As of July 1, 2015, all paid employees aged 14 and older working in the state of Pennsylvania that interact directly with children are required to get the following 3 background clearances:  

1. Pennsylvania State Police - Access to Criminal History 

2. Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Check

Be sure to select employment when beginning your application (not volunteer). These are valid for 5 years. The PA State Police check is $20 and PA Child Abuse History check is $13 and can be done entirely online with immediate results.

3. FBI Affidavit of Compliance OR FBI Background Check - Fingerprints 

Minors (age 14-17) who have lived in PA for at least 10 years are exempt from the FBI Fingerprint check. However, they must complete this Affidavit of Compliance Disclosure: http://www.epsarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Disclosure-Statement_Minors.pdf

Refeeres who are 18 or older or turning 18 during this calendar year, or minors who have not lived in PA for at least 10 years, must complete an FBI Background Fingerprint Check. These cost $23 and can be scheduled here: 

FBI Background Check - Fingerprints

Additional Trainings 

If you are training to be an Intramural Referee, you are required to complete the HeadsUp Concussion training course for officials. 

Concussions do happen on the soccer field! You can improve the culture of concussion by taking this free online training and using what you learn to inform how you talk about, prevent, and respond to concussions. Your actions can help create a safe environment for young athletes so that they can stay healthy, active, and thrive – both on and off the playing field. 

You can complete this training course here: - HeadsUp Training

If you are enrolled in ESPARC's certification course, you will be required to complete the SafeSport online training (if over 18). You will be directed to this training through your ESPARC account. 

How to submit your background check documents

If you are preparing to be an Intramural Referee, you can email your 3 background check documents and your HeadsUp certificate of completion to HSCIntramural@haverfordsoccer.org. If you are training to be a Certified Referee, you can load your documents into your ESPARC account. Instructions can be found here: http://epsarc.org/referees/pa-background-clearances/