Home / Document library / SIA Sports Ground Exemption – Policy Guidance SIA Sports Ground Exemption – Policy Guidance We have prepared policy guidance regarding the existing exemption in the Private Security Industry Act 2001 for in-house staff at sports grounds undertaking Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensable activities. The guidance clarifies the need for vetting of in-house stewards who carry out security functions, such as searching on entry or ejecting spectators who are in breach of ground regulations. This has been a legal requirement since 2006 but has not been well understood within the sports sector (the same requirement applies at all sports grounds subject to a General Safety Certificate, not just football). To support clubs and local authorities in meeting the requirements of this guidance, we have developed a question and answer sheet which provides further clarity around this complex subject. The SGSA and SIA have also previously developed a document explaining when a SIA licence is needed at a sports ground. Document downloadsSIA Sports Ground Exemption - Policy Guidance(pdf/0.94MB)SIA Exemption Policy Guidance Q & A(pdf/280.27kB)Understanding the SIA steward exemption(pdf/95.23kB)