What vetting do I need to register as a coach, and can under-18s coach?

From the GSA Safe Sport (Safeguarding) briefing (November 2025):

• Minimum requirements to register as a coach with GSA: the required safeguarding training (Open University or FIG) and a valid police clearance certificate, in addition to the relevant coaching qualification.
• GSA suggests applying for the criminal record check through PostNet or a similar service.
• Under-18 coaches: although a criminal record check can be done from age 12 in South Africa, GSA only applies it to coaches 18 and older. Coaches under 18 must always coach under the direct supervision of an adult.
• Coaches in regular contact (more than once a month) with children or vulnerable people should also have Child Protection Register and Sexual Offences Register checks, and clubs keep these records.