Can a qualified sports coach be left in sole charge of a group of pupils?
Supervisory responsibilities may be delegated to another person, such as a sports coach for example, if the school is totally satisfied that he/she is suitably experienced and qualified to provide the required level of service and care, and poses no threat to the health and safety of the pupils. Whilst the sports coach may take on the direct responsibility for coaching pupils, the overall legal responsibility for the child’s welfare remains with the school. It is the school’s responsibility to decide the level of responsibility that can be appropriately and safely delegated to any external coach. The same issues are involved whether the coach is officially employed by the school or acts as a volunteer. School authorities should take whatever measures that they deem necessary to protect staff and to safeguard the health and welfare of the pupils concerned e.g. – • Before offering employment, carry out appropriate checks to be satisfied that the coach provides no threat to the pupils (e.
