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Every year, thousands of sporting events are held across the UK. These range from big high profile events such as the London Marathon, Horse Racing at a variety of courses, football matches to local gymnastics events, cycle races and even the unusual like Cheese Rolling and Bog Snorkelling.

Whether watching or taking part, such sporting events can attract large numbers of people. The London Marathon 2021 attracted over 80,000 runners and spectators in their droves, while average attendance at a home match within the Premier League can be in excess of 50,000 people. Even regional half marathons can attract hundreds if not thousands of runners. At the other end of the scale, the annual cheese rolling down a hill in Gloucestershire event can attract hundreds of people keen to watch up to 40 people at a time taking part in a race.

Whatever the sporting event, it should be fun for all concerned, whether participating or watching. But it is all too easy to get things wrong. Under-estimating the number of people who might be coming to watch, providing insufficient basic facilities such as toilets, long queues to park and disputes between rival groups of sports fans can quickly create flashpoints. The result is bad publicity, unhappy spectators and participants and the potential for return events damaged. And of course, there is the general unhappiness caused within the local community within which the event is being held, since ordinary people uninvolved with the event do not like finding themselves unable to park their own vehicles, or being unable to go about their daily lives due to pressure of crowds.

Recognising this, sports venues and local authorities require event organisers to arrange effective marshalling and stewarding staff. The Sports Ground Safety Authority sets out the clear duties of stewards pointing out that they are the task of ensuring a ‘safe, secure and welcoming environment’ The New Forest District Council for example has a seven page Good Practice Safety Guide dealing specifically with requirements for stewards and marshals indicating exactly what they are required to do, and the powers that they will exert over visitors and participants.

It is not enough to simply rely on a handful of volunteers lacking the experience to deal with potential problems. What if they don’t turn up on the day? How will they deal with long queues or bad tempered visitors? What if the weather turns nasty and cars get stuck in the mud? Do they have the expertise to deal with emergencies, especially if the Emergency Services have to be called in?

This is why sporting event organisers opt for the services of professional marshals and stewards who know what to do and can be relied on to deal with any emergency, including liaising with the Emergency Services if necessary. Professional, experienced stewards and marshals know how to organise a car park, ensure safe parking for everyone, minimise queuing, ensure exits and entrances are kept clear, deal with queries and unexpected problems efficiently and quickly. They also possess the communication skills, exuding a calm, professional manner allowing them to take charge.

Hire marshals and stewards for sporting events

Not surprisingly, sports event organisers are recommended to regard the provision of marshals and stewards as a priority whatever the event. Making effective provision at an early stage demonstrates that they care about the safety of spectators and participants, as well as the links with the local community within which the event is based.