Ordinance no. 454/2023: general technical and operating requirements for sports facilities for public use.
Purpose and scope of the ordinance
This ordinance approves the general technical and operating requirements for sports facilities that apply to public-use sports facilities, applicable to their design, construction and operation, with a view to ensuring their quality in terms of technical-sports functionality, healthiness and the reception of practitioners and other sports agents and spectators, comfort and safety in general and the services provided to spectators.
General obligation
Owners, managing bodies and users must ensure compliance with the requirements laid down, permanently maintaining the facilities and equipment in good working, protective and safety conditions, namely through continuous monitoring measures and actions designed to ensure:
- a) The good state of repair and maintenance of the facilities, with a special focus on protection, safety and health requirements;
- b) Readiness and effectiveness in preventing, minimizing and combating the risks of accidents and incidents, identifying and eliminating their potential sources, whether of a material or functional nature.”
Content of the legislation
Ordinance 454/2023 details the specific technical requirements that sports facilities must meet, specifying by type of sports facility (pavilions, swimming pools, among others). It includes rules on construction, maintenance and operation, addressing aspects such as accessibility, sustainability, energy efficiency and urban planning requirements.
Operating requirements for sports facilities
The requirements for sports facilities aimed at guaranteeing their quality and safety are described in the following articles:
- Article 46: Regulations for the operation of sports facilities for public use.
- Article 47: Maintenance Plans and Records.
- Article 48: Operation and safety plans and records for general use.
- Article 49: Complementary operating and safety plans and records for special sports facilities for sporting events.
- Article 50: Implementation of a defibrillation program.
- Article 51: Maximum safe use capacity.
In summary, Ministerial Order 454/2023 establishes a robust regulatory framework for the management of sports facilities in Portugal. The implementation of these guidelines is essential to ensure that these facilities offer the best possible conditions for sports, promoting the health, safety and well-being of all users. The bodies responsible must adapt quickly to these new requirements, ensuring compliance and excellence in the management of municipal sport by carrying out an initial diagnosis and subsequent plan for implementing improvements.
