Dear #AOFamily, You know what tomorrow is. It’s been circled on the calendar since the end of the Gold Cup (besides the game moving a day, but that’s beside the point). USA vs. Mexico. When it comes to rivalries it doesn’t get any bigger than this. Given the magnitude of this match, is goes without saying (but we’re going to say it anyways), the passions that are stirred up are immense. We want to win. They want to win. We’re not particularly fond of their team. They’re not particularly fond of our team. But, while you quietly hum “U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A” to yourself as you put on your jersey tomorrow please remember that above all…. “Act Above”. Because no matter how much you love your team and the country they represent there is no reason to insert hate into this debate. Rivalry does not justify racism. Passions should stay positive. Tomorrow it is about one thing: supporting our team with passionate positivity to inspire them to victory. Anything else has no place is American Outlaws. Please read our “Act Above” Code of Conduct below and check out “AO Watch” for reporting any incidents that may violate it. XOXO (everyone), The American Outlaws ——————————————————————————————————— The American Outlaws “Act Above” – Code of Conduct  What does it mean to be a part of the #AOFamily? It means that you’re a part of some of the loudest, most passionate fans of our United States national teams. It means that you are the face of American soccer fandom here and abroad. It means that you are a member of an organization committed to the mission to “unite and strengthen” support for soccer in this country. It means you are a part of something bigger than yourself. It also means you have a responsibility to “Act Above”. At the core of “Act Above” is that we, as members of American Outlaws, and those we bring to join us in our growing supporters sections, respect others regardless of whether they respect you. Racism, discrimination, sexism, homophobia, and disrespect towards fellow fans or fans of other teams have no place in AO. How you conduct yourself in and outside the stadium, at your chapter bars, and online, in your words and actions reflect on all of us. This includes, but is not limited, to: - Use of flares, smoke bombs, or other incendiary devices in stadium - Throwing any objects onto the field of play during a match - Leading, participating, and/or encouraging in inappropriate chants - Physical harm or threats of physical harm to others - Disrespectful and/or hateful speech online and offline As the ranks of the American Outlaws grow so does our profile. The actions of a select few make us all look bad. It is up to all of us to make sure that we “Act Above” and to make sure others in and around AO do the same. If you see individuals acting in way that violates our code of conduct, 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 U.S. fans or opposing fans. We know that every one of you believes in passionately supporting the team, but we must always do so in a way that is admired for how we act, not only in the U.S., but also around the world. To “unite and strengthen” American soccer we must “Act Above”. ——————————————————- 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 American Outlaws who does not follow our “Act Above” Code of Conduct is subject to removal from the organization pending an investigation. We reserve the right to revoke anyone’s membership for his or her actions at AO events (whether national or local), U.S. Soccer games, and/or online that violates the letter or spirit of our “Act Above” Code of Conduct. Additionally you will lose all the privileges of being a member of AO (discounts, etc) including access to AO supporter section tickets. We have the full support of the United States Soccer Federation to revoke all future ticket purchases to matches in any other part of the stadium as well. You are responsible for your own actions as we are responsible for protecting our organization and preserve the passionate positivity of American soccer culture. ——————————————————- If you believe a member of American Outlaws or someone attending an AO event is not following our “Act Above” Code of Conduct there are several ways to report an incident: - Please find an AO National member, AO chapter leader or AO Watch leader at AO events. - Contact us through our AO Watch number (475-2CALLAO… 475-222-5526) for on-site assistance. - Complete our “AO Watch” form so we can investigate and address any situation. - We can also be reached via email at: [email protected]. Note: If you believe a crime is occurring or has occurred please report it to the proper local authorities immediately.