spen666 wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 12:38 pm
Darlofan97 wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 11:26 am
Just discovered this on the Hartlepool website, which makes for an interesting reading regarding the implications on ground capacity:
Our next key stage protocol is Stage 5, which allows for the safe return of spectators to competitive sport. You will be aware that pilot testing of fixed spectator numbers is currently taking place across a number of sports. Following these pilots, it is envisaged that further guidance will emerge over the exact protocols that each club will have to implement to allow spectators to safely return within their revised capacity constraints.
In terms of our own safe working capacity, we are currently working through this process with various certified contractors and in accordance with National League guidance and briefings we have had over the last couple of weeks. This will allow us to agree an acceptable capacity with the Local Authority. The calculation is not a straight-forward percentage of our usual ground capacity, nor a fixed number which is given to us – it is driven by a number of factors around our ground’s unique configuration. As soon as we have agreed our safe working capacity, we will share this information with you as it will drive our match day logistics and ticketing arrangements.
This is interesting, as it appears that the calculation of ground capacity for clubs at our level (and the one above) aren't going to be a 'blanket' percentage or figure. I wonder if this impacts the "17%" figure given by DJ a few weeks ago when discussing the return to the Arena, or if this figure has been given by the Local Authority?
Either way, I do hope we receive the green light from the National League to play at the Arena next season however, it's been over three weeks on since a formal request was submitted to the National League and it appears that we have still not heard anything.
The most likely scenario is a fixed % of ground capacity ( not minimum criteria for that level as is case with steps 3-7) with reductions made for example where limited entrances or exits makes social distancing more difficult.
The information above clearly contradicts your comment of a fixed % of ground capacity with reductions subsequently made based on limited entrances/exits.
The calculation is not a straight-forward percentage of our usual ground capacity, nor a fixed number which is given to us – it is driven by a number of factors around our ground’s unique configuration.
There will also be a range of other factors than exits and entrances taken in to account to, such as enclosed spaces, toilet facilities, car parking, public transport usage, proximity to town centre etc.
You'd like to think it would be looked at a lot more flexibly, rather than set percentages as a guideline with a reduction then applied. That would defeat the whole object of each stadia being individually assessed by the LA.
Local authorities should be looking at putting together report, calculating how many individuals can safely enter a stadium given all of the above factors. Rather than, can 30% of stadium capacity attend safely, if not what deductions have to be made.
What then happens if more than 30% of the capacity can attend safely? Do local authorities ignore that to the detriment of clubs who can safely manage more than 30% capacity in to the ground?
Individual club circumstances should be looked at rather than the blanket measures we have seen lower down (probably because of just how many grassroots clubs there are).