Sports ground safety
The council has responsibilities under sports ground safety legislation to help ensure spectators can attend sporting events safely.
We work closely with sports clubs, venue operators and emergency services to assess safety arrangements at sports grounds and issue safety certificates where required. This includes reviewing the structural safety of stands, emergency procedures, fire precautions and spectator management arrangements.
Designated sports grounds
A designated sports ground is a sports stadium designated by the Secretary of State under the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975.
In England and Wales, designation generally applies to sports grounds with a spectator capacity of more than 10,000 people.
A designated sports ground must hold a valid general safety certificate issued by the local authority.
Regulated stands
A regulated stand is a covered stand at a non-designated sports ground that provides accommodation for more than 500 spectators.
Regulated stands are subject to the provisions of the fire safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987 and must be covered by a safety certificate.
General safety certificates
A general safety certificate authorises the use of a designated sports ground or regulated stand for the activities and spectator capacities specified within the certificate.
The certificate may include conditions relating to:
- maximum spectator capacities
- structural safety inspections and maintenance
- fire safety precautions
- means of escape and emergency evacuation arrangements
- stewarding and crowd management
- medical and first aid provision
- emergency planning and contingency arrangements
Certificate holders are legally required to comply with all conditions attached to their certificate.
Special safety certificates
A special safety certificate may be required for an individual event or activity that is not covered by an existing general safety certificate.
Examples may include:
- concerts and entertainment events
- one-off sporting events
- events involving temporary structures
- events where spectator arrangements differ from normal use
A special safety certificate applies only to the specific event or circumstances detailed within the certificate.
Sports grounds we certify
The council is the issuing authority for safety certificates at these sports grounds:
- Accu Stadium, home of Huddersfield Town AFC
- Fox's Biscuits Stadium, home of Batley Bulldogs RLFC
- FLAIR Stadium, home of Dewsbury Rams RLFC
Safety advisory group and partner agencies
Sports ground safety is assessed through a multi-agency approach involving:
- Building Control
- Counter Terrorism Security Advisor
- Heart Medical
- Security Industry Authority
- Sports Ground Safety Authority
- Streetwise Traffic Management
- West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
- West Yorkshire Police
- Yorkshire Ambulance Service
- Other agencies where appropriate
This collaborative approach helps to ensure spectator safety is considered from all relevant perspectives.
Monitoring and enforcement
Safety certificates are subject to regular review and inspection. This authority undertakes an annual review of all sports ground safety certificates to ensure safety standards continue to be maintained.
The council has powers to take enforcement action where safety requirements are not met.
Where there is an immediate risk to spectator safety, the council may issue a prohibition notice preventing access to all or part of a sports ground until the safety concerns have been resolved.
Contact us
Contact Building Control for advice on sports ground safety certification