Concerns about ball games are one of the most common complaints we receive - especially in the summer months. As children and young people play outside for longer combined with windows and doors being open, it is more likely people can hear what is happening outside their homes.

If you feel that you have cause to complain about children and young people playing ball games causing you a nuisance, alarm or distress, we may be able to investigate and where necessary take appropriate action. This guide should give you the information you need.

Many green spaces in Crawley are close to homes or, in some cases, the homes surround an open space. Young people do have a right to play and interact with other youngsters. Play is crucial to a child's development and should be encouraged. However, everyone has a right to enjoy their home and know that their property is safe and have a right to be treated respectfully.

Football and other ball games in themselves are not antisocial behaviour or illegal. In many cases young people may be unaware they are causing other people distress. Often it is not the ball game which is the problem, but the way and where its being played.

People may complain that ball games are being played in unsuitable areas – perhaps too close to houses, parked cars or roads. Or that the children and young people are making too much noise too late and when challenged they either ignore it or are abusive. On the other hand, children and their parents may feel that children ought to be able to play near their own homes, and some residents are happy to have children playing nearby.

It is acknowledged that sometimes there is a conflict of interest between those who want to enjoy their homes and neighbourhood quietly, and the need for children and young people to play safely and enjoy the neighbourhood they live in. We want residents to be able to live in their homes without unnecessary disturbance, and we want children and young people to play safely and be part of their communities.

Please keep in mind the following before making a complaint:

• children and young people want to play near to their home and parents or guardians may wish their children to play near to home for their own safety
• young people do have a right to play, especially in their own neighbourhood
• it is reasonable to expect a certain level of noise from children and young people playing after school, at weekends and in the evening, especially in residential areas
• it is not illegal to play ball games on a grass verge or open space
• open spaces are for the use of everyone, including children and young people
• young people hanging around talking and laughing may not necessarily be antisocial
• talk to your neighbours if you think it is becoming an issue, be considerate of their opinions and needs and reach a compromise on what is acceptable

Young people should not:

• trespass into your garden to retrieve their ball without your permission
• deliberately kick a ball against your wall, property (including plants), vehicle or pedestrians
• play football or other ball games on private land without the permission of the owner
• cause excessive nuisance by shouting or swearing
• intimidate or abuse other residents in response to concerns expressed
• drink alcohol (underage) or behave in a drunken manner
• run frequently over gardens or cause damage to property by playing in the street with hard balls
• endanger themselves by playing in or near busy residential roads
• play close to parked cars or others’ gardens
• play in garage blocks

While fun, ball games can become a source of disturbance for other people. Ball games deliberately and persistently played recklessly, leading to property damage, can be classed as antisocial behaviour which is something that we take seriously and will be investigated. If you know the parents, there is no harm in you having a quiet word with them and explaining what is happening. This will hopefully prevent any further problems. If you do not know who the parents are, or have some concerns about approaching them, you could speak to your local Police Support Community Officer, to make them aware of the issue. It is not advisable to approach the young people yourself, especially if you are upset or angry.

Children and young people playing ball games is not necessarily classed as antisocial behaviour. However, if there is evidence to show that a person has used a ball deliberately to cause damage or is frequently abusive or similar behaviour occurs, then we will investigate the matter if the young people can be identified.

Any criminal damage should also be reported to the Police. We may work in partnership with the local Police Community Support Officer to speak to parents of those children involved.

We do not erect ‘No Ball Games’ signs any more. These signs cannot be enforced by either the council or the police.

If you are experiencing persistent and ongoing problems with antisocial ball games within your residential area, please report it using the form below: