Reporting a Safeguarding Concern in a Sports Club
Sports clubs have a duty of care to children in their programmes. All clubs affiliated to national governing bodies (NGBs) in the UK are required to have safeguarding policies, a club welfare officer, and to ensure all coaches working with children are DBS-checked. If you have a concern about a child's safety in a sports setting — whether involving a coach, volunteer, or another participant — there are clear reporting routes.
Immediate danger — call 999
If a child is in immediate physical danger at or following a sports event, call 999 immediately.
What to report
- •Inappropriate physical contact between a coach or adult and a child
- •A coach or volunteer taking photos of children without club permission or parents' consent
- •One-to-one sessions with a child in an unsupervised or hidden location
- •Excessive favouritism, gift-giving, or special attention from a coach to one child
- •A child who discloses that a club adult has behaved inappropriately towards them
How to report
Club Welfare Officer
When to use
As the first point of contact for any safeguarding concern in a sports club
How to contact
Contact the club's welfare officer — their name and contact details should be displayed at the venue and in club communications. If you do not know who they are, ask the club secretary or check the club website.
What to expect
The welfare officer will record the concern, consult with the national governing body's welfare team, and decide whether to refer to the LADO or children's services. They will keep you updated where appropriate.
NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU)
When to use
When you want specialist advice on safeguarding in sport, or when the club has not responded adequately
How to contact
Contact the CPSU at thecpsu.org.uk or call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000. The CPSU supports sports organisations and individuals with safeguarding concerns.
What to expect
The CPSU can advise on appropriate next steps, support you through the reporting process, and — if needed — contact the national governing body directly to ensure concerns are handled properly.
National Governing Body (NGB) welfare team
When to use
When the club welfare officer is involved in the concern, or when you want the NGB to be aware
How to contact
Each NGB (e.g. the FA, England Athletics, British Swimming, Lawn Tennis Association) has a safeguarding or welfare team. Contact details are on the NGB's website. Make a written report by email so there is a record.
What to expect
The NGB will investigate and can suspend club membership or coaching licences. They work closely with the CPSU and will refer to LADO if the concern involves a person in a position of trust.
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
When to use
When the concern involves an allegation of abuse by a coach, volunteer, or other adult who works with children in the club
How to contact
Contact the LADO via your local authority — search '[council name] LADO'. An allegation against a sports coach who works with children must be referred to the LADO under statutory guidance.
What to expect
The LADO will manage the allegation process, coordinating with police, the NGB, and children's services. They will assess whether the person should be suspended pending investigation and will advise on further steps.
Evidence checklist
Gather this information before or during your report. Do not delay reporting while collecting evidence — but preserve what you can.
- Written account of the concern — what you observed or were told, including date, time, and location
- Names of any witnesses present
- Name and role of the person involved (coach, volunteer, official)
- The child's name, age, and section of the club they train with
- Whether the coach or volunteer has a current DBS check — ask the welfare officer
- Previous incidents or concerns you are aware of
What to say
You do not need to use a script, but this template may help if you are nervous about making the call. Adapt it to your circumstances.
"I am reporting a safeguarding concern about a child at [club name]. My concern is about [coach/volunteer name or role]. On [date], I observed / was told that [brief description of the concern]. The child involved is aged [age] and trains in the [section/team]. I would like to know what action is being taken and to whom this has been referred."
What happens next
The welfare officer or NGB will conduct an initial assessment and refer to the LADO if the threshold is met. The LADO will convene a strategy meeting within a few days. The person who is the subject of the concern will usually be suspended from their role pending the outcome. The child will be safeguarded and may be interviewed by specialist police officers.
What not to do
- ✗Do not investigate the concern yourself or approach the person who is the subject of the concern
- ✗Do not tell other parents or club members about the allegation before it has been formally reported
- ✗Do not allow the person who is the subject of the concern to continue working with children while the matter is unresolved
- ✗Do not dismiss a child's disclosure, however minor it seems
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if the coach has been DBS-checked?
You can ask the club welfare officer or secretary. Clubs affiliated to an NGB are required to ensure all coaches and volunteers working with children have an enhanced DBS check. The DBS Update Service allows clubs to verify the status of a check in real time.
What if the concern is about another child in the club, not my own?
Report it to the welfare officer regardless. Any child in the club is the welfare officer's responsibility. You do not need parental consent to report a concern about another child's safety.
Sources and further information
- NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) — NSPCC / CPSU
- DBS Update Service — Disclosure and Barring Service
- Sport England — Safeguarding — Sport England
This guidance is for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for emergency services or professional safeguarding support. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) now.
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Last reviewed: 2026-04-19. This page provides general educational information, not legal or professional safeguarding advice. UK helplines and legislation may change — verify current details with the relevant organisation.