Norwich City ban under-2s from attending home games amid safety fears

Norwich City ban under-2s from attending home games amid safety fears according to reports emerging earlier this week.

The Championship outfit won’t allow children under the age of 2 in the stands of Carrow Road this season after responding to research suggesting that noise generated by fans can have a damaging effect on the hearing of young children.

Wembley announced last season that matches organised by the Football Association would also no longer permit under-2s, as concern grows for the long-term impact of noise on young fans.

It is part of a new trend amongst clubs to act on scientific advice around the needs of supporters, with Watford installing a sensory area for autistic fans at Vicarage Road.

In line with wider national stadiums, our entry guidelines for matchdays at Carrow Road have been updated.

Children under the age of two will no longer be permitted in open-air areas of the stadium and concourses.#NCFC

— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) August 15, 2022

Norwich spoke to Wembley representatives and consulted with researchers before making the decision, and were wary of the possibility of claims being made against them in case of injury.

The club said: “Norwich continue to review several personal injury accidents within sporting stadiums and venues, as well as assessing academic research regarding the impact of noise on infant hearing.

“Children under the age of two will no longer be permitted in the open-air areas of the stadium and concourses on matchdays.

“This decision has been made to prevent serious risk and harm to children under the age of two.

“Norwich City remain committed to keeping its supporters safe during matchdays and wider events at Carrow Road.”

The English Football league meanwhile say they haven’t issued any advice to clubs regarding the entry of young children, and that clubs remain free to enforce their own policies and guidelines.

The Canaries currently sit 16th in the Championship after winning 2-1 against Huddersfield in midweek, but had been bottom after failing to win any of their three opening games.

Dean Smith’s side were relegated from the Premier League last season and have picked up just one point this campaign.

This also comes after Twitter user @emilywardteach wrote: “So apparently the FA have decided that under 2s are no longer allowed at football?! As of today Norwich implemented it. But let us in today after much arguing and to be honest some very aggressive behaviour by one particular steward. I’m beyond gutted. 😢 #NCFC #FA

“Such a shame as little lady genuinely loved tonight. Was awake the whole second half babbling away! She loves the Onel song. Was so special. 💛💚”

She added when getting replies about it: “Seems that it’s nothing to do with the FA.”

Fans reacted as Norwich City ban under-2s from attending home games amid safety fears…

@Alia62Alia: Awful 😞

@ncfckeith: Oh Emily, I’m absolutely gutted for you and your family. Without a doubt that is an epic fail by @NorwichCityFC. #NCFC

@mark_woodroffe: Why take an under 2 to a match? Is it because of child care? The kid won’t remember it and will probably be bawling throughout annoying everyone else.

@jgilding1: Took my son at 18 months old. Sat on my lap and lifted over turnstiles. Now 46, a season ticket holder as is his son, now 11. He went very young as well.

@murrellst3: I know some stadiums don’t allow under 2’s for safety reasons, but I have seen babies in the Barclay last season. Im taking my 2 year old to Hull at the weekend.

@ClareDawn9: Will never understand why clubs don’t have a crèche on match days.

@itsmeitskim: I guess it’s baby’s safety first Emily. Disappointing I know but what if she got hit by a ball? 😕

@CanaryGeorge76: Why would you want to take a child under two years old to a noisy football stadium for anyway?

@TheCruncher76: My eldest started going at 9 months, my other 2 boys when they were 2

@ReactionTown: What’s a 9 month old get from going to football?

@prickettboy3: Can a 2 year old even see that far away to be able to watch what’s going on? Genuine question not a criticism. The earliest I took any of mine was 4 yo and they lost interest by HT. I wouldn’t think most 2 year olds would stay engaged for 90 minutes.

@mattjohnson333: So sorry to hear this. The club does a lot of good things but by god do they make a royal arse out of themselves on some other things (such as this).

@GmanGK: Rather than just an outright ban, could you not just open up a specific area of seating for those small numbers that may wish to attend? Wouldn’t bother me in the slightest to have babies there, if the parents wanted to bring them along

@dappydazza: They should be completely safe now with now standing, shouting allowed, bloody stupid idea by the FA. All fans will need to chant “hooray” correctly soon #GamesGone

@msadler1962: I’m not sure annoyance to others is the issue. It is primarily one of safety – exposure to noise; danger of being hit by the ball; etc.

@BarryKnees: Ok cool still bringing my son into the stands with me can you post Teemu Pukki twerking now?

@Airheadange: Anyone that thinks it’s ok to take babies and toddlers to football matches need to think what it’d be like if the ball hit them. I suggest standing in front of a footballer & let them kick it at your face – then decide if it’s a good idea to take your young kid #ncfc #morons

@TheRug85: Fun fact: I can’t take my youngest to watch nodge but I can take him on the rollercoaster at the pleasure beach in Yarmouth.

@bryonydaviesxo: What a load of 💩

@nick_ncfc: Considering you can take under-2s to any other mass gathering that could be dangerous for them (musical festivals spring to mind), I do wonder what supporter consultation actually occurred here

@craigdaniels82: You’re mental if you want to take an under 2 to football.

@kevinwilliam0: Thank goodness

@damonrudd: Makes sense… don’t know why people would bring tots that young.

@the_canary: Seems perfectly sensible to me.

@andrewgwilt089: Well that’s just tinpot isn’t it

@DavidJeffries83: Reading between the lines, we don’t make money from under 2s so they are banned. Just turn the volume down a bit pre match and let parents decide for themselves what they want to do with their child. This just prevents parents of young children and families from attending.

Mine was alright 12 years ago. Swindon at home, it was a dull affair, lad slept all the way through. Also wasn’t fussed about leaving 5 minutes before half time to get a pie. pic.twitter.com/pmgQIWGTzK

— Jason Lack (@lackster99) August 16, 2022