YOUTH football clubs have been urged to check whether coaches, officials and other volunteers are legally required to hold Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme membership.
Disclosure Scotland has issued the warning amid concerns that some clubs may not be complying with the law.
It is a criminal offence for someone to work or volunteer in a regulated role, such as a youth football coach, without valid PVG scheme membership.
It is also a criminal offence for organisations, including youth football clubs, to allow someone to carry out a regulated role without receiving a PVG scheme disclosure from Disclosure Scotland.
Disclosure Scotland processes PVG scheme applications and works with Police Scotland and sporting bodies to help protect children and vulnerable groups from harm.
Anyone unsure about their obligations under the scheme is being urged to check their legal requirements rather than risk prosecution.
Scott Robertson, Scottish Youth Football Association (FA) board chairman, said: “It is the first priority of the Scottish Youth FA to make football as safe a space as possible for all our young players.
“All new coaches and officials must follow the Safe Selection process and that includes applying for a Grassroots Football PVG.
“The Scottish Youth FA will work with the Scottish Womens, ParaFootball, the Scottish FA, Disclosure Scotland and Police Scotland to ensure only those who have completed the safe selection process can work with our young players.
“We have and will continue to report any illegal activity to the police.
“Anyone working or volunteering in youth football who is unsure whether they need to be part of the PVG scheme is encouraged to check Disclosure Scotland’s guidance for further information.”
