Control room
Regardless of the type or size of a ground, a control point should be provided and equipped to meet the reasonable requirements of the ground and the event. Such a facility should form the hub of the safety management’s communication network.
At larger sports grounds, this is often described as the control room.
The main functions of the control point/room include:
- monitor the safety of all people present inside the ground and its immediate vicinity
- monitor spectator numbers
- co-ordinate responses to specific incidents and emergencies
Further information on the control room is provided in the Green Guide, and the Control Rooms guidance, available below.
Who is in charge of the control room/point?
In normal conditions, command of the control point and its communication systems should be the responsibility of a representative of the ground management, usually the safety officer.
If the police are on duty in the control point, there should be a clear, unequivocal understanding of the division of responsibilities between their personnel and the ground’s own safety management team.
This should be recorded as part of the Statement of Intent.
Control room guidance
The SGSA has produced a guidance document – Control Rooms. This provides an invaluable source of information for sports ground managers, designers, safety advisors and agencies involved in the upgrading of an existing facility or the design of a new one.