Background Checks & Clearances

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has instituted laws for its schools, churches, and other organizations to ensure that our children are safe while participating in youth activities.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association (EPYSA) has moved to a new registration platform using GotSport. Follow the steps below to complete all required materials to be added as a coach or volunteer for the 2021-2022 recreational/competitive year.

If you do not have a GotSport account, please email Miranda Miller, Club Administrator, and provide your first/last name and email address to set up your new account on GotSport. She can be reached at clubadmin@eagle-fc.com or 717-612-8404.

Please DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT! If the instructions below do not work, please contact Miranda listed above.

You must have an account before signing in to the GotSport portal. Again, please contact Miranda to set up your new account if you don’t have one already.

Please go to the GotSport Login Portal to sign in – CLICK HERE

RESOURCES

EPYSA’s Background Check & Clearance FAQ – CLICK HERE

How to Login to Your GotSport Account Video – CLICK HERE

How to Upload Documents & Complete Requirements Video – CLICK HERE

INSTRUCTIONS

• Once you are on the site, click on “Forgot Password.” This step will send a link to your email, and you will be directed to change your password.
• Follow the directions to reset your password and gain access to your account.
• When you are logged in, the page opens on your profile. Complete your profile page to make sure it’s accurate.

The next task is to add your six (6) required documents. Also, please complete EPYSA’s Communicable Disease Agreement and attach a Profile Picture.

• On the profile page, there is a “Dashboard” tab (it is right below the GotSport Logo). Click on the Dashboard tab.
• Once on that page, scroll down to see your requirements. There are six (6) items. The steps are listed below.
• On your profile page, click on Forms (this is different from your Dashboard), then Available Forms, and select the Communicable Disease Form.

BACKGROUND CHECKS & CLEARANCES

1. PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK – CLICK HERE

Anyone working with children must complete and submit proof of their Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check. Click on the link above to complete your background check. Background checks are good for five (5) years (e.g., if your background check has a date of 2017 or earlier, you must renew before the start of the season). If you have completed this process within the last five years, you may immediately upload your most recent background check. The background check process is FREE. If you need a new verification, this does not take long, and it is FREE as well.

2. PENNSYLVANIA CHILD ABUSE CLEARANCE – CLICK HERE

Anyone working with children must complete and submit proof of their Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance. Click on the link above to complete this process. Clearances are good for five years (e.g., if your clearance has a date of 2017 or earlier, you must renew at the start of the season). If you have completed this process within the last five years, you can immediately upload your most recent clearance. The clearance process is FREE. If you need a new verification, go to the link and sign in to your account. Once in the account, click on “Create Clearance Application.” The first page will be an Application Purpose that you will have to fill out. The rest of your information will transfer from your original application. You may have to update any new or outdated information.

3. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI) FINGERPRINT CHECK – CLICK HERE

Anyone working with children must submit their fingerprints, unless in an unpaid position (volunteer), and have lived in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for 10-years or more. If the latter, an Affidavit of Compliance must be completed. If fingerprints are necessary, click on the link above to receive instructions on how to go about processing your fingerprints. Fingerprints are good for five (5) years (e.g., if your fingerprints were processed anytime in 2017 or earlier, they must be renewed before the start of the season).

The cost of getting your fingerprints is between $20.00-$25.00, depending on where you have them completed.

• • For PAID positions, an FBI Fingerprint Check must be completed.
  • For UNPAID positions, where an individual has not been a Pennsylvania resident for more than 10-years, an FBI Fingerprint Check must be completed.
  • For UNPAID positions, where an individual has been a Pennsylvania resident for 10-years or more, an Affidavit of Compliance must be completed. Affidavit of Compliance – CLICK HERE

4. SAFESPORT CERTIFICATE

This requirement needs to be updated annually. The certificate completion date must indicate 2022 to be valid. The SafeSport link is located in the GotSport portal when you select this requirement. Additionally, there is a CODE before you click on “Start Course.” If you have already completed your initial safesport clearance, you will have to login to your account and complete the most recent “Refresher” course. Save and upload that certificate to your gotsport account.

5. CONCUSSION TRAINING

This training needs to be completed annually and is available in the GotSport portal under this requirement. This certificate must have a 2022 completion date to be valid.

6. RISK MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE

There is a list of questions that need to be certified and a digital signature at the bottom. To do this, click on “Submit Form.” There is no physical form. It will direct you to answer the necessary questions.

7. COMMUNICABLE DISEASE FORM

Under the Forms tab on GotSport, please complete EPYSA’s Communicable Disease Agreement. After you click on the Forms tab, select “Available Forms.” This process will direct you to the FREE Communicable Disease Agreement that you must complete.

8. PROFILE PICTURE

Please utilize a passport-sized headshot photo. No hats or sunglasses are permitted.

9. SafeSport Policy – Click Here