Outlined below are the background policies and procedures for adults to volunteer with the SAA and those who accept paid positions. We maintain a list of those who have complied with the standards for the reference of parents, coaches and directors. Want to be on the list? Then read below.
STATE POLICIES
- A 2015 Pennsylvania state law mandates background checks for volunteers and paid individuals 18 and older involved in programs like those offered by the SAA.
- All background checks must be submitted by the individuals seeking positions (volunteers and those seeking paid positions) using specific portals designated by the State of Pennsylvania. Wish it was more simplistic...but we didn't make the rules!
- The requirements outlined by the State differ based the following:
> Unpaid volunteer vs. Paid position
> Continuous PA state resident for 10 years vs. less than 10 years
- Volunteers are required to obtain the certifications required above every 5 years.
SAA POLICIES, PROCESS, & FAQs
In accordance with rules outlined by the state, the SAA has outlined a program to comply with the law. If you have questions send an email to [email protected].
Who does the law apply to?
All paid and volunteer coaches, trainers, directors, game officials or any other role which involves having "direct volunteer contact" with children (even routine) in connection with SAA program activities, must meet the new specific background check requirements set forth by PA state law for any volunteer activity with the SAA.
What materials/checks do volunteers have to obtain and how do I get them?
Volunteers must obtain the materials below from the sources designated here. If you completed these things for another organization, you can reuse them with the SAA.
a. State Police Criminal Record Check. (Go to https://epatch.state.pa.us/) (Note: Free service)
b. PA Child Abuse History Clearance (Go to https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home) (Note: Free service)
c. If a PA resident for less than 10 continuous years…FBI Criminal Background Check (The fingerprint based background check is a multiple step process. What to do:
- Go to IdentoGo, Pennsylvania's processing partner.
- Enter Service Code 1KG6ZJ (DHS Volunteer).
- Click Schedule Appointment.
- You will be prompted to "pre-enroll" by answering some questions.
- Schedule your appointment: Put in your zip code to find the closest location.
- Take the registration form and go to one of the locations to be fingerprinted.
- You will receive a report in the mail in 2-6 weeks.
- Note: There is a fee of $22.60.
What do you do with the materials you receive from the state following completion of a background check?
The materials you gather must be supplied to the SAA. The SAA is contracting with a company @ https://clearcheck.me. Using their process you can upload digital copies of your official documents. Scan your files, upload PDFs, or take a picture of your files. It needs to be legible and it needs to be the official document (READ the directions on the PA websites carefully...it is tricky!!!). You CANNOT just give us a link to the state website. You will be notified via email when you are "approved" by the SAA.
How do I get a clearcheck.me account to upload my documents for the SAA?
Complete our background check registration form and we'll send you an invitation from clercheck.me so you can upload your documents.
How do I know the SAA has approved my background check documents?
We review every document submitted to your clearcheck.me account. If everything looks good we let you know. If it doesn't (maybe a technical issue, etc.) we let you know. It is up to you to make adjustments. We publish the names of all approved coaches here.
If you are uncertain if something in your background would prohibit you from volunteering not that the SAA follows the guidelines below from the state (also accessible in full on the state website here).
(c) Grounds for denying employment or participation in program, activity or service.--
(1) In no case shall an administrator hire or approve an applicant where the department has verified that the applicant is named in the Statewide database as the perpetrator of a founded report committed within the five-year period immediately preceding verification pursuant to this section.
(2) In no case shall an administrator hire an applicant if the applicant's criminal history record information indicates the applicant has been convicted of one or more of the following offenses under Title 18 (relating to crimes and offenses) or an equivalent crime under Federal law or the law of another state:
Chapter 25 (relating to criminal homicide).
Section 2702 (relating to aggravated assault).
Section 2709.1 (relating to stalking).
Section 2901 (relating to kidnapping).
Section 2902 (relating to unlawful restraint).
Section 3121 (relating to rape).
Section 3122.1 (relating to statutory sexual assault).
Section 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse).
Section 3124.1 (relating to sexual assault).
Section 3125 (relating to aggravated indecent assault).
Section 3126 (relating to indecent assault).
Section 3127 (relating to indecent exposure).
Section 4302 (relating to incest).
Section 4303 (relating to concealing death of child).
Section 4304 (relating to endangering welfare of children).
Section 4305 (relating to dealing in infant children).
A felony offense under section 5902(b) (relating to prostitution and related offenses).
Section 5903(c) or (d) (relating to obscene and other sexual materials and performances).
Section 6301 (relating to corruption of minors).
Section 6312 (relating to sexual abuse of children).
The attempt, solicitation or conspiracy to commit any of the offenses set forth in this paragraph.
(3) In no case shall an employer, administrator, supervisor or other person responsible for employment decisions hire or approve an applicant if the applicant's criminal history record information indicates the applicant has been convicted of a felony offense under the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, committed within the five-year period immediately preceding verification under this section.