Legal

Rink Regulations & Code of Conduct

Last updated: March 27, 2026

Deeside Dragons Ice Hockey Club is proud to be a volunteer-run, community-focused organisation. Our match nights are designed to be exciting, welcoming, and safe for supporters of all ages.

By entering The Den – Deeside Ice Arena, all spectators agree to comply with:

  • The Deeside Dragons Rink Regulations and Code of Conduct
  • Gwella’s own Arena Rules and Venue Conditions of Entry

Where Gwella’s arena rules or conditions of entry differ from Deeside Dragons regulations, Gwella’s venue rules shall take precedence at all times.

These regulations exist to protect supporters, players, volunteers, and the future of the club.

1. Respect and Community Standards

Deeside Dragons is built on community support and mutual respect.

All supporters are expected to:

  • Treat others fairly and respectfully
  • Support the team in a positive manner
  • Follow the instructions of stewards, volunteers, Gwella venue staff, and club officials

We want The Den to remain a place where families, young fans, and lifelong supporters can enjoy the game together.

2. Zero Tolerance Behaviour Policy

The club operates a strict zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour.

The following will not be tolerated:

  • Aggressive, abusive, or threatening conduct
  • Racism, discrimination, or hate speech of any kind
  • Harassment of players, officials, volunteers, or supporters
  • Excessive intoxication or disorderly behaviour
  • Throwing objects onto the ice or into the crowd

Anyone acting in breach of these standards or Gwella’s arena regulations may be:

  • Refused entry
  • Removed from the venue
  • Reported to the appropriate authorities
  • Banned from future fixtures

Removal under this policy will result in no refund being issued.

3. Safety Inside The Den

Ice hockey is a fast-paced contact sport. Supporters attend at their own risk and must remain aware of match play at all times.

Flying Pucks

Pucks may leave the playing surface without warning.

Supporters should take extra care:

  • When seated near the glass
  • When attending with children
  • During warm-ups and live play

The club accepts no liability for injuries caused by failure to observe play.

4. Spectator Movement During Play

For safety and courtesy, supporters must not move around the arena while the puck is in play.

This includes:

  • Walking along aisles or stairways
  • Standing in viewing areas
  • Leaving or returning to seats during live play

Supporters should always wait until a stoppage in play before moving.

Movement during play may:

  • Block the view of other spectators
  • Create hazards on steps and walkways
  • Increase risk during fast-paced match action

Persistent offenders may be asked to leave the venue without refund.

5. Emergency Evacuation and Venue Procedures

In the event of an emergency, including a fire alarm or evacuation incident, all supporters must:

  • Remain calm and act responsibly
  • Immediately follow all instructions from Gwella staff, stewards, volunteers, and emergency services
  • Leave the arena via the nearest safe fire exit or escape route
  • Not delay to collect belongings where doing so may place others at risk
  • Not re-enter the building until instructed that it is safe to do so

For the safety of everyone in attendance, all supporters must follow evacuation instructions immediately and cooperate fully with venue staff and emergency services.

6. Children and Supervision

Children are welcome at Deeside Dragons fixtures.

Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring children:

  • Remain supervised throughout the event
  • Do not enter restricted areas
  • Behave safely and respectfully

The club reserves the right to require children to be accompanied by a responsible adult where necessary.

7. Restricted Areas

For safety and operational reasons, supporters must not enter:

  • The ice surface
  • Player benches
  • Officials’ areas
  • Changing rooms
  • Control booths or staff-only zones

Unauthorised access may result in removal from the venue.

8. Tickets and Entry Conditions

All supporters must hold a valid ticket for entry.

Tickets may be checked or scanned at any time.

The club and Gwella venue management reserve the right to refuse entry where:

  • Tickets are invalid or misused
  • Concession eligibility cannot be proven
  • Behaviour standards are not met
  • Arena rules are breached

9. Concession Ticket Checks

Concession tickets are available only to eligible supporters.

Valid proof may be required at the point of entry, including:

  • Student photo ID
  • Age verification
  • Disability entitlement where applicable

Supporters unable to provide proof may be required to upgrade their ticket or may be refused entry.

10. Photography, Filming and Media

Match nights may be photographed, filmed, or live streamed.

By attending, supporters acknowledge that their image may appear in:

  • Club livestreams
  • Social media posts
  • Promotional materials
  • Match highlights

If you have concerns, please contact the club prior to the fixture.

11. Prohibited Items and Venue Safety Rules

To protect all supporters and ensure a safe match-night environment, the following are strictly prohibited inside The Den:

Noise Devices

  • Air horns, compressed horns, or gas-powered horns are not permitted
  • Pump or blow horns may be allowed only in dedicated sections, where approved by the club and venue staff

Alcohol and Substances

  • Bringing alcohol into the arena is prohibited
  • Anyone attempting to enter intoxicated or carrying alcohol may be refused entry or removed

Smoking and Vaping

  • Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the arena
  • Vaping is also strictly prohibited indoors

Pyrotechnics and Dangerous Items

The following are banned without exception:

  • Flares or smoke bombs
  • Fireworks or pyrotechnics of any kind
  • Laser pens
  • Weapons or sharp objects
  • Any item deemed dangerous by Gwella staff or club officials

General Safety

Supporters must not bring or use any item that may:

  • Cause injury
  • Obstruct views
  • Disrupt the match experience
  • Create a safety risk to others

Any prohibited items may be confiscated, and entry may be refused.

12. Flags, Banners, and Supporter Displays

Supporters are welcome to bring flags and banners, however:

  • Offensive, abusive, political, or discriminatory content is strictly prohibited
  • Items must not obstruct walkways, exits, signage, or the view of other spectators
  • Gwella staff and club officials reserve the right to remove any display deemed inappropriate or unsafe

13. Drums and Organised Support

Atmosphere is a huge part of ice hockey, and organised support is encouraged where appropriate.

However:

  • Drums or musical instruments may only be used in designated areas, with venue approval
  • Excessive or disruptive noise may be restricted at the discretion of Gwella staff
  • Support must remain respectful and family-friendly at all times

14. Ticket Resale and Misuse

Unauthorised resale of tickets is not permitted.

Supporters found reselling tickets above face value or misusing ticket categories may have:

  • Their account removed
  • Entry refused
  • Future access restricted

15. Club Authority, Ejection and No Refund Policy

Deeside Dragons Ice Hockey Club reserves the right to take any action necessary to protect:

  • Supporter safety
  • Volunteer staff
  • Players and officials
  • The reputation of the club
  • The matchday experience for all

All decisions made by club officials and Gwella venue staff regarding entry, conduct, and removal are final.

Supporters may be required to leave immediately if instructed to do so by Gwella staff under venue safety procedures or operational requirements.

Any supporter removed or ejected for misconduct or breach of venue rules will not be entitled to any refund under any circumstances.

16. Contact

For questions regarding these Ground Regulations, please contact:

General Contact Form
Deeside Dragons Ice Hockey Club