Do I need a criminal record check to coach or volunteer in children's sport?
Rule- UK
- NSPCC Sport (CPSU)
- Safeguarding
- DBS
- Disclosure Scotland PVG
- AccessNI
- Youth sport (under 18)
- 2026
- Volunteers
- Coaches
If you regularly coach, train, instruct, supervise or look after children, almost certainly yes. Each nation has its own scheme:
| Where | Scheme | What a regular children's coach usually needs |
|---|---|---|
| England and Wales | DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) | Enhanced DBS check with children's barred list |
| Scotland | Disclosure Scotland PVG scheme | PVG scheme membership (a legal requirement for regulated roles since April 2025) |
| Northern Ireland | AccessNI | Enhanced AccessNI check with barred list |
Key points
- The club or governing body decides which check a role needs and submits the application. You can't apply for the higher-level checks yourself.
- In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, since 1 September 2026, helping regularly (more than 3 days in any 30 days, or overnight) counts as regulated activity even if a lead coach supervises you. Occasional helpers below that frequency usually aren't in regulated activity, though your NGB may still require a check.
- In Scotland, it's a criminal offence to do a regulated role, such as coaching children, without PVG membership.
Updated 21 Oct 2026