Grounds & Astro Policy
1. Purpose
Ballinhassig AFC has invested significantly in the development, maintenance and improvement of the facilities at Gortnaglough Community Park. The Astro Pitch alone represents an initial investment of approximately €700,000 by the club. Significant annual maintenance is required to preserve the quality of all playing surfaces and, in particular, to maximise the lifespan of the Astro Pitch. Premature replacement of the Astro surface would result in substantial cost to the club and its members.
The club's facilities have been developed and are maintained through the efforts of volunteers, members, sponsors, funding partners and the wider Ballinhassig AFC community. These regulations are intended to protect club facilities, maintain high playing standards, ensure safe use of the grounds and maximise the lifespan of the playing surfaces for the benefit of current and future members.
Many modern Astro facilities operate similar regulations. Experience has shown that facilities with clear usage rules generally maintain a higher quality playing surface and enjoy a longer operational lifespan.
2. Authorised Use
- 2.01 All grounds and facilities at Gortnaglough Community Park are owned by Ballinhassig Soccer Club Limited, and managed and controlled by Ballinhassig AFC on it's behalf.
- 2.02 Use of the Astro Facility, Grass Pitches, Clubhouse and other sporting facilities is permitted only as part of an authorised club activity, approved booking or event sanctioned by Ballinhassig AFC.
- 2.03 Persons entering the grounds are deemed to have accepted these regulations.
- 2.04 Ballinhassig AFC reserves the right to refuse admission to, or remove from the grounds, any person who fails to comply with these regulations.
- 2.05 Members and visitors are requested to respect all playing surfaces, particularly the Astro Pitch and Main Grass Pitch, which require significant volunteer effort and ongoing maintenance.
3. Unauthorised Access
- 3.01 Unauthorised use of any club facility is prohibited.
- 3.02 Climbing over fences, entering through locked gates, accessing the Astro Pitch outside authorised times or otherwise bypassing access controls is strictly prohibited.
- 3.03 Any person found using the Astro Pitch or other facilities without permission may be asked to leave immediately and may be prohibited from future use of the grounds.
- 3.04 Persons entering or using club facilities without authorisation do so entirely at their own risk.
- 3.05 Ballinhassig AFC reserves the right to recover the cost of any damage arising from unauthorised use of its facilities.
4. CCTV and Security
- 4.01 CCTV operates throughout the grounds for the purposes of security, safeguarding, protection of club property and compliance with insurance requirements.
- 4.02 CCTV footage may be reviewed by authorised club personnel in connection with incidents occurring on the grounds.
- 4.03 CCTV footage may be provided to An Garda Síochána, insurers or other relevant authorities in connection with suspected criminal activity, anti-social behaviour, unauthorised access, property damage, safeguarding concerns or insurance claims.
- 4.04 Further information regarding the operation, management, retention and use of CCTV footage is contained within the Ballinhassig AFC CCTV Policy, which should be read in conjunction with these regulations.
5. Astro Pitch Regulations
- 5.01 The Astro Pitch may only be used (1) During organised Ballinhassig AFC training sessions or matches under the supervision of authorised coaches or club officials (2) As part of a supervised school activity approved by Ballinhassig AFC (3) Through a booking approved by Ballinhassig AFC.
- 5.02 The Astro Pitch may not be used unless a responsible coach, teacher, organiser, booking holder or authorised adult is present.
- 5.03 Unauthorised use of the Astro Pitch is strictly prohibited.
- 5.04 Only moulded football boots are permitted on the Astro Pitch.
- 5.05 Trainers, runners, casual footwear, metal studs, screw-in studs, blades, spikes and any footwear likely to damage the playing surface are prohibited.
- 5.06 Food is not permitted on the Astro Pitch.
- 5.07 Water required for hydration during sporting activity is permitted.
- 5.08 Chewing gum is strictly prohibited on the Astro Pitch and within the enclosed Astro facility.
- 5.09 Smoking, vaping and the use of e-cigarettes are prohibited within the Astro enclosure.
- 5.10 Alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited within the Astro enclosure and throughout the club grounds.
- 5.11 Glass bottles and glass containers are prohibited within the Astro enclosure.
- 5.12 Spectators must remain in designated viewing areas and are not permitted on the playing surface unless authorised.
6. Prohibited Activities
The following activities are prohibited within the club grounds unless specifically authorised by Ballinhassig AFC:
The following activities are prohibited within the club grounds unless specifically authorised by Ballinhassig AFC:
- Climbing on fences, goals, dugouts or other club structures
- Golf, hurling, hockey or similar activities on the Astro Pitch
- Cycling, skateboarding, roller skating or similar activities on pitches or playing surfaces
- Lighting fires, fireworks or pyrotechnics
- Bringing animals onto playing surfaces
- Driving or parking vehicles on pitches or grassed areas unless approved by Ballinhassig AFC
- Any activity likely to damage club property or endanger users
7. Damage and Liability
- 7.01 Users are responsible for any damage caused through negligence, misuse or failure to comply with these regulations.
- 7.02 Any damage, defect, safety concern or unauthorised use of club facilities should be reported to a club official.
- 7.03 Ballinhassig AFC accepts no responsibility for loss, theft or damage to personal property brought onto the grounds.
8. Related Policies
The following policies are available on the Ballinhassig AFC website or on request:
- Child Safeguarding Statement
- Code of Conduct
- Found and Missing Children Policy
- Travel and Away Trips Policy
- Privacy Policy
- CCTV Policy
9. Facility Closures
- 9.01 Ballinhassig AFC reserves the right to close facilities temporarily for maintenance, weather conditions, safety concerns or operational reasons.
Members, parents and visitors are encouraged to help protect the facilities by reporting any damage, misuse or unauthorised use to a club official. Ballinhassig AFC reserves the right to amend these regulations from time to time in order to ensure the safe and effective management of its facilities.
Ballinhassig AFC
Founded 1979