Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the Mason Dixon Soccer League. We are very thankful that you have expressed an interest in volunteering.
Effective July 2016, new PA Child Protection Laws require background checks for coaches, assistant coaches, and applicable volunteers. These include a FBI background check, PA criminal background check, and a PA child welfare background check. PA/FBI background checks are valid for 5 years and must not expire prior to the end of this season. Additionally, in 2017 the US Congress passed the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act. Coaches and assistant coaches are required to complete Concussion training, SafeSport Training, and certify EPYSA Risk Management statements annually These clearances must not expire prior to the end of the season.
Detailed directions for completing the clearances are found below.
Questions can be emailed to [email protected]
Clearance Requirements Checklist:
1) Log into system.gotsport.com
If you are new to coaching a new coaching account will be created for you by Mason Dixon Soccer League with the email that you provided during your registration. Once the account is created, click on forgot password to reset the password.
If you already have a coaching account, login to your account at https://system.gotsport.com
Accessing the clearance section: Once you have logged into your account, choose the dashboard tab. You should see the list of clearances on this page. Click More Info next to each clearance to complete or submit the documents for each clearance.
Troubleshooting Tip: If you do not see the clearances in your dashboard try these steps: Choose the family link on the left side of the screen in gotsport, choose your name from the list, and then click dashboard again.
For screenshots and a tutorial video demonstrating how to submit clearances please visit this site: GotSport coach registration.
2) FBI Background Check - Complete A if you have lived in PA for the past 10 years. Complete B if you have not lived in PA for 10 years. Scan and upload your completed clearance to your gotsport account. (Valid for 5 years, must not expire prior to the end of the season)
A. Signed disclaimer affirming no charges in other states that would prohibit selection as a volunteer. (Free)
Download the DHS disclosure statement template for adult volunteers who have lived in PA for the past 10 years. Please print, sign & date in front of a witness, and have the witness sign as well.
B. FBI Criminal Background Check (fingerprint check) for federal criminal history records
The PA Department of Human Services is using IDEMIA to process fingerprint-based FBI criminal background checks. Register to get fingerprinted by clicking on this link: https://www.identogo.com The standard DHS code for volunteers is 1KG6ZJ. This clearance takes time and has a fee, so start this a.s.a.p.
3) Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check - Upload the certificate to your gotsport account. (Valid for 5 years, must not expire prior to the end of the season)
Apply for the PA State Police Criminal Record Check online at: https://epatch.state.pa.us/Home.jsp
Click “New Record Check” Volunteers Only. "No Record” certificates will be displayed on the computer screen in about one to two minutes after submitting a request.
Be sure to click on the No Record word on the screen to pull up the actual certificate so you may save and/or print it.
Troubleshooting Tip: If you have questions about the Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Record Checks form (SP4 164), please call: (717) 783-9973 or toll free 1-888-783-7972.
4) ChildLine (PA Child Abuse History Clearance through the Department of Human Services) - Upload the certificate to your gotsport account. (Valid for 5 years, must not expire prior to the end of the season)
Apply for Child Abuse History Clearance Online: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home Click create an individual account or login with your individual login if you already have one.
When creating a new account, the portal will take you to a Create Keystone ID: General Information page. Scroll to the bottom of this page and click Next. Create your own Keystone ID, fill out the required information, and click finish.
Follow the steps on the website to submit your clearance application. Once completed, download your clearance certificate.
Troubleshooting Tip: See detailed directions on this document.
5) Complete the Heads Up Concussion Training (Valid for 1 year, must not expire prior to the end of the season)
Click on the Launch Heads Up button provided in your gotsport account. This will take you to an online module to complete. This clearance should automatically update in your gotsport account, but you may also choose to save your certificate for your records.
Troubleshooting Tip: This works best on a computer. If it does not load or you do not see the button try switching browsers.
6) Complete the SafeSport Training (Valid for 1 year, must not expire prior to the end of the season)
Make note of the access code in gotsport. New users, click on the Start Course button. Returning users click on the Access SafeSport button provided in your gotsport account. Select U.S. Soccer and use the access code provided in your gotsport account. Complete the training. If you have completed this before, complete the refresher course. This clearance should automatically update in your gotsport account, but you may also choose to save your certificate for your records.
7) Certify the EPYSA Risk Management statements (Valid for 1 year, must not expire prior to the end of the season)
Read and certify each statement. Sign your name directly on the screen.
8) Communicable Disease Agreement (Valid for 1 year, must not expire prior to the end of the season)
Select the Forms tab towards the top of your gotsport account, then Available Forms. Select and complete the current agreement.
All completed checks must be uploaded to your gotsport account. Most of these clearances will say PENDING until they are reviewed by the compliance officer for Mason Dixon Soccer.
For questions related to the clearance requirements for volunteers or the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, please contact the DHS ChildLine Verification Unit at 717-783-6211 or 1-877-371-5422 and/or visit Keep Kids Safe PA: www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov/, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer page, and/or the Volunteer FAQ page..