Does Size Matter?

[ASE]

R2700m
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ASE

[VICTORMACE]

Well I did used to work with (not going to mention name) because he is still floating about here in Belfast, an ex world title boxing contender who when getting ready for a fight weighed about 9 and a half stone, 5 foot 8, well I have to admit he had a terrible attitude for a door supervisor actually thought his job was to hit people. Well he payed more money out of his own pocket in compensation to keep the people quiet and to keep it out of court. A good description of him waas as above 9 stone piss wet through but he did some damage, and I think on several occassions his size drew the attention of trouble makers wondering what this little twerp was a door supervisor for and boy did they find out, but like i said absolutely wrong attitude for the job !!!

[PaulSmith]

Please allow me to alaborate. Obviously there are exceptions to every rule. But not not that many people are nine stone boxers, thai boxers or such like.
Suppose what I should have said is that you need to have something about you. Weve all seen it people who are not up to the job but because they have a sia licence they think that is all they need.

[steve.popeye]

I don't think size is an issue but training and knowledge. I've worked with a female who is 5'6'', maybe 9 stone but she is someone i would not want to piss off..

[endurojay]

Hi BBB,

There is one club that i work at (in the Greater Manchester area) and to be honest its quite a 'rough' place to work. We have a female member of door staff and she's only about 5ft 6" and is in no way 'butch' she's quite petite :-)

She handles herself fine and she is a very much valued equally, obviously she doesn't get the 6ft5" guys in full nelsons to restrain them but a good door supervisor should rarely need any physical contact with the customers. Its all about your communication skills, at the end of the day 95% of people out just want to have fun and be treated with some respect.

Hope this helps :-0

EnduroJay

[Oddjob]

In reality, and not according to the SIA. There is no such thing as a D.S. At least not 'a one jacket that fits all description'. Equally so, we cannot describe all clubs under one heading, or all bars under one heading. If we are talking about a 2 man door, or a door with a propensity to violence, either through poor manager control or geography (shit bar in a shit spot) Then a physical ability, and not just based on size. Is in my opinion a neccessity. Many other skills are a neccessity as well.
When you hit the bigger clubs or raves or even the new mega-bars, then we are talking a high numbers of DS present.
Here we have a number of roles to fulfill, and no DS can be all things to all men.
If you have seen some of my previous blogs. You will have seen the term
'the holy trinity.' This is a system of approach to most incidents, that has worked for me over a period of 30 years on the doors.
We have a 'The Talker' often the head DS and sometimes a female DS.
Role:Talk the situation down, to either a 'calm down' or a 'come with me'.
Although a lot of situations can be cooled by talking it down. Without the clear knowledge (fear factor) that you will be removed if you choose not to comply or behave. then it is like a toothless dog barking. and will lead to the behaviour that we witness on the street, where the youngest of thugs know their punishment will be at best a slap on the wrist, and hence have no fear of the power of the law.
This is 'The Walkers' Role. To introduce a knowledge that there WILL be a reinforcement of the rules. I hate to say it but SIZE matters here. We are trying to create a visual deterent here. (my brother-in-law is a booming 6'6'' . But has never had to actually fight ever: admittedly he's not a DS but a print sales man, but you get the point.)
The Walker ensures that people understand that the clubs laws are not toothless.
You always have the option to call the police, but a majority of managers are reluctant to do this as they feel it reflects on their license and affects their renewal procedure. And response time on a busy night can be woefully slow. (No Blame)
Next up is 'The Watcher' in a conflict situation physical or verbal, his Role is to control the situation around you. whilst you concentrate on the problem in a focussed manner. He is there to ensure your safety, usually facing the crowd and not the problem. Keeping Freinds and strangers reassured and at bay.
Most bottle strikes on DS come from people who are strangers to the problem, and not involved directly. So he watches your back. This is why one man doors should be outlawed. A H&S assessment would never allow a one man door if applied.
He has a second role which makes him worth his wait in gold.
We used a DS called Little Peter in this role to great affect. Saving me intefering in so many incidents at too late a stage. He would be sent into the club/bar covertly, remain still and observe, note and report. He would look for signs of aggression, dealing, nuisance, theft and general escalation. These problems would then be removed or calmed before things reached crisis or melt down point.
He allows you to put out the fires with a glass of water, rather than waiting till you have to call the fire-truck. There are so many DS roles that can use a specialist.
A good 'Searcher' is another boon to any door. Its not just about wanding, or hands on pat downs. Its about the ability to engage, judge and nose out or relax people.
Searchers need to be able to talk,(english) read body and facial language.
It is a skill and it can be learned. Lots of books on this one, well worth a read.
We have used 'Lines Men' to control and prepare queues for speedy entry and early control, often our female or senior service DS conduct this role. Good talkers or authority figures.
I can think of many more roles needed to be fulfilled by the DS, some DS are better than others. Some excel in one position and are invaluable. Horses for courses.
All DS regardless of size should learn locks and restraints ability.
My old Aikido master was 5'2'' and used to make me at 20 stone fly or submit with ease.
More importantly, You MUST have a Code of Honour towards your fellow DS.
It takes courage, willingness, trust and a certain ability helps to be part of a DS Team. Oh and a lot of common sense.
So find a role that fits you and make it yours.
Sorry I went on so long but I've got 30 years of shit to spill.
So often size doesn't matter, there is a role for everyone, but not everywhere.

[dannyboy489]

Don't often agree with a lot of what Oddjob says but in this instance he is absolutely spot on! Size can be a tool to be used.

Being small(er) isn't a problem in itself, it just depends on the role and the situation.

[Nomad]

Well my ex said size didn't matter but she left me for a bloke who was hung like a

[Oddjob]

John Twells explains it like this.
I play Rugby, so I'm a Rugby Player. But a flyhalf can't be a prop (usually) etc, etc.
The team is made up of DS, the role you play supports the team, for the success of the team. The role you play is dependants on your ability, skill, experience, and sometimes size.
So many factors, so many requirements, none of them explained by the sia or the trainers. (not enough time, or knowledge maybe.)

[chrys]

in london, 200% YES.