CRB check

CRB for Parents

Some of you may have seen the recent article in the local newspapers which stated that under the new ISA system parents will be banned from driving other peoples children to sporting fixtures unless they have a CRB check. This article is factually misleading and if parents continue with their private/domestic arrangement then an FA CRB check will NOT be required. The only time an FA CRB check will be required will be if a club enters into a formal arrangement with a group of parents who agree a rota for taking the team members to and from matches on a regular basis. If this arrangement is in place at clubs then the parents concerned will need an FA enhanced CRB check and will also need to register with ISA as a volunteer once it becomes law on the 12th Oct 2009.

I write to advise you that the article recently published in the “This is Surrey” series of local newspapers dated 18^th December 2008, and headed “New Regulations set to change the way sports clubs operate” was factually misleading on certain key points.

The article starts by explaining that “Parents are to be banned from transporting children to sports matches next year (2009) unless they have had criminal records checks.”

This is misleading because the new regulations mentioned relates to the Independent Safeguarding Authority which is due to come into operation on the 12^th October 2009.

The FA is working hard to ensure that all clubs and participants affected by the new law are fully informed and the impact of the Act minimised by effective planning. The FA continues to be closely involved in the Governments consultation process and any participants/clubs who follow current and future FA recommendations and requirements will not fall foul of the law. Football Clubs in Surrey will be fully informed and assisted to understand the impact towards the end of this season’

The arrangement that exists with the current FA enhanced Criminal Record check will remain the same, in so much that the new ISA scheme does not require parents, who have a domestic or personal arrangement with other parents to take each others children to and from matches, to be registered or undertake an FA CRB Check.

The new ISA scheme will affect any drivers who have agreed a formal arrangement as named drivers with the club to drive children on a regular basis to and from matches. So if a formal arrangement exists between the club and two or three parents who drive a group of children on a regular basis they must undergo an FA enhanced CRB check and also register with ISA as a volunteer who is working with children.

ISA will be initially be focusing on new club members or club members new to certain positions within the clubs/leagues to register with them and undergo an FA enhanced CRB checks prior to registering those who have already been through the FA CRB process. There is a five year phase in for this new law and existing volunteers with an FA CRB check will not be affected in the early months. Junior Football Clubs should continue with their existing policy of checking all existing coaches/managers etc and all new starters who wish to volunteer with children

There are likely to be other articles in the media relating to the ISA scheme, please be reassured that The FA in conjunction with Surrey County FA will provide clear guidance on what clubs need to do to comply. This is one of the benefits of your club being affiliated.

Further information will follow when it is available and will be forwarded through the Youth League and Club Welfare Officer Network.

I hope the above helps to clarify both the current situation and what will be required come 12^th October 2009, when the Independent Safeguarding Authority is due to be launched.