CRB Checks

It is now mandatory for all Charter Standard Youth Clubs to ensure members who train, care for, supervise or work alone with children under 18 years of age have been CRB checked. This includes Club Welfare Officers (CWO), managers, coaches, first aiders, club referees and minibus drivers.

For the 2008/09 season Norfolk County FA requires all youth clubs (U18 and below), as well as all adult clubs with a youth section, to appoint a designated CWO. This person is required to apply for a FA CRB check through the FA CRB Unit before the Association’s affiliation of his/her club, or club affiliation to a league, is accepted.

In line with this membership rule, every youth league is required to appoint a League Welfare Officer prior to the Association’s sanction of the league. This person is also required to have applied for a FA CRB check through the FA CRB Unit before sanction of the league is accepted.

Norfolk County FA strongly recommends that CRB checks are carried out on all members who have contact with children under the age of 18 within their club.

What is a CRB check?
A CRB check is a way of checking a person’s history to make sure they do not have any previous convictions that mean they are not safe to work with children. The FA use Enhanced Disclosure checks only, which are currently renewable after three years. These show people’s conviction history (offences they have been found guilty of), information that might be considered relevant (for example if a person has had their children on a Child Protection register for sexual abuse) and whether they are banned by the courts from working with children.

When a Disclosure is issued The FA CRB Unit gets one copy and the applicant gets another. These are identical. If, however, the unit gets what is called Additional Information on a separate letter this will not show on the applicant’s copy. This means that a Disclosure certificate appears clear of relevant offending but there may be very real concerns.

Additional information tells The FA CRB Unit about any on-going investigations, for example about someone who is having their computer monitored for downloading child abuse images or who is under surveillance for drug dealing. This information is only shared with the FA Case Manager.

How much do they cost?
CRB checks cost £12 for anyone involved in football on a voluntary basis. Anyone taking an income from football will need to pay an additional £36.

How can I get a CRB check?
We recommend that your club nominates a Club Welfare Officer who applies for a CRB check first. Forms can be obtained from Kate Dixon at County Headquarters. Once the form has been completed the applicant will need to bring at least 3 forms of identification (for example a passport, driving license, birth or marriage certificate, recent utility bill) along with the form to be checked. At the same time a Confirmation of Identity form can be returned to The FA CRB Unit, which will permit the CWO to check identity documents of all club members applying for a CRB check.

Further supplies of CRB application forms can be requested by calling The FA CRB Unit on 0800 085 0506 or emailing crb@TheFA.com

I already have a CRB check – do I need another one?
CRB checks can only be accepted when issued through The FA (TMG.TV Ltd).

For further information on CRB checks please contact Kate Dixon at County Headquarters on 01603 704050 or The FA CRB Unit on 0800 085 0506.

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