What should I do if I think a coach or official is getting too close to a player?

This may be an abuse of a position of trust. Under The FA's Safeguarding Children Regulations, anyone who cares for, advises, supervises, trains, coaches, manages, mentors or guides a young person is in a position of trust, whether paid or a volunteer and whatever their qualifications. They must not engage in sexual activity or have an inappropriate relationship with that young person, including 16 and 17-year-olds, even though the age of consent is 16. Since August 2022 it has also been a criminal offence for an adult in a position of trust in sport to engage in sexual activity with a 16 or 17-year-old.

If you suspect an abuse of a position of trust has happened, is happening or may happen, The FA's guidance (Guidance Note 1.7) says you must:

1. Immediately inform your Club Welfare Officer, the County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer, or The FA at Safeguarding@TheFA.com.
2. Report the matter directly to the police.
3. Make a written record of your concerns and the relevant details.

If you can't reach any of those people, or someone is at risk of immediate harm, report it to the police or the local authority's Children's Social Care. If you think your concern has not been dealt with properly, or there is no safeguarding officer, you can consult the local authority's designated officer in Children's Social Care, whose duties include concerns about breaches of a position of trust.

The FA can impose interim suspensions while the police, Children's Social Care or The FA investigate.