The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks help the RFL assess who may be unsuitable to work with children within Rugby League by looking at previous criminal convictions.

DBS checking plays a significant role in contributing to the safe and effective recruitment of volunteers. However, it must be stated that DBS checking is only part of an effective recruitment and selection process. It is important that clubs undertake references (forms available on the Downloads section) prior to employment/deployment and utilise ongoing performance appraisals.

Self Declaration forms also play an important role in Safeguarding children. These are completed by the applicant themselves and gives them the opportunity to declare any convictions they may have had. It is therefore essential that clubs store this information sensitivley before sending on to the RFL. Self Declarations should be used in conjunction with DBS checks - they are not an alternative.

It must be noted that having a criminal record is not necessarily a bar on being able to work within Rugby League. For further details please see the RFL’s Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders (below), DBS Positive Disclosure FAQ and the Risk Assessment Policy.

For guidance about which volunteers should be DBS checked, please see the RFL Policy on who should be DBS checked. Voluntary positions at clubs receive DBS checks free of charge.

To obtain a DBS Application Form please email safeguarding@rfl.uk.com or call 0113 237 5036.

CRB Guidance – RFL produced guidance regarding how to complete a CRB disclosure application form

RFL Policy of Recruitment of Ex-Offenders

RFL Storage and Destruction Policy

CRB Positive Disclosure FAQ

RFL Policy on the Risk Assessment Process

RFL Policy on Who should be CRB checked

CRB Guidance for Asylum Seekers & Refugees

RFL Advice on Checking Evidence for CRB Disclosures

Flowchart explaning the CRB process

CRB Evidence Continuation Sheet

Current List of CRB Evidence Checkers

The RFL can provide any of the Safeguarding resources in audio format or Braille on request so please let us know if you need resources in either of these formats.

Also, if you require any of the RFL Safeguarding resources in another language, please contact the RFL Safeguarding team and we will endeavour to provide the resources in your chosen language.

The RFL has taken every care to ensure that the content of this website is current and correct and it has been produced in good faith. However, the RFL cannot guarantee the correctness and completeness of the content and no responsibility is taken for any omissions or errors.

The information on these pages is only a short guide to the information available and does not constitute business, medical or other professional advice.