In light of restrictions around social gatherings and an increased demand on the DBS service due to the current health crisis, The FA is asking that individuals do not submit DBS applications or renewals for the foreseeable future so as not to take resources away from checks for emergency service staff and NHS volunteers.

To support this, The FA have agreed that the renewal date for any DBS due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 1 October 2020 will be extended by one year. However, all individuals in regulated activity will still be required to have an in-date DBS check in order for the Club to be affiliated for the 2020/2021 season. 

This means that:

1. Any NEW coach/referee taking on a role will have to apply for a DBS as normal when restrictions are lifted;

2. Any coach/referee with a DBS which expired before 1 March 2020 will need to submit a new DBS application when restrictions have been lifted (if they have not already done so); 

3. Any coach/referee with a DBS which was due to expire between 1 March and 1 October 2020 will be deemed to possess an in-date DBS and will not need to submit a renewal until one year after their previously scheduled date of expiry.

Please note that this is a temporary measure which may be reviewed and/or amended by The FA at any stage. The full update from The FA can be accessed here.