FAQ's - Scorers Change to DBS Follow
1. Why has the decision to remove Scorers from regulated activity been taken?
The ECB regularly review the roles individuals undertake within the game against the legal definition of regulated activities. Following that most recent review, the role of a Scorer does not meet the legal requirements for a DBS as they do not have direct unsupervised contact with children.
2. Under what circumstances would a Scorer still be required to undertake a DBS check?
If they carry out additional roles to scoring that is a regulated role for example - chaperoning on overnight stays, Junior Supervisor, Volunteer Coordinator, DBS Verifier they will still require an ECB DBS specific for that role.
3. What action do I need to take regarding my existing DBS? Will the ECB cancel it if I am registered to the DBS Update Service?
If you are registered to the DBS Update Service, then you will receive an email 30 days prior to renewal.
Once you have completed the annual status check questionnaire we will advise if your DBS needs to be renewed or if it can be lapsed in line with this change. See also Q13 & attached workflow.
4. What best practice measures should be in place to safeguard children moving forwards?
If a Scorer is scoring alongside a junior, always remember the "Rule of 2" - here is a link to Safe Hands for guidance.
5. What Safeguarding training will Scorers be required to undertake, and will this be mandatory?
Scorers will be required to undertake the Safeguarding for Umpires & Scorers e-learning training every 3 years.
If you have an ECB e-learning account, please log in using the following link https://elearning.ecb.co.uk/login/index.php
If you do not have an e-learning account, please contact your County Board.
For any support with your account please email elearning@ecb.co.uk
6. Will this change affect my membership of the ECB ACO (Association of Cricket Officials)?
No, you will still be eligible for all membership categories of the ECB ACO.
7. I have another role other than Scorer, what do I do about my DBS?
When you are contacted for your annual DBS recheck, please complete the questionnaire and depending on your answers you will be advised if your DBS can be renewed for your remaining role/s in cricket. See also Q13 & attached workflow.
8. As a vetted Scorer, I sometimes assist at other times e.g., chaperone for overnight stays. Will I still be able to do that?
Yes, and you will still need an ECB DBS for such regulated roles. You will need to select the most appropriate role from the drop-down menu when making your DBS application or completing the annual status check questionnaire, such as Junior Supervisor. See also Q13 & attached workflow.
9. Given juniors often chat with Scorers during matches for score updates, sit with Scorers to be trained and/or score alongside, wouldn’t it be safer having the scorer DBS checked?
In all such cases, the Scorer should never be alone with the junior - always abide by the rule of 2.
Please click this link for guidance https://www.ecb.co.uk/about/policies/safeguarding/kit-bag-resources
10. Are these changes being made due to budget restraints?
Absolutely not. It is an adjustment to ensure we comply with the legal definitions.
11. Does this change suggest that Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment are being relaxed?
Anyone in a position of trust and responsibility, with direct contact with children, will still be required to have an ECB DBS.
Safer Recruitment processes also go well beyond a DBS check.
The ECB strongly advocates the adoption of the Safe Hands Policy and procedures to ensure consistent best practice regarding safeguarding across the game.
12. Can I still have one if I pay for it myself?
No, not unless you fulfil a role that is determined as Paid Regulated Activity.
13. Individual and exemptions to the role of scorer, what is the person doing not what is their role?
Please see the below flowchart for more information:
Query |
Advice |
Registered to the Update Service |
Not registered to the Update Service |
I am a Scorer and have no other role in cricket |
You no longer need an ECB DBS. |
As part of the annual Update Service Questionnaire, you will be required to update your roles in cricket. This questionnaire will be sent out to you via email 30 days prior to your renewal date. |
Your ECB DBS will automatically expire on its expiry date. |
I am no longer a Scorer & have no other roles in cricket in regulated activity |
You no longer need an ECB DBS. |
As part of the annual Update Service Questionnaire, please update of your status in cricket. Your DBS will then expire on the renewal date. |
No action is required, your DBS will automatically expire on the renewal date. |
I am a Scorer and have another role in cricket |
Your scorer DBS can be used for other roles in cricket until its renewal date. |
As part of the annual Update Service Questionnaire, you will be required to update your roles in cricket. If your role/s are in regulated activity, in most instances your DBS can be renewed, however, you will be advised at the time if any other action is required. For further information visit Help centre |
Your ECB DBS will automatically expire on its expiry date. |
I am a Scorer, and my role requires me to supervise and/or mentor junior scorers at events such as festivals |
Your ECB DBS role requires updating to Junior Supervisor. |
As part of the annual Update Service Questionnaire, you will be required to update your role to Junior Supervisor. |
Initiate a new application for your Junior Supervisor role. |