A valid safety certificate is required for any sports venue that exceeds a certain spectator capacity. This includes:
- football grounds in the Premiership or Football League with a capacity of more than 5,000 people.
- other sports venues with a capacity of over 10,000 people.
- any non-designated sports ground with a covered stand that can hold more than 500 spectators.
A safety certificate can be one of two types. A general safety certificate permits specific activities within the stadium, while a special safety certificate is necessary for other spectator-related events.
It is important to note that the sports ground management is responsible for the safety of all spectators at all times.
Holders of a safety certificate are legally required to follow all of its terms and conditions. The local authority has ongoing control and enforcement powers to ensure that reasonable safety standards are maintained.
Sports grounds in Trafford with a certificate
The following sports stadiums hold a General Safety Certificate or Regulated Stand Certificate issued by us:
Safety Advisory Groups
A Safety Advisory Group (SAG) is a council-led body that provides local authorities with expert advice on how to manage spectator safety at sports grounds.
SAGs are usually held twice a year and attended by representatives of the sports club management team, the Council, and external agencies (such as the emergency services).
Read our policies for reviewing and issuing of safety certificates, monitoring and inspections, and our safety in sports grounds enforcement policy:
Other queries
There is more information about safety in sports grounds on the Sports Grounds Safety Authority website.
If you have any questions about safety certificates for sports grounds, email SGS@trafford.gov.uk or write a letter to:
Trafford Council, Regulatory Services, Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford, M32 0TH.