Rachel Tarr, The FA’s Child Protection Manager, has congratulated them on helping ensure a safer environment for children in football.

“Jersey FA has been extremely proactive and responsible in driving forward their child protection recruitment and training policy.

“The 100 per cent completion of CRB checks for referees is most commendable and assists with safe recruitment for those with access to Under-18s through their refereeing activities.

“With 75 per cent of their referees having completed their child protection training, Jersey FA is an inspiration to other areas. The FA would like to congratulate them and thank them for their continued commitment and vigilance in child protection.”

Gill Morgan, Jersey FA County Secretary and Child Protection Officer, says that they set out their agenda from the start. “When we sent out our registration forms we made it a condition of re-registering that a CRB form was completed and one of the relevant courses was attended.

“Brian Oliver, the Football Development Officer and FA Child Protection Tutor in Jersey, then offered two referee only child protection courses, which were attended by people from as wide an age range as 74 to 14 years of age.

“Referees are also offered the chance to attend the CP module on any Level 1 coaching course Brian holds, while some have chosen to complete the CD Rom instead,” she adds.

“As the referees sent in their registration form they had to come to the office to have their CRB form signed off, as I am the only designated person on the Island currently, and with only around 40 referees here, it is relatively easy for us to monitor the situation.”

Gill says that Jersey currently has eight adults on the first tier of a two-tier course, and two adults and eight Under-16s who have just completed the first tier at a local school.

Tony Pickerin, The FA’s Head of Child Protection, has added his congratulations to the Jersey referees. “I am delighted with the effort and foresight of the Jersey CFA in processing 100 per cent of the registered referees and the achievement of 75 per cent completing The FA Child Protection Education and Training Programme.”

The FA CRB Unit Manager, Elizabeth Hubbard, says that even though it’s a relatively small number of officials, it’s still an indication of the thoroughness applied to the situation.

“Gill and her team have been wonderful," she said. "The key role officials play cannot be overestimated, and it is so encouraging to know that every single one of them on Jersey has now been checked.”