The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi, along with the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, Nascar, U.S. Olympic Committee, Division I College Sports and other professional leagues gathered in New York to show their commitment to strengthening safety and security at America’s venues. Former National Basketball Association star Earvin “Magic” Johnson accepted the role as Honorary Chair of NCS4’s National Certification Development Commission at a time when safety and security in spectator sports, on and off the field, is paramount, noted NCS4.
NCS4 is working closely with eVerifile, a leader in workforce risk management solutions, to develop new certifications designated for all professional, collegiate, high school and amateur sports organizations, with the intention of addressing preparedness, prevention, response and continuity efforts at sports venues.
“As an owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, I am increasingly aware of the variety of threats that could potentially impact spectator sports events,” said Magic Johnson. “Threats such as crime, possible terrorist acts and weather-related incidents must be addressed through comprehensive planning followed by the implementation of a solid security management program.”
Sports facilities managers and owners will note that the venue certification, Sport Event Security Aware (SESA), indicates that a sport organization has engaged in planning, developing and implementing effective and sustainable sport event safety, security and incident management systems.
NCS4 will also create a professional certification program for sports venue security personnel. The goal of this certification program is to ensure that individuals responsible for the secure and safe operation of sports venues and events have the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform their duties. Johnson is currently working with NCS4 and eVerifile to implement certifications at Dodger Stadium.
“As a society, we need to elevate the importance of knowing who is staffing the venues, organizations and communities that touch America’s families, be it full-time staff, temporary workers or volunteers,” explains Mark Wilson, CEO of eVerifile. “We have an identity crisis in America that’s cutting across every aspect of society, from venues that attract thousands of people to youth organizations that have been a part of our heritage for generations. With Magic Johnson’s involvement and the participation of the leagues, we can, first and foremost, secure our venues and set the tone for other organizations to follow suit.”
The Commission, comprised of a broad spectrum of safety and security representatives from law enforcement, professional, collegiate and high school organizations, emergency management, fire safety, affiliated industry organizations, and government agencies is charged with developing the national voluntary certification standards. They will approve the eligibility criteria, certification scheme, examinations and other essential certification decisions.
