VOLUNTEER POLICY
Red Land Youth Baseball takes the safety of our youth very seriously. Therefore, we follow all State, Federal and Organizational laws regarding safety and volunteer background checks. Pennsylvania happens to be one of the most strict states, which of course may seem like a burden, but ensures the safety of all of our players. Babe Ruth Baseball / Ripken Baseball are also becoming more and more concerned with making sure that all clearances are obtained.
Anyone that comes in contact with our players MUST follow this policy, No Exceptions. This includes every board member, team mom, head coach, assistant coach, and umpire (over the age of 18).
Without these documents, you will NOT be permitted to interact with players. This includes, but is not limited to, head coaches, assistant coaches, team parent, etc. If we allow individuals to volunteer without these clearances being complete, we are subject to loss of insurance and/or charter.
Below is the policy outline for Babe Ruth which includes all of what #RLYB and the state have required in the past, plus their own clearance.
Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken leagues require a specific set of background checks, child abuse clearances, and abuse prevention trainings for volunteers who have consistent and direct contact with players through league sanctioned activities every 2 years. Because you reside in Pennsylvania, you must complete the Pennsylvania requirements in addition to the Babe Ruth League requirements.
Below you will find the links and instructions to obtain your background checks. Please be aware it takes up to 5 business days for your submitted clearances to be reviewed by Babe Ruth League. The cost for clearances is $25.50.
STEP 1: PENNSYLVANIA BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS
Be sure to electronically save the following three documents as you receive them. You will need them for Step 2 (Babe Ruth Requirements)
1: PA Child Abuse History Clearance (free):
•Click Here to access the form. Select the link for an “Individual Login” or “Create Individual Account” if you do not have one.
2. PA Criminal Record Check (free):
• Click Here to access the form. Select “New Record Check Volunteers Only”. If there is no record, you will receive a downloadable document indicating “no record.” If there is a criminal record, your results may take a couple weeks.
3: Disclosure Statement or FBI Fingerprint Clearance: One of these options must be completed even if clearances came from another organization:
Option 1: If you have been a resident of the Commonwealth of PA for AT LEAST the past 10 YEARS, complete, sign and submit the “Disclosure Statement for Volunteers” form which can be downloaded and printed by Clicking Here.
Option 2: If you have NOT been a resident of the Commonwealth of PA for AT LEAST the past 10 YEARS, you will be required in accordance with PA Law to obtain an FBI federal background clearance (Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)) which involves fingerprinting. The cost is $18. To complete this process, please Click Here. You will need to obtain your fingerprints first. You may Click Here to identify the nearest FBI fingerprint location here by entering your zip code. (Use the Service Code of 1KG6ZJ) (Pay)
By completing the above requirements, you will have a clearance to volunteer with children in Pa. for five years. However, for Babe Ruth League volunteers, you must also complete Step 2.
STEP 2: BABE RUTH LEAGUE CLEARANCES
Click Here to access the Babe Ruth Background Screen Registration.
If you do not already have an account, you will need to create one by clicking the “Create an Account” link at the bottom of the page. Advance through this process by clicking the green continue buttons on the page as you fill out your information.
Pa. Ripken is in the Mid Atlantic Region, and you will need to select your league in the long list under Mid Atlantic Region.
Continue scrolling to the bottom of the page where it asks you if you volunteer in Pennsylvania. Select “Yes” and upload your three documents from STEP 1 above. Continue answering the questions and clicking the green Continue or Review button at the bottom of the page until you complete the process.
Once you complete the process, you will be asked to complete the abuse prevention training. If you have taken this training from other organizations, you can skip the videos and just answer the quiz questions. If you have not gone through the training, you will need to watch the videos and complete the quiz questions. You will receive a score immediately after completing the quiz. You must pass the quiz to complete the training.
After you have completed the steps above it will take the Babe Ruth league up to 5 business days to review your background checks and get your name cleared to volunteer. If there are any issues with your background check, you and your league President will be contacted.
Your Babe Ruth League clearances are good for 2 years. Any questions can be directed to Babe Ruth League at [email protected] or 800-880-3142.
When you complete these forms, you will be given a PDF file.
We will automatically receive the results of the PA Child Abuse History Clearance. The PA Criminal Record Check and Disclosure Statement or FBI Fingerprint Clearance you may either email or mail the documents-see below.
Emails: [email protected] and
[email protected]
Mail:
Red Land Youth Baseball
PO Box 456
Lewisberry, PA 17339