The Crucial Role of Marshals and Stewards in Sports Events

When attending a sports event—whether it’s a local community match or a global championship—spectators often overlook the presence of marshals and stewards. However, these individuals are the unsung heroes who play a vital role in ensuring the safety, organisation, and smooth execution of every event. As the popularity of both professional and amateur sporting events continues to grow, so too does the reliance on stewards and marshals.

What Do Marshals and Stewards Do at Sports Events?

At first glance, marshals and stewards may seem like general security personnel, but their responsibilities go far beyond crowd control. They are integral to the event infrastructure, serving as the eyes and ears on the ground. Their duties typically include:

Ensuring spectator safety

Managing crowd movement and entry points

Offering information and directions

Supporting emergency services in case of an incident

Checking tickets or accreditation

Monitoring for prohibited items or behaviour

Enforcing event rules and regulations

They also serve as first responders in the case of medical emergencies, altercations, or evacuations. Without them, many events would be chaotic and potentially dangerous environments.

Why Are Marshals and Stewards Essential at Sporting Events?
1. Safety and Security
The primary reason for deploying marshals and stewards is to ensure the safety of everyone attending the event—spectators, athletes, officials, and staff. From overseeing evacuation procedures to de-escalating situations, they are trained to act quickly and appropriately.

2. Event Organisation and Flow
These personnel help maintain the structure and flow of an event. Whether guiding fans to their seats or coordinating access to restricted zones, they prevent bottlenecks, confusion, and delays that could detract from the spectator experience.

3. Compliance and Legal Obligations
Many countries and sports governing bodies mandate a certain level of crowd management personnel to meet legal and insurance requirements. Without properly trained marshals and stewards, organisers risk heavy fines, licence revocations, or even cancellation of the event.

4. Public Relations and Assistance
Stewards often act as a bridge between event organisers and the public. Friendly and helpful stewards contribute to a positive atmosphere, ensuring that attendees enjoy their experience and are more likely to return.

The Growing Trend of Stewards and Marshals at All Sizes of Events
Historically, the presence of marshals and stewards was limited to large-scale events such as football matches, marathons, or festivals. However, there’s a noticeable shift towards incorporating them into smaller, grassroots and community-based events.

1. Increased Awareness Around Safety
Post-pandemic safety standards and growing awareness around risk management have encouraged even small event organisers to prioritise structured crowd control and health measures.

2. Volunteer and Community Engagement
Many local sports events now engage volunteers as stewards and marshals, offering them training and experience while also building community engagement. This not only enhances safety but also creates a sense of ownership and pride among locals.

3. Accessibility and Inclusivity
Stewards play a significant role in helping differently-abled or elderly spectators navigate the venue. With more events striving to be inclusive, the presence of trained stewards has become essential.

4. Brand Reputation and Professionalism
Organised staffing leaves a strong impression on spectators and participants alike. A well-managed event, regardless of size, reflects professionalism and increases the likelihood of future attendance and sponsorship.

Training and Qualifications for Sports Event Stewards
Not just anyone can serve as a marshal or steward. Depending on the size and nature of the event, different levels of training are required. For major events, staff often complete accredited training such as the Level 2 Award in Spectator Safety. Key areas covered in such training include:

Crowd management techniques

Emergency response procedures

Conflict resolution

Health and safety protocols

Customer service

Smaller events might rely on volunteers who receive short training sessions or briefings prior to the event, but even these are crucial for maintaining standards.

The Evolution of the Role with Technology
With the advancement of technology, the role of marshals and stewards is also evolving. Wearable communication devices, mobile apps for incident reporting, and real-time crowd analytics are being introduced to improve efficiency. In larger venues, AI-powered surveillance helps stewards identify and respond to issues faster.

Real-Life Examples of Effective Stewarding
London Marathon
The London Marathon relies on thousands of volunteer marshals each year. These volunteers help direct runners, manage crowd zones, and offer medical support, all contributing to the safe and smooth running of one of the world’s most iconic races.

Premier League Football Matches
Professional football stadiums have dedicated stewarding teams who are well-trained in dealing with tens of thousands of fans. Their professionalism helps prevent violence, manage fan segregation, and support emergency services when needed.

Local Community Sports Days
Even a small-scale sports day at a school or park now often has a team of volunteer marshals to guide parents, manage parking, and supervise children’s areas, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Conclusion: The Indispensable Presence of Marshals and Stewards

As sports events continue to attract large, diverse audiences, the importance of having marshals and stewards cannot be overstated. These individuals are not merely present to enforce rules—they are critical to the overall success of an event. Their contribution enhances safety, fosters a sense of order, improves accessibility, and promotes a welcoming atmosphere.

Whether it’s a high-profile international match or a neighbourhood fun run, having trained, visible, and approachable marshals and stewards is now considered best practice. As the events industry evolves, so too will the roles of these vital personnel—embracing new challenges, technologies, and responsibilities to keep sport safe and enjoyable for all.

Contact us today to discuss your next sports event!