RECOGNIZED SUPPORTERS GROUPS

Defiance 1636

Defiance 1636 are an independent supporter’s group to Rhode Island FC, meaning that they maintain a productive working relationship with the club that involves open communication and collaboration; they are a separate entity in leadership, financing and function. Their aim is to provide a culture of inclusion and a world class supporter’s atmosphere.

To most we’re a supporters’ group, to many a barra brava, to some an ultras group, to others “the crazy guys behind the goal”, but to everyone we’re a passionate collective proud to support the beautiful game in our beautiful Ocean State.

At every Rhode Island FC match we’ll be in full support of our state when they take on the rest of the country. With chants sounding, drums beating, and flags waving at every home game, we strive to make playing at Beirne/Tidewater Stadium an intimidating nuisance for the away team, and an embodiment of unity for our home team. Joining Defiance 1636 is available to anyone of any background dedicated to supporting RIFC and joining us in our efforts in and out of the stadium. Learn more at ridefiance1636.org.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DEFIANCE 1636

RHODE ISLAND FC SUPPORTERS GROUPS CODE OF CONDUCT

A. Supporters Area Code of Conduct

Members of Home Supporters Groups are subject to the Rhode Island FC’s Fan Code of Conduct.

In addition to the club’s Code of Conduct, the following information outlines expected behaviors from members of Home Supporters Groups.

a. Anti-Discrimination Policy

Rhode Island FC has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for bigotry and discrimination (based on race, ethnicity, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, etc.). Members of Home Supporters Groups are expected to support RIFC and its players, while also behaving respectfully towards opposing players, coaches, staff, visiting supporters groups, and officials. By joining a Home Supporters Group, members agree to abide by RIFC’s Fan Code of Conduct, and acknowledge that failure to obey the club’s Fan Code of Conduct could result in removal from the Home Supporters Group, ejection from the stadium, and/or ban from future RIFC events.

b. Behaviors

Members of Home Supporters Groups must comply with RIFC’s Fan Code of Conduct. Examples of unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

Acting in a violent or threatening manner towards RIFC or stadium staff, safety services, players, opposing team staff, opposing team supporters, or other patrons
Throwing or trying to throw objects onto the field of play or at another person
Refusing to cooperate with the requests of RIFC or stadium staff/safety services
Refusing to cooperate with Defiance 1636 leadership and capos
Setting off unauthorized fireworks or smoke devices inside Beirne Stadium
Engaging in or enabling underage drinking
Endangering the safety of members of the group, fans (including visiting fans), RIFC staff or the general public
Unauthorized attempts to enter the field of play before, during, and after the match
Consuming alcoholic beverages to excess while at any Defiance 1636 or Rhode Island FC events
Using foul, derogatory, abusive, or discriminatory language

The following information is particularly pertinent to Home Supporters Groups:

Banners, flags, displays, tifos, and instruments are permitted only with pre-approval from the RIFC officials and the designated Supporters liaison. Any banners, flags, displays, and tifos must be respectful, cannot obstruct another spectator view and cannot cover any stadium signage. Team management reserves the right to confiscate or deny any displays at their sole discretion.
Instruments (drums, etc.) must be pre-approved by RIFC officials and the Supporters liaison. Placement will be approved by RIFC management and the Supporters liaison. RIFC reserves the right to deny or remove instruments at its sole discretion. Instruments may only be located in the designated Supporters Section unless otherwise permitted by the RIFC officials.
For supporters groups we ask the group leader to seek permission for noise makers, smoke devices, chants, or any other items that may cause any sort of controversy at least 7 days before match day. Incendiary devices are not allowed.
Supporters groups must submit the names of members to the team.
Supporters groups are permitted to use a bullhorn, provided that the following takes place:
- The bullhorn must point away from the field at all times.
- The bullhorn must only be used to amplify voice (no sirens or ancillary noises are permitted).
- Foul, abusive, or derogatory language is prohibited. If such language is used, the team will immediately cease use of the bullhorn.
- The bullhorn should only be used by supporters groups to lead chants. Chants should not be used to directly target individual players.
The Supporters Section is for fans that would like to chant, sing, drum, wave flags, display banners, stand, jump, and support the RIFC to the fullest extent. The first row of the Supporters Section is reserved for the designated Supporters Capos as assigned by the Supporters Liaison and RIFC management.
Home Team Supporters Groups will not be able to store any equipment on-site at Beirne Stadium and should prepare accordingly to transport and store their own banners, flags, displays, tifos, instruments, etc. off-site.

c. List of Non-Permitted Items

Flares, incendiary devices, smoke bombs, sparklers, and fireworks are prohibited without prior approval by RIFC staff and stadium officials.
Consumption of controlled substances is prohibited.
The use and possession of marijuana in any form is prohibited.
Smoking or the use of tobacco products of any kind, including vaping devices, is prohibited.
The use of professional photography and video equipment, including drones, is prohibited without prior approval.
Aerosols (pepper spray, etc.) are prohibited in the stadium.
Fans must refrain from wearing obscene or indecent clothing in the stadium.
No offensive signs, banners or flags are to be displayed. They will be confiscated.
Laser pointers/pens are prohibited.
Skateboards, rollerblades, or non-medically prescribed wheeled devices except infant strollers are prohibited.
Firearms or any type of weapon including any type or size of knife are strictly prohibited.

d. List of Permitted Items

Handheld and soccer-related signs, banners and flags are encouraged and welcome. Banners may not cover existing stadium signage or obstruct the view of other guests. Banners with profane, inciting, political or otherwise inappropriate messages will be removed. Banners may not exceed 3 feet in height and 3 feet in width. All banners or signs that do not fall within the above guidelines must be approved by the RIFC front office no later than 48 hours ahead of the match. All such items are subject to search upon entry. Management reserves the right to remove any sign at any time.
Drums and other celebratory instruments are allowed in the designated supporters seating section and must be approved by RIFC staff at least 7 days prior to each match.