Volunteer Requirements

The Ontario Soccer Association (OSA) require that all member clubs carry out rigorous screening of all volunteers (coaches, assistant coaches, managers and trainers) working with teams in what is termed the “high-risk category". Basically this applies to all youth competitive teams.

Prospective and returning volunteers are required to complete and submit the following documents to the Club:

• Volunteer Application Form, to be submitted annually.
• A recent Police Records Check. The OSA require that this be renewed every 2 years.
• Proof of coaching or trainer credentials.

The Volunteer Application and Police Records Check forms are available from the club web site, the respective Vice-Presidents, or the Club Registrar.

Volunteers should obtain a Proof of Volunteer letter from the club certifying that they are indeed volunteers with the club. The Proof of Volunteer letter must accompany the Police Records Check Form when applying for a Police Records Check otherwise the Police will charge a processing fee. (Volunteers of non-profit organizations are exempt from the processing fee).

Volunteers should complete the Police Records Check form and Proof of Volunteer letter and take them to their local police station for processing. It is suggested that the early evening is the best time to do this. It currently takes 15 business days to get a police records check done plus another week or two for processing by the club.

Copies of all completed forms and coaching credentials should be sent to:

Clubs are required to:

Ensure that they comply with OSA rulings regarding Volunteer Screening. Non-compliance carries severe penalties, from heavy fines to disbarment. Therefore it is mandatory that volunteers meet the requirements aforementioned and that the Club conducts the following:

• Verify references.
• Interview volunteers.
• Evaluate volunteers.

Volunteers in "high risk" positions are not be permitted to engage in any team activities until such requirements are met. Prospective and returning volunteers are advised to obtain and have the official forms completed immediately.