Safety at sports grounds
Requirements in relation to sports grounds include:
- structural integrity of the stand/stadium
- provisions for means of escape
- adequate fire precautions
- emergency services co-ordination
- provision of suitable management strategies (ie. stewarding, crowd control, match day safety arrangements, evacuation procedures, contingency plans etc.)
Large sports event
The responsible person for the ground is required to apply for a General Safety Certificate or Special Safety Certificate.
General safety certificate
When an application is received, we must determine whether the applicant is the qualified/responsible person and if so must issue a general safety certificate. The general safety certificate may contain any conditions that we consider necessary or expedient to secure reasonable safety, e.g. management requirements, First Aid provisions, strength of structural elements etc. In general these conditions will follow the guidance given in the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds.
To prepare a safety certificate it is necessary to:
- request suitable drawings from the applicant
- survey the ground in detail
- hold Safety Team Meetings with the Emergency Services to determine overall requirements
- consult with other expert/other interested bodies etc
- seek structural, electrical, mechanical and any other pertinent certification
- consult with ground management
- determine works conditions and numbers of spectators to be permitted into the ground
On the issue of the general safety certificate it is necessary to notify interested persons and advertise in accordance with the appropriate regulations. After the issue of the general safety certificate inspections will be made from time to time; for example, during performances, on match days, or during other sporting occasions, to ensure that the terms and conditions of the certificate are suitable and appropriate and to monitor the clubs' observance of the terms and conditions. An annual inspection (and subsequent follow-up inspections) of the ground is also required by statute (Section 10B).
Special safety certificate
Special safety certificates are issued for activities which are not included in the general safety certificate. The process is similar to that for general safety certificates.
Appeals
If we decide not to issue a safety certificate then the applicant may appeal. This appeal is made to the Scottish Government. Before determining an appeal the Scottish Government give each interested party an opportunity of appearing before and being heard by a person appointed by the Scottish Government.
Interested parties include:
- the holder of a safety certificate
- any other person who is or may be concerned with the terms and conditions of a safety certificate
- the chief officer of police
- the building authority
The Scottish Government may appoint someone to hold an inquiry in relation to an appeal, and report back. On determining the appeal, the Scottish Government may set out necessary requirements and we must carry out the Government's requirements. Government may prescribe the procedure for appeals, including a time limit, and detail the manner in which an appeal is to be determined. The Scottish Government's decision is final.
Small sports events
This section relates to a sports ground, which provides covered accommodation in stands for spectators.
- "stand" in relation to a sports ground, means an artificial structure (not merely temporary) which provides accommodation for spectators and is wholly or partly covered by a roof, and in relation to the number of spectators in a stand provided with covered accommodation
- "covered" means covered by a roof or other part of the structure, which constitutes the stand
- a certificate is required (a general safety certificate) in respect of the use at a sports ground of each stand which provides covered accommodation for 500 or more spectators
- an annual inspection is made to any ground providing the above accommodation by a team consisting of Building Control, Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service and Emergency Planning. Safety of spectators is paramount and the safety certificate will only be issued when the inspection team are satisfied that there are no risks.
Appeals
Should we refuse to issue a certificate or have the ground closed due to safety infringements there is a right of appeal. An interested party may appeal to the Sheriff Court against our decision.
Interested party includes:
- the holder of a safety certificate
- any other person who is or may be concerned in ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of a safety certificate
- the chief officer of police
- the building authority
An appeal to the court must be by summary application. An appeal against a determination can only be made in the 28 day period after the date of the determination. Any other appeal must be made within 28 days (for a general safety certificate) or within 7 days (for a special safety certificate) after the relevant notification date.