Planning For Social Distancing At Sports Grounds

Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) logoToday, Friday 17th July, the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) has published draft guidance to help sports grounds plan for social distancing when Government permits the re-admission of fans.

The guidance is complementary to the draft Stage 5 guidance published by the Government today. It is in draft format to enable operators to consider the contents and provide any comments, before it is finalised next month.

Sports Grounds Safety Authority Planning for social distancing at sports grounds front coverThe guidance will be tested at special events, as announced by the Government today. These are planned to cover cricket, horse racing and snooker. These events will be evaluated with the assistance of Movement Strategies, an expert consultancy on people movement and crowd dynamics.

Martyn Henderson, Chief Executive of the SGSA, said: “This is an important step on the road to spectators being allowed into sports grounds. This document provides sports grounds with the knowledge and guidance they need to plan for the return of fans with confidence.

“Our purpose is, and always will be, ensuring fans can watch live sport safely. The return to full stadia will not happen overnight. However, our new guidance provides sports grounds with the tools to enable some spectators to return safely.”

The guidance should only be used in line with Government announcements. It does not allow for the immediate return of spectators. Instead it provides sports grounds with the opportunity to plan effectively for their return when this is allowed.

The full guidance is available here: SG02: Planning for social distancing at sports grounds.