Running USA is partnering again with The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi to offer intensive sport risk management training to its members in 2019. This two-day nationally certified training program is funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency and will help event directors improve safety and security planning for their races.
Topics to be covered include threat and incident assessment, protective measures, communications skills and chain of command, role definition and also include a table top discussion. Applicant events must be Running USA members in good standing for consideration.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for events to bring together law enforcement, first responders and other tactical experts to improve safety for our sport,” said Rich Harshbarger, Running USA CEO. “Regardless of event size or distance, I encourage all of our member events to apply to host this training.”
To apply, fill out this application form.
The BolderBOULDER team of Colorado, Medtronic Twin Cites Marathon of Minneapolis, and Detroit Free Press Marathon were the Running USA members selected by NCS4 to host the training sessions in the summer of 2018.
“The Sport Event Risk Management training was very beneficial to the Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon,” said Barbara Bennage, Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon Executive Race Director. “It gave us a chance to collaborate with the stakeholders that support our event, share and learn best practices and develop a working relationship with other attendees that are not associated with the event. The facilitators were knowledgeable and kept the room engaged. Because of the training, we know we are better prepared for any situation that may arise.”
In each location of those selected, two trainers will present a comprehensive course on Sport Risk Management and Sport Evacuation Training. Attendees will take a challenging pre-test to determine where they might have knowledge gaps and the second day culminated with a final exam.
The two-day trainings bring together sports officials from colleges, professional teams and major running events with government officials like state and local police, fire and emergency responders, public works, Homeland Security officers, the FBI and others.
“As a member of Running USA, having the privilege of hosting the NCS4 training course for our staff and partners, was invaluable,” said Twin Cities in Motion Executive Director Virginia Brophy Achman. “The content was illuminating in understanding how events and their partners must work together in times of crisis. The value of hosting the training can’t be quantified. It helped us foster the important relationships we have and build new ones initiated at the training session itself. In our fast-paced industry, having two days to focus solely on safety was really beneficial.”
To be considered for the 2019 training, applicants must be able to secure a location that accommodates up to 50 attendees, provide audio visual services and breakfast and lunch for each day. Only three events will be selected and 2019 training dates will be coordinated between the selected events and NCS4 directly. Selected events will be announced in early December.
Applications are being accepted now through November 16, 2018. To apply, fill out this application form.
About Running USA: Running USA is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization devoted to improving the status and experience of distance running and racing in the United States through collective marketing and promotions, information and communications within the industry and to the national media, services to events and industry members, and the development of American world class stars. It seeks the advancement of the sport and the provision of value to each of its members' events and businesses. For more information, visit RunningUSA.org
About NCS4: The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4), atThe University of Southern Mississippi, supports the advancement of sport safety and security through training, professional development, academic programs and research. NCS4 collaborates with professional leagues, open access events, intercollegiate and interscholastic athletics, along with professional associations, private sector firms, and government agencies. It is a critical resource for sport venue managers, event managers, first responders, and other key stakeholders.
About The University of Southern Mississippi: Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi is a comprehensive doctoral and research-driven university with a proud history and an eye on the future. A dual-campus university, Southern Miss serves students on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, in addition to five teaching and research sites in Mississippi and through Online at Southern Miss. Since 2006, our students have collected three Truman Scholarships and 17 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships. USM students also lead Mississippi with 21 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Our Drapeau Center for Undergraduate Research affords our students meaningful research opportunities, and as a proven leader in innovation, we conduct transformative research that translates into real-world solutions. As one of only 36 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music, we are a haven for creativity and artistic expression. In the classroom or lab, on the playing field, or in the performance hall, we strive to have a positive impact not only on our students, but also the world around us. Further information is found at usm.edu.
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