Under the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975, certain sports grounds and stadiums require a safety certificate issued by the council.
Sports ground safety certificates help ensure venues and events are managed safely for spectators. You may need a certificate if you operate a designated sports ground, manage a regulated stand, or want to hold a special event at a licensed sports venue.
When you need a sports ground safety certificate
You will need to apply for a safety certificate for places where sports or other competitive activities take place at an outdoor sports ground or stadium, either for the whole stadium or for a covered stand.
A safety certificate contains conditions as required by the council, legislation and national guidance. It sets out:
- the activities permitted at the sports ground
- the maximum number of spectators allowed
- any other requirements needed to ensure public safety and compliance with legislation and national guidance
There are 2 types of safety certificate:
- general safety certificate
- special safety certificate
General safety certificate
You will need a general safety certificate:
- for the whole ground where a sports ground or stadium holds a designated sporting event and provides accommodation for more than 10,000 spectators, or more than 5,000 spectators for Premier League or Football League football matches
- for a covered stand at a sports ground or stadium that accommodates 500 or more spectators and is not within a designated sports ground
These certificates specify the activities that can take place at the ground and the maximum number of spectators allowed.
Activities may include:
- football
- rugby
- cricket
- athletics
- speedway
- motor or horse racing
For all other sports grounds or stands, a safety certificate is not normally required. However, spectator safety legislation may still apply where accommodation has been provided for spectators, including structures that have been adapted for that purpose.
Anyone can apply for a general safety certificate. The person issued with the certificate is known as the holder.
Before issuing a certificate, the Sports Grounds Licensing Officer will meet the proposed holder to ensure they are suitable to hold the certificate and can comply with its conditions.
We will carry out enquiries and site inspections before making a decision. A determination will normally be made within 2 months of receiving the application.
Special safety certificate
You will need a special safety certificate to hold an event at a designated sports ground or regulated stand that is not covered by an existing general safety certificate.
Example of events that may require a special safety certificate include:
- concerts and live music events
- firework, pyrotechnic or special effects displays
- carnivals, fairs, circuses, fun days and similar events
- events involving the display of vehicles or animals
- sporting events that are not included in the general safety certificate
- public meetings or other events requiring written approval from the council
A general safety certificate must already be in force before a special safety certificate can be issued .
Any person or event promoter can apply for a special safety certificate. However, applications are usually made through the sports ground that holds the general safety certificate.
If you are planning an event at a licensed sports ground or stand, discuss your proposal with the venue management before applying.
Before you apply
Before applying, you should:
- identify which type of certificate you need
- discuss your proposal with the sports ground management or certificate holder
If you are applying for a special safety certificate, you should give at least 3 months notice. This allows time for:
- processing the application
- ticket sales and advertising
- meetings and site visits
- any required improvements before the certificate is issued
Complete the Notification form.
Apply for a general or special safety certificate
After deciding to apply, complete the relevant sections of the application form.
After you've applied
The Sports Grounds Licensing Officer will review the application and consult relevant organisations where required, including:
- the police
- fire and rescue service
- ambulance service
- building control
- other organisations involved in the event or venue
We may:
- arrange site visits
- request additional information
- hold Safety Advisory Group meetings
Fees
A fee may be charged depending on the type of certificate and the work required to process the application.
General safety certificates
Where a general safety certificate is issued for a new stadium or stand, a fee may be charged for work reasonably carried out by the council in processing the application.
As every application is different, fees will be discussed following receipt of the application.
In line with national guidance, safety certificates are reviewed and re-issued annually. There is no charge for the routine review and re-issue of an existing certificate.
Special safety certificates
Fees for special certificates depend on the size and nature of the event.
Large or commercial events
A charge will be made for work reasonably carried out by the council in processing and issuing the certificate.
Smaller community or charitable events
We do not currently charge for issuing a special safety certificate for smaller events that provide a local charitable or community benefit.
This supports local sports grounds and community organisations by helping them continue to provide facilities and activities for local residents.
As applicants normally pay a fee to the sports ground for hosting the event, we do not charge an additional fee for issuing a special safety certificate. This helps support the maintenance and upkeep of local sports grounds.
Contact Trading Standards
For advice or to submit an application, contact Trading Standards:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01946 505 005