Safety at sports grounds

Apply for a safety certificate, get advice on creating a safe sports ground, and find out which grounds have certificates.

When you need a safety certificate

We have to make sure the recommendations in the Sports Grounds Safety Authority's Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds 'Green Guide' are met.

The Safety at Sports Grounds Act 1975 and the Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987 require some sports grounds to apply for a safety certificate.

Safety certificates are needed by:

  • stadiums with capacity for 10,000 spectators.
  • all premier and football league stadiums
  • sports grounds with one or more stands and capacity of 500 spectators

When all matters related to safety are in place, we can issue a safety certificate.

Apply for a safety certificate

Please use the appropriate application form to:

You will need to complete a separate application form for each stand.

You should also submit, with your application form:

  • risk assessments
  • contingency plans
  • the safety policy for spectators
  • the name and qualifications of your safety officer
  • a full set of detailed drawings

To find out more about the cost of safety certificates, please email mike.sansom@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

Advice and guidance from the council

We can give you advice and guidance on:

  • stadium capacity
  • crowd control
  • means of escape
  • structural stability
  • access for the disabled

If you need advice, please contact mike.sansom@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

Sports grounds with safety certificates

We've issued safety certificates to these sports grounds:

  • The Withdean Stadium
  • The Amex Stadium (Brighton & Hove Albion FC)
  • Sussex County Cricket Ground
  • Corals Dog Racing Stadium
  • Brighton Race Course

To ensure these sports grounds comply with certificate conditions, we carry out regular inspections on match days.