News

02/11/2026 00:00, In Blog / Club Notice Board /

Welsh Athletics and UK Athletics take our responsibilities towards the welfare of young people and adults at risk in athletics and running very seriously and require officials, coaches, leaders, Club Welfare Officers and everyone in the sport who has frequent contact with children to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. 

From October 2026, Welsh Athletics started working with First Advantage, a specialist third-party provider, to manage DBS checks on our behalf. 

What's changed?

From September 2026, changes to UK legislation mean that the long-standing 'supervision exemption' has been removed from the definition of regulated activity with children (under 18’s). This means that some athletics volunteers who were previously not eligible for an Enhanced DBS check may now require one.

The changes are driven by the Crime and Policing Act 2026 and apply across sport, not just athletics.

Government guidance confirms that unpaid teaching, training, instructing, caring for or supervising children is now classed as regulated activity when carried out:

• On more than three days in a 30-day period; or
• Overnight in a supervising role

Volunteers meeting these criteria must have an Enhanced DBS check.

Who needs a DBS check?

Recent changes in legislation mean that anyone aged 16 or over who meets the criteria below must hold an Enhanced DBS check, renewed every three years.

You will need a DBS check if you:

· Are a licenced coach, leader, activator or guide runner 

· Are a licenced official 

· Are a Lead Welfare Officer or Welfare Officer for your club 

or 

· Have contact with children (under 18s) or adults at risk in a paid or voluntary role

· Have regular contact, defined as more than three days within a 30-day period

· Supervise children or adults at risk on an overnight trip, even as a one-off volunteer

This could be in any general club volunteer role that meets the criteria above: 

• Team Managers  
• Club Chairs  
• Club Secretaries  
• Coaching Coordinators  
• Committee Members  
• Helpers  
• Membership Secretaries  
• Mental Health Champions  
• Officials Coordinators  
• Parent / Volunteer helpers   

Please note that from October 2026, individuals working under direct supervision will require an Enhanced DBS check if their role meets the criteria above.