The table below has 16 rows with headers that are linked to the club minimum standards, with columns providing information on the minimum requirement, support that can be offered from Goalball UK (GUK) and the evidence that is required. The information goes from left to right.

You can also download the framework as a word document.

To download the guidance documents and for additional support visit the club minimum standards resources page.

Key Headline Minimum Requirement Goalball UK Guidance and Support Evidence
1.    Consistent Training Sessions Clubs to have at least 10 training sessions every season at designated venue(s). Support around the key areas of club development and club sustainability (e.g. Players, Workforce, Venue, Funding)

Downloadable document:
• Venue guidance

See points,

7. Registers

14. Communication

2.    Qualified Coaches Clubs to have at least 1 qualified coach at every training session who has completed the GUK Club Leaders award. GUK can signpost to available open courses or specifically arrange closed courses.

Downloadable document:
• Coaching qualifications guidance

Copy of certification
3.    DBS Check The following roles require a valid DBS check.

  • Coaches (Volunteer or Paid)
  • Welfare/ safeguarding officer
  • First aiders & physios
GUK will provide 2 free DBS checks per season as part of the Club Affiliation package.

Downloadable document:
• Vetting guidance

DBS signed off by GUK Safeguarding officer.
4.    Safeguarding Clubs to have at least 1 member at every training session who has completed the necessary (adult/ children) recognised Safeguarding course (within the last 3 years).

Clubs must also have their own Adult and Children Safeguarding policies and a designated Welfare Officer

GUK can signpost members to suitable courses to attend.

Link to Goalball UK Safeguarding Information.

Downloadable documents:
• Safeguarding – A Guide for Clubs
• Welfare Officer role outline

Copy of certification.

Contact details for Welfare Officer.

5.    First Aid Clubs to have at least 1 designated first aider at every training session who has completed a recognised First Aid course (within the last 3 years). GUK can signpost members to suitable courses to attend. Copy of certification
6.    Risk Assessment Clubs to have a risk assessment that is both venue and activity specific. Downloadable documents:
• Risk assessment guidance
• Risk assessment template
Copy of completed club risk assessment.
7.    Registers Clubs to take registers at every training session. GUK can provide guidance on safe storage (GDPR).

Downloadable documents:
• Session register template
• Season register template

Participation numbers to be shared with GUK (if/when requested).
8.    Membership Clubs must have their own club membership forms.

All club members must also be members of GUK. Note: This is following 4 club training sessions or prior to attending their first tournament (whichever comes first).

GUK can provide guidance on safe storage (GDPR).

Downloadable documents:
• Club Membership guidance

Membership data to be shared with GUK (if/when requested).
9.    Club Constitution Clubs to have a club constitution and a committee consisting of at least a Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer that meets at least 3 times every season in addition to an Annual General Meeting (AGM). Minutes must be taken (to document what was discussed and record any action points). GUK can provide staff support (if requested) for committee meetings, AGM’s and EGM’s.

Downloadable documents:

  • Constitution Template (on request)
  • Minutes Template
  • Chair Role Outline
  • Secretary Role Outline
  • Treasurer Role Outline
  • Volunteer Co-ordinator Role Outline
Copy of signed club constitution.

Minutes from meetings to be shared with GUK (if/when requested).

10. Club Bank Account Clubs to have their own club bank account – this cannot be a personal account – with a minimum of 3 signatories. GUK can provide guidance as necessary. GUK will receive payments by cheque or BACS from a club account (not cash or BACS from a personal account).
11. Code of Conduct Clubs to have their own code of conduct. Note: This must refer to both photography and social media. Downloadable document:
• Code of conduct guidance
Copy of signed club code of conduct.
12. Club Engagement Clubs to participate in GUK club engagement activities (outside of tournaments) e.g. AGM, annual conference, regional forums, CPD sessions, surveys, etc. GUK staff will be available to speak with club members at virtual and face to face events throughout the season. Clubs will attend events and promote before/during/after on social media.
13. Social Media Clubs to be active on at least 1 social media platform e.g. Facebook, X formally Twitter or Instagram. GUK can provide guidance on setting up accounts and share examples of good practice.

Downloadable document:
• Social Media guidance

Clubs will frequently interact with GUK and other appropriate organisations and individuals via social media.
14. Communications Clubs to immediately inform GUK of any changes to their contact details or training sessions and have a specific club email address. GUK can provide guidance as necessary. Clubs will provide swift and appropriate responses to all enquiries and requests.
15. Partnerships Clubs to build and maintain good links to local partnership organisations. This will then help support the:
• Recruitment of potential players (e.g. via Local Societies, RNIB Connect groups, ECLO’s and QTVI’s, etc.).
• Recruitment of potential workforce (e.g. via schools/colleges/universities, local businesses and volunteering organisations, etc.).
• Sourcing of possible venues (e.g. via Local Authority Sports Development teams – education and community facilities).
• Sourcing of possible funding pots (e.g. via Active Partnerships, Community Foundations and local businesses, etc.).
GUK can signpost to possible partnership organisations and share examples of good practice. Clubs will share examples of partnership work with GUK via direct communication, social media posts, committee meeting minutes, etc.