MEMO

To: All Coaches (Head & Assistants) and CYO Board Members

From: Donna Belcher, STA CYO President

Date: August 2010

RE: TRAINING AND CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERS

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Welcome to St. Thomas Aquinas' Catholic Youth Organization, a parish-based program which provides opportunities for youth to grow in faith and understanding of their Church through involvement in parish, regional and archdiocesan life. Thank you so much for generously sharing your time and energy for our children. Please know that your commitment is always greatly appreciated and needed.

Before volunteering, the following training and background checks are mandated by the Archdioceses of Philadelphia:

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• Safe Environment Training - Attendance at Safe Environment Training is expected within 90 days of beginning service to children. This training class is titled "Protecting God's Children". Attendees must pre-register at www.virtus.org. The attendee will receive a certificate after the class. The attendee keeps a copy of that certificate for themselves and a copy must be given to STA's CYO President and it will be registered with the church business office as well.

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• PA State Police Criminal Record Check - Completion of this form is required before a volunteer begins service. Please return the completed form to STA's CYO President A.S.A.P. so it can be processed. The results will be mailed to your home. Upon receipt, please give STA's CYO President a copy and it will be registered with the church business office.
  Download Form

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• PA Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse Clearance Check - Completion of this form is required before a volunteer begins service. Please return the completed form A.S.A.P. to STA's CYO President A.S.A.P. so it can be processed. The results will be mailed to your home. Upon receipt, please give STA's CYO President a copy and they will register it with the church business office.
  Download Form

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• Coaches Orientation - Before coaching any CYO team, all coaches (head & assistants) must attend the Coaches Orientation seminar in person during the first year prior to the start of the sport. This one-day seminar provides assistance and training for coaches. It is designed to inform and develop the Catholic Coach. There is a $15 fee for this class that with a receipt is refundable by the STA CYO. Coaches' will receive a certificate and a copy must be given to STA's CYO President and then it will be registered with the church business office.

  If the coach cannot personally attend prior to the beginning of the sport, he or she must take the Online Catholic Coaching Essentials (first year coaches ONLY) before coaching at all AND attend the Coaches Orientation during the first year of coaching any CYO sports.

  Link

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• Please visit the below schedule for upcoming orientation dates and locations. There is no pre-registration required; you can just walk in.
  Download Schedule