What DBS check and coaching qualifications do I need?
Rule- England
- RFU
- Age grade rugby
- Regulation 15
- World Rugby laws
- Under 13-Under 18
- 2026/27
- Coaches
DBS (RFU Regulation 21, 2026/27) - mandatory
Anyone aged 16 or over who works or volunteers with children in rugby union in England must:
- apply for a DBS certificate processed through the RFU Safeguarding Team within 4 weeks of starting;
- until cleared, coach only under active supervision of an RFU DBS-cleared adult who stays within sight and earshot;
- renew within 3 years, or stay on the DBS Update Service and consent to annual status checks.
If your certificate returns any information, you must stop working with children, even supervised, until the RFU clears you.
Coaching standards (RFU Age Grade Codes of Practice, Code 7)
| Level | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Required practice (mandatory for every age grade coach) | RFU enhanced DBS |
| Standard practice | DBS approved, HEADCASE concussion awareness module completed, committed to the Codes of Practice, England Rugby Coaching Award (or Referee Award) completed, Introduction to Safeguarding course completed |
| Best practice | Also a member of the coaching association, doing annual CPD, and holding a relevant first aid course |
The RFU recommends that contact rugby is only introduced and refereed by coaches and referees who have reached standard practice.
Added 21 Oct 2026