The safety of spectators who visit sports grounds for sporting or other events is governed by the requirements of the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 and the Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sports Act 1987. Safety certificates cover the physical condition of sports grounds and the safety management provision with a safe capacity being determined for each facility.
Types of safety certificate
Designated grounds - safety certificate
This is required for any stadium (regardless of its capacity) where league football (Premiership or Championship, League One or League Two) matches are to be played. Designated ground safety certificates deal with safety aspects relating to the entire ground. There are no designated grounds in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Regulated stand - safety certificate
This is required for football and other sports grounds that do not meet the criteria of a 'designated ground', but have covered accommodation for more than 500 people. These only relate to the safety of the stand and to the means of access and egress from it. One certificate may cover more than one stand.
A failure to operate without obtaining a certificate, where required, will lead to prosecution.
For more information
There are a number of useful websites, which will provide you with further information:
Sports Ground Safety Authority (external website)
The Federation of Sports and Play Associations (external website)
The following document provides a guide to safety certification for sports grounds:
Department for Culture Media and Sport - Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (pdf 1.4mb)