Eveyone has visited a type of sports event, music gig or other large show. At these events you’d have seen a sizeable army of staff, usually dressed in flurescent colours who can more often than not don’t seem be doing much! This is the role of the steward but why are they needed and why are they important.
When it comes to professional events, most venues will ensure that there are high minimum levels of training for all of their stewards. In the UK this training is covered at a level 2 NVQ as a minimum standard.
The first role for any steward is to oversee the customers coming into and away from the venue. This is especially important at events where high volumes of people leave en masse once the event has ended. eg football games or concerts.at the end of the show or match. This avoids the chances for crushes to happen and ensures the safety of the crowd which will usually be in high spiritis.
Even more important than the “stewarding” of patrons, is the role as immediate response to accidents and emergencies. This includes everything from simple medical training to terrorist response. Having people in amongst the crowd who can deal with extraordinary cases could mean the difference between life and death.
Basic steward training also covers conflict management. This does not include physical restraint; instead communication is the key A large proportion of stewards are taken from temp agencies and are not there to put themselves at risk. The police will always be close by for any serious problems.
Good event management will have excellent planning, good signage and hopefully should result in the need for very little involvement from any steward.