National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security Updates Important Best Practices Guides

The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety (NCS⁴) and Security at The University of Southern Mississippi recently completed new editions of the Intercollegiate, and Marathon Safety and Security Best Practices guides.

NCS⁴ officials note that the environment and threats surrounding sporting events change, and as a result, the best practices guides should be considered living documents that must change to meet challenges, take advantage of new resources, and avoid the development of patterns that could result in a security or safety risk. Continuous improvement should be the standard by which each sport organization's safety and security plan is reviewed and refreshed.

The center's goal is to share these important documents in order to assist those responsible for safety and security at sporting events. An important objective is to have these events, as well as the governing bodies, adopt principles laid out in the guides.

The Intercollegiate Guide is in its third printing, while the Marathon Safety and Security Best Practices Guide is in its second.

“In the world we are living in it is important that races of all sizes protect their runners, spectators, and communities,” said NCS⁴ Director Dr. Lou Marciani. “For the past two years NCS4 has been bringing the thought leaders of the running industry together to enhance marathon and running event best practices.”

In order to obtain the mission of providing the most comprehensive and effective best practices guides possible, NCS⁴ hosts annual summits for Intercollegiate Athletics, Interscholastic Athletics; Professional Sport Facilities; and Marathons and Running Events.
 
Representatives from the areas such as event managers, law enforcement, emergency managers, fire, medical, technologist and public safety agencies addressed their current safety and security issues, identified solutions as well as proposed future best practices through professional collaboration.
 
About NCS⁴

The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴), at the University of Southern Mississippi, supports the advancement of sport safety and security through training, professional development, academic programs and research. NCS⁴ collaborates with professional leagues, open access events, intercollegiate and interscholastic athletics, along with professional associations, private sector firms, and government agencies.  It is a critical resource for sport venue managers, event managers, first responders, and other key stakeholders.

To learn more about the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security at Southern Miss, call 601.266.6183 or visit: http://www.ncs4.com/