CRB (Criminal Records Bureau)

CRB checks are a government mandate being conducted for everyone with access to children. In football, we believe it is vital that referees, as holders of positions of influence and responsibility in the game, complete these checks.

We are delighted that referees have been identified as a priority group for CRB checks and that these will be completed at a discounted rate. However, Surrey County Football Association has taken an unprecedented approach by paying for all their active registered referees between levels 4 and 8 to complete these checks. To date they have just over 900 referees in this category which has cost the County £7000.

A great retention tool for the referees in Surrey!

The county have shown they really value their referees!

Tony Pickering points out "When certificates come back from the CRB they will be carefully checked for any signs of offending that could put children at risk. The FA will be fair and only look for offences that are significant and relevant. If the certificates indicate a cause for concern, The FA will make further investigations and may consider disciplinary action."

He adds that The FA is careful to protect confidentiality and all certificates are kept under lock and key. The FA will keep only relevant information on file and all certificates are destroyed once a decision has been made about that individual.

The FA only uses Enhanced Disclosures as they display the following information:

· Conviction history

· Lists of those people banned from working with children

· ‘Soft’ police data from local forces that gives cause for concern, but has not yet resulted in a conviction. E.g. domestic violence, allegations of sexual abuse.

The FA CRB Unit rate is £7.50 for referees. The CRB charges an additional fee of £33 for those taking a taxable income from football.

Telephone: 0800 085 0506
Email: goal@TheFA.com

The FA CRB Unit
3 Wilford Business Park
Ruddington Lane
West Bridgford
Nottingham
NG11 7EP