" Standing at the CCS is not illegal nor unsafe / FSF "

" Standing at the CCS is not illegal "

29th July 2013.

Dr Steve Frosdick is an independent safety expert who has worked in sports grounds across Europe for more than 20 years. He explains why standing at the Cardiff City Stadium is neither illegal, nor inherently unsafe, and how it can be managed to suit the needs of those who prefer to sit or stand...

In 2001 Cardiff City was a near bankrupt club in an antiquated stadium with infamous supporters. In 2013, it is an award-winning and customer-friendly business with broadly well-behaved fans.

The club’s whole ethos is about recognising the diversity of its customer base and delivering to its legitimate expectations. Hence there is a Family Stand, excellent hosting of away fans, premium areas and a stand for the noisier fans who create most of the atmosphere.

As is common in many grounds, this latter group wanted to stay standing throughout the match. Stadium Manager Wayne Nash faced a dilemma.

In one area of the ground, pockets of persistent standing were bringing huge complaints from fans who wanted to sit down. Yet in the noisy Canton Stand, almost everyone was stood up behind their seats. To begin with, it seemed sensible to allow spectators an informal choice. Standing would be tolerated and managed in the Canton Stand, but actively discouraged elsewhere.

But Wayne Nash wanted to go further, to clarify the legality and safety of what was being done and then to formalise it. After consulting fans representatives and the authorities he asked me to examine the arrangements and prepare a report.

The report confirmed the view that persistent standing at the Cardiff City Stadium was neither illegal nor inherently unsafe. Accordingly, the club notified the authorities that all such standing would be channelled into a well-managed area in the Canton Stand.

The corollary was that standing would not be tolerated in any other parts of the ground. Fans had the choice of relocating to the managed area or sitting down. This new policy provided fans with a fair choice and was approved by fans’ representatives.

Cardiff City deserves credit for being the first stadium to officially formalise this approach to persistent standing. The solution was specific to the stadium and its fans but the general principles must surely be applicable to other grounds.

Read another report somewhere where it said standing in a football stadium was not illegal. This then made me wonder about the few around the country who had been banned from their grounds for persistent standing if they had gone to court would the have won their case for compensation. I think so if the were up for the fight.

Read another report somewhere where it said standing in a football stadium was not illegal. This then made me wonder about the few around the country who had been banned from their grounds for persistent standing if they had gone to court would the have won their case for compensation. I think so if the were up for the fight.

It may not be illegal, but if it against the rules of the ground or banned as a result of fire regulations for instance, then anyone taking ion a club in court will lose. CCFC are unique, as explained in the OP, in that they have worked with fans and tolerate standing in the Canton stand.

It may not be illegal or unsafe to stand at football grounds,just so bloody annoying for those people who wish to remain seated, seats that they pay good money to watch a game,having there enjoyment spoilt by people in front of them bobbing up and down blocking their view .....i can well understand some fans passion for standing,and i hope clubs will have the foresight to make standing only areas for those particular fans

we were told right from the start the standing will NOT be tolerated in the ninian stand .... JUST BEHAVE AND SIT THE F**K DOWN

It's not illegal to pay for a seat in the cinema and then stand up to watch the film, but try it and see what happens.

Are we saying that because someone wants to stand all match where ever they are, then all those who want to sit or in some cases need to sit, will also have to stand to see the game because it's what you want to do.

It's not illegal to pay for a seat in the cinema and then stand up to watch the film, but try it and see what happens.

Are we saying that because someone wants to stand all match where ever they are, then all those who want to sit or in some cases need to sit, will also have to stand to see the game because it's what you want to do.

The standers aren't being facilitated. What if you have a bad back and can't sit down without needing a message to even attempt standing again? I stand because my back is fucked. Or must i go to the standing cinema from now on?

It's not illegal to pay for a seat in the cinema and then stand up to watch the film, but try it and see what happens.

Are we saying that because someone wants to stand all match where ever they are, then all those who want to sit or in some cases need to sit, will also have to stand to see the game because it's what you want to do.

The standers aren't being facilitated. What if you have a bad back and can't sit down without needing a message to even attempt standing again? I stand because my back is fucked. Or must i go to the standing cinema from now on?

Go and stand in the Canton then.

It's not illegal to pay for a seat in the cinema and then stand up to watch the film, but try it and see what happens.

Are we saying that because someone wants to stand all match where ever they are, then all those who want to sit or in some cases need to sit, will also have to stand to see the game because it's what you want to do.

The standers aren't being facilitated. What if you have a bad back and can't sit down without needing a message to even attempt standing again? I stand because my back is fucked. Or must i go to the standing cinema from now on?

Go and stand in the Canton then.

I CAN'T STAND THE CANTON BARRY

WHY CAN'T YOU

WHY CAN'T YOU

HURTS MY BACK

IN WHAT WAY DOES STANDING IN CANTON HURT YOUR BACK THAT STANDING ELSEWHERE DOESN'T?!

If you want to sit then go to one of the other 3 stands as there are plenty of other seats. They should put the rails in now for standing ready for the new season.

Is there anything new here or is it all what we knew 3 years ago? Or am I just being blind?

we were told right from the start the standing will NOT be tolerated in the ninian stand .... JUST BEHAVE AND SIT THE F**K DOWN

Shut up you fooking Pufff
And to another poster further up what has fire regs got to do with standing ? Surely if you are stood you can get out quicker

It may not be illegal or unsafe to stand at football grounds,just so bloody annoying for those people who wish to remain seated, seats that they pay good money to watch a game,having there enjoyment spoilt by people in front of them bobbing up and down blocking their view .....i can well understand some fans passion for standing,and i hope clubs will have the foresight to make standing only areas for those particular fans

Agree with this. For some (the elderly, infirm, vertically challenged, etc.) people standing up in front of them in a stadium designed to sit down in is both annoying and ignorant

Personally, I'd rather stand. At 6'2" looking over other peoples heads isn't a big issue but unlike many I always try to consider those around me and have (in theatres) actually swapped seats with people because I am coscious that I may be blocking their views!

I used to have a favourite place in the old Bob Bank at the old Ninian Park but that stadium was built for standing. The new CCS isn't and people need to consider that...but, of course, some simply won't care

Just because its not illegal doesn't mean it's not against the rules.

Owners of a club/business ect can make their own rules, so no matter what these experts think, if the owners say no to standing, then it is a no, end off.

we were told right from the start the standing will NOT be tolerated in the ninian stand .... JUST BEHAVE AND SIT THE F**K DOWN

Shut up you fooking Pufff
And to another poster further up what has fire regs got to do with standing ? Surely if you are stood you can get out quicker

Nice, someome disagrees with you so you revert to homophobic abuse!
And i you think that fire regs and hence the saftey certificate have nothing to do with standing in stadia then I suggest you do some reading before commenting next time!

we were told right from the start the standing will NOT be tolerated in the ninian stand .... JUST BEHAVE AND SIT THE F**K DOWN

Shut up you fooking Pufff
And to another poster further up what has fire regs got to do with standing ? Surely if you are stood you can get out quicker

Nice, someome disagrees with you so you revert to homophobic abuse!
And i you think that fire regs and hence the saftey certificate have nothing to do with standing in stadia then I suggest you do some reading before commenting next time!

Someones tired

It may not be illegal or unsafe to stand at football grounds,just so bloody annoying for those people who wish to remain seated, seats that they pay good money to watch a game,having there enjoyment spoilt by people in front of them bobbing up and down blocking their view .....i can well understand some fans passion for standing,and i hope clubs will have the foresight to make standing only areas for those particular fans

That's why CCFC have done what they have:-

want to stand and be with fellow standers - Canton
want to sit - anywhere else!