1. The most important chapter of the Green Guide is Chapter 1

For those familiar with the previous edition of the Green Guide, it may be easy to dive straight into the detailed chapters in the new sixth edition.  Our advice is don’t miss out Chapter 1.  The sixth edition isn’t an updated version, with slight amendments here and there; it’s an entirely rewritten guidance document and should be seen as such.

Chapter 1 includes important points:

• It is an advisory document for use by competent persons.  The Green Guide isn’t for everyone.  It’s for use by people who have sufficient training and experience for its implementation.
• The Guide applies to the safety of all people present at a sports ground, not just spectators.  This includes all staff, players, support teams, etc.  The total number of people in a sports ground must be considered in the calculation of the safe capacity.
• The Guide is not just for football.  Previous editions of the Green Guide have been football focused.  However, we have purposely made the Guide relevant to all sports grounds.

2. Zone Ex isn’t new

When we were consulting on the new additions to the Green Guide, there was concern about the inclusion of details about Zone Ex – the zone outside the stadium where spectators either arrive or leave via.  Our message is simple: Zone Ex isn’t a new idea.  In the London Olympics in 2012, for example, it was referred to as the Last Mile.  While this area may not be the direct responsibility of the stadium owner, it’s important that all parties – stadium owners, local authorities, police, etc – are involved in the effective management of this zone to ensure that spectators are safe during ingress and egress.

3. You can deviate from the Green Guide

The Green Guide is a guidance document, not a statutory requirement.  We have spent the last two years working with experts to develop the advice it holds.  However, we know that stadia may want to deviate from what we say, and there’s no problem with that subject to being able to demonstrate that any deviation meets at least the same standard or preferably a higher standard..  Our advice is to keep a list of the deviations, which clearly set out what your deviations are, why you chose to deviate, and details of how the deviations are at least as safe as the advice in the Green Guide.  This may seem like an overly bureaucratic way of working.  However, it’s important to have a written record if something does go wrong.

4. Annexes and worked examples are available online

The Green Guide is supported by annexes and worked examples which are freely available on the SGSA’s website.  These cover P and S factor questions, guidance on colour vision deficiency, demountable stand checklist and medical room checklist.  We also have worked examples of capacity calculations for football, rugby, cricket and horse racing.

5. Counter terrorism advice isn’t extensively detailed in the guide

The terrorist attacks in the Stade de France in 2015 and Manchester Arena in 2017 had a significant impact on our updates to the Guide.  10 years ago when the fifth edition was published we weren’t facing the types of threats we do today.  You may be expecting specific, detailed advice on counter terrorism.  While the threats have impacted on a lot of our rewrites, we have purposely not included extensive detail.  The simple reason for this is that the challenges we face change on a regular basis and the sixth edition would already be out of date.  Instead, we are advising people to use the information on the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) website, along with SGSA’s website