An overview of the regulatory and legislative framework for sports ground & stadia safety in the UK

This LawInSport feature article will be of interest to anyone who is, or may be, involved with ensuring or managing sports ground safety, whether in relation to stadia design, safety certification, day-to-day management of a sports ground or sports club, or supervision of staff responsible for crowd management.

This article intends to act as a short guide to the regulatory and legislative framework for sports ground safety in the UK, taking into account the recent updates to the Sports Ground Safety Authority1 (SGSA) Green Guide (6th edition).2 Specifically it:

• Highlights the various parties which may have legal responsibilities for compliance with safety laws;

• Reviews and explains the main provisions of legislation specifically governing safety at sports grounds;

• Examines other general legal obligations which are likely to be relevant to safety at stadiums;

• Considers the applicable common law duties of care; and

• Examines the potential consequences of non-compliance.