Coach Quiz
Q1. What requirements does a coach need to coach at an LTA registered venue?
In 2022 it became mandatory for all Level 2-5 coaches operating at LTA registered venues to be LTA Accredited. Building on this progress venues must also meet the following criteria:
- All activity undertaken by Level 1 coaching assistants, tennis activators and tennis leaders should be in line with the LTA deployment guidelines (available soon).
In holding LTA Accreditation, it means coaches will have completed the appropriate safeguarding training, first aid training and undergone Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks if working with children. If working in Scotland they are required to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. This will provide greater clarity to parents and players when selecting a coach. Players that choose an LTA registered venue will know that the activity delivered by a Level 2-5 coach is conducted by an individual who is trained in safeguarding and has the appropriate qualifications, and that Level 1 coaching assistants, tennis activators and tennis leaders are operating in line with LTA deployment guidelines.
The coaching workforce plays a key role in keeping those involved in our sport safe, and are often the front line of tennis delivery. The implementation of safeguarding standards for coaches is therefore a crucial next step following the implementation of venue standards in 2018.
See link to LTA safeguarding minimum standards for venue registration requirements:
Q2. How do you know what your venue's safeguarding policies and procedures are?
You should know who your venue Welfare officer is and should have received a safeguarding induction at the venue you coach at. You should locate and read the venue safeguarding and Diversity & Inclusion policies (at the venue and their website) and speak to the committee to discuss safeguarding practice and expectations for coaches, players and parents. As a coach you should have clear codes of conduct for players involved in your sessions and be clear on other safeguarding measures such as supervisory ratios, expectation on parents to stay, transportation of children and arrangement of lessons.
See link to safeguarding minimum standards on safeguarding section of LTA website:
Q3. What is the DBS Service Update?
This service allows people to use the same DBS check across multiple organisations provided the type of check and role remain the same. This will save you having to ‘renew’ your DBS documentation every 3 years. You must sign up at the point you complete your DBS application.
See link for DBS on LTA safeguarding site:
Q4. Is there a Code of Conduct for Coaches?
Yes. All coaches are required to agree with and adhere to the LTA codes of conduct. You should also set clear codes of conduct for those taking part in your sessions. This prevents confusion or complaints from players (or their parents) if they breach these rules and are sanctioned.
Link for coaches code of conduct:
Q5. What should I do if I have a concern about safeguarding?
Do not keep it to yourself. Report the concern to your welfare officer or straight to the LTA safeguarding team on the ‘My Concern’ link on the website.
Q6. What are my responsibilities with regard to supervision of children?
You should have the correct DBS prior to coaching juniors. You should also adhere to the supervision ratios’:
• 1:6 for children under 8 years
• 1:12 for children 8 years and over
Coaches must also ensure children are supervised at all times during the coaching session or club session. This includes if a child has to leave a session for a toilet break or other reason. You should be clear to parents on your policy and process for if a parent is late collecting their child.
See link to supervision guidance under FAQ’s:
