Requirements (Coaches, Referees, Team Managers, Board Members)
Thank you for interest in becoming a volunteer with AYSO Region 183! The following steps are required to get you started to becoming a volunteer with us!
Detailed instructions on steps 1 & 2 are available at the AYSO National Website (opens in new window).
1) Volunteer Application
Every volunteer (coach, referee, board member, team manager, etc.) must submit a Volunteer Application each year through our Sports Connect portal. Click on the "Register Now" button above or click here.
2) Sterling Background Check
The background check application is delivered to AYSO National Headquarters and to Sterling Volunteers: the company that conducts the background check. Sterling Volunteers provides all volunteers with for an annual background check which screens for volunteers’ suitability to work with players. Once the results of the background check are received by AYSO National and by Region 183, the volunteer will be evaluated for the volunteer positions they selected.
If you are a returning volunteer, you will receive a notification from Sterling Volunteers 30 days before your background check is due to renew. You MUST renew when you receive the notification in order to remain eligible to volunteer.
Online Course Requirements
In addition to the annual Volunteer Application and Background Check there are certain training requirements that must be completed by all volunteers.
Information on accessing AYSOU for courses 1, 2, & 3 can be found here How to Access and Use AYSOU
1) Safe Haven
All volunteers must complete the AYSO Safe Haven course before they are allowed to participate in any region activities. This course can be completed online through AYSO's learning platform, AYSOU, under the "Online Courses" tab. All volunteers are required to complete this prior to receiving team contact information and prior to holding team practice, so please complete the course at your earliest convenience.
2) CDC Concussion Awareness
The Concussion Awareness training can be completed online through the AYSOU platform. Once you have successfully completed the course, your certification record will be updated.
3) Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest training can be completed online through the AYSOU platform. Once you have successfully completed the course, your certification record will be updated.
4) SafeSport Course (Not on AYSOU)
A comprehensive overview of facts, principles, and strategies to help you provide safe and positive sport environments. Units include:
- Sexual Misconduct Awareness and Education
- Mandatory Reporting
- Physical and Emotional Misconduct (including bullying, hazing, and harassment)
SafeSport has an initial course (≅ 90 minutes), and an annual refresher (≅ 30 minutes).
Accessing and Completing SafeSport:
(If you have completed SafeSport for another sports organization, your certificate can be uploaded to your AYSO account)Log into your Sports Connect account
From the menu on left, select VOLUNTEER
Next click on "Renew & Update" button in lower left and follow the prompts
.
Click on the link to get started with Safesport.
Once you complete the training on their site, it will likely take at least an hour to update in the system.
You will need to create a SafeSport account. During the process when you see the question for "Membership ID", leave this blank.
Once the account has been created, go to "My Courses" and select "SafeSport Trained- U.S. Soccer Federation."
Complete the course
5) Job Specific Training - Coaches & Referees
Coaches and Referees must also complete training and obtain certification specific to their job role. More detailed information can be found on the site under the tab specific for each role. The following links will bring you to the pages that list out the current local training options available.