This page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.
Last amended by The Sports Grounds Safety Authority Act 2011 (Commencement) Order 2011 in 2011. 44 commencement (coming-into-force) effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Summary
The Sports Grounds Safety Authority Act 2011 renamed the Football Licensing Authority as the Sports Grounds Safety Authority and extended its remit beyond football to advise on safety at all sports grounds. It followed the Taylor Report recommendations after Hillsborough.
Key Points
- Renames Football Licensing Authority as Sports Grounds Safety Authority (s.1)
- Extends remit to safety at all sports grounds, not just football (s.2)
- Authority advises Secretary of State on safety certification and licences
- May inspect sports grounds and report on safety matters
- Works with local authorities who issue safety certificates
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2011 — The Sports Grounds Safety Authority Act 2011 (Commencement) Order 2011
44 commencement (coming-into-force) effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
Frequently asked questions
- Why was the Football Licensing Authority renamed?
- The Sports Grounds Safety Authority Act 2011 renamed the Football Licensing Authority as the Sports Grounds Safety Authority. This change was made to reflect the organisation’s expanded role, which now covers safety at all sports grounds rather than just football venues.
- What types of sports grounds does the authority cover now?
- The Act extended the authority’s remit to advise on safety at all sports grounds, not just football. This change followed the recommendations of the Taylor Report, which was produced after the Hillsborough disaster to improve safety standards across the sector.
- What are the main functions of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority?
- The authority advises the Secretary of State on safety certification and licences. It also has the power to inspect sports grounds and report on safety matters. Additionally, it works in conjunction with local authorities, who are responsible for issuing safety certificates.
- What historical event led to the creation of this authority?
- The Act is linked to the Taylor Report, which made recommendations following the Hillsborough disaster. These recommendations led to the creation of the authority and the subsequent expansion of its responsibilities to ensure safety standards are met across all sports venues.
- Who issues safety certificates for sports grounds?
- The authority advises the Secretary of State on safety certification and licences. It does not issue the certificates itself; instead, it works with local authorities, who are the bodies responsible for issuing safety certificates for sports grounds.