The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi, along with the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, Nascar, U.S. Olympic Committee, Division I College Sports and other professional leagues, gathering in New York recently to show their commitment to strengthening safety and security at America’s sports venues, according to an article from Southern Miss NOW.

At the event, former National Basketball Association star Earvin “Magic” Johnson accepted the role as Honorary Chair of NCS4’s National Certification Development Commission at a time when safety and security in spectator sports is paramount, the article says.

NCS4 is working closely with eVerifile – a workforce risk management solutions company – to develop new certifications designated for professional, collegiate, high school and amateur sports organizations, with the intention of addressing preparedness, prevention, response and continuity efforts in sports venues.

Johnson, who part-owns the Los Angeles Dodgers, says that he is increasingly aware of the variety of threats that could impact spectator sports events.

The article also reports that the venue certification, Sport Event Security Aware (SESA), indicates that a sport organization has engaged in planning, developing and implementing effective and sustainable sport event safety, security and incident management systems. NCS4 is also planning to create a professional certification program for sports venue security personnel.

That program would ensure that individuals responsible for the security and safe operations of venues and events have the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform their duties, the article notes.

Johnson is currently working with NCS4 and eVerifile to implement certifications at Dodger Stadium.