PA West Soccer does not provide background checks. You must get them from the providers designated by Pennsylvania. We have provided an outline below of what is needed and links to each of those clearances. Please review the information on this page thoroughly. Once you’ve acquired the required clearances you will then upload them into our risk management system via the link provide below “To Access PA West Soccer’s Online Risk Management Portal”.
To Access PA West Soccer’s Online Risk Management Portal – Click Here (No fee; applications reviewed during regular review cycle of up to 10 business days)
To Access PA West Soccer’s Expedited Online Risk Management Portal – Click Here (30.00 fee; application reviewed with 24 hours during normal business hours)
Instructions for using the PA West Soccer Online Risk Management System: Click Here (pdf)
Tips for uploading Clearance Documents: Click Here (pdf)
State Law Change Affects All Clubs
The PA Child Protective Services Law changed effective January 1, 2015. All background checks must be completed using the provider designated by Pennsylvania per the requirements of the law. Individuals fall into two categories…paid and volunteer…and each has its own set of required clearances. All individuals must upload the required documents into the PA West Soccer Online Risk Management System (link to the portal and additional info at the bottom of the page).
Volunteers must provide the following:
-State Police Criminal Record Check (provided free to volunteers)
-PA Child Abuse History Clearance (provided free to volunteers)
-if PA resident for at least the past 10 years…a complete and notarized Volunteer affidavit
-if PA resident for less than the past 10 years…FBI Criminal Background Check (requires purchase of clearance)
Individuals who are paid to oversee the children/have direct contact with children must provide the following:
-State Police Criminal Record Check (requires purchase of clearance)
-PA Child Abuse History Clearance (requires purchase of clearance)
-FBI Criminal Background Check (requires purchase of clearance)
PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT upload receipts; PA West Soccer only accepts clearance certificates.
How To Obtain The Required Documents
PA State Police Report:
PA State Police Criminal Record Checks are free for volunteers and cost approximately 22.00 for those who are paid. They can be obtained online by visiting the State Police web site – Click Here.
Child Abuse History Report:
PA Child Abuse History Clearance requests may be made online – Click Here They are free for volunteers and the cost is approximately 20.00 for those who are paid.
FBI Criminal Background Check:
To request an FBI Fingerprint Clearance: Click Here This link will take you to the page managed by Identogo for the Commonwealth of PA to help individuals attain an FBI clearance. The service code to apply for volunteer fingerprinting is 1KG756. The approximate cost will be $26.20.
Volunteer Qualification Affidavit (PDF): Click Here
Step 1 – Obtain the required documents from the appropriate agencies.
Step 2 – Upload the required documents into the PA West Soccer Online Risk Management System
PA West Soccer coaches, referees, and volunteers are required to comply with the Child Protective Services law. Please upload copies of your required documents into your record in the PA West Soccer Online Risk Management System. Using this system you’ll create an application and upload your documents into your admin record. You’ll use your current login info if you have an account in our online registration system; if you don’t have an account you’ll need to create one.
How To Receive Approval – PA West Soccer Online Risk Management System
Instructions for using the PA West Soccer Online Risk Management System: Click Here (pdf)
PA West Soccer Policy on Player Heath, Safety and Welfare
PA West Soccer Criminal Background Check Policy
PA West Soccer Zero Tolerance Risk Management Policy
If you need Assistance or have questions, please contact the PA West Soccer State Office via email at [email protected] or by phone at 412-856-8011
All coaches must be SafeSport trained at SafeSport.com. The Safe Soccer Framework is a comprehensive program of policies and processes, screening, education and training, reporting, monitoring and enforcement designed to help participants detect and report abuse, respond to it and prevent future occurrences. This online video training program takes no more than 90 minutes to complete but can be reviewed in segments if time does not permit completing the course in its entirely at one time.
Please use the following instructions for users who need to create an account and access training. As with the prior code, please do not post the links on any public platform. The link is for U.S. Soccer affiliated participants only.
1. Use this link: https://safesporttrained.org?KeyName=JJFAQsQPWNRj01edWcPr
2. Complete information on “Sign Up” page.
3. If prompted, log in to the new account you just created.
4. Click on “Menu” and select “Catalog.”
5. Click the Start button for “SafeSport Trained – U.S. Soccer Federation” to complete the course.
6. Upload your certificate of completion.
Instructions for downloading a certificate of completion are as follows:
1. Please select the “Menu” icon at the top right of your page.
2. Select “Transcript”.
3. Once the transcript page displays, locate the most current completion for the course under the “Certificates” section.
Download the certificate by selecting the “Download” button at the right of the completed course.
Once completed the coach will print a Sex Abuse Prevention Training (SAPT) certificate for his/her records and upload a scan into the SAPT slot next to their clearances in their admin record in the online registration system.
For more information, visit PAWest's Risk Management Website.