Following high profile problems at football stadiums Ibrox stadium had a stand collapse allowing 100's of supporters to fall distances of up to 40 feet, the fire at Bradford City which consumed one side of the Valley Parade football stadium, followed by the Hillsborough disaster in April 1989 where football fans were crushed sports ground safeties profile was raised. This led in football to the creation of an independant public body called the Football Licensing Authority(FLA). In 2011 the Football Licensing Authority was transformed into the 'Sports Ground Safety Authority' in an attempt to ensure that all spectators regardless of age, gender, ethnic origin, disability, or the team that they support are able to attend sports grounds in safety, comfort and security.
But!
Responsibility for the safety of the spectators lies at all times with ground management at all clubs
When you become a member of the rugby union safety association (RUSA) you join a very unique and individual group. The members of the association are all involved at the top levels of Rugby Union Safety looking after Twickenham and all of the major rugby clubs in the country.
Becoming a member of the Rugby Union Safety Association allows you to share best practices, network with other safety officers, enhance the role of the safety officer to promote the role within rugby union, this can be in our interactive forum, over the phone or in person