Semple Stadium defends pitch fan policy

By Shane Brophy

Semple Stadium and Tipperary GAA have defended the policy on the ground which discourage encroachment by patrons onto the pitch at any time on match days.

It follows from criticism in recent weeks of children not being allowed to play on the pitch at half time like other inter-county grounds such as Parnell Park and Chadwick’s Wexford Park, while following Tipperary’s football league promotion clinching game against London, no supporters were allowed onto the pitch to congratulate the players in the aftermath.

“The policy of Semple Stadium Management, supported by Tipperary County Board, is to discourage encroachment by patrons onto the pitch at any time on match days,” said Con Hogan, Chairman of Semple Stadium Management Committee.

“The reasons for this policy are two-fold; the first and most important is in the interest of public safety, and the second is the protection of the pitch.”

He explained: “The greatest risks to patrons at a game occur when they leave the safety of their spectator area and enter the pitch, which is reserved for the players and match officials only. Typical accidents/incidents that occur include, slips, trips and falls when rushing onto the pitch, pitch invasion while the game is still in progress, crushing around teams or around the presentation area, lost children, theft, and potentially the most dangerous of all, uncontrolled pucking sliotars around in the thick of a crowd on the pitch after a game.

“All of these incidents have occurred at Semple Stadium; some have resulted in injury and loss to individuals, and some have resulted in financial loss. That is why, in the interests of our patrons’ safety, we restrict their access to the viewing areas.”

As well as financial considerations, and the risk of injury claims leading to rising insurance costs, the other aspect is protecting one of the best pitches in the country.

“Semple Stadium is one of the busiest, if not the busiest Gaelic Games venue in Ireland,” Hogan added.

“Accommodating games in all codes at all levels from schools to adult. It is one of the best playing surfaces in the country, made possible by a planned pitch maintenance programme, designed, and implemented by professional staff.

“The pitch is heavily used and must be protected, and this involves limiting footfall on the surface as much as possible between games. This also includes restrictions on training, warm-ups, and half-time puck-arounds on the pitch, despite numerous requests from clubs and inter county teams.

“Our safety and pitch management programmes must be consistent, and to have any credibility, must be implemented on big match days and small. In summary they are designed to provide a safe, risk-free venue for our patrons and to maintain the reputation or our pitch as the sod that all players want to play on.”