What is the policy?
USCAA has adopted a policy regarding designated coaches and/or volunteers to provide background checks from the Pennsylvania State Police (criminal background check) and the Department of Public Welfare (child abuse history form) in order to be eligible to coach and/or volunteer in the youth sports program.
Soccer is exempted from the program as our soccer program follows the background check mandate of PA West.
When does the policy take effect?
Beginning with Fall 2008 sports (except soccer).
Who does the policy apply to?
The policy applies to all head coaches, managers, first assistant coaches and directors in all sports, except soccer, beginning in the Fall of 2008. The policy applies to any individual who may be coaching and/or supervising youth players while alone at any sporting event or practice.
Eligibility under the background check process does not imply or guarantee approval by the USCAA Board.
How do I obtain the clearance?
For Pennsylvania Civil Background Checks, please go to the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (“PATCH”) web site located at http://epatch.state.pa.us/home.jsp and follow the instructions under “Record Check.” The cost is $10.00.
For the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, please go to the Department of Public Welfare web site at http://www.dpw.state.pa.us and download the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY-113) and follow the instructions on the web page. The cost is $10.00 and must be paid by money order.
For the PA West mandate clearance for soccer go to http://www.pawest-soccer.org/youth_div/riskmanagement.htm and follow the instructions on the page. The cost is $10.00.
Upon receipt of the forms, please submit the forms to the Commissioner of the sport by the due date designated by the Commissioner.
What type of conduct disqualifies a person?
An individual shall not be qualified to coach/volunteer in the event the criminal background check and/or the child abuse history clearance reveals any prior convictions for crimes or offenses which negatively impact the health, safety and welfare of children. Such offenses shall include, but not necessarily be limited to:
- Providing alcoholic beverages to minors.
- Sexual offenses, including but not limited to child pornography.
- Employing a child to commit a crime.
- Endangering the welfare of a child.
- Selling firearms or other weapons to minors.
- Luring a child into a motor vehicle.
- Lewdness and obscenity towards children
- Domestic violence or abuse
The list of crimes and violations contained in this section is for illustrative purposes only and shall not be construed as a limitation on those criminal activities or violations that would be grounds to disqualify a person from assisting with youth-related activities using Township-owned recreational facilities.
Note that individuals with any open criminal charges for crimes listed in the Disqualification section of this document shall be precluded from coaching or volunteering until the active case is brought to final resolution or until the charges are dropped.
Who decides if a candidate is not eligible to coach and/or volunteer?
The Executive Board and the Commissioner shall determine whether or not an individual’s prior criminal history shall prevent him or her from being involved with a USCAA program. In making such determination, the Executive Board and the Commissioner shall determine whether there has been an act or violation that impacts the health, safety and welfare of children, including but not limited to those items contained above. There is no appeal beyond this measure. Denial for Child Abuse History Clearances cannot be appealed.
Who will maintain the records and will the information be confidential?
The Commissioner of each USCAA sport is responsible for collecting and initially reviewing and approving the Background check submitted by a coach/volunteer.
How often do I need to get the clearance?
Once a candidate has been approved by the Commissioner, the approval to coach shall be effective for a three year period from the submission date of the Background check and will apply to all sports, except soccer, under the USCAA organization.
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