England Lacrosse is reminding all clubs of their duty in appointing a named Club Welfare Officer to safeguard their club and meet their governance requirements as an affiliated member of England Lacrosse.
Every club has a responsibility to protect its members, especially young players. A Club Welfare Officer ensures safeguarding policies are followed, acts as a trusted point of contact for any concerns, supports DBS checks, and helps coaches and volunteers stay up to date with their qualifications.
A well-governed club is a strong club. Appointing a Welfare Officer shows that safeguarding is taken seriously, helping to build trust, attracting new members, and making sure everyone involved in lacrosse can take part with confidence.
At Hawks Lacrosse Club, Dinah Ripper has seen the difference a Welfare Officer makes: “It’s not just about being a point of contact in difficult situations—it’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where members can thrive and feel confident about joining our club.”
If your club doesn’t have a Welfare Officer in place, that needs to change. England Lacrosse is on hand to provide the training and support to make it happen.
Your three-step guide to becoming a Club Welfare Officer:
Email safeguarding@englandlacrosse.co.uk for initial support
Enrol on our free EL Welfare Officer Course
Apply for an enhanced DBS check
You can also find additional resources on promoting Safe Sport across your club on our website HERE
Every club must have a named Club Welfare Officer to ensure:
• Safeguarding policies are in place
• DBS checks are completed
• Coaches and volunteers stay up to date with their qualifications
• Support is available when it’s needed most
Without a Welfare Officer clubs are failing in their duty to protect players, coaches, and volunteers.
If you have any other questions around Safeguarding and Safe Sport at your club, please contact safeguarding@englandlacrosse.co.uk