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International News

Criminal Background Checks Gone Awry

June 01, 2011 posted by Steve Brownstein

A UK badminton club says it is turning away under-18s because Criminal Records Bureau checks and other steps designed to protect children are leaving it little choice.

High Woods Badminton Club, based at High Woods Sports Centre, Colchester, has halved its membership since legal restrictions were placed on the way it had to deal with minors.

The club squarely blames the decline on the fact it is turning away young people because of the law.

Chairman Chris Ransom said, "Problems began when a 17-year-old applied to join the club. It was told by the Colchester Council-run sports centre’s manager for one 17-year-old to sign up, the club would need: Coaches and officials whose qualifications had been checked and who met official criteria on “safe recruitment”

They will need Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau checks and two references each for all coaches and officials; a  written child protection policy, with copies give to any centre where courts were hired; plus a designated child protection officer.  Different paperwork to hire courts at the centre.

In a letter to the club, the centre manager admitted: “In a nutshell, it is a lot of administration for you guys, once you start to take under-18s into the group.

“Once you do, there is a huge emphasis on clubs to show they have safeguards for minors in place.”