Contingency Plan for Emergencies

ST ANDREWS UNITED FC

THE CLAYTON CARAVAN PARK RECREATION GROUND, ST ANDREWS

Contingency Plan for Emergencies
SAUFC –P– 003- Dated 1st September 2022 – Issue 5

Introduction

St Andrews United Football Club (StAUFC) is a member of the SFA East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL). The Club’s ground is The Clayton Caravan Park Recreation Ground, Langlands Road, St Andrews, KY16 8BN.

This document details the Clubs contingency plans for emergency situations for the Clayton Caravan Park Recreation Ground (“the Ground” or “the CCPRG”). For avoidance of doubt StAUFC is referred to in this document as “the Club”.

In producing this document, guidance has been taken from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds, Green Book, specifically sections 3.15, 3.5, and 3.2.

The StAUFC Contingency Plans have been formulated to provide a structured and progressive response to any incident likely to affect spectator safety inside, or in the immediate environs of the CCPRG. StAUFC have separate Ground Regulations, which can be used to supplement some sections of this plan.

The Contingency Plans reflect the requirements placed on the Club by Fife Council and also follow the guidance on this subject by the Scottish Football Association with respect to Club licensing.

The plans outline the immediate response by the Club to any incident likely to affect spectator safety or disrupt the normal operation of the Ground

The objectives of the Contingency Plans are to:

Ensure the safety of spectators, players, officials and Club employees\helpers
Provide the immediate response plan to any potential spectator safety risk, and any subsequent actions
Maintain public order and control in any ground evacuation
If appropriate assist and work with Emergency Services in their response to any incident
Prevent damage to the fabric of the Clayton Caravan Park Recreation Ground.

Through a process of Risk Assessment, the incidents referred to in these plans are the ones considered most likely to occur at the CCPRG. The plans cannot however cover every possible eventuality, and flexibility in the adoption of these plans will be essential in catering for this. A copy of the Risk Assessment that was carried out in the preparation of this Contingency Plan is attached as Appendix A.

Only items with an exposure score of 3 and above have been included in this Contingency Plan. Some risks have a low probability, but should they occur the impact is deemed to be high e.g. a gas leak, and as such they have been included in this plan.

Typically for a home game there will be ~100 to 300 ~ spectators within the ground. The calculated ground capacity as agreed with the local authority is 766. A separate letter of compliance issued by Fife Council confirms this capacity number.

Information Regarding the Clayton Caravan Park Recreation Ground – St Andrews

Location

The CCPRG is located on Langlands Road, in the middle of St Andrews. It is located in a residential area, and associated with an active Social Club.

The ground is enclosed by a stone wall to the west side and metal fence on the other sides. The Social Club building is at the upper end, while changing rooms, first aid rooms etc are at the lower end. The official capacity has been set at 766 by Fife Council.

Layout

The main access\exit points are from Langlands Road, through a set of double-gates leading into the ground at the upper end, or a single gate at the lower end.

The two enclosures are located on the west. These were constructed in 1998 and include a distinct area for wheelchairs, but otherwise no formal seating.

The two enclosures are not regulated and each has a capacity of 68.

The entire playing surface is surrounded by a concrete post and tubular metal fence, Approximately 350m is available for spectator standing around the playing surface perimeter.

The playing area perimeter fence is not classified as crush barriers, and has not been tested to this standard. As such capacity figures have been calculated for the surrounding pitch area to a depth of 1 metre, which equates to 1 spectator deep and also the same at the flat area at the top of the banking . This is in line with the guidance stipulated in the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds, Green Book.

The Social Club, including refreshment sales area, and changing rooms are all located close to the access/exit gates. A large storage container housing tractor, grass cutting and other ground maintenance equipment is located in the area at top of ground next to social club.

Events covered by this Contingency Plan (Included in Risk Assessment):

1. Fire

Fire extinguishers are located at the following points within the Ground

2 x Water Extinguisher 9 litre in Social Club
1 x CO2 Extinguisher in Social Club
1 x Powder Extinguisher in Social Club
1 x Water Extinguisher in Changing Rooms
1 x Fire Blanket 100cm x 100cm in Refreshment Hut

It has been identified that the following areas within the Ground are at risk from fire:

1.1. Enclosure – in the event of a fire in the enclosure, the following steps will be taken: As soon as a Steward or Club Official learns of fire in the stand, spectators will be informed immediately by an appropriate method, normally over the public announcement system, or by Club Stewards, to leave the enclosure at the nearest exit. Stewards will ensure that all spectators exit the enclosure safely. Depending on the extent and ferocity of the fire, Stewards and\or Club Officials will attempt to fight the fire with the fire extinguishers, without placing themselves or others in danger. If it is clear that this is impossible the Fire Service will be called immediately. Responsibility for contacting the Fire Service rests with the Club Safety Officer or most senior present Club Official. No-one will be allowed back into the enclosure without the approval of the Club Safety Officer or the most senior present Club Official, and at that stage a general announcement may be made over the public address system.

Depending on the ferocity of the fire it may be necessary to abandon the game and evacuate the Ground. See section 8 of this document for details on emergency evacuation.

1.2. Social Club – in the event of a fire in the Social Club, the following steps will be taken: As soon as any alert of a fire is raised the emergency services should be called. A Steward or Club Official will ensure that all personnel are evacuated from the building. Any spectators in the vicinity of the Social Club will also be cleared and asked to assemble at a safe distance at the opposite side of the ground. Depending on the extent and ferocity of the fire, Stewards and\or Club officials may attempt to fight the fire with the fire extinguishers which are located in the Social Club, without placing themselves or others in danger. Responsibility for contacting the Fire Service rests with the Club Safety Officer or most senior present Club Official. No-one will be allowed back into the building without the approval of the Club Safety Officer or the most senior present Club Official, and at that stage a general announcement may be made over the public address system or loud hailer.

Depending on the ferocity of the fire it may be necessary to abandon the game and evacuate the Ground. See section 8 of this document for details on emergency evacuation.

1.3. Changing Rooms– in the event of a fire in the Changing Rooms the following steps will be taken: As soon as any alert of a fire is raised the emergency services should be called. A Steward or Club Official will ensure that all personnel are evacuated from the Changing Rooms Any spectators in the vicinity of the Changing Rooms will also be cleared and asked to assemble at a safe distance on the opposite side of the ground. Depending on the extent and ferocity of the fire, Stewards and or Club Officials will attempt to fight the fire with the fire extinguishers which are located in the Social Club, without placing themselves or others in danger. Responsibility for contacting the Fire Service rests with the Club Safety Officer or most senior present Club Official. No-one will be allowed back into the Changing Rooms without the approval of the Club Safety Officer or the most senior Club Official present, and at that stage a general announcement may be made over the public address system.

Depending on the ferocity of the fire it may be necessary to abandon the game and evacuate the Ground. See section 8 of this document for details on emergency evacuation.

2. Damage to Structures

Upon notification of any structural damage or defect in the Ground the Safety Officer or most senior present Cub Official will:-

2.1. If the Ground has not yet been opened for the admission of spectators:-

Inspect the damage with the Club Safety Officer, Groundsman, or any other suitable Club Official and assess the risk to safety
If appropriate arrange for repairs to be carried out
Depending on the risk the area effected will need to be cordoned off, or the ground closed to public access
Determine whether the next scheduled fixture can continue

2.2. If the Stadium has been opened and spectators admitted:-

Inspect the damage with the Club Safety Officer, Groundsman, or any other suitable Club Official and assess the risk to safety
If the damage/defect is causing or is likely to cause a threat to spectators safety the area will need to be evacuated, and spectators directed to a safe area of the ground
Cordon off the area using Stewards to ensure no one enters the area of danger
If appropriate arrange for repairs to be carried out, determine whether the fixture can continue, and if required order an emergency evacuation (see section 8 of this document).

3. Power Cut or Failure

3.1. There are no emergency power supplies for the buildings within the Ground.

3.2. The Safety Officer, or most senior present Club Official, should contact Scottish Power to report the fault on telephone number 0845 27 27 999. A list of all emergency telephone numbers will be held beside the telephone in the Social Club.

4. Gas release or Chemical Incident

4.1. In the event of anyone suspecting a gas release, or any other chemical release, they should immediately contact the Club Safety Officer or any other available Club Official.

4.2. In the event of such an alert being raised the Safety officer, or senior present Club Official will:-

Contact the Fire Brigade on 999 giving them details of the location and nature of the issue
Contact the National Grid emergency number on 0800 111 999
Direct a Steward to meet the Fire Brigade at the upper entrance at Langlands Road
Advise the Stewards in the area that all naked flames in the area are to be extinguished, and to open all available doors and windows
Advise spectators in the affected area via the public address system to extinguish cigarettes and not to use a naked flame from any source

4.3. In consultation with the Fire Officer the Club Safety Officer, or most senior present Club Official, the following action or decisions will be taken:-

Part or full evacuation of the affected areas
Whatever the extent of the evacuation the affected area will be cordoned off by stewards
Personnel will not be allowed to return to the affected areas until the Fire Brigade or Gas company gives the permission to do so
If the game has not yet kicked off, whether it should go ahead. If the game is underway, whether it should be abandoned or delayed.

5. Crowd Surge or Crush

5.1. If a situation arises involving unruly crowd behaviour which may lead to surging or crushing, the Stewards, assisted by Club Officials will attempt to resolve the situation. If it is clear that this is impossible, the Police will be notified immediately by the Safety Officer or senior present Club Official.

5.2. The Safety Officer or senior present Club Official will also alert the Club’s First Aid staff that their assistance may be required, and if necessary call the Ambulance service on 999.

5.3. The public address system should be used to direct people away from the area and keep them updated on the situation.

5.4. Depending on the seriousness of the event the Safety Officer or senior present Club Official will consider abandoning the game and invoking emergency evacuation procedures. See section 8 of this document for details on emergency evacuation.

6. Pitch Incursion

6.1. If a situation arises involving a pitch incursion, the Stewards, assisted by club Officials will attempt to resolve the situation. If it is clear that this is impossible, the Police will be notified immediately by the Safety Officer or senior present Club Official.

6.2. All available Stewards will be deployed to the area to prevent or limit additional numbers of spectators gaining access to the pitch. Stewards will also attempt to prevent any breaches or confrontation between rival fans.

6.3. The public address system will be used for issuing warning messages or advising spectators to clear the pitch area.

6.4. If a considerable number of spectators have intruded onto the pitch during play the game may be stopped. At that stage the Safety Officer or senior present Club Official should consult with the Police (if they are present) and match referee and make a decision on abandoning the fixture.

7. Disorder within the Ground

7.1. If a situation arises involving disorder within the ground, the Stewards, assisted by Club Officials will attempt to resolve the situation. If it is clear that this is impossible, the Police will be notified immediately by the Safety Officer or most senior present Club Official.

7.2. All available Stewards will be deployed to the area to try to contain the situation and prevent further disorder escalating, either from additional people getting involved, or allowing the situation to spread to other areas of the ground. Stewards will also attempt to prevent any breaches or confrontation between rival fans.

7.3. The public address system will be used for issuing warning messages or advising spectators to clear any area where any disorder is taking place, until such time as the issue is resolved.

7.4. If a considerable number of spectators are involved in any disorder occurrences during play the game may have to be stopped. At that stage the Safety Officer or most senior present Club Official should consult with the Police (if they are present) and match referee and make a decision on abandoning the fixture.

7.5. If a significant disorder event takes place it may be necessary to inform the occupants of the caretakers house and squash court.

8. Emergency Evacuation

8.1. If an emergency evacuation of the ground is required, Stewards will ensure that spectators leave the ground safely by the nearest available exit. In such evacuations Stewards will ensure all spectators with disabilities make a safe exit from the ground, offering assistance as required.

8.2. Exits to be used will be via the gates at each end of the ground.

8.3. The Club Safety Officer or most senior present Club Official will make the decision if an evacuation is necessary, and if appropriate will also inform the emergency services.

8.4. If an announcement is made to evacuate the ground it will be broadcast over the public address system as follows:

“An emergency situation has arisen in the ground. Please leave the ground immediately, in an orderly manner by the nearest available exit. Please be considerate of spectators with disabilities or people with other visible impairments.”

8.5. If only a specific exit can be used for evacuation, the announcement will make reference to the appropriate exit\gate to be used. In such instances the announcement will be as follows:

“An emergency situation has arisen in the ground. Please leave the ground immediately, in an orderly manner by the exits at each end of the ground. Please be considerate of spectators with disabilities or people with other visible impairments.”

8.6. Stewards will be placed at gates to stop people re-entering the Stadium, and to direct Emergency Services as necessary.

8.7. Players and Officials will be instructed by the Safety Officer or most senior present Club Official to congregate in the centre circle until the situation can be assessed to see if it is safe to return to the dressing rooms. If not, they will leave the ground at an appropriate exit.

8.8. Once the Stadium has been evacuated the Safety Officer or most senior present Club Official will carry out a stadium inspection to ensure that it has been totally evacuated. The inspection will be conducted by at least two persons and if appropriated they will be accompanied by the Fire Brigade.

9. Adverse Weather

9.1 Extremes of weather such as wind, rain, snow, ice, fog or heat wave may affect spectator safety both inside the Ground and on ingress/egress routes. Where such extremes of weather are forecast, the Safety Officer or most senior present Club Official shall:

Check the website of the meteorological office for update of weather conditions
Consider in light of all available information whether the fixture should proceed
Should the fixture be under way and adverse weather affects either the event or the safety of spectators the abandonment of the game and emergency evacuation of the stadium will be considered. The match referee will normally have input in such circumstances
Spectators will be given advice and informed of any decisions over the public address system and\or loud hailer.

If a match is cancelled or postponed prior to kick-off due to adverse weather please refer to section 12 of this document.

10. Late Arrivals

10.1. Should information be received that large numbers of spectators are expected to arrive at the Ground close to or after the scheduled kick off/start time the Safety Officer or most senior present Club Official will liaise with the Club Secretary and Referee regarding the possibility of delaying the kick off (start) time. The ultimate decision on this rests with the Safety Officer or most senior present Club Official and the match referee.

10.2. If appropriate a revised time mutually agreed between the Match Officials, Team Managers and both Clubs will be set as soon as the estimated arrival of the latecomers is known.

10.3. If the kick off time is delayed, the Safety Officer will advise spectators inside and outside the Stadium via the public address system.

10.4 If kick off time is delayed the Safety Officer will consider broadcasting the details of the delay by:

10.5. The Safety Officer will ensure the entrance gates are kept open to allow speedy ingress to the Stadium. In this respect he/she will continue to liaise with the Stewards to keep them abreast of the situation.

11. Delayed Start

11.1. If for any reason the start of a match is to be delayed, the spectators will be kept informed of the situation over the public address system or by Club Officials and Stewards as appropriate.

12. Match Abandonment

12.1. Where any fixture/event is cancelled before spectators are admitted to the Stadium, the Club Secretary will ensure everyone listed as follows are informed:

12.2. In addition the club web site and social media will also be updated to inform readers of the abandonment.

12.3. If appropriate every effort will be made to contact the visiting Club (team) and request them to use their local Radio Station and/or other appropriate media to advise cancellation of the game for their own supporters.

12.4. If spectators have already been admitted when the decision to abandon the fixture is made, the Safety Officer or most senior present Club Official will ensure all entrances are immediately opened and Stewards informed of the decision.

12.5. The Safety Officer or most senior present Club Official will advise spectators inside and outside the Stadium of the situation by use of the public address system, and\or loud hailer and request them to leave via the normal exit routes.

12.6. If a fixture is abandoned before kick-off a voucher\ticket will be offered to all admitted paying spectators allowing free entrance to the rearranged fixture. For any fixture abandoned after half-time, then no such arrangement will apply. Full price admission will apply for a fixture rearranged under these circumstances.

12.7. If a fixture is abandoned after kick-off and before half-time a voucher\ticket will be offered to all spectators allowing reduced entrance to the rearranged fixture.

12.8. For league games season ticket holders will be unaffected, since their season ticket will be valid for the rearranged game. The use of season tickets is not appropriate for any Cup games.

DOCUMENT CONTROL –

Mandatory Review Date (to be reviewed and published annually)

Review Date: 1st September 2023

Concrete Structure – Little chance of
ignition

Electrical switchgear is present bur there is automatic smoke/fire detection

Cooking facilities are potential source of ignition and fabric would provide fuel for fire. There is automatic smoke fire detection

Structures are fairly simple in design

Main concern would be evacuation in the event of lighting failure

Unlikely event but would have high impact

Loud hailers would provide an alternative

Would not be a problem for normal gates

Main concern would be orderly evacuation

Main risk would be structural damage from high winds

Note- for crowd surge, pitch invasion, emergency evacuation, late arrivals and match abandonment, the rating is 2 for normal matches and would be 6 for a major match with in excess of 500 spectators.