Does our club need a formal safeguarding policy?

Yes. Any organisation working regularly with children should have a written safeguarding policy. Most national governing bodies (such as the FA, RFU, or England Athletics) require this as a condition of affiliation. Our sports club safeguarding checklist can help you get started.

Can coaches message children directly on WhatsApp?

No. Best practice is that adults should not communicate privately with individual children via messaging apps or social media. All communication should go through parents or through official club channels such as a group with parents included.

Child Safety for Sports Clubs

Safeguarding guidance for sports club organisers, coaches, and volunteers. Protect the children in your club with clear policies and practical steps.

Sports clubs hold a position of trust with children and their families. Whether you run a football team, swimming club, or athletics group, you are responsible for creating a safe environment — both physically and online. This guide covers the safeguarding essentials for sports settings, including digital communication, photography policies, and recognising warning signs.

Why this matters

Children in sports clubs often develop close relationships with coaches and older players. While this is overwhelmingly positive, it also means that safeguarding must be taken seriously. The majority of safeguarding concerns in sport relate to poor boundaries, inappropriate communication, or a lack of clear policies. Getting the basics right prevents problems before they start.

Quick wins

high

Complete and display the sports club safeguarding checklist in your clubhouse

Time: 15 minutes

high

Appoint a designated welfare officer for child safeguarding

Time: 10 minutes

medium

Add a safeguarding statement to your club's website or noticeboard

Time: 10 minutes

Common challenges

Coaches and volunteers communicating with children via personal phones or social media

Establish a clear communication policy. All contact with children should go through official club channels or via parents. Coaches should never communicate privately with individual children on personal social media or messaging apps.

Photography and video at events and training

Create a photography policy that requires parental consent, prohibits images being shared on personal social media, and ensures children are not identifiable by name alongside their image in public posts.

Volunteer coaches without formal safeguarding training

All adults working regularly with children should complete basic safeguarding training and hold a current DBS check. Our safeguarding checklist for sports clubs covers what every club should have in place.