyone watching, rather than the BBC! With this new variant, there will be much more scrutiny in the next few weeks/months, so we'd better do something, and do it quickly.

 

[Wannabe2]

Bit of a warning that mask wearing compliance is not being adhered to in other Welsh indoor events.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-59469125

I am sure it is on the WG radar now and may have implications for us, really hope not, just wish people
would comply.
I saw the ridiculous non-compliance where 2 lads each held a pint in their hand so they did not wear their
mask correctly for the entire 2nd period on Saturday. Despite the steward, who have a thankless job dealing
with these muppets, telling them they just held their pints up in a "cheers" motion.
I fear the worst case scenario now, maybe it is time to restrict the consumption of Alcohol to within the bar
and sponsors bar banning it from the walkway and seating areas.
Drastic times need drastic measures.

I saw my new local side Angers in the French league a few weeks ago, EVERYONE wore a mask, quickly sliding
it down to drink and or to eat.

Need a review I think

Spot on how bloody hard is it to wear a mask for heavens sake, anyone would think they were being asked to hold their breath. The trouble these days are that lots of people couldn’t give a toss about others, and if they don’t give a toss then they should be tossed out, this virus kills it don’t give you a cold or a headache, it takes lives what’s the bloody problem thinking of others, selfish gets.

 

[kingmo19.1]

From what I’m reading, wouldn’t surprise me if IAW is implicated for lack of mask discipline in the near future!

Maybe a far harder line should have been adopted at the outset but I fear there will be a lot of regret should things continue along their current self destructive path.

This news also does not aid the cause:-
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59426353

 

[Martynwo]

From what I’m reading, wouldn’t surprise me if IAW is implicated for lack of mask discipline in the near future!

Maybe a far harder line should have been adopted at the outset but I fear there will be a lot of regret should things continue along the current self destructive path!

Could be a tough choice of stricter Alcohol consumption of being played behind closed doors, both from a fan and financial point of view I know which one I would take.

 

[Hedd Wyn John]

How about a £10 mask "deposit" on tickets?

Basically you have to put down an extra tenner for a ticket, money which you will get refunded after the game if you comply with mask rules?

If someone doesn't comply with the rules then the steward can identify the seat number, notify the ticket holder and tell them they'll lose that tenner if they don't comply.

That might deter people from rule breaking?

 

[osh]

Haven’t been to a game this season due not wanting to sit in close proximity to those not wearing masks. With regard to those drinking in the stadium itself, and therefore not wearing a mask, surely it’s time to introduce a ban on drinks being sold and consumed within the arena itself ( apart from the bar area of course ) I’m sure it’s very difficult for stewards to ‘police’ those who have been flouting the mask and drinking rules etc so it’s up to management to insist on all those entering the arena produce masks at the entrance and signs installed stating no drinks allowed in the arena and masks to be worn at all times otherwise those who do not adhere to the rules will be asked to leave. Various places have been closed down due to those not obeying the mask rules, we are no different, and it’s those non mask wearing people who ultimately could get the arena closed down and end our season. If management do not introduce harsher measures, they will only have themselves to blame.

 

[Pembo]

One thing we’ve noticed is that some of the regulars in block 8 who would usually be semi compliant with mask wearing initially but would still game it a bit (nursing a pint and keeping mask off and chatting while taking occasional sips) are now quite brazenly not wearing mask at game time at all. Only time mask appears is upon initial entry and is then put away. I think they recognise it is a barrier to socialising and don’t see any real world consequence to their behaviour by routing the mask rules. It’s often a row to row issue. A lot of regulars who wear masks during game time pull masks down below mouths to stand up and talk to friends in intervals Which defeats the purpose.

Generally staff seem better about mask wearing (which was a real problem in first few games) but security often mask-less in public areas. As it would probably be security who would be involved if issues arising with people not following rules, it’s pretty bad optics if the security themselves don’t seem to care about the rules. We usually go to post game signings and maskless people will often be socialising in the queue or close proximity to queue. This is worse since has been moved into the bar area as people less space for social distancing.

 

[Pondlife]

Remember when some used to complain about other fans bringing sandwiches into the arena. Happy times.

 

[Kevlar68]

I always have a pint at my seat in second period.

Here is a step by step guide to all those numb nuts who don't know how they can drink a pint while masks are needed to be worn.

1/Have pint in your hand.
2/Pull mask Down
3/Put pint up to mouth and take a gulp (if eating put food to mouth and take a bite)
4/Swallow said gulp (if food chew and swallow)
5/Pull mask back up
6/Repeat when you have your next gulp (if food bite)

Some people may find this difficult to follow but I can't make it any more simple for the people who are simple.........oh yes I can.......
Keep your mask on DICKHEAD!

 

[ASHIPP]

Alcohol consumption limited only to the bar. No food and drink to be consumed at your seats during the game. Masks to be worn during the game. People should feel safe and confident enough to report people not wearing masks.. identify the seat numbers and eject or ban people repeatedly failing to comply.

I have said before that every ticketholder should be given a sheet of paper whilst queuing outside on match night. The paper should state that masks must be worn, and what happens when people don't comply. Stewards and security need to re-iterate the importance of these procedures as fans go into the arena.

Stewards patrolling blocks for people not wearing masks have a thankless task. Anti-Maskers/drunks/morons don't respect polite reminders let alone a series of serious instructions. It's all gone way beyond that now.

 

[Swarley]

I always have a pint at my seat in second period.

Here is a step by step guide to all those numb nuts who don't know how they can drink a pint while masks are needed to be worn.

1/Have pint in your hand.
2/Pull mask Down
3/Put pint up to mouth and take a gulp (if eating put food to mouth and take a bite)
4/Swallow said gulp (if food chew and swallow)
5/Pull mask back up
6/Repeat when you have your next gulp (if food bite)

Some people may find this difficult to follow but I can't make it any more simple for the people who are simple.........oh yes I can.......
Keep your mask on DICKHEAD!

Thing is that's basic common sense, something that seems to be evading more and more people every game.

 

[Earnie]

In Block 19 there has been a problem with a large group near the bottom not wearing masks . I felt last week that the situation was much improved. Can’t say I have been bothered by boisterous drunks either. I have a pint of cider and drink it as per Kev’s instructions!

 

[matbur]

For whatever reason, it does seem stewards aren't always effective at challenging those breaching the guidelines, and I can understand why to an extent.

I think the way forward is for fans to also support each other to collectively self-police a little bit too. I'm not advocating people get into confrontational situations but a "stick a mask on please mate" is fine, especially if others back them up. This applies to the excessive swearing too.

People will naturally be far more likely to conform if they feel everyone sitting around them is unimpressed. It won't work with everyone of course, but it will embarrass some people into obliging - it's human psychology. There are more people who follow the rules than don't follow.

If you see someone blatantly ignoring the rules, have a word with them - and if you see someone near you telling someone to stick a mask on, back them up too.

Supporters can help set a tolerance level too, not just the stewards. Obviously, if you feel things are escalating, then call a steward.

PS - I wear a mask sensibly, but I love a couple of beers at the game. It's my wind down after a busy week, so I'd be gutted if alcohol rules were tightened. Most people have a beer and behave responsibly (as they should).

 

[moggy#9]

For whatever reason, it does seem stewards aren't always effective at challenging those breaching the guidelines, and I can understand why to an extent.

I think the way forward is for fans to also support each other to collectively self-police a little bit too. I'm not advocating people get into confrontational situations but a "stick a mask on please mate" is fine, especially if others back them up. This applies to the excessive swearing too.

People will naturally be far more likely to conform if they feel everyone sitting around them is unimpressed. It won't work with everyone of course, but it will embarrass some people into obliging - it's human psychology. There are more people who follow the rules than don't follow.

If you see someone blatantly ignoring the rules, have a word with them - and if you see someone near you telling someone to stick a mask on, back them up too.

Supporters can help set a tolerance level too, not just the stewards. Obviously, if you feel things are escalating, then call a steward.

PS - I wear a mask sensibly, but I love a couple of beers at the game. It's my wind down after a busy week, so I'd be gutted if alcohol rules were tightened. Most people have a beer and behave responsibly (as they should).

Whilst I understand the sentiment, I don't think it's sensible for ordinary fans to confront the sort of drunks who are causing the problems. It will just end up in scuffles. Proper security, trained in de-escalation, should be in place.

If I were there with my children I wouldn't risk putting them in the middle of such a situation.

Frankly the way things are at the moment I'm glad to just watch via the stream. It seems that there's just too much of the football and egg chasing contingent ruining things at the moment.

 

[paulsasha]

Plain and simply if these numb nuts still don’t obey by the rules they get thrown out no room in the rink for idiots or drunks this is a family sport not a place to disobey rules

 

[rocketbob]

Maybe the next clap banners (no time for the ones tomorrow) should have a big arrow on the back and fans can use them to point out the maskless hooligans to assist security and the stewards. I would say to shame them also but if they are not wearing masks at this stage with >150,00 dead then they don't give a hoot.

 

[moggy#9]

Maybe the next clap banners (no time for the ones tomorrow) should have a big arrow on the back and fans can use them to point out the maskless hooligans to assist security and the stewards. I would say to shame them also but if they are not wearing masks at this stage with >150,00 dead then they don't give a hoot.

It looks like the new variant may be capable of evading the vaccines, so these assholes not wearing masks is going to become even more of an issue.