Safety at Sports Grounds in the UK

UK Government guidance on safety at sports grounds must be set in the context of major disasters at British football grounds between 1971 and 1989. Significant disorder among football supporters was also experienced during this time, and this combination of safety and public order problems led to the UK Government taking a progressively greater regulatory role. The 1997 UK Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds is beginning to influence the design and management of stadia internationally. This paper explains the necessity for, and evolution of, the Guide and draws attention to the responsibilities of ground management. It provides a review of the case histories that led to the UK government taking a progressively greater regulatory role, culminating in the Football Spectators Act 1989 and the creation of the Football Licensing Authority.