The Cricket Safety Officers Association (CSOA) was formed in early 2004 at Grace Road, Leicestershire. The requirement to form such a body was as a result of Safety Officers within cricket wanting to join forces in influencing change and sharing "best practise" for the benefit of the sport and those attending their respective grounds. Initially chaired by John Bishop of the Rosebowl in Hants the initial aim was to get all first class counties and the ECB around the table to discuss issues affecting cricket and the wider sporting community to ensure that we were delivering safe and secure venues into which we could invite the public knowing that we were providing a safe and secure place within which they could watch cricket or any other event that the venue wished to hold.

 We have since our inception worked closely with the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board), ICC (International Cricket Council), FSOA (Football Safety Officers Association), The FLA (Football Licensing Authority), NaCTSO (National Counter Terrorism Security Office), Local Authorities, ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers), Local Police and all other Emergency Services. All of these parties bring skill sets and experience to the table and it is only through this open exchange of information and best practise that we are able to achieve our aim - that being, to ensure that everyone attending a cricket match within the UK can do so knowing that we have ensured, as far as reasonably practicable, their safety and enjoyment of the sport we all love.