VOLUNTEER CLEARANCES (PA ACT 15)

Volunteer Clearances & Safety Requirements

Your child's safety is our top priority. JTYSA is a member of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer (EPYSA) and US Youth Soccer. Pennsylvania state law (PA Act 15) requires all coaches, assistant coaches, and volunteers to pass background checks before they can step onto the field [1][2].

If your clearances are not on file, you cannot be on the field. No exceptions [1][2].
 
What You Need to Complete
All volunteers must complete six items total [1][3]:
  • Three background checks (required once every 5 years) [2][3]
  • Three online trainings (required every year) [2][3]

 
1. Background Clearances (Every 5 Years)
Your requirements depend on how long you have lived in Pennsylvania.
Choose the category below that fits you [3]:
Category A: Lived in PA continuously for the past 10 years
 
You must submit these three items [3]:
PA State Police Criminal Record Check (Free for volunteers) [3]
PA Child Abuse History Clearance (Free for volunteers. Select "Volunteer" as your purpose when applying) [3]
Child Safety Affidavit of Compliance (A simple signed form you can download and sign in place of FBI fingerprinting) [3]
Category B: Lived outside PA at any point in the last 10 years
 
You must submit these three items [3]:
PA State Police Criminal Record Check (Free for volunteers) [3]
PA Child Abuse History Clearance (Free for volunteers. Select "Volunteer" as your purpose when applying) [3]
FBI Criminal History Background Check (Requires a fingerprinting appointment and a paid fee) [3]

 
2. Annual Training Requirements (Every Year)
You must complete three quick online tasks every year through your GotSport account [2][3].
Log into your GotSport dashboard and look under the "Requirements" tab to complete [2][3]:
SafeSport Training: Required by US Soccer [2]. This covers abuse awareness and athlete safety [2]. First-time volunteers take the full course; returning volunteers take a quick annual refresher [2].
Concussion Training: Required by EPYSA [2][4]. This helps you recognize signs of a concussion and protect our players [4].
EPYSA Risk Management Acknowledgement: A quick form you sign inside your GotSport account [2].

 
3. How to Submit Your Documents
Once you have completed your clearances, submit them to JTYSA [2]:
Upload them: Log into your GotSport volunteer profile and upload your documents under the "Requirements" tab [2].
Email backup: If you have any trouble uploading, email copies of your documents directly to our Risk Management Coordinator at riskmanagement@jtysa.com.

 
Important Notes for Volunteers
  • Background checks are valid for 5 years from the date they are issued [2].
  • Trainings must be renewed every year [2][3].
  • State clearances are free for volunteers [3]. Always select "Volunteer" when applying to waive the fees for the State Police and Child Abuse checks [3].
  • You can reuse clearances from your job, school, or another volunteer group if they are still valid [1].
  • For full details on state rules, visit the EPYSA Risk Management Page [1].


Need Help?
 
If you have any questions or get stuck, email us at riskmanagement@jtysa.com. We are happy to walk you through the process step-by-step!
 
 
Have Questions? E-mail Us.

Reach Out To Get Involved

Volunteer Sign-Up To Coach