Going to a rugby match is always exciting and there is usually a relaxed and sociable atmosphere, certainly when compared to football. Fans from both teams mingle and there is no need for segregation as, win, lose or draw, they’ll shake hands at the end of the game. You can take your kids along without fear of them being caught up in violence and abuse, unlike the round ball game.
Stadium Safety
You can also feel safe in the rugby grounds which have to meet strict safety standards, ironically as a result of disasters at football stadiums. The Bradford City fire disaster in 1985 in which fifty-six people lost their lives was a harsh lesson. When the fire, started by a cigarette, broke out in a pile of litter underneath the floor in the wooden stand, there were no fire extinguishers available and exit doors were locked trapping people at the back of the stand.
Later the same month in Belgium, the Heysel Stadium disaster happened when a retaining wall collapsed under the weight of Juventus fans killing thirty-nine and injuring 600. Almost four years later, the Hillsborough disaster became the worst in British sporting history. Ninety-six fans were killed and 766 injured as too many people were allowed into one section of the ground causing a massive crush.
After these events the safety of all sports stadiums was scrutinised and many improvements implemented. Among other rulings, wooden stands were banned, pitch side fencing removed and top-flight stadiums had to be converted to all seated. Rugby grounds have also benefited from the improvements.
In 2016 Twickenham, the UK’s biggest rugby ground, became the only stadium in the world to be awarded the International Safety Award by the British Safety Council with a commendation for protecting staff and visitors from injury. On match days there are over 100 doctors, paramedics and first aid staff on duty.
Safety Precautions
The safety of the spectators the biggest priority at rugby matches. The capacity of stadiums is not necessarily the actual number of people who can be fitted in but is based on a range of criteria. Among these is how many it can safely fit and how quickly they can be safely evacuated in the event of an emergency. There has to be an emergency contingency plan in place in consultation with the police, fire brigade and ambulance service.
The ground management should appoint a suitably qualified safety officer who, among other duties, is responsible for arranging the inspection of the ground and facilities before and after the match. There should be no obstructions on stairs or in gangways, any broken seats are to be removed, spillages and leaks have to cleaned up or cordoned off and litter removed.
Where food and drink is served in takeaway containers there will be litter, but there ought to be enough bins. If the bins are seen to be full during the game, they should be emptied to reduce the risk of fire.
There has to be a sufficient number of properly trained stewards on duty which is related to the expected number of spectators. Every entrance and exit has to be manned during a match to ensure they are clear and can be used in an emergency.
Personal Safety of Spectators
The stadium management can implement all of the safety and security measures, but as a spectator you also have a degree of responsibility for your own safety, most of which is common sense. Firstly, keep your valuables safe and be aware of who is around you. In any large crowd where there are relatively easy pickings, there is the possibility of encountering pickpockets who often work in gangs.
Inside and outside the ground, especially on stairways, watch where you are putting your feet. There may be uneven paving and trip hazards which will be hard to see amongst the crowd. Falling in that kind of environment can be extremely dangerous.
Terrorism is a big worry these days and the latest methods of personal attacks in busy places makes it difficult to prevent. The authorities make all reasonable efforts to thwart it, and a stadium isn’t the ideal location for attackers as there are limited escape options. But, if you see anyone or anything suspicious, you should report it to a steward or the police.
If there is an emergency, it helps to know where your nearest exit is. When a crowd leaves a venue en masse, panic is often a bigger danger than the original threat, so stay calm and try to help others to do the same.
A big crowd and the consumption of alcohol can be a recipe for disaster. Although rugby fans are generally good natured at matches, there’s always the possibility of someone getting out of hand. If someone near you becomes too loud or aggressive, usually the majority will bring them into line, but it might be worth making a steward aware of the problem.
Rugby Stadium Injuries
Despite all of the safeguards, accidents can and do happen. If you have been injured in a trip or fall on an obstacle or damaged stairs, or you slipped on liquid and you believe it was caused by the negligence of the stadium management, you might be able to make a claim for compensation.
It is very difficult to prove negligence. For example, if you slipped on liquid, can you prove that the management had not remedied the problem in a reasonable amount of time? However, if the spillage was due to faulty plumbing, you could consider that there had been ample time to at least put out warning signs.
Gather as much evidence as possible. Photographs of the scene and statements from any witnesses will help your case.
Take legal advice from a company which specialises in this type of incident. They will explain how to make a personal injury compensation claim.
But injuries at rugby matches are rare – off the pitch anyway – so continue enjoying the matches.
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