Training for Club Welfare Officers and Coaches
Ensuring that everyone involved in the game understands their role in safeguarding is essential to creating a safe and positive environment for all participants. BAFA requires coaches and club welfare officers to complete appropriate safeguarding training relevant to their role.
Coaches working with children and young people
All coaches working with children and young people should complete appropriate safeguarding training. This training should cover recognising concerns, responding appropriately, and understanding responsibilities within a club environment.
BAFA National Leagues Coaches working with young people should as a minimum complete the online NSPCC Safeguarding in Sport elearning or the UK Coaching Safeguarding and Protecting Children Webinar. Coaches in Scotland can also opt to complete the Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport (CWPS) workshop developed by Children 1st and sportscotland instead instead or in addition.
Safeguarding Adults
Safeguarding adults is different to safeguarding children and young people. The Ann Craft Trust website provides a wide range of free guidance, practical resources and downloadable templates to help clubs develop their safeguarding adults policies, procedures and practice. BAFA recommends clubs and Welfare Officers make use of these resources to support the ongoing development of safeguarding adults within their organisation.
Coaches and volunteers working with adults are also encouraged to develop their understanding of safeguarding adults. BAFA recommends the , developed in partnership with Ann Craft Trust, as a recommended learning resource for anyone coaching adults.
Club Welfare Officers
Club Welfare Officers have a key role in supporting safeguarding within clubs are are expected to:
- Complete the appropriate training for their nation
- Understand how to manage and respond to safeguarding concerns
- Act as the main point of contact within the club for safeguarding matters
- Support coaches, volunteers and parents in maintaining safe environments
In addition to the basic courses about, coaches in England and Wales Club Welfare Officers should complete the Welfare Officer Training (Time to Listen) course, which provides the knowledge required for the role, including adopting a child-focused approach to safeguarding and understanding how to respond to concerns.
In Scotland, Club Welfare Officers should also complete the Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer (CPWO) workshop developed by Children 1st and sportscotland. This workshop is designed for those responsible for leading wellbeing and protection within their club.
Other recommended training resources
The Melanoma Fund Sunguarding Course is a free online learning resource recommended for all coaches and volunteers who deliver American football outdoors. The course provides practical guidance on managing the risks of sun exposure and heat, helping coaches recognise and reduce the risk of skin cancer and heat-related illness while creating safer environments for everyone taking part. Developed with experts from across the sport and outdoor sector, it is a valuable addition to every coach’s ongoing development.
The UK Coaching Sudden Cardiac Arrest eLearning course is a free life-saving learning resource recommended for all coaches and volunteers. It provides practical guidance on recognising the signs of sudden cardiac arrest, responding quickly and confidently in an emergency, and using CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED). Developed in partnership with Resuscitation Council UK, St John Ambulance and The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust, it is valuable learning for anyone involved in delivering American football.
The UK Coaching Duty to Care elearning digital badge is a free learning resource recommended for all BAFA coaches, regardless of the age group or level they coach. While safeguarding training focuses on recognising and responding to concerns, the Duty to Care badge helps coaches build the wider knowledge and skills needed to create safe, positive and inclusive environments. Covering topics including safeguarding, mental health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, physical wellbeing and safe to practice, it is a valuable part of every coach’s ongoing development.