Player CARE Charter Criteria

Our committee changes every year. Doesn't that make this pointless?

It's the reason the Charter exists. Each committee builds the arrangements its successors inherit, and renewal checks that the handover actually happened.

How long does an application take?

Most committees can complete one in an afternoon. We ask for documents you already have, and one page where anything new is needed.

Do we have to use Player CARE training?

No. Mental Health First Aid, equivalent programmes, and institutional programmes meeting our conditions are all accepted.

What happens if we don't get the level we applied for?

If you meet a lower level, you receive that award straight away. You also get written feedback on exactly what's missing, and one chance to resubmit for the higher level in March. Only awards are published.

Does holding the Charter mean our players are safe?

No award can promise that. The Charter recognises that you have sensible arrangements in place. Responsibility for player welfare stays with your organisation and institution.

Why is the window in December and January?

Most societies set their rules in October and November. Applying straight after means the committee that did the work is assessed on it, and receives the award on 1 May, before most of them graduate or hand over.

Our elections happen after the window closes. How do we show handover?

With a plan. At Silver and above, you describe how and when your incoming welfare lead will be elected and trained. When you renew the following year, you show that it happened.

Who pays: the society or the university?

Either. Many societies ask their students' union or department to fund the application. Institutions with a degree programme and a society can apply together at a reduced rate.

What if our award lapses?

Renewal is only available to organisations holding a current award. If you miss a cycle, you'll need to submit a new application at the full fee.

Can organisations outside the UK apply?

The Charter runs as a Northern Hemisphere cycle: organisations in the UK, Ireland, the USA and Canada can apply in the December–January window. Because the academic year in Australia and New Zealand runs from February to November, we'll launch a Southern Hemisphere cycle with its own dates later in 2027.

Who decides the criteria?

Play Aid, working with an advisory group of academics, university staff, esports operators and welfare specialists. The criteria are published in full before each window opens and reviewed with the advisory group once a year.

How do we contact you?

Please contact team@playaid.net with your questions.