Stadium Safety

Safe and Welcoming Venues

Over the last two decades, English football grounds have undergone a transformation and are now among the safest stadia in the world. 

To learn more about the measures that have been introduced to effect this change, download the document “Stadium Safety in England” from the Resources section below or click on the video above.

Stadium Safety Management

Click here to view an introductory film from the Stewards’ Training Package “On The Ball”, developed by The FA, Premier League, The Football League and The Football Safety Officers’ Association, which comprises interviews with key match day safety personnel, including safety officers and a police commander, with footage filmed at football matches, and which includes:  

• The history of stadia safety and the legal requirements for spectator safety in the UK.  
• The organisations involved in delivering and regulating spectator safety in the UK.  
• A quick introduction to the main elements of the law regarding offences at football matches.  
• The roles and responsibilities of club stewards.

Sports Grounds Safety Authority

The Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) was established in 2011 to build on the success of the former Football Licensing Authority (FLA) and the critical role it played in transforming spectator safety at football grounds in the UK over the last 20 years. A number of useful stadia publications are available from the SGSA. Go to the SGSA web site for more information: http://www.safetyatsportsgrounds.org.uk/index.php

The Government’s publication, the “Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds”, commonly known as “The Green Guide”, is widely recognised throughout the world as a pre-eminent reference work on stadium safety. Information on how to obtain copies of the Green Guide, including how to download a free electronic copy, is available on the SGSA web site: http://www.safetyatsportsgrounds.org.uk/pubs/sgsa/greengde.php

“Safety Management” was first published in 2009 by the Football Licensing Authority. The guidance identifies and draws together good practice on safety personnel, safety management procedures, event management and preparing for incidents and complements and expands on the advice on safety management in the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds. Information on how to obtain a copy of “Safety Management” can be found here: http://www.safetyatsportsgrounds.org.uk/pubs/sgsa/safeman.php

Football Safety Officers Association

With over 300 members, the Football Safety Officers Association (FSOA) strives to improve safety by sharing best practice, enhancing and promoting the role of safety officers within football and continually developing their expertise. More information on the FSOA can be found by visiting their web site: http://fsoa.org.uk/

Dealing with Violence and Anti-Social Behaviour

To see a summary of the measures introduced in the UK to deal with spectator violence, download the document “Summary of measures taken to prevent  football violence” from the Resources section below. The Football Association has produced a Good Practice Guide for Football Clubs on Crowd Management Measures. This can also be downloaded from the Resources section.