ICSS calls for improvement in training and education of sport safety and security professionals

With growing safety and security challenges facing global sport, the Qatar-based International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) has called for the development of stronger international standards to train and educate sport safety and major event security managers.

Speaking to top sporting clubs, stadium managers and venue owners at last week’s European Stadium and Safety Management Association (ESSMA) Summit, held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, ICSS Director General Helmut Spahn explained “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.

“As a first step and as part of our commitment to sharing expertise to help safeguard sport, the ICSS has developed the first International Advanced Studies Programme on Sport Safety and Security Management with SRH University Heidelberg to encourage the development of an international standard in training and educating within the sport safety and security management industry.

“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.”

Organised by ESSMA and supported by the ICSS, organisations attending the ESSMA Summit included 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.

Speaking on the ICSS’s contribution to the Summit, ESSMA Managing Director Dimitri Huygen added “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.”

For further information regarding the International Advanced Studies Programme on Sport Safety and Security Management and how to apply, go to ICSS’ website at www.asp.theicss.org/home

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