The Hoover Metropolitan Complex (HMC) is proud to announce that we have received the Safe Sport Venue Achievement Award from the National Center for Sports Safety (NCSS).
This award recognizes our commitment to safety, education, and emergency preparedness. It ensures that athletes, visitors, and event attendees experience a secure and welcoming environment while enjoying our world-class facilities.
The City of Hoover was also honored with the Safe Sport City Award, making it the first city in the nation to receive this recognition.
A Culture of Safety at Hoover Met Complex
At Hoover Met Complex, safety is a top priority. Every day, our staff works to create an environment where athletes and guests can focus on their experience without worrying about safety concerns.
Receiving the Safe Sport Venue Achievement Award reinforces our dedication to providing a secure sports and event environment from our indoor rock climbing center to tournaments and events held at Finley Center.
“Safety is the foundation of everything we do,” said Shannon James Ealy, Hoover Met Complex Manager. “We take pride in not just meeting safety standards but exceeding them. This recognition validates our team’s hard work and our commitment to creating a safe venue for everyone.”
Training and Safety Measures in Place
Our staff members complete regular training in sports safety, emergency response, and injury prevention. More than four dozen HMC employees have completed courses through the NCSS PREPARE program.
This program covers:
- Injury management
- Illness prevention
- Emergency action planning
Additionally, our team partnered with local coaches, EMS personnel, and first responders to develop a comprehensive Emergency Action Plan (EAP). These safety protocols are displayed throughout the complex and reviewed annually.
Recognized for Setting the Standard in Sports Safety
Hoover Met Complex is not only being recognized for its commitment to safety but is also setting a standard for other sports facilities nationwide.
“The City of Hoover and the Hoover Met Complex stand out for their dedication to athlete and visitor safety,” said Dr. Larry Lemak, founder of NCSS. “By implementing strong training programs and emergency planning, they lead the way for other venues to follow. We hope this inspires more facilities to adopt similar safety measures.”
Why This Award Matters
The NCSS was founded in 2001 to promote safety in youth and professional sports. In 2018, ASPIRE Sports Institute expanded on this mission, optimizing the athlete experience through education and innovation in sports safety.
The Safe Sport Venue Achievement Award is part of an initiative to recognize facilities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to sports safety.
Staff Dedication to Safety
Our dedicated team ensures that every guest at the Hoover Met Complex feels safe and supported. From maintenance crews to event coordinators, every staff member plays a role in upholding our high safety standards.
“This award isn’t just a milestone—it reflects the culture we’ve built at HMC,” said Ealy. “We want every athlete, coach, and visitor to feel confident in the safety of our facility. This recognition motivates us to keep improving.”
In addition to training programs, the complex is staffed with:
- On-site emergency medical services (EMS)
- Sports responders
- Certified athletic trainers
These professionals ensure that injuries and health concerns are addressed quickly and effectively.
Inspiring Other Facilities to Prioritize Safety
As we celebrate this achievement, we hope to inspire other sports venues across the country to join the Safe Sports Venue Achievement program.
“We want to thank Dr. Lemak, Ellen Garrett, and the NCSS team for leading this initiative,” said Ealy. “We encourage other facilities to participate and make safety an essential part of their operations.”
NCSS and ASPIRE Sports Institute continue to expand this program, offering safety courses for coaches, first responders, and venue administrators nationwide.
“This program is about growth,” said Dr. Lemak. “We want Hoover, ASPIRE, and NCSS to be a hub for best practices. By sharing ideas and collaborating, we can improve safety standards everywhere.”
The Hoover Met Complex remains committed to providing the highest level of safety, preparedness, and athlete protection.
For more information on our safety initiatives, upcoming events, and facility updates, visit HooverMetComplex.com.