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Sports ground regulation

Introduction

The safety of spectators who visit sports grounds to watch sport or events such as pop concerts is controlled by the requirements of the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975| as amended by the Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987|.

The regulator

Mr. Mike Terry, Building Control Manager, of Building Control Services, part of the Planning Service located within the Directorate of Economy and Environment of Calderdale MBC.

Calderdale Council's Building Control Service (the Regulator) is responsible for the administration of the safety at sports ground legislation within the Borough. This role includes the issuing and enforcement of a General Safety Certificate for any designated grounds or regulated stands. The General Safety Certificate requires the holder of the certificate to be responsible for the safety of spectators who visit and use the ground facilities.

In addition, Building Control Services (the Regulator) have established a Safety Advisory Group (or Safety Team) to support and advise the Holder of the General Safety Certificate how to meet their duties and responsibilities under the Safety at Sports Grounds legislation.

What is regulated

Designated grounds and regulated stands.

• A designated ground is one where association football matches are played and the ground has a spectator occupancy of 5000 people or more.
• A regulated stand is a stand providing covered accommodation for more than 500 people.

The purpose of the legislation is to ensure the safety of spectators who visit large or complex sports grounds for sporting fixtures or other similar events.

Exemptions to regulation

Both sports grounds that are not designated, with a spectator occupancy of less than 5000 people, and stands, providing covered accommodation for less than 5000 people; are exempt from the safety at sports ground legislation.

However the club or organisation promoting or organising a sporting event held within a venue exempt from the safety at sports ground legislation will still have a duty to maintain a safe sporting event and ensure the safety of the spectators under general health and safety law.  Further advice on managing crowds safely and organising a public event can be found on the Health and Safety Executive's website: Health and Safety Executive|.

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