Seeking references and Criminal Records Checks

Most people who get involved in football do so for all of the right reasons; however it’s important that football recognises its responsibility to safeguard and protect children and young people who are involved in football. This responsibility is reinforced by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act, 2006.

Responsible Recruitment procedures will help to screen out those people who are not suitable to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults. To make sure you are ‘getting the right people involved’ refer to The FA’s Responsible Recruitment guidelines resource document below. It covers the following:

• The need to clarify what the person would be doing - the role
• What sort of experience and/or qualifications they might need
• Who needs an FA CRC and how they can get one
• The importance of references 

Let’s make football safe – not sorry. Make sure you have a Responsible Recruitment process in your club or league.

Criminal Records Checks

The FA believes that football should be safe and enjoyable for all children and has introduced Criminal Records Checks (CRC)  to help in this process. For further information for CRC applicants and guidance for Club Welfare Officers please click on the resource documents below.