Child Safeguarding Checklist for UAE Sports Clubs

A swimming programme in Abu Dhabi hired a coach from overseas on the basis of a CV and a brief interview. No police clearance was requested. No references were checked. The coach had qualifications - but from a system nobody on the committee was familiar with. Three months in, a parent asked what screening had been done. The answer was essentially none.

The UAE's diverse, international coaching pool is one of its strengths. Coaches come from the UK, Australia, South Africa, India, and dozens of other countries, bringing varied expertise. But that diversity also means qualification verification is more complex - and the responsibility falls on the club.

The safeguarding checklist

1. Written safeguarding policy

Aligned with Wadeema's Law. Covering scope, screening, supervision, reporting, and response. Your Sports Council may require this for licensing.

2. Coach screening

• Police clearance certificate from the coach's country of origin (and the UAE if they've been resident)
• Verification of coaching qualifications - contact the issuing body directly if the qualification is from an unfamiliar national system
• Reference checks from previous coaching roles
• Valid UAE visa and work authorisation

3. Supervision standards

No adult alone with a child in a setting that isn't visible to others. Open training environments where parents can observe. Two-adult presence during sessions.

4. Designated safeguarding officer

One committee member responsible for safeguarding. They receive concerns, maintain the policy, and know the escalation pathway to the police and child welfare authorities.

5. Reporting procedures

Internal reporting to the safeguarding officer. External reporting to the police for criminal concerns. The Ministry of Interior provides child protection reporting pathways.

6. Heat protocols

The UAE's extreme summer temperatures make heat management a safeguarding obligation. No outdoor activity during peak heat (typically 10 AM to 4 PM in summer months). Hydration requirements. Recognition of heat-related illness symptoms.

7. Annual review

Review the policy, verify screening, update contacts.

TidyHQ tracks coach credentials, screening status, and qualification expiry dates - essential when your coaching staff comes from multiple national qualification systems.

Frequently asked questions

How do we verify qualifications from another country?

Contact the issuing body directly. For UK qualifications, contact the relevant NGB. For Australian qualifications, contact the national coaching accreditation body. If you can't verify a qualification, don't accept it at face value.

Is a police clearance from the coach's home country sufficient?

Best practice is to obtain clearance from every country where the coach has lived for more than 12 months. In practice, obtain clearance from the country of origin and the UAE at minimum.

References

• Wadeema's Law - Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 - Child rights and protection legislation
• Abu Dhabi Sports Council - Safeguarding requirements for licensed clubs
• Dubai Sports Council - Coaching standards and club licensing
• Ministry of Interior - Police clearance and child protection reporting
• General Authority for Sports - National sport safety and coaching governance