PA State Law Change Affects All Youth Sports Programs!
Pennsylvania Act 153 of 2014 requires that employees and volunteers who have direct contact with children obtain 3 different background certifications: PA Criminal History Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Check, & an FBI Criminal History Check. These clearances need renewed every 60 months to remain valid.
All volunteers and paid employees working directly with children must have the proper clearances (a.k.a. background checks), which must be completed using the provider designated by PA law.
Who Must Obtain Certifications for Pittsburgh Youth Lacrosse?
- Paid Coaches
- Volunteer Coaches (including any parent on the field during practice and/or on the team sideline during games)
- Any parent on the field during practice
- Any parent on the team sideline during games
Paid Coaches must provide the following certifications:
- PA Criminal History Record Check from the PA State Police
- PA Child Abuse History Clearance from the PA Department of Human Services.
- FBI Identity History Check with fingerprint submission!
- Heads Up Concussion Program Certification
- CPR Certification
- G.O.L.D. League Coaching Clinic Certification (for girls' U12 and U14 coaches only)
Volunteer Coaches must provide the following certifications:
- PA Criminal History Record Check from the PA State Police
- PA Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services.
- FBI Identity History Check or Notarized Volunteer Affidavit - if volunteer has been a PA resident for the last 10 consecutive years they can complete a notarized Volunteer Affidavit OR if an FBI Identity History Check with fingerprint submission if a paid coach or PA resident for less than 10 consecutive years.
HOW TO Obtain Your Background Certifications
- PA Criminal History Record Check:
- Costs $22.00 for paid coaches (PYLAX will fully reimburse when provided with evidence of personal payment).
- Free for volunteers
- Clearance can be obtained online by visiting the PA State Police web site. - Click HERE
- PA Child Abuse History Report:
- Costs $13.00 for paid coaches (PYLAX will fully reimburse when provided with evidence of personal payment).
- Free for volunteers if this clearance wasn't issued to applicant within the last 5 years.
- Clearance can be obtained online by visiting the PA Dept. of Human Services web site. - Click HERE
- FBI Identity History Check:
- Costs $22.60 for paid coaches and volunteers who have not been a Pennsylvania resident for the last 10 consecutive years (PYLAX will fully reimburse when provided with evidence of personal payment).
- Pennsylvania now uses IDEMIA to provide FBI Identity History Checks with fingerprint submission (also referred to as IdentoGo and MorphoTrust). Click HERE to pre-enroll (via the "Schedule or Manage Appointment" link), find a convenient location for the required in-person application processing, and submit a Fingerprint Card by mail.
- Volunteer Qualification Affidavit (PDF):
- Click HERE to access and download the document titled "ACT 153 VOLUNTEER AFFIDAVIT".
- Please NOTE that this document MUST BE NOTARIZED.
- Heads Up Concussion Program Certification:
- Free online certification. Click HERE to register and take the course.
- Save an electronic copy of the certificate presented to you upon completion.
- CPR Certification:
- Costs $19.95 for paid coaches (PYLAX will fully reimburse when provided with evidence of personal payment).
- Clearance can be obtained online by visiting the International CPR Institute web site. - First Time Applicants Click HERE; otherwise, for Renewals Ineeded every 2 years) Click HERE.
- G.O.L.D. League Coaching Clinic Certification (for girls' U12 and U14 coaches only):
- Two opportunities offered for the 2019 Spring season:
Monday, February 25th from 6:30 - 9:00 PM (location TBD)
Tuesday, February 26th from 6:30 - 9:00 PM (location TBD)
- Email MICHAEL WOZETEK (wozetekmh@yahoo.com) if interested and the date you'd like to take the course so he may register you.
Common Questions/Additional Information
- Can I use a PA Child Abuse History Clearance or a PA Criminal History Record Check obtained for other volunteer activities in which I've participated or will participate in the future for another organization?
Yes, any person who obtained their certifications within the previous 60 months may serve in a volunteer capacity for any program, activity or service.
- Can I use a PA Child Abuse History Clearance or a PA Criminal History Record Check obtained for volunteer activities to meet employment requirements?
No, a PA Child Abuse History Clearance or a PA Criminal History Record Check obtained for volunteer purposes can only be used for other volunteer activities.
Submitting Certifications and Confidentiality
Original forms must be shown and copies given to PYLAX Board Members ROB JAMESON (all boys' coaches) or MICHAEL WOZETEK (all girls' coaches) to be maintained in a confidential file. The original forms will be returned to volunteers and paid coaches. All information will be kept confidential and will NOT be shared with other individuals.
If a PYLAX volunteer/employee is arrested for or convicted of an offense once the clearances have been obtained, he/she must notify ROB JAMESON (all boys' coaches) or MICHAEL WOZETEK (all girls' coaches) within 72 hours.
