If using a local authority/private facility, then it is very likely that the changing facilities may be open to members of the public. If this is the case, the following will need to be considered:
- Is it possible to arrange a separate room for the players
- Is it possible to negotiate a time period of exclusivity for the players?
- Is it possible to arrange a designated area within the facility that nobody else is allowed to use?
- Is it possible for the players to change at home?
If it is not possible for any of the above, then the players must be supervised at all times by at least 2 individuals of the same gender who hold current and valid DBS checks and have completed registration on the comet system.
- If using a private/local authority facility, ensure that the club abides by their changing facilities guidance or policy.
- For children under the age of 10, supervision should always be present by 2 individuals of the same gender who hold current and valid DBS checks and registration on the comet system.
- For disabled children, the club should liaise with their parents/carers to assess required levels of support to meet their needs.
If you have teams of mixed genders, the following measures should be considered:
- Is it possible to arrange separate changing facilities?
- Is it possible for each gender to have a designated time period of exclusivity for the facility?
- Is it possible for the players to change at home?
Those who have supervision responsibilities must hold a current & valid DBS check, must have registered on the comet system and have signed the Coaches/Volunteers Code of Conduct.
- Adults should not use the changing facilities at the same time as the team e.g. coaches, referees. If this is unavoidable, parental consent must be provided to allow children and adults to use the facilities at the same time.
- Children and young people should never be pressured to use the facilities. Instead, they may be encouraged to change at home.
- Mobile phones, tablets, cameras etc must not be used in the changing room.
- Volunteers must never complete tasks of a personal nature unless expressly requested to do so by a parent/guardian.