SO WHERE DOES FOOTBALL GO FROM HERE? SEE PAGES 3 AND 4 - MIDDLESBROUGH FC AND CAMBRIDGE UNITED RUN PILOT EVENTS SEE FEEDBACK ON PAGES 8,10 AND 11 ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
September 2020 Newsletter
SO WHERE DOES FOOTBALL GO FROM HERE?
SEE PAGES 3 AND 4
MIDDLESBROUGH FC AND
CAMBRIDGE UNITED
RUN PILOT EVENTS
SEE FEEDBACK ON PAGES
8,10 AND 11
Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk
Corporate Members.
Where does football go from here?
We would like to
welcome From being on the brink of re-introducing and welcoming our fans back into our stadiums, albeit in limited numbers, the shutters have once again been pulled across
to firmly slam shut that prospect.
Bio Circle as
The Premier League has a Behind Closed Doors offering which looks as though it’s ongoing, with more or less every match being timed to be available on live
corporate members television. Although the financial packages might look a little different, the world’s leading national title competition looks destined to survive, even though the
of the FSOA. entire season could be played before full capacities are allowed.
From reports in the press since the Prime Minister’s announcement on Tuesday, the main issues surround our Clubs in the EFL, whose finances lie on the precipice.
Clubs as diverse as Burton Albion and Gillingham bravely took to the papers yesterday to add context to what this really means at their levels of football and the
arrows point in the same one-way direction.
Luton Town
Luton Town are looking for Unless a help package is put together for Clubs in their leagues, there is a chance that they will be unable to survive. With Burton’s owner Ben Robinson and
a new safety officer. Details Gillingham Chairman Paul Scally both admitting that their Clubs could be out of business as Christmas approaches.
about the post can be found
Rick Parry, Chairman of the EFL, has told us a similar story, that there could end up being a £200m “black hole” in the finances of EFL Clubs. Does this mean that
on Page 14 and also at even clubs in the Championship look vulnerable? In various press articles he warned:-
https://www.fsoa.org.uk/ “it is ‘imperative’ the government addresses financial challenges facing football clubs. The government must address the issues ‘quickly’, expressing his
downloads-page/download- disappointment over Tuesday’s announcement.”
info/luton-town-safety- Clubs have been investing heavily in getting their grounds ready to meet the requirements of the guidance given by the SGSA and Competition Provider protocols
officer-required/ at all levels of the game. The next step was to encourage test events with attendances of around 1000 before moving on to the maximum Stage 5 Capacity (per
SG02 calculations) and then, hopefully, incrementally to full capacity, hopefully to take advantage of the Christmas programme. It was clear that many Safety
Officers were placed on furlough during the original lockdown period. With this scheme due to terminate shortly, what alternatives will Clubs have to ensure they
can continue to meet their safety obligations? It may well be a case of “watch this space”.
With Boris Johnson telling the nation that his new measures are expected to be in place for a period of up to 6 months, it now looks as though any surviving
competitions may only get spectators for the run-in and play-off periods. Rick Parry, in Thursday’s papers also admitted that the League 1 & 2 programmes could
go into “hibernation”. The position that we have now, where Clubs have been working diligently to re-open their key income streams, looks as though it is being
propelled forward to early next year.
Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: info@fsoa.org.uk Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk
Further afield in the National League, Chesterfield Chief, John Croot, who team plays in a state-of-the-art
10500-seat stadium, and which boasts excellent hospitality facilities used also on non-match days said on BBC
TV, that the NL needs a donation of around £20m to make the season happen. At Wrexham, we hear, a collection
of Hollywood stars are planning to take over the Club! At least that’s some positive news for us to talk about.
Emergency financial planning meetings will no doubt take place over the next few days and some hard decisions
will be taken. The latest communication from the Vanarama National League said:
Following a meeting of its Board of Directors this afternoon, the following
update is issued on behalf of The National League:
In recognition of the financial uncertainty facing its member clubs, The National League is actively engaged with
Government, with the assistance of The Football Association, to secure a critical financial support package, and it is
hoped this can be announced very soon.
It is imperative the revenue shortfall caused by the pause to the safe return of spectators is responsibly addressed so
each club can operate sustainably over the course of the forthcoming season.
Regular Conference attendees will have met Steve Hodges from Dallmeier. His company is a major provider of top
quality products in various areas of Stadium and site safety and security and Panomera is a product used by many of
our clubs.
Dallmeier is a major, gold-rated sponsor, preferred partner and great supporter of the FSOA offering excellent quality
solutions to your electronic requirements.
Their products are in great demand in football and in many other projects throughout Europe.
Keep in touch with Steve and stay ahead of the game in terms of their products by subscribing to their newsletter.
The monthly Dallmeier newsletter keeps you up to date with all the latest news from our company, including new
solutions, product information, industry facts and much more.
Subscribe to thier latest newsletter at https://newsletter.dallmeier.de/lists/?p=subscribe&id=3
Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: info@fsoa.org.uk Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk
The Alderdale Seating Success Story Marches On
John Newsham to be These are the kind of stories the FSOA likes to see. Most of you will know that Simon Wake,
Honorary President Sales director at Alderdale has been one of the Association’s longest-standing supporters and is
regular exhibitor at our conferences.
of the FSOA Indeed, many of you will have enjoyed the experience of having his seating products installed
around your stadium or in your training grounds.
A month or two ago we mentioned some projects he was working on with Clubs like newly-
The FSOA is pleased to announce that former Consultant
CEO, John Newsham has been appointed as an Honorary promoted Harrogate Town, but here we can see that they have completed another successful
President of the Association. We are all aware of the installation at Potters Bar Town FC, a club in the Isthmian League and a place where I’m sure I
outstanding contribution John has made to the development remember playing back in the mid-70s, during my time as an Inspector of Taxes in North London
of the Association going back to a time when it looked vey (!).
unlikely that it could continue to function.
On his linkedin account Simon tells us that “Potters Bar have made the most of their downtime
At a meeting over 10 years ago now, when John was and reinvested in their facilities with very impressive upgrades throughout”
appointed Chair, he told the Management Board, “ I’m not
going to simply chair the FSOA, I’m going to manage The images show a massive transformation of the main stand by the introduction of 250 new
it”. He continued to do this throughout the intervening seats and media tribunes in club colours.
period and together with much more prudent financial
management, the Association blossomed into what it is Well done, once again, Simon and Alderdale Seating. It’s great to see a success story at a time
today. when trading in most sectors is difficult.
Evidence suggests that not only do football safety officers
continue to deliver the self-help elements it was established
to do, but it continues to promulgate best practice, deal with
whatever new challenges are thrown at them and continue,
in conjunction with the SGSA & Competition Providers to
deliver safe venues to watch football matches. You can bet
stadiums will be more than ready once we are allowed to
welcome our fans back.
In addition to this and together with the financial work of Peter Houghton and the support of our Sponsors and
Corporate Partners, John has been able to steer an unwieldy ship to a place of success and a place where, subject to
income streams re-opening, the FSOA will have survived something completely unplanned and totally unexpected.
It was therefore unexpected that he should announce his “retirement” at the last Conference we were able to hold.
Since the Association lost its first Honorary President, Jim Chalmers, John was the first name put forward and of
the votes cast, John received an overwhelming majority, so it is with delight that we keep him “on board”. Please
forgive the nautical references, but those who know John are aware that he is partial to a cruise or two!
The FSOA, despite John’s “retirement” will be able to enjoy the value of his knowledge and experience, which I am
sure will be a great asset as we emerge from the Covid-19 situation.
Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: info@fsoa.org.uk Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.ukCambridge United Test Event Another Initiative from Raven Controls
Cambridge United was chosen to host the two test events,
having previously been part of a joint project by the EFL and
the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) that looked
at the safe application of social distancing at football grounds.
That work was overseen by crowd dynamics experts Movement
Strategies, who will also assess the pilot matches at the Abbey
Stadium on behalf of the SGSA and Department of Culture, Media Last month, our Corporate Partners, Raven Controls, offered clubs a free season-long trial of their digital issue
and Sport. management system.
The first was a competitive match against Fulham U21s in the Having spoken to Ian Kerr earlier this month, we are looking at an opportunity for him to provide an online
EFL Trophy and Safety Officers were invited to attend. exercise, similar to the superb table-tops he provides at our conferences. The exercises he has set up for us have
been so professional and professionally-managed that a number of clubs have used his services for in-house exercises
This was considered by all to have been quite a success, with our colleague Andy Pickard and not only football safety-related.
and his team putting in a lot of work to ensure everything went pretty much according to plan. So, we are looking at the idea of something that revolves around Covid-19 issues. Although football with spectators
is once again on government hold, the restart will happen one day and Covid issues will almost certainly affect
Andy told the FSOA “we worked with all parties very closely and discussed what we have to do, so Raven’s idea was to help us get prepared. We are hoping to get input from the SGSA, and
our plans with SGSA, local Authority, Environmental health, Movement Competition Providers, as well as our colleagues around the country.
strategies, Club media, Club ticket office andStadium management team.” The FSOA office will be contacting everyone shortly with dates and content. Watch this space!
There is a fuller report and account of how the event went from visiting
Safety Officers and Andy himself in the news section of the FSOA Website.
Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: info@fsoa.org.uk Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.ukTIME TO BE A PILOT
Many supporters expressed their gratitude and relief that their inhibitions of attending a mass gathering had been eased.
Points to consider:
Training and briefings – we are only as good as our weakest link. Despite attending both sessions we still had a steward who ques-
It was very refreshing to see a football coach praising the safety operation in a stadium on Sky Sports News. Kevin Blackwell, tioned the validity and purpose of a ‘no entry at half-time’ sign.
Assistant to Neil Warnock at Middlesbrough FC was interviewed on TV as the Government Guillotine fell once again on football- Communications – clear and unambiguous. Pre-event communication helped to put supporters at ease. This was a big deal for many.
with-spectators. Kevin announced his dismay that what we know as “stage 5” was to be delayed for up to 6 months and added We used crowd facing LED boards, the large screen as well as PA announcements. Make sure they all agree. Place signs on walls at
“We have had a test event at our stadium. It was a total success, a professional operation and the Riverside Stadium is ready to eye level rather than on the floor.
have its fans back. It is sanitized, clean and safe.” A welcome back smile - MFC Foundation staff volunteered to meet and greet supporters to provide a friendly face and extra reassur-
With this in mind, I thought I’d ask Chris Patzelt, our colleague and Safety Officer at Middlesbrough if he could provide us with ance. They also gave away free face masks.
some feedback and his version of events. This is what he told the FSOA: Sanitiser – we had this at every entrance as well as on concourses but the alcohol can remove the black overprint and barcode on
tickets so please beware!
Like so many of you we were looking forward to the return of some spectators in October with a possibility of a test event prior Habits are hard to break – concourses were empty and bare, yet some supporters still chose to stand there at half-time. A particular-
to then. ly cold or wet day might exacerbate this habit.
However, that likelihood diminished when the DCMS announced on 10 September no new pilot events that month, particularly Smoking areas – these were still offered, but we secured the perimeter of the site to ensure no-one could sneak their way in.
where infection rated were high. Media – they will want to film and interview everyone. We didn’t allow any extra media on site but a cameraman for a national
So, this is how the timescale played out for a number of us: broadcaster blocked a pavement with his van immediately outside the stadium. Apparently, parking on a pavement to avoid double
Thursday 10 September – no more pilots yellow lines is perfectly legitimate! He only moved when police threatened to impound his vehicle.
Tuesday 15 September – would you like a pilot? Yes, please Public health representatives will be hugely concerned.
Saturday 19 September – pilot successfully delivered What worked well:
Tuesday 22 September – no fans until further notice! Most things, really. But don’t forget there were only 1000 compliant fans present. There were also loads of stewards and other staff
A real rollercoaster of emotions for staff, but no doubt even more so for supporters. on duty. Most of you could have managed this event blindfolded!
So, the invitation to become a pilot event came as quite a shock and we had less than three hours from receiving an email to Confidence – it was a great boost for those who attended and hopefully for many more who wish to return when restrictions allow.
confirming that SAG members were happy. Let’s compound things a little more – we also had a ‘home’ Carabao Cup match What didn’t go so well:
against Barnsley the same day due to kick off at 6pm. Nothing of significance. We did get a little congestion at full-time when everyone wanted to leave at once. We did have messages to
The easy option would have been to say “no, there’s not enough time”, but we went for it. explain the egress process but could have had better PA announcements. Additionally, the 80 hospitality guests forgot all about social
SAG and the local authority agreed following discussions although there was strong pressure for us to make face coverings distancing when they returned to their lounge at half-time and full-time.
obligatory. Ultimately, facemasks were strongly recommended for entrances, enclosed areas and on exit. De-brief
Fortunately, we had asked SAG for a meeting at the end of August so we could provide early sight of our return to spectators We had an official de-brief where the SGSA and public health reps had contrasting views. Public health suggested that we should
plans. We had also trained about 70% of our stewards in the new arrangements ahead of the planned October return. have accommodated the fans over a larger area – we used alternate rows and left three seats between spectators. However, the
Other problems to overcome included ticketing and signage but with a lot of goodwill we got there. Catering was a non-starter SGSA view was that our SG02 method (ie one metre distances) should have been followed more closely in a much smaller area to
and even our proposed external supporters’ area was allowed as part of the pilot. provide a much more rigorous test of proposed arrangements.
Everyone was offered free onsite parking.
A short video of a supporter’s new journey was released to provide the lucky 1000 fans with reassurance ahead of their visit. Thanks very much, Chris for this frank feedback. I’m sure our colleagues in the FSOA will find it useful as and when they can plan for
On the day we probably had the most compliant (and sober) crowd for many a year. Everyone sat in socially distanced fashion the return of spectators to their grounds.
throughout the match, even if they had arrived as a group. In truth, they were grateful for the opportunity to attend and see
real football for the first time in
seven months. A decent day and
reasonable result probably also
helped.
Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: info@fsoa.org.uk Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.ukA Call to Arms from the SGSA Coming Soon from CPDme
FSOA Corporate Partners – Can your products help?
You will recall that a couple of years ago the FSOA set up a reporting system with CPDme whereby
Andrea Jones, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at the SGSA has been in touch in we Safety Officers could keep track of our Continual Professional Development.
connection with the following. Do you have a product you think can help?
I wanted to let you know about a call for submissions from the Sports Technology and Innovation Group which has recent- Domini Lawson has advised me that they are very close now to providing a dedicated FSOA
ly been launched. The Group is looking for solutions to enable the return of fans to sports grounds. It is asking companies Dashboard that is much more Safety Officer consistent and friendly and we will be looking forward
with expertise in a range of areas to submit their products and/or innovations for review. I wondered if you would be able to rolling this out shortly.
to pass on the details to companies who advertise with you.
Over the last 6 months there have been many CPD opportunities and it is very important that they
The Group, announced last week by UK Government’s Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, is exploring a range of solutions are recorded correctly. We have been to Webinars (EPL, EFL, SGSA), we’ve seen SG02 and the
so that fans can be back in elite sports venues when it is safe to do so. The Group, Chaired by David Ross, co-founder of
protocols to enable our competitions to continue at all stages and in particular stages 3 & 5. There
Carphone Warehouse and Non-Executive Director of the Olympic Association, is made up of sport health and technology
experts.
were the 3 SGSA videos, plus Ken Scott’s excellent webinar. Some of you attended the Cambridge
United Test Event, which was pretty much an open night for EFL Safety Officers.
We want to hear innovative solutions and approaches to safely managing the whole ‘fan journey’ – from home to venue.
This includes fans travelling to and from stadiums, as well as reducing crowding both inside and outside the venues. The All of this is relevant CPD and should be recorded. If you need any help with what can and cannot be
Group will consider the approaches and recommend technical solutions to the government. recorded, please call the FSOA office or send an email.
Companies are able to submit solutions via an online portal at www.sgsa.org.uk/fanreturnsolutions.
It continues to be very important to ensure that we have up-to-date records of our ongoing training.
In particular, the group is looking for solutions which answer the following questions in fan journey: If something does happen that causes an investigation, training records are among the first thing
Ticketing and capacity investigators request to see if the persons responsible were adequately trained in order to carry out
- How can we increase capacities whilst maintaining social distancing in venues?
their delegated duties. It can be a life-saver.
- How can we build fan confidence to attend sporting events?
Pre-event build-up
- How can we use pre-event interactions to promote key safety messages?
- How can we ensure fans take on responsibility for their individual, peer and community safety?
Travelling to the venue
- How can we minimise transmission risk from fans travelling to and from grounds?
- How can we reduce the impact on public transport for sports grounds in urban areas?
Zone Ex (last mile) and entry
- How can we avoid crowded bottlenecks at entry, exit and within venues?
Inside the venue
- How can we ensure fans can circulate safely within the ground? Especially when buying food & drink.
Departure and post-event
- What role can technology such as smart phones play in reducing transmission risk across the fan journey?
- How can we maintain socially responsible behaviours after the event?
Companies should be aware that submitting information in no way offers any form of endorsement and that individual
feedback will not be offered.
Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: info@fsoa.org.uk Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.ukWith Steve Copp in his notice period ahead of his move to fill recently-advertised vacancy at It is with great pleasure and pride that I can announce a new Corporate Partnership
Wycombe Wanderers, Luton town are now looking for a replacement Safety Officer between the FSOA and Bio Circle Surface Technology.
VACANCY – SAFETY OFFICER
Luton Town Football Club is seeking to appoint a Safety Officer to work on a part-time permanent
basis, to work within our Operations department. The successful candidate will be committed and
passionate in diligently managing over all Safety and matchday operations. Reporting to the General
Operations Manager, the post-holder will: We have all seen a proliferation of cleansing-style products with a variety of cost structures and different
Be responsible for overall management, leadership, and development of matchday safety constituents. Bio Circle appear to have something much different. Mark Tomlinson, HEAD OF
operations as Safety Officer, including preparation and close liaison with other departments
with regards to the co-ordination of pre and post match day activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL STADIA PROJECTS asks:
To ensure compliance with the Club’s General Safety Certificate and all relevant laws and
regulations “What is next? When will fans return and how safe can stadiums be? Who is responsible
To provide Health & Safety advice and training where necessary to ensure compliance with all
Health & Safety regulations and help drive the Clubs Health & Safety strategy across all of the
for the assurance of safety and a COVID free stadium? Is there a single answer? Yes, and
Clubs premises. it’s environmental?”
Be available to work part -time Monday to Sunday, including evening and weekend
matchdays.
In a recent article for FC Business, he goes on to say:
Luton Town does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies for this vacancy.
Job Title Safety Officer
“My experience of 32 years is environmental chemistry, surface technology and
understanding viral activity on a surface. If I want advice on an area of technology, I’ll ask
Location Kenilworth Stadium, Luton
the experts. Karren Brady came out with a statement in May asking: “How do we clean
Contract Part-Time Permanent goals posts, corner flags, pitches and make them viral free”? I was kicking and screaming
Remuneration Competitive and commensurate with skills and experience at this stage because I had the answers. “The safe and environmental way, that’s how you
How to Apply To apply for this exciting opportunity, please review the job description and
do it Karren”.
submit an application form to the HR department, at hr@lutontown.co.uk
Applications will close at 5.00pm on Friday 9th October 2020. In a recent long zoom meeting with Mark, he explained the aspirations of Bio Circle to assist sport
Interview Dates The shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview process, to take in all its forms to overcome the issues facing us and is of the firm belief that his Company’s product,
place during the week commencing Monday 12th October 2020. Viral Cleaner 100 (V100) is safe in terms of turf, non haz-chem, non-flammable, non-VOC’s and
Safeguarding Statement environmentally sustainable but deals with our issue which is effectively Covid-19. They are already
Luton Town is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all
staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment. This post requires Enhanced Criminal Records providing products and services in a number of venues. Their guidance can be in and on various sites
Checks and may include checks against the Barred Lists, as such it is exempt from Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act (1974). Therefore, all convictions including spent convictions that have not been
including The FA’s sites, WFA, Formula 1, Premier League, EFL Championship, Leagues 1 & 2, and non-
subject to filtering by the DBS should be declared. Relevant information and / or documents will be league clubs, Devonshire Park, Legoland and leading educational establishments.
distributed as part of the recruitment process.
Equality Statement
Mark’s introduction to the FSOA came from Simon Wake, Sales Director at Alderdale Seating, who many
Luton Town FC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and its employment of you will know. Simon is very keen to ensure that our Corporate Partners take every opportunity to
policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that
no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, cross-fertilise and support each other in these awkward times and this is a classic example as to how this
gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership,
pregnancy or maternity.
can be achieved. Please follow our Partners on linkedin and support their achievements.
Living Wage Foundation Bio Circle Surface Technology are present in 64 countries worldwide. Their UK operations are based
Luton Town FC was the first professional football club in England to be fully accredited by the Real
Living Wage Foundation (www.livingwage.org.uk). in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Mark Tomlinson can be contacted on 07712 426122 or mark.
tomlinson@bio-circle.co.uk
Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: info@fsoa.org.uk Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.ukOn September 18 it was reported in the Manchester Evening News that a record haul of
91000 illegal cigarettes had been discovered in Salford. Involved in this were Wagtail UK’s
dogs, Billy, Lilly, Rico and Birch. They checked out 25 shops and 1 residence in the Salford
EVENT
Area. I’m sure we all agree that this an exceptional discovery for Collin Singer’s teams.
Following the exploits of the detection dogs on Twitter is actually quite fascinating. Have a
look on @WagtailUK_dogs. With a haul like the above and the others you can see on Twitter,
imagine what they can do at your football or sports stadium!
DETECTION
DOGS
Providing safety,
assurance and security
in an uncertain world
Event Detection Dog-Handler Training EDD are specialists in explosive, pyrotechnic, firearms and
drug detection.
Wagtail UK Event Detection Dogs are based in North Wales and are looking for a small
portfolio of stadiums where they can hold a “practical” day during their training periods. I We provide highly visible qualified detection dogs and
have asked a number of clubs as local as you can get to North Wales if they can help. qualified professional handlers to support and enhance your
existing security measures.
The idea is that on a non-match day, their trainer, plus the trainees, plus a couple of dogs use Helping to ensure stadiums and arenas are safe and secure
a part of the stadium to carry out their exercises. It will not affect the day-to-day running of before, during and after an event.
the club, as it can be a stand, or part of a stand well away from club offices. Why Choose EDD:
So far, John Rutherford at Port Vale has said his club would be able to help. If you think your ■ Proven track record at Premier League and UEFA
Champions League Matches
club can be of assistance please let the FSOA office know. Wagtails UK support various things
■ Fully qualified and accredited handlers and dogs
such as newsletters like this plus important parts of our conferences. It would be great if we
■ Flexible, bespoke solutions including the training of your
help them continue to produce such excellent dog-handlers who will become a more vital part own inhouse detection dog teams
of our safety operations as time progresses. ■ Fully licensed by the Home Office to store and keep
explosives and drugs
■ ISO 9001 Accredited
■ £10 Million Public Liability Insurance
Contact us: 01745 561166
info@edd-uk.com
EDD is part of Wagtail Holdings Limited, international specialists in detection dogs and dog
handler training. Wagtail Holdings Limited currently has contracts with government agencies
Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: info@fsoa.org.uk Tel: 01254 841771
in the UK and overseas for explosives andWeb: www.fsoa.org.uk
drug detection dogs and related services.You can also read
