On occasion, parents may be delayed and unable to collect their child from training or after an event. The list of emergency numbers for the parents is to be used in such situations.

Parents are requested to inform the club if they are delayed with a clear guidance on what the Club will be required to do i.e. the parent must give consent if they wish another parent to transport their child home.

The coaches must never leave a child or young person alone unless they are over 16 and then only with parent’s permission. It is recognised some young people aged 16 and over may take themselves home, so the lead coach at the session must assess situations as they arise in an appropriate manner.

Until a child is collected, to maintain the wellbeing of all concerned, two DBS cleared persons or the Club coach and a parent of other club members must remain with the child.

The club should use the emergency numbers they have for the child to try to arrange for a nominated person to collect the child. If no one nominated is available to collect the child, and the parent has still not contacted the coach, the club should consult the police or Local Authority Safeguarding Team duty officer for advice on action to take.

If a parent arrives to collect a child and the club officers are concerned at their ability to take appropriate care of the child (i.e. they are considered to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the level where they are unfit to drive, and/or take care of their child), the coach should gain advice from the police or Local Authority Safeguarding Team duty officer.

The Lead Coach at the session should:

• Attempt to contact the parent/carer using the details contained with Club Spark.
• If this is not successful, attempt to contact the emergency contact.
• If there is no reply from the emergency contact, ask the child if there is another family member who may be contacted.
• Wait with the young person(s) at the club with at least one other official/coach/teacher/volunteers or parent of other club members.
• If there is no reply or response after 20 minutes, contact the local police to enquire about the best course of action.
• If following either points 1, 2 or 3 the child has to be transported to a place of safety by an adult club officer or coach in an emergency situation, it is recommended that two DBS checked adults from the club transport the child. In all cases the child should be seated in the back seat.
• Remind parents/carers of the policy relating to late collection.