Are coaches and key GS football volunteers required to have background clearance?
Answer – Yes. The CFA League bylaws require that background checks be run on each coach (Article V – Coaching Eligibility, Section 1 – Coaching Requirements, a, 3: “Have a background check (Each CFA Team will be Responsible)”). Because of our association to Good Shepherd church and school, we must also follow the “Harrisburg Diocesan Procedures for obtaining Criminal record checks”. Good Shepherd church supports this with their detailed “Instructions for Obtaining Clearances” process. Our football program is required to participate in this mandatory comprehensive process, which includes: • Signing a Harrisburg Diocese Volunteer Information & Consent form. • Obtaining Pennsylvania Access of Criminal History (PATCH) clearance. • Obtaining Pennsylvania Dept. of Welfare Child Abuse History clearance. • Obtaining final Good Shepherd and Harrisburg Diocesan approval. • Annually completing Harrisburg Diocese On-line Training Course “Creating a Safe Environment”. Clearance must be obtained or
