SUPPORTERS’ CLUB CODE OF CONDUCT
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to be transparent about how groups of supporters can be recognised by the Club as official Manchester United Supporters’ Clubs (“MUSCs”), how the Club and MUSCs will work together and our expectations for MUSCs. The Code of Conduct must be read and adhered to by all MUSCs in order to access the benefits of official status and to remain as MUSCs.
The Code of Conduct works in conjunction with all relevant terms and conditions of the Club. To read these in more detail, please visit ManUtd.com/terms.
Becoming an official MUSC
We are always delighted to welcome new Supporters’ Clubs into our global family. Please refer to the MUSC guidebook for a full explanation of the criteria for official status and how to apply. The Club does not guarantee that any application for a group to become an MUSC will be successful but we will work with any groups wishing to become an MUSC to provide support where necessary.
MUSCs will retain their official status providing the requirements set out in this Code of Conduct continue to be met.
What we ask of you
Number of Official Members: MUSCs must have at least 30 Official members or Season Ticket Holders who are also Official Members of Manchester United.
Official Membership Promotion: MUSCs shall promote the Club’s Official Membership scheme within their group. This is to ensure that the Club has a record of all members of the MUSC and can communicate with them directly, subject to their privacy preferences.
Point of Contact: MUSCs must have two points of contact who will liaise with the Club. The nominated points of contact must also be Official Members of Manchester United. One person will be the main point of contact and other person shall act as their deputy. If an MUSC does not have a point of contact at any time then the Club may contact any Official Member who it believes is also a member of the MUSC.
Not for Profit: MUSCs should not be operated to make a profit (either for the group or individuals in the group). MUSCs may have a small amount of surplus funds at the end of each season and if this is the case the MUSC should agree how the surplus is used with its membership.
Behaviour & Social Media:
• All communications, whether via the MUSCs social media channels, during meetings or otherwise, should be kept to Club related topics;
• Whilst the Club respects the right for all fans and MUSCs to have their own political views, the Club as an organisation is apolitical. MUSCs must not, therefore, use their social media channels or meetings to disseminate political views;
• MUSCs must seek to support and promote the Club. The MUSC must
not publish (on social media or otherwise) any derogatory or disparaging comments related to, or in connection with, the Club, its supporters or other MUSCs;
• MUSCs must recognise the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion in line with the Club’s #allredallequal campaign. MUSCs must not engage in any discriminatory or offensive behaviour; and
• MUSCs shall not mis-use any IT platforms that the Club provides.
MUSC Benefits
More detail is provided in the MUSC Guidebook.
Use of Manchester United Intellectual Property
Manchester United is the owner of a range of trade marks, copyrights and other intellectual property (“IP”) associated with the club. This includes, amongst other things, the club’s name (and abbreviations such as “Man Utd”, “Man United”, “MUFC” etc.), the club crest, the ‘red devil’ logo and the official MUSC logo, and copyright in all text and video appearing on the club website and associated club channels.
Official MUSCs are permitted to use the official MUSC logo and the club crest to indicate to supporters that they hold official MUSC status (for example, by displaying the logo on the MUSC’s website) and we encourage you to do so. However, this usage must be in line with the following principles:
• The usage must be for non-commercial purposes. So, for example, MUSCs must not create merchandise for sale using the club’s IP or post links to counterfeit product.
• The usage must be in a manner compatible with the club’s values. For example, the club’s IP must not be used in a manner which is abusive, threatening or discriminatory towards any person or group of people.
• The usage must not create any misleading or confusing impression to our supporters.
• Club IP must not be used to promote, advertise or otherwise create a connection with third parties.
In the event that the above principles are not adhered to, the club reserves the right to withdraw the permission above. If in doubt, please contact the club in advance.
Any other use of Manchester United IP is not permitted unless you have first obtained the club’s prior written approval.
It is a criminal offence to make or sell counterfeit product and we have a zero tolerance policy to the sale of counterfeit Manchester United product. If you have any information regarding counterfeit Manchester United product being sold, please contact the Manchester United brand protection team (brandprotection@manutd.co.uk). All information and communication will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Use of Tickets
All Manchester United match tickets (whether season tickets or tickets for individual matches) remain subject to the Club’s terms and conditions that can be found at ManUtd.com/terms.
Manchester United match tickets (whether season tickets or tickets for individual matches) must be bought separately to other products or services such as travel and accommodation, and MUSC members’ access to match tickets cannot be made conditional on members purchasing other products/services (whether from the MUSC or any third party).
The Club also has a dedicated allocation of tickets for Official Members affiliated with MUSCs. To gain access to a dedicated allocation of match tickets, MUSCs must have at least 50 members who are also Official Members at the time of application. The Club will issue communications at the beginning of each season regarding on how MUSCs can access these tickets. Official Members accessing tickets through this MUSC allocation must be registered in the same country as their MUSC.
When utilising the Club’s tickets, season tickets and/or membership products the person using the products shall be subject to all terms and conditions that apply to the products (this includes the Club sanctions policy).
Season Tickets
Season tickets purchased by an MUSC (and which are not in the name of an individual) must only be used by that MUSC’s Official Members, and official online ticket forwarding must be used.
It is expected that all Season Tickets held by an MUSC (and which are not in the name of an individual) are used for every match. To help with this the club has introduced ticket forwarding, the opportunity to return tickets for a refund, or donate the value to the MU Foundation. Tickets should be listed as early as possible, for the best chance of receiving a refund. The attendance policy outlined in the Season Ticket terms and conditions also apply to MUSCs.
Important Information
This Code of Conduct applies to all MUSCs around the world.
The Club can withdraw MUSC club status from any organisation on notice in writing:
• At any time (at the Club’s sole discretion); and/or
• Should the MUSC fail to comply with this Code of Conduct or associated terms and conditions.
An MUSC’s inclusion in the Club’s yearbook does not mean that such organisations’ MUSC status will be maintained throughout the relevant football season.
Notwithstanding the Club’s right to withdraw MUSC status as stated above, the Club reserves its right to take legal action against any MUSC that:
• Fails to comply the terms of the Club Crest Licence; and/or
• Uses any trade marks, images, designs or other intellectual property which are either owned by or which relate to the Club without the Club’s express prior written approval.
The Club may vary the terms set out in this Code of Conduct at any time. Any variations will be published to the Club’s website (ManUtd.com/en/fans/supporters-clubs) and shall be effective from the date of publication.
If any Official Member or season ticket holder does not comply with this Code of Conduct, or otherwise breaches relevant terms and conditions, the Club reserves the right to issue sanctions in-line with the Club’s Official Sanctions Policy.
key contacts
General enquiries about Supporters’ Clubs: musc@manutd.co.uk
Interested in starting a new Supporters’ Club: musc@manutd.co.uk
Rick McGagh, Head of Fan Engagement: rick.mcgagh@manutd.co.uk
Michael Leneghan, Supporter & Disabled Supporter
Liaison Manager: michael.leneghan@manutd.co.uk