The facts seem to be that the ISA is setting up a database of everyone who works with any organisation (commercial or voluntary) who comes into contact with children (and also "vulnerable adults) - it effectively brings together several databases that already exist. This will include all coaches and club officials - and will be in addition to their requirement to have a current CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) check - the ISA does not, it seem, replace the CRB. And you do not need to re-register (unlike the CRB, which has to be renewed) - once registered you are registered for life.
What it does do is rather broaden (though only slightly) the definition of who a "volunteer"is, and also introduce the element of a fine (£5,000) for anyone not having a check done. In the past it has been unclear about whether or not everyone, for example, who gives a lift to children should have a CRB - now there is no doubt.
However - the main thing to note is that it is reported that it will take up to six years for the regulations to come fully into effect, so you will not need to register this weekend! And it only applies if you are asked to give a lift by someone at the club, or if the club organises some sort of pooling system - "private" arrangements are excluded.
This only applies if lift arrangments are organised on a formal, ie rota, basis. It is not necessary if it can be seen to be an ad hoc incident such as one parent helping out another to get their players to matches/ training etc. Obviously the old rules surrounding child protection/welfare and coaches/club officials giving lifts still apply.
ReplyDeleteBut that is extremely vague. Almost all lift arrangements we have had have been pre-arranged - ie. all meet at a set time, then spread the players among the cars available so that not too many travel.
ReplyDeleteThat is not, surely, "ad hoc" which I would take to mean one-off and unplanned circumstances.
And even if you say otherwise, there is sufficient doubt there I would suggest to mean that it is better to pay the £64 than risk the £5000 fine. Or maybe better to not volunteer?
Also a bit of maths. Say around 10 families willing to give lifts per team in the club - that is 20 registrations. Multiply that by all the teams, from U7 to U18 plus the girls so that is 280 registrations. Multiply by £64. That is just shy of £18,000. Who is going to pay that?
And that is - I might add - in ADDITION to any CRB certifications. The ISA does not replace any CRB checks.
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