Pennsylvania Act 153 of 2014 requires that employees and volunteers who have direct contact with children obtain 3 different background certifications: PA Criminal History Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Check, & an FBI Criminal History Check.  These clearances need renewed every 60 months to remain valid.

All volunteers and paid employees working directly with children must have the proper clearances (a.k.a. background checks), which must be completed using the provider designated by PA law.

Who Must Obtain Certifications for the MTLLA?

• Paid Coaches
• Volunteer Coaches (including any parent on the field during practice and/or on the team sideline during games)

Paid Coaches must provide the following certifications:

• PA Criminal History Record Check from the PA State Police
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance from the PA Department of Human Services.
• FBI Identity History Check with fingerprint submission
• USA Lacrosse Level 1 Certification

Volunteer Coaches must provide the following certifications:

• PA Criminal History Record Check from the PA State Police
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services.
• FBI Identity History Check or Notarized Volunteer Affidavit - if volunteer has been a PA resident for the last 10 consecutive years they can complete a notarized Volunteer Affidavit OR if an FBI Identity History Check with fingerprint submission if a paid coach or PA resident for less than 10 consecutive years.

HOW TO Obtain Your Background Certifications

1. PA Criminal History Record Check:

• Free for volunteers
• Clearance can be obtained online by visiting the PA State Police web site. - Click HERE

2. PA Child Abuse History Report:

• Free for volunteers if this clearance wasn't issued to applicant within the last 5 years.
• Clearance can be obtained online by visiting the PA Dept. of Human Services web site. - Click HERE

3. FBI Identity History Check:

• Costs $22.60 for paid coaches and volunteers who have not been a Pennsylvania resident for the last 10 consecutive years
• Pennsylvania now uses IDEMIA to provide FBI Identity History Checks with fingerprint submission (also referred to as IdentoGo and MorphoTrust). Click HERE to pre-enroll (via the "Schedule or Manage Appointment" link), find a convenient location for the required in-person application processing, and submit a Fingerprint Card by mail.
• During registration, you will have to provide the " DHS Volunteer" service code 1KG6ZJ.
  

OR

• If you have been a continuous resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the last 10 years, volunteers do not need to obtain an FBI clearance. You will instead need to print and sign the 10-Year Resident of Pennsylvania Affidavit

 

Common Questions/Additional Information

Can I use a PA Child Abuse History Clearance or a PA Criminal History Record Check obtained for other volunteer activities in which I've participated or will participate in the future for another organization?

Yes, any person who obtained their certifications within the previous 60 months may serve in a volunteer capacity for any program, activity or service.

 

Submitting Certifications and Confidentiality

Original forms must be shown and copies given to the MTLLA Secretary to be maintained in a confidential file.  The original forms will be returned to volunteers and paid coaches.  All information will be kept confidential and will NOT be shared with other individuals.