Abstract

Objective: This work aimed to investigate the role and importance of human resources in securing football stadiums.
Methodology: This study was applied in terms of its purpose, and the quantitative and quantitative approaches were used to collect data and achieve goals. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve experts that were selected purposefully. In this phase, a 17-item questionnaire was developed that was answered by 144 randomly selected participants (including police officers, soccer experts, organizers, and stadium managers) in the quantitative phase. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was used to analyze the quantitative data and test the research hypothesis.
Results: The results obtained showed that human resources (security and non-security forces) are one of the main factors affecting the security of the stadiums. Training personnel (t = 13.45, P < 0.05) and credentialing (t = 10.78, P < 0.05) them, respectively, with 0.90 and 0.78 loading, are two sub-factors for human resources that affect enhancement of a stadium security (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Human resources involved in holding football matches should understand their role and responsibility in securing stadiums during match day operations. Also trained and accredited human resources could ensure a safe and secure environment for the spectators, athletes, and officials in stadiums. 

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