A series of nine interviews with sports safety and service specialists has been conducted as part of the European Union – Council of Europe joint project Balance S4. These interviews offer valuable insights into the concept of safety and service at sports events through the perspectives of experts from diverse fields, including police officers, stadia safety inspectors, architects, civil servants, and stadium managers.
The series aims to highlight best practices and share lessons learned, including examples of “near-misses” encountered by these professionals.
Featuring nine episodes, the series begins with Ken Scott, Head of Inspectorate at the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA). Ken is the co-author of the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (6th Edition)commonly known as the “Green Guide” and published in 2018. Recognised and respected worldwide, this guide is a leading reference on safety standards at sports grounds.
In this first episode, Ken Scott emphasises that “every person who attends a sporting event is entitled to a reasonable level of safety”. He highlights the vital connection between safety and service, stating that it is essential to help people understand that delivering excellent service can significantly enhance safety levels. Ken also draws attention to the power of small gestures such as greeting attendees with a smile and a friendly “hello,” particularly for those visiting a sports venue for the first time.
Reflecting on past incidents, he remarks that studying the history of disasters around the world, one could often find that a “near-miss” preceded it. His message is clear: “Let’s all be proactive rather than reactive after the event.”
