Spectator safety

Background

Deaths and injuries at sports grounds have occurred in the UK on a regular basis since the beginning of the 20th century.

• 2 January 1971
  At Ibrox stadium in Glasgow 66 lives were lost in a crush of the infamous Stairway 13
  
  
• 11 May 1985 - The Bradford City Fire Disaster where the fire consumed one side of the Valley Parade stadium. 56 people lost their lives and 265 were injured
  
  
• 15 April 1989 - Hillsborough disaster 96 people died due to crush asphyxiation after being pressed against the fencing in pens 3 and 4 by the crowds swelling behind them 

Legislation

Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975

The Ibrox Disaster in 1971 lead to the creation of this act. It addresses the issue of stadia with high numbers of spectators (over 5,000 people). 

Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sports Act 1987

This was introduced for smaller grounds with a capacity of 500, and seated or standing covered accommodation. Both acts have placed the control and power of enforcement with the Local Authority to ensure that the spectators safety standards are maintained.

Additional Legislation

• Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1987
• Safety of Places of Sport Regulations 1988
• The Football Spectators Act 1989
• The Environmental And Safety Information Act 1988

Contact Us

For information, advice and guidance on spectator safety at sports grounds please contact us.

You can also contact:

Mark Wilson - Technical and Business Manager

Simon Sumner - Principal Trading Standards Officer

01785277800

sportsgroundsafety@staffordshire.gov.uk

Current Trading Standards Fees

Here is the current schedule of Trading Standards fees.

Further information

Please see these pages for more information:

• Sports Grounds Safety Authority
• British Racecourse Association
• Oval Racing Council International
• Rugby Football Union
• Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• Auto-Cycle Union