Coach Licensing
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a qualification and a licence?
The Level 2 (L2) coaching qualification provides coaches with best practice guidelines on
how to coach and technical rugby league knowledge. Once completed successfully, the
qualification remains with you for life and forms a key part of the coach licence.
The licence is a “licence to practice” and indicates that coaches are able to deliver safe
and enjoyable coaching sessions that will benefit players.
2. I have just completed my UKCC L2, how do I become licenced?
You will need to attend a Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop, sign the
revised coach’s code of conduct and complete your DBS form which should be sent to
Colette Eden at RFL, Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds, LS17 8NB.
All L2 courses that start after October 2013 will require coaches to attend a Safeguarding
and Protecting Children workshop before a licence can be issued.
3. I have already attended a Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop, how
recent does the workshop have to be to enable me to be licensed?
You need to have at least 1 year remaining on your certificate
4. I have UKCC L2 qualification but my licence has expired, what do I need to do?
You need to attend a Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop, sign the revised
coach’s code of conduct and submit your DBS to Colette Eden at RFL Red Hall, Red
Hall Lane, Leeds, LS17 8NB.
5. How do I prove that I have attended a Safeguarding and Protecting Children
workshop?
If you have attended an RFL organised workshop we will have a record of your
attendance. If you have attended a sports coach UK workshop you will need to provide
a copy of your certificate when you submit your DBS.
6. I only coach an adult team, do I still need to attend a Safeguarding and
Protecting Children workshop and complete a DBS?
Yes as the Licence enables you to coach any age group you will need to attend a
Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop, sign the revised coach’s code of
conduct and complete the DBS before you can be licenced.
7. I have a club / senior coach award and did not bridge what do I need to do?
You will need to become UKCC L2 Qualified, attend a Safeguarding and Protecting
Children workshop and complete the DBS before you can become licenced.
8. My DBS is valid to until 2014 how long will I get my licence for?
You will only be licenced until your DBS expires. You will have to resubmit your DBS
before it’s expiry to maintain your coaching licence. You can apply for a new DBS 6
months’ prior to its expiry.
9. I attended a Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop in 2010 is this still
valid?
It will not be valid as you need at least 1 year remaining on your certificate (see above).
10. Why should I attend a Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Protecting
Children workshop now and not wait until 2017?
The RFL recommends that you attend a Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop
as soon as possible as it contains valuable information relevant to your coaching practice
and will help you make your sessions meet the needs of players by creating a safe and
enjoyable environment.
11. I am a Level 1 coach do I need a licence?
No - at this moment in time, L1 coaches are not required to be licenced. You should
have a DBS through your club and continue to work under the supervision of a L2
licenced coach. It would be good practice to attend a Safeguarding and Protecting
Children workshop.
12. Can my coaching licence be removed, if so why?
Yes, the licence to practice can be withdrawn. Reasons for removing your licence would
include breaking the coach’s code of conduct, disciplinary issues or failing to meet all the
conditions of the licence.
13. What will happen if my licence is due to expire in December 2013?
Level 1 coaches will not receive a replacement licence card – see question 14.
Level 2 coaches will need to sign the updated coach’s code of conduct. Those coaches
with a current DBS in place will then receive an updated licence card linked to the DBS
expiry date during which time coaches must complete a Safeguarding and Protecting
Children workshop.
Coaches without a current DBS or have less than 6 months to the DBS expiry date must
send in a DBS form to obtain a new check. Once the DBS has been confirmed and the
coach has signed up to the coach’s code of conduct, a licence card will be issued.
Coaches must then undertake a Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop during
the licence period.
14. I’m a Level 1 coach and haven’t received an ID Card/Licence, do I need one?
No – your UKCC Level 1 certificate proves you have completed the Level 1 award and
can operate as an assistant coach under the supervision of a licensed Level 2 coach.
15. Why have the licence conditions changed?
The RFL have amended and updated the licence scheme to bring it into line with
national guidance and best practice in coaching. This is to help support rugby league to
provide the best playing and training experience for players as possible.
16. Do I have to complete CPD to get a licence card?
No. However, CPD will be available and it is considered best practice for coaches to
undertake further development wherever possible to ensure that they are up-to date with
current coaching techniques.
17. What is a DBS check?
A DBS check is the new name for the Criminal Records Bureau and stands for
Disclosure and Barring Service. This check helps clubs and the game to make safer
decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including
children.