Accessibility

1. Our Commitment

Cogenhoe United Football Club and Blues Bar want our website, information and premises to be as accessible and welcoming as reasonably possible.

We recognise that people have different access requirements and that accessibility includes both:

using our website and online services;

and

visiting Blues Bar and Compton Park.

We aim to identify and remove unnecessary barriers and welcome feedback where something could be improved.

2. Website Accessibility

The Blues Bar website is designed with accessibility in mind.

We aim, where reasonably practicable, to provide:

• clear and consistent navigation;
• readable text;
• appropriate colour contrast;
• responsive layouts for desktop, tablet and mobile;
• keyboard-accessible navigation and controls;
• clearly labelled forms;
• meaningful headings;
• accessible links and buttons;
• alternative text for meaningful images;
• reduced-motion support where appropriate; and
• clear error and confirmation messages.

3. Accessibility Standard

We aim to develop and maintain the website with reference to recognised accessibility good practice, including relevant Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

We do not claim that every part of the website is fully compliant unless and until the relevant functionality has been appropriately tested.

Accessibility will be reviewed as the website and its services develop.

4. Keyboard Navigation

Important public website functions should be capable of being used without relying solely on a mouse.

This includes, where technically applicable:

• navigation;
• membership forms;
• Guest Sign-In;
• event information;
• contact/enquiry forms;
• cookie controls;
• buttons; and
• links.

Keyboard focus should remain visible so users can understand which element is currently selected.

5. Forms

Online forms should use clear labels and instructions.

Required information should be identified appropriately.

Where an error occurs, the website should explain what needs to be corrected rather than relying only on colour or a generic error message.

This applies particularly to:

• membership applications;
• guest registration;
• event bookings;
• contact forms; and
• Private Hire forms if that service is subsequently enabled.

6. Membership Applications

The membership application process should be usable on desktop, tablet and mobile devices.

Information concerning:

• membership type;
• price;
• waiting period;
• payment;
• approval;
• Privacy Notice;
• Membership Terms; and
• required declarations

should be presented clearly.

Users should not be required to understand complex technical or legal language merely to complete an application.

7. Digital Membership Cards and QR Codes

QR codes may be used to assist with membership verification.

A QR code must not be the only practical way of verifying somebody's membership.

Where a member cannot reasonably use a digital QR credential, authorised Club personnel should have an appropriate alternative method of verifying membership.

8. Guest Sign-In

The dedicated Club Guest Sign-In system should be designed for straightforward use on the Club's shared iPad.

The interface should use:

• clear instructions;
• sufficiently large controls;
• readable text;
• clear confirmation;
• accessible error messages; and
• a simple route back to the start.

Where someone cannot reasonably use the digital Guest Sign-In independently, Club personnel should be able to provide appropriate assistance.

9. Images

Meaningful website images should have appropriate alternative text or another accessible description where necessary.

Decorative images should not create unnecessary repetition for users of assistive technology.

Administrators uploading Gallery, News or Event images should be prompted to provide an appropriate accessible image description.

10. Video and Audio

Where the Club publishes important video or audio content, accessibility should be considered.

Where reasonably practicable and appropriate, this may include captions, transcripts or an alternative way of obtaining important information presented in the content.

11. Animation and Motion

The website should avoid unnecessary flashing or distracting animation.

Where significant motion or animation is used, reduced-motion preferences should be respected where technically appropriate.

12. Colour and Contrast

Important information should not be communicated using colour alone.

Text, buttons, form controls and important interface elements should have sufficient contrast against their backgrounds.

This is particularly important with the Blues Bar's blue and gold branding, which should be implemented without compromising readability.

13. Text Size and Zoom

Website content should remain reasonably usable when users increase browser text size or zoom.

Important information, buttons and forms should not become inaccessible simply because the page is enlarged.

14. Mobile and Tablet Accessibility

The website should work appropriately across different screen sizes.

Particular attention should be given to:

• navigation;
• forms;
• membership applications;
• event information;
• Club Administration where appropriate; and
• the dedicated Guest Sign-In iPad interface.

Controls should not be unnecessarily small or difficult to select on a touchscreen.

15. Documents

Where important information is provided through downloadable documents, we will aim where reasonably practicable to make that information accessible.

If someone cannot access a document or requires information in another format, they can contact the Club.

16. Third-Party Content

Some parts of the website may rely on third-party services, such as:

• FA Full-Time fixture information;
• payment providers;
• maps;
• social media;
• external ticketing providers; or
• embedded services.

The Club may not have complete control over the accessibility of third-party systems.

Where an important service cannot be accessed, please contact us and we will consider what reasonable alternative assistance can be provided.

17. Visiting Blues Bar

Accessibility is not limited to the website.

If you have an access requirement relating to a visit to Blues Bar or Compton Park, please contact us before your visit where advance information or arrangements would be helpful.

This could include questions about:

• step-free access;
• entrances;
• seating;
• parking;
• toilets;
• movement around the venue;
• event layout; or
• another reasonable adjustment.

18. Events

Event layouts and arrangements can vary.

If you have an access requirement for a particular event, please contact the Club before attending where possible.

We will consider reasonable requests and provide available information about the particular event setup.

An accessibility request does not need to include unnecessary personal or medical information.

We only need enough information to understand the practical adjustment or assistance being requested.

19. Assistance Dogs

Where somebody intends to attend with an assistance dog, they may contact the Club in advance if they require information about access or arrangements.

Any general venue rules concerning animals should be applied appropriately and should not prevent the Club from considering its legal responsibilities concerning disabled visitors and assistance dogs.

20. Parking and Drop-Off

Parking availability may vary depending on football and other activity at Compton Park.

Anyone requiring information about accessible parking, drop-off or access routes should contact the Club before travelling where possible.

21. Seating

Where an event involves seating or a particular room layout, the Club will consider reasonable seating requests where possible.

Requests are best made in advance, particularly for events where capacity or layout is restricted.

22. Toilets and Facilities

Information about available facilities and their accessibility should be provided accurately.

The website must not describe a facility as fully accessible unless that description has been properly verified.

Where someone needs specific information about facilities before visiting, they can contact the Club.

23. Reasonable Adjustments

Where a disabled person experiences a barrier to accessing a Club service, event or facility, the Club will consider reasonable adjustments in accordance with applicable requirements.

What is reasonable may depend on the circumstances, including the nature of the request, the premises and the activity involved.

24. Alternative Formats

If you need important website information in another format, please contact us.

Depending on the request and what is reasonably practicable, we will consider alternatives such as:

• a plain-text version;
• information by email;
• information explained by telephone; or
• another appropriate format.

25. Accessibility and Safeguarding

Where an accessibility request relates to a child, young person or adult at risk, the Club's safeguarding arrangements continue to apply.

Accessibility information should be handled respectfully and only shared where reasonably necessary.

26. Privacy

Information supplied when requesting an accessibility adjustment will be handled in accordance with the Club's Privacy Notice.

We will not ask for unnecessary information about a person's disability or health.

27. Reporting an Accessibility Problem

We welcome feedback about accessibility.

Please contact us if:

• you cannot access part of the website;
• a form cannot be completed using your device or assistive technology;
• information is difficult to understand;
• a document is inaccessible;
• you encounter an access problem at Blues Bar;
• you need information about visiting the venue; or
• you have a suggestion for improvement.

28. Contact

Accessibility enquiries can be sent to:

Blues Bar at Cogenhoe United Football Club
Compton Park
Brafield Road
Cogenhoe
Northampton
NN7 1ND

Email: admin@bluesbarcogenhoe.co.uk

When contacting us, please explain the practical difficulty or adjustment you require. You do not need to provide unnecessary personal information.

29. Ongoing Review

Accessibility should be reviewed whenever significant website functionality is introduced or changed.

This is particularly important when introducing or changing:

• membership applications;
• payment processing;
• Guest Sign-In;
• digital membership cards;
• event ticketing;
• website navigation; and
• new third-party integrations.

30. Changes to This Accessibility Information

This Accessibility information may be updated as the website, premises or Club services change.

The current version and review date will be published on the website.