Summer is the peak time for sports, as long as the fickle British weather agrees. During the summer holidays, parents across the country will be looking for sports-related childcare for their kids, both to keep them busy and to teach them new skills. A good sports coach plays a huge role in nurturing talent, honing skills, and instilling a passion for their particular sport. Passion only goes so far, and the DBS check system means that anyone who works with children as a sports coach needs a detailed criminal records check.
What is a DBS Check?
These criminal records checks were formerly known as Criminal Records Bureau or CRB checks. DBS checks look into someone’s criminal record to make sure they are a good match for roles involving working closely with vulnerable groups such as children.
Safeguarding is paramount in sports coaching, and carrying out DBS checks can help sports clubs or governing bodies to uncover any past convictions or information which might pose risks to participants’ safety. DBS checks are the best tool which we have for checking the background of sports coaches, and the system is well-known and understood throughout England and Wales. Also, parents who send their children to sports clubs will expect all coaches to have DBS checks, and thoroughly checking out the records of all coaches will reassure parents that the club is making safeguarding their top priority.
Adult Sport Coaching and DBS Checks
DBS checks are primarily about safeguarding children and other vulnerable groups. They are not always needed for coaching adults, but some organisations might still ask for DBS checks, particularly in scenarios where vulnerability exists due to disability of the participants or other factors. Usually, the sport’s governing body will have extensive guidelines and policies so that the decision about whether or not to get a check will not be left to the individual coach.
Process of Getting a DBS Check for Sport Coaches
For most sports coaches, the sport’s governing body, such as England Athletics or Welsh Gymnastics will carry out the DBS check. The process usually involves completing the application form, submission of your identification documents, and paying the fee, which may be waived if you are a volunteer coach. The sporting body will check the application and then forward it to the DBS or an umbrella body for processing, with costs and timelines varying.
Renewing A DBS Check
Each sport body will have its own rules about how often coaches have to renew an existing DBS check. Typically, this is around every three years. If coaches work freelance, or for many different organisations which all require a DBS check, it might be worth signing up for the DBS Update service. This is an online portal which provides real-time DBS information in return for an annual subscription fee. Being a member of Update can be very useful for people who move jobs frequently but stay in the same broad area of employment, such as sports coaching.
