The safety of spectators who visit sports grounds for sporting or other events is governed by the requirements of the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 and the Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sports Act 1987.

Safety certificates

Safety certificates are required for:

• stadia with a capacity of more than 10,000 spectators
• all premier and football league stadia
• grounds with covered stands with a capacity of more than 500 spectators

Safety certificates cover the physical condition of sports grounds and the safety management provision. A safe capacity is determined for each facility.

York currently has 3 certified facilities:

• Kitkat Crescent
• York Racecourse
• Huntington Stadium

Regular inspections are made to ensure the safety of spectators.

Applying for a safety certificate

The process of granting a safety certificate is complex and will take a significant period of time depending on the size and complexity of the sports ground in question.

Before any certificate is issued a consultation process is undertaken and the views of residents and potential spectators are considered.

You can download an application form for a safety certificate on the right hand side of this page.  Completed application forms should be accompanied by:

1. risk assessments
2. contingency plans
3. safety policy for spectators
4. name and qualification of safety officer
5. eight full sets of detailed drawings

Completed forms should be returned to the Head of Licensing and Regulation.

Cost

We are entitled to recover costs from you for issuing the safety certificate. Therefore costs vary depending on the work involved in your application.