New security threats are emerging, but football is failing to take on board the experiences of other major events.
To tackle this growing problem, international standards are needed to train and educate sport safety and major event security managers, according to Helmut Spahn, director general of the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS).
“Training and educating those who look after our safety and security in sport is a major responsibility for any major event organiser or sport venue operator. However, at the moment, it is clear that many clubs, leagues and associations do not provide enough opportunities for their safety and security managers to learn from other sports and major events,” he told delegates at the European Stadium and Safety Management Association (ESSMA) Summit.
To encourage the development of an international standard in training and educating within the sport safety and security management industry, the ICSS has developed the first International Advanced Studies Programme on Sport Safety and Security Management with SRH University Heidelberg.
“With many new and emerging threats now facing sport, as good practice the ICSS would encourage clubs, leagues and associations across all sports to enrol on courses like this and provide more opportunities for their safety and security workforce to learn about emerging trends and techniques developing within the industry.”
The ESSMA Summit, hosted in Munich on 27th and 28th January 2015, was supported by the European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL), European Club Association (ECA) and the ICSS.
The conference attracted delegates from FC Barcelona, FIFA, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid CF, Arsenal FC, Wembley, Manchester United, Liga de Futbol Profesional, ACF Fiorentina, AS Monaco FC and Dallas Cowboys.
“The challenge of securing major sport events and international venues has never been greater and once again the ICSS has added considerable knowledge and experience to the event, as well as their cutting-edge expertise in sport safety and security. This has been of enormous benefit to our members,” said Dimitri Huygen, managing director of ESSMA.
“The ICSS is continuing to play an important and active role in leading the development of the sport safety and security industry. On behalf of ESSMA, I look forward to continuing our work with the ICSS, as well as other organisations including the ECA and EPFL.”
