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constantly developing challenges their roles present most efficiently, a suitable alternative qualification to the NVQ needs to be introduced. The FSOA, SGSA, EFL and Premier League have agreed to collectively look at this issue and are working together to identify the current issues with steward training whilst exploring options around an alternative training package and accredi- tation process. This would likely include the introduction of a refresher course every three years to ensure those working in the industry are up-to-date with the latest threats and stew-arding techniques but clubs need to be on board too. This alternative qualification would not
depart significantly from the NVQ require- ment, which was initially put in place in order to secure an exemption for in-house stew- ards employed di-rectly by clubs from the requirement to be licensed by the SIA, but instead focus on develop-ing the require- ments of stewards’ training for the future of all events, not just at football matches. In order for a successful overhaul of
steward training and assessment processes, we must also take a look at exactly what we are now asking of our stewards and how much they are paid. A selection of the vast guidance documents produced over the years to aid stewards gives some insight into just some of the additional challenges our stewards are now expected to face, in-cluding safely identifying and disposing of pyrotechnics. Many changes have also been made to the environments in which they work. Stadiums have had to become more diverse in their use and some stadiums have become more complex by design. Couple that with the way soci-ety has also changed and increasing threats of terrorism and the myriad demands that are placed on our stewards starts to become clearer. The fact that many are paid a fraction of what they could command having earned an NVQ in other industries goes some way to ex-plaining why there are so few fully trained and qualified stewards currently available. The problem of recruitment and retention of stewards at both clubs and private agency
companies has been increasing over the years, particularly since 2012, and unless something is done to attract more people to become stewards then the industry is going to suffer further to the det-riment of spectator safety at events going forward. The Sports Ground Safety Authority is has published its 6th edition of its Green Guide, which includes the National Occupational Standard recommending clubs should train its stewards towards. This therefore provides the perfect opportunity for authorities and organisations within the sports and events industries to work together to streamline the system and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Only by demanding all stewards,
irrespective of whether they are club stewards working at sports stadia or agency staff controlling crowds at music concerts, are qualified to the same National Occupational Standard can we be sure that they are best trained to deal with the vast challenges their jobs throw at them. Stewarding is a crucial aspect in the
highly-complex and ever-evolving landscape of spectator safety and it’s time every organisation involved in crowd control joins together to streamline the system so it truly supports all stewards for the benefit of every spectator or competing athlete hoping to enjoy an event safely within a stadium.
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