What would you do?

Situation.

You find two underage children drunk in their own free time. Late a night.

These children are children you work with through voluntary football coaching.

They are visibly struggling. Falling the floor.

Do you help them to their destination?

Do you inform the parents even though the children are so worried about them finding out?

What issues occur from this situation if not done correctly?

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

If able, call a trusted person and notify them of what is happening.

Then, call the parents and notify them about what you saw and offer to guide them back home or keep an eye on them while parents come to pick them up.

Respect their physical space keep distance.

If able, lighten up the mood with parents if you were to meet them.

Next day speak to the children and try to regain their trust explaining the bad things that could have happened if you left them out at night in this state.

If situation not handled properly, could harm children or make parents annoyed with you.

Reply 2

londonmyst

Depends how old they are and whether they are generally healthy.

If aged 14-17 and generally healthy, I'd get them to their destination and check that they were in a reasonable shape to sleep it off.
Then wait a few days until the hangovers and other excessive boozing side effects had passed.
Explaining that illegal drinking in public places can put a young person's life at serious risk from accidental injuries and criminal adults plus risk them getting arrested if the police see them.
That anyone drinking far too much alcohol comes with the danger of alcohol poisoning which can be fatal.
Then leave them to make their own decisions about what type of activities they want to spend their time and money on during their spare time in the future.