Crowd management

Preparing for disasters

Whenever large numbers of people come together to watch an event, there is potential for major disasters. No-one ever suspects that day watching a sport event is is a major risk to life and health but history proves otherwise.

Sport administrators are required to conduct risk auditing for all types of events, large and small. Any failure to do this can result in an law suits for negligence. One important aspect of risk auditing is to examine all possible risks associated with spectators. Risks associated with spectators can arise as a result of the behaviour of spectators and in particular when spectators begin to take on a crowd mentality.

Risk associated with physical arrangements, dimensions and layout of the venue must also be examined. Sport administrators really need to know Murphy's Law (anything that can go wrong, will go wrong). (see more about risks associated with events)

Crowd Control

There is a necessity to make a careful estimation of the number of staff

Manage entry and exits
Control / patrol all areas of the ground / facility
Control an evacuation should it prove to be necessary
Raise the alarm and liaise with emergency services

Having sufficient staff to manage an emergency is a "Duty of Care"

It would be therefore prudent to consult appropriate emergency authorities (police, fire service, etc) in this matter.

Training in Crowd Control

In Australia many states have legislation that requires a person to be licensed before they can act as a crowd controller. You should check for legislation in your own state.

In order to be licensed, a person will usually undergo an accredited course that provides the participant with knowledge of the functions and roles of a crowd controller. Such a course might include:

Roles and responsibilities
Communication and clients
Operational procedures
Managing performance
Managing conflict
Emergency first aid
Crowd control operations
Law and practice
Emergency procedures
Access control
Securing premises and property

In addition to this training, event managers and venue managers should provide additional training to familiarise their crowd control staff with specific aspects of the facility or venue. For example, it will be necessary to know the:

Location of exits, stairs and other aspects of buildings
Position of emergency equipment such as fire hoses
Location of communication devices e.g. alarms, public address systems and telephones

It will also be necessary to provide training in the venue's or hosting organisation's policies and procedures for event management and control. These policies and procedures should include conducting drills and tests to ensure staff have the knowledge required.

The event goer's Bill of Rights

(Adapted from Crowd Management Strategies at www.crowdsafe.com)

To enjoy the event in a safe environment.
To be treated with respect by facility or venue management, event security, officials, and promoters (regardless or race, sex, appearance, or disability).
To be informed of facility or venue's house rules prior to or upon entry and my responsibilities as an event goer
To be informed of the risks associated with spectating at the event before or upon entry into the facility or venue
To be notified in a timely manner of changes in the performance, door opening, or other information affecting the safety and enjoyment of a concert.)
To have posted at the event, the names and addresses of the facility management, event organisers and security/crowd control firm.

The spectator's plan for injury

Plan what you must do if you get injured. Try to find out in advance where the nearest place for First Aid and medical treatment is.
Get a written report of any treatment your receive if you are injured. This may be useful if you wish to initiate legal proceedings at a later date.
Don't sign the medical treatment report until you have read it and satisfied that it correctly describes your injuries.
Do not assume your injury is your fault. Even if your actions have partly contributed to the accident, there may be other factors that led to your injury over which you had no control.
Carry proper identification and important phone numbers, or medical information with you. (allergy problems, medication data, etc.)