For sports coaches and activity instructors
Enhanced DBS Checks for Self-Employed Sports Coaches and Instructors
If you coach or instruct children on a self-employed basis, you can now get your own Enhanced DBS check with the Children’s Barred List, even if you work across several clubs. Apply online with us, then show your certificate wherever you coach.
Sports coach Enhanced check
With Children's Barred List
The barred list is included when you coach children regularly.
- No club or employer needed
- We check your eligibility before we submit
- Digital ID check with your phone and passport
- One certificate to show every club and family, with the Update Service
Who this page is for
Since 21 January 2026, people who are self-employed, or employed directly by the person they work for, can apply for their own Enhanced DBS check through a registered umbrella body. These roles usually qualify:
Sports coaches
Football, tennis, cricket, rugby and other coaches working with under-18s.
Swimming teachers
Running children’s swimming lessons, privately or at pools.
Martial arts and gymnastics instructors
Teaching classes or private sessions to children.
Riding and outdoor instructors
Horse riding, climbing, sailing and other outdoor activity instructors.
Which check do I need?
It depends on how often you coach children. You don’t have to work it out alone: we check this with you before anything is sent to the DBS.
Most coaches and instructors
Enhanced with Children's Barred List
If you coach children regularly, meaning any one of these:
- Once a week or more
- On 4 or more days in any 30 days
- Overnight, between 2am and 6am
Occasional work
Enhanced check (no barred list)
If you only coach children now and then, such as a few taster days a year:
- You can still get an Enhanced check
- It just won't include the barred list
- Same price either way
Examples
A freelance football coach
Runs weekly sessions for two junior clubs.
Enhanced + Children's Barred List
A swimming teacher
Teaches children’s lessons at a leisure centre every Tuesday and Thursday.
Enhanced + Children's Barred List
A climbing instructor
Leads a children’s taster day a few times a year.
Enhanced (no barred list)
Coaching through a club or governing body?
Many clubs and national governing bodies, such as the FA, run their own DBS checks. Check what your club or governing body asks for first. If they don’t arrange it, or you coach privately, you can apply with us.
How to apply
STEP 1
Complete the online form
Enter SELF-EMPLOYED, or PERSONAL EMPLOYEE if a family employs you directly, as the organisation name.
STEP 2
Verify your identity digitally
You’ll need a biometric passport and a phone that can make contactless payments.
STEP 3
We check and submit
We review your application and confirm the right level of check before sending it to the DBS.
STEP 4
Receive your certificate
The DBS posts your certificate to you. Join the Update Service to keep it current.
Parents and clubs: hiring a coach?
You can’t apply for a DBS check for them. They must apply for their own. Ask to see their original certificate, check it’s an Enhanced check with the Children’s Barred List, and if they’ve joined the DBS Update Service, check online for free that it’s still up to date.
Common questions
Not necessarily. If you join the DBS Update Service, each club can check online, with your permission, that your certificate is still up to date.
Coaching adults isn’t eligible for an Enhanced check. You can apply for a Basic check instead.
No. Parents can’t apply on your behalf. You apply yourself, then show them your certificate.
No. It’s the same price as an Enhanced check arranged by an employer.
We’ll tell you before anything is submitted. You can apply for a Basic DBS check instead.
Ready to get your coaching DBS check?
Apply online in minutes. We’ll check your eligibility before submitting, so you only pay for the right check.