Some players choose to track their periods because it helps them understand when their next period may arrive or notice patterns in symptoms.
That does not mean coaches need access to the information.
Tracking should be the player's choice
England Football's Female Health Hub says players should not feel pressured to share menstrual-cycle information if they do not want to.
For younger grassroots players, do not make cycle tracking or sharing period dates a routine condition of taking part.
Ask only for information you genuinely need
If a player says they have cramps and need a break, you normally do not need to know:
- the exact day of their cycle
- how heavy their flow is
- the date of their previous period
- what app they use
You need enough information to support them safely in that moment.
If your club is considering collecting menstrual data
That is different from an informal supportive conversation. Menstrual information is health information and requires proper consideration of privacy, safeguarding, consent and data handling.
Do not create spreadsheets, team WhatsApp lists or informal coach records of players' periods.
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