Use the following guide to become a BPSA travel soccer coach.
All travel coaches must hold a PA West coaching card, which can be obtained after fulfilling the requirements and process described below.
To become a travel coach, you must do all of the following prior to the start of the season:
- Obtain your volunteer clearances,
- Obtain a coaching credential,
- Complete SafeSport training, and
- Submit all of the above to PA West for verification and obtain your coaching card.
Obtain Your PA Required Clearances:
- Child Abuse Certifications (PA Dept. of Human Services) is required of volunteer and paid coaches.
- Criminal History Record Certification (Pennsylvania State Police Reports) is required of volunteer and paid coaches.
- One of the following:
- Federal Criminal History Certification (FBI Reports) is required of all paid coaches and volunteers who have not resided in PA for at least the previous 10 continuous years. This is also acceptable for volunteers who have lived in PA for at least the previous 10 continuous years.
OR
- Notarized Affidavit for Volunteer Exemption from FBI Certification is acceptable for volunteers who have lived in PA for at least the previous 10 continuous years.
How To Obtain The Required Documents
PA State Police Report:
PA State Police Criminal Record Checks are free for volunteers. They can be obtained online by visiting the State Police web site -
Click Here.
Child Abuse History Report:
PA Child Abuse History Clearance requests may be made online -
Click Here They are free for volunteers.
FBI Criminal Background Check:
To request an FBI Fingerprint Clearance: Click Here This link will take you to the page managed by Identogo for the Commonwealth of PA to help individuals attain an FBI clearance. The service code to apply for volunteer fingerprinting is 1KG6ZJ. The approximate cost will be $22.
Volunteer Qualification Affidavit (PDF): Click Here. This affidavit must be notarized to be approved by PA West.
Obtain Your Coaching Credentials:
All coaches must hold a soccer coaching credential. First-time coaches can
PA West Soccer Coaching Requirements: Click Here
Submit all of the above to PA West for verification and obtain your coaching card.
How To Receive Approval - PA West Soccer Online Risk Management System
Step 1 - Obtain the required documents from the appropriate agencies.
Step 2 - Upload the required documents into the PA West Soccer Online Risk Management System
PA West Soccer coaches, referees, and volunteers are required to comply with the Child Protective Services law. Please upload copies of your required documents into your record in the PA West Soccer Online Risk Management System. Using this system you'll create an application and upload your documents into your admin record. You'll use your current login info if you have an account in our online registration system; if you don't have an account you'll need to create one.
Instructions for using the PA West Soccer Online Risk Management System: Click Here (pdf)