Do my child's coaches need a DBS check, and can adults join in contact training?

DBS checks (RFU Regulation 21, 2026/27)

Anyone aged 16 or over who works or volunteers with children in rugby union in England, paid or unpaid (coaching, training, teaching, care or supervision), must:

• apply for a DBS certificate processed through the RFU Safeguarding Team within 4 weeks of starting;
• until cleared, work only under active supervision of an RFU DBS-cleared adult who stays within sight and earshot;
• renew the DBS within 3 years, or keep it current through the DBS Update Service with annual status checks.

If a DBS certificate comes back with information on it, that person must stop working with children, even supervised, until the RFU clears them.

Adults in contact training (Regulation 15)

Adults must not join in any part of contact training with age grade players. That includes holding contact shields or tackle bags, demonstrating tackling, rucks, mauls, scrums or lineouts, and playing in semi-contact or opposed practices.