The Surge is an organized supporters group that exists to champion and support Houston soccer and the communities in which it is played. Houston is by far one of the largest culturally diverse cities in the United States, not to mention the entire world. Contrary to what many may think, this city is absolutely overflowing with passionate soccer fans, and we believe that together, we can make a difference on and off the field.

 

Being a member of The Surge carries with it the responsibility of being more than just “traditional supporters culture”, whether United States supporters culture or otherwise. It means you are part of something bigger than yourself, and you have a responsibility to be Positive and Inclusive.

 

Being Positive and Inclusive means that we, as members of The Surge, as well as those who join us in the supporters section at BBVA or at sanctioned and unsanctioned events, respect others regardless of whether they respect us.

 

Racism, discrimination, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and disrespect towards fellow fans or fans of other teams have no place in The Surge. How you conduct yourself in and outside the stadium, at your local bars, and online -- in both words and actions -- reflects on the organization and on all of us.

 

This includes, but is not limited to

 

Throwing any objects onto the field of play during a match

Leading, encouraging, and/or participating in inappropriate chants

Threatening physical harm or physically harming others

Using racial or sexual slurs, hate speech, or any other disrespectful language aimed at others, both in person and online

Perpetrating unwelcome sexual advances, sexual harassment or sexual assault.

Engaging in excessive or repeated drunken, disruptive, or disorderly behavior at events, games, tailgates or watch parties

 

As we grow, so does our profile and the magnifying glass on each of our members intensifies. The actions of a select few make us all look bad, it is up to all of us to make sure that we are “Positive and Inclusive” and to make sure others in and around The Surge do the same. If you see individuals acting in a way or ways that violate our code of conduct, respectfully let them know, let us know, and please don’t participate in or encourage it. There is no excuse for watching something happen and not intervening. Everyone must be held accountable for his or her individual actions, and that means that there are no bystanders.

 

Our strength comes from how we unite our fan base and not how we tear down fellow Houston fans or opposing fans. We know that every one of you believes in passionately supporting soccer in our beautiful city, but our actions, not only at home but also on the road, must always be admirable.

 

To champion and support Houston soccer, we must be Positive and Inclusive, on and off the field.

 

Slurs, derogatory language, physical harm and/or threats of physical harm towards anyone are completely unacceptable and will be dealt with in the strictest possible terms. Any member of The Surge who does not follow our “Positive and Inclusive” Code of Conduct is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the organization, pending an investigation.

 

We reserve the right to revoke memberships of anyone whose actions violate the letter or spirit of our “Positive and Inclusive” Code of Conduct, at any events in which The Surge participates -- whatever the location -- and/or online. There will be no refund of membership fees under any circumstances when a member is subject to disciplinary actions.

 

Additionally, any members subject to disciplinary actions may have their privileges (discounts, etc.) suspended temporarily or revoked permanently.

 

We reserve the right to determine the appropriate sanction for each case, pending an investigation by the Founders. As a member, you agree that such decisions are not subject to appeal. All members, including those in leadership positions, are subject to the same standards when investigated for possible violations of our Code of Conduct.

 

As a member, you further agree to abide by our zero tolerance policy on any criminal activities while representing The Surge in any capacity, and you agree to immediately report any such occurrence to the nearest leadership member. Our organization is fully committed to cooperating with, reporting to, and answering to any authorities in any such cases.

 

You are responsible for your own actions as we are responsible for protecting our organization and preserving the passionate positivity of Houston’s soccer culture.

 

If you believe a member of The Surge or someone attending any of our events is not following our “Positive and Inclusive” Code of Conduct, please email thesurgesg@gmail.com.