When working with players online, it’s important to follow safeguarding best practice – just as you would if you were coaching face to face. Here are some top tips: 

• Communicate with parents not children, and only run group sessions. 
• Always have another club official on your calls and wear club kit or similar. 
• Don't make calls from a bedroom.
• Run any online ideas by the club committee, you can get help from other coaches and your plan could support and motivate even more players!  
• Send all call and meeting invites to parents and carers. Briefly explaining your intentions for the session(s) and what's expected of them. For example, it’s their responsibility to supervise their child, know what’s going on online and grab any equipment that’s required – such as an extra pair of socks or a cuddly toy!   
• Make sure the club welfare officer knows you’re running sessions. They might like to dial in and see how things are going. 
• If you’re ever worried about the welfare of a child, contact your club welfare officer. 

To find out more about safeguarding on video calls click here. For more info on how to stay safe online, get involved in Safer Internet Day on the 9th February 2021.