Enhanced DBS Checks for Freelance Sports Coaches and Activity Instructors
Coaching or instructing children on a self-employed basis? You can now get your own Enhanced DBS check, Children’s Barred List included – even if your work is spread across several clubs. Apply online with us and take the same certificate wherever you coach.
- No club or employer needs to sign you up
- Your eligibility is confirmed before anything goes to the DBS
- Prove who you are digitally with your passport and phone
- Join the Update Service and show one certificate to every club and family
Which coaching roles can apply?
Since 21 January 2026, anyone who is self-employed – or directly employed by the individual they work for – has been able to get an Enhanced DBS check in their own name through a registered umbrella body like us. These roles normally qualify:
Sports coaches
Coaches of football, tennis, cricket, rugby and other sports for under-18s.
Swimming teachers
Children’s swimming lessons, whether private or at a pool.
Martial arts & gymnastics
Instructors running classes or one-to-one sessions for children.
Riding & outdoor instructors
Horse riding, climbing, sailing and other outdoor activities.
Will my check include the Children’s Barred List?
That depends on how often you coach children. Don’t worry about getting it wrong – we go through it with you before your application reaches the DBS.
Enhanced check with Children’s Barred List
This is the one for you if your coaching with children is regular – meaning any of the following:
- Weekly or more often
- On 4 or more days within any 30-day period
- Overnight, between 2am and 6am
Enhanced check without the barred list
For coaching children only now and again – for example, a few taster days a year:
- An Enhanced check is still open to you
- It simply won’t include the barred list
- The price is the same whichever level you need
Which check would these coaches need?
A few everyday situations and the check each one would need.
Freelance football coach
Delivers weekly sessions for two junior clubs.
Swimming teacher
Takes children’s lessons at a leisure centre every Tuesday and Thursday.
Climbing instructor
Leads a taster day for children a few times each year.
Coaching through a club or governing body?
Plenty of clubs and national governing bodies, the FA among them, carry out DBS checks themselves. Find out what your club or governing body requires before you apply.
If they don’t arrange a check for you, or you coach privately, you’re welcome to apply with us. Coaching adults only? That isn’t eligible for an Enhanced check – choose a Basic DBS check.
What to have ready
Gather these before you start and the form should only take a few minutes:
- A biometric passport, for the digital identity check
- A smartphone that can make contactless payments
- The organisation name to enter: SELF-EMPLOYED, or PERSONAL EMPLOYEE when a family is your direct employer
- Your eligibility questions answered honestly – we double-check the level for you
Applying in four simple steps
Everything happens online, and we keep an eye on your application at each stage.
Fill in the online form
Type SELF-EMPLOYED in the organisation name box – or PERSONAL EMPLOYEE if a family pays you directly.
Confirm your ID online
Have your biometric passport to hand, plus a phone able to make contactless payments.
We review and submit
We look over your answers and agree the correct level of check before passing it to the DBS.
Your certificate arrives
The DBS sends the certificate to you by post. Signing up to the Update Service keeps it current.
Taking on a coach for your child or club?
Parents and clubs can’t apply for a DBS check on a coach’s behalf – coaches need to apply for their own. Before they start:
- Ask to see their original certificate
- Make sure it’s an Enhanced check that includes the Children’s Barred List
- If they’ve joined the DBS Update Service, confirm online – free of charge – that it’s still current
Coaching DBS questions answered
Will every club I coach for need its own DBS check?
Not necessarily. Once you’ve joined the DBS Update Service, each club can – with your consent – confirm online that your certificate remains current.
Can I apply if I only coach adults?
No – coaching adults doesn’t qualify for an Enhanced check. A Basic check is the one to go for.
Can a parent apply on my behalf?
No. You make the application yourself, then show parents your certificate.
My club or governing body does checks. Should I still apply here?
Check with them first, as many arrange DBS checks for their own coaches. If they don’t, or you coach privately, you can apply with us.
Is it more expensive to apply as self-employed?
No – you pay exactly what you would for an Enhanced check organised by an employer.
What happens if I turn out not to be eligible?
We’ll let you know before anything is sent off, and you can apply for a Basic DBS check instead.
Still unsure? Read our guide to choosing a DBS check or email support@dbs-online.org.uk.
Other self-employed roles we check
Working independently in a different field? We help lots of self-employed people get their own check. See every role on our self-employed hub.
Tutors & private teachers
Private, online, music, SEN and language tutors teaching children.
Read more →Holiday club & activity leaders
Holiday clubs, forest schools and after-school activities.
Read more →Counsellors & therapists
Independent practitioners working with children or vulnerable adults.
Read more →Nannies & childminders
Self-employed nannies, childminders and babysitters working for families.
Read more →Ready to apply for your coaching DBS check?
It only takes a few minutes online, and we confirm your eligibility before submitting – so you only ever pay for the check you actually need.