The world of sports has evolved drastically over the past few decades, with stadiums and sports facilities becoming more accessible and accommodating to the needs of the fans. In the UK, stadiums have undergone a massive transformation, with the introduction of various facilities such as gender-neutral toilets, sensory rooms, and pram storage, to name a few. While these changes are a welcome development for the fans, they will potentially have a significant impact on the safety and security of the stadium.
As one of the leading training providers of spectator safety and SIA qualifications, we are interested in exploring how these changes will impact the safety and security of the stadium, and how safety stewards’ training will need to adapt to these changes.
Accessibility and the impact on safety and security:
One of the most significant changes that have taken place in UK stadiums is the introduction of gender-neutral toilets. While this is a welcome development for fans who identify as non-binary, it also presents a challenge for stadium security. With the introduction of gender-neutral toilets, the risk of sexual harassment and assault may increase, and stadium security must be trained to identify and prevent such incidents.
Similarly, the potential introduction of pram storage areas may make it easier for parents to bring their children to the stadium. However, this also presents a new challenge for safety stewards, who must ensure that the storage area is secure and that the children are not left unattended. Additionally, could allowing infants in the stadium potentially compromise the well-being of both the child and those around them?
Another development that has taken place in UK stadiums is the introduction of sensory rooms. These rooms are designed to provide a quiet and calm space for fans who may be overwhelmed by the noise and excitement of the stadium. While this is a great initiative, it also means that safety stewards must be trained to identify fans who may require assistance and ensure that they are safe and secure within the stadium.
Adjustable capacities to fit women and youth team fixtures have also been introduced in UK stadiums. This is a welcome development that reflects the growing interest and participation of women and youth in sports. However, it also means that safety stewards must be trained to manage the additional influx of fans, ensuring that the stadium does not become overcrowded and that everyone is safe.
Retractable pitches are another development that has taken place in UK stadiums. These pitches are designed to host multiple events and sports, increasing the revenue potential of the stadium. However, they also present a security challenge, as stewards must ensure that the pitch is secure and that no unauthorised personnel gain access.
Finally, drawing walls for kids in sensory rooms is a fantastic addition to UK stadiums, as they provide a space for children to express themselves and engage with the sport. However, safety stewards must be trained to ensure that these areas are secure so that the children are not at risk of injury and all staff understand their safeguarding commitments.
Training and Safety Standards:
In light of these developments, it is essential for safety stewards to receive proper training to ensure that they can effectively manage the safety and security of the stadium. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is responsible for regulating and licensing the private security industry in the UK. All safety stewards must undergo training and be licensed by the SIA before they can work in a stadium or other public venue.
However, the training provided by the SIA may not be sufficient to prepare stewards for the challenges presented by these new developments in UK stadiums. As such, it is important for safety stewards to receive additional training that is specific to the stadium they are working in and the challenges they may face.
The UK government has recognised the importance of safety and security in stadiums and has introduced legislation to ensure that stadiums meet certain safety standards. The Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 (as amended) sets out the safety standards that must be met by all sports grounds in the UK. These standards include provisions for crowd management, emergency evacuation procedures, and the provision of first aid facilities.
However, the introduction of new facilities and developments in stadiums means that safety standards must be updated to reflect these changes. This presents an opportunity for expert security training providers to work with stadiums to develop bespoke training programs that are tailored to the specific needs of the stadium.
We recommend that training programs include modules on how to manage gender-neutral toilets, how to identify fans who may require assistance in sensory rooms, and how to manage the additional influx of fans during women and youth team fixtures. By providing stewards with this specialised training, stadiums can ensure that their safety standards are up-to-date and that fans are safe and secure.
Real-world examples:
The impact of these new developments on safety and security in stadiums can be seen in real-world examples. In 2019, the Etihad Stadium in introduced a sensory room for fans with autism. The room provides a quiet and calm space for fans who may be overwhelmed by the noise and excitement of the stadium. To ensure the safety and security of fans using the sensory room, stewards were trained to identify fans who may require assistance and to manage the room effectively.
Recently, Beyonce introduced a gender-neutral toilet for her world tour. To ensure the safety and security of fans using the toilet, stewards will need to be trained to identify and prevent incidents of sexual harassment and assault. The stadiums will also need to introduce a code of conduct for fans, which sets out the behaviour that is expected of fans using the gender-neutral toilet.
Finally:
The introduction of new facilities and developments in UK stadiums is a welcome development that reflects the changing needs and expectations of fans. However, it may also present a significant challenge for safety and security professionals within stadiums. Safety stewards must be trained to manage these new developments effectively and ensure the safety, security, equality and safeguarding of fans.
Expert security training providers like NGTC have a vital role to play in this process. By working with stadiums to develop bespoke training programs, they can ensure that stewards are prepared to manage the specific challenges presented by the stadium. This will not only ensure the safety and security of fans but also enhance the overall fan experience and promote inclusivity in sports.