The Sports Grounds Safety Authority is a government body that took over the responsibilities of the Football Licensing Authority and the critical role it played in transforming spectator safety at football grounds in the UK.  The SGSA carries out a range of statutory functions in relation to football in England and Wales, and advisory functions in relation to other sports within the UK and internationally.  It operates a licensing scheme to regulate the spectator viewing accommodation at Premier and Football League Grounds, Wembley and the Millennium Stadium and regulates the issue and monitoring of Safety Certificates by local authorities.

The SGSA aims to create the conditions for safe and enjoyable experiences for spectators at all sports grounds in England and Wales and around the world.  It provides trusted independent advice and guidance, and uses its experience and commitment to drive continuous improvement. The SGSA works with our partners to educate and inform, and champions innovation in safety management.

The SGSA are an authority on all matters relating to sports grounds safety, and offers its knowledge and advice on the application of its Sports Grounds Safety publications (including the Green Guide and Safety Management) used by a range of sports nationally and internationally. It also acts as a source of authoritative advice in relation to Accessible Stadia, and is committed to ensuring all spectators can enjoy watching sport in safety, security and comfort.

SGSA inspectors come from a wide range of backgrounds and have an extensive knowledge of the event and spectator safety industry, their expertise includes:

• Green Guide compliance and authorship
• Local authority senior management
• Public order and football policing
• Emergency planning
• Event and stadia management
• Chair and membership of safety advisory groups
• Multi-sport, multi-venue management (including London Olympics 2012)
• Seminar leadership and planning
• Public safety and licensing management
• Fire safety planning
• New stadia construction
• Training of event managers and safety officers

The SGSA offers a number of services to sports governing bodies and sports stadia, including:

• Stadium inspections
• Advice on capacity calculations
• Green Guide compliance for new stadia
• Training for stadium safety staff at all levels
• Conference presentation and organisation
• Advice on the development of Operations Manuals and other documentation