Referee Development

Devon FA Safeguarding Update - June 2020

Safeguarding Update – Affiliation and DBS Checks

Coaches working with children

Guidance issued on 1 June following discussion with DCMS, enabled coaches to work with groups of 5 children, with the coach as the 6th person, if the coach had an in-date FA DBS check and there was another adult (this could have been a parent/carer or another coach), in sight of the activity.

This approach sought to facilitate a gradual start to some football activity in a proportionate way, with an observing adult in sight of the activity, whilst socially distanced and observing. Whilst this was supported by the DCMS, it has become apparent that this position has caused some confusion in respect of ensuring the correct ratio of coaches to children is always adhered to, and that this might lead to challenges for clubs and coaches locally. For this reason, you will see a change to the information now in the public domain.

Therefore, the guidance issued on 12 June, clarifies this - //www.thefa.com/news/2020/jun/12/grassroots-covid-19-update-120620

Coaches must work on a ratio of one coach to groups of no more than five children in each group (1:5) and there must be a minimum of two FA-DBS-checked adults present at any one time.

For the avoidance of doubt this means:

  • if there is only one group, there must be two FA DBS checked adults / coaches, therefore the ratio is 2:4 coaches to children; or
  • if there are two or more groups of 5 children, coaches can work on the ratio of 1:5 coaches to children.

DBS Checks in Line with Government Covid-19 Guidelines

The FA have provided updates on the carrying out face to face identity document verification for DBS checks and an update on safeguarding through affiliation:

For information regarding DBS check please click here.

Guidance for Clubs in WGS Portal in light of changes connected with the Covid-19 pandemic

Q - Can I add a Welfare Officer in the Portal Affiliation form without a current FA DBS check?

A – Yes to allow you to start the process, but you will receive warnings and you will not be able to able to submit the affiliation form. With face-to-face DBS verification now reinstated, you are reminded that all Welfare Officers must have a current FA DBS check.

Q – Can I add a Welfare Officer in the Portal Affiliation form without a SGW or WOW?

A – Yes, you will receive warnings, but this is allowed, and the affiliation form can be submitted.

Q – Can I add a Youth Team Manager or Coach in the Portal Affiliation form without an FA DBS?

A – No, with face-to-face FA DBS checks reinstated, all Youth Team Managers and Coaches must have a current FA DBS.

Q – Can I add a new Welfare Officer in the Portal Club Officials page without an FA DBS, SGW or WOW?

A – No, this is not allowed. If you need to have a new Welfare Officer who does not have any of these, you will need to contact your County FA who can support getting the FA DBS check and can record the need for an action plan for the Safeguarding and Welfare Officer Workshops.

Q – Can I add a new Youth Team Manager or Coach in the Portal Team Officials page without an FA DBS?

A – No, this is not allowed. With face-to-face DBS verification now reinstated, all Youth Team Managers and Coaches must have a current FA DBS.