Security Clearances

The Zelienople Harmony Athletic Association requires either one of two types of clearances for individuals involved with child-related association activities. One is a security clearance check for all coaches and commissioners; the other is a background disclosure statement specifically for volunteers involved with team activities.

Individuals not completing their respective security clearance will not be permitted to coach or come in contact with children during league or other team activities. [These clearances are separate from the Code of Conduct Form (pdf) form that all parents must sign.]

For Coaches and Commissioners:

ZHAA requires all coaches and commissioners to complete both the State of Pennsylvania Criminal Background Check (PATCH; SP4-164) and Child Abuse Clearance (Act 33/34) application forms. This is a two-step process.

The criminal check can be completed online via the PA State Police Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) website. This application process takes about five minutes to complete. The approved clearance notice can be printed immediately. (If you prefer not to complete the application online, you can download a pdf copy of the PA Request for Criminal Record Check Form (SP4-164) and mail it to the state.)

Once obtained, the criminal check clearance must be submitted with, and attached to, the State of Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Form (pdf). The child abuse clearance must be submitted by mail and can take one month or longer to receive.

The state of Pennsylvania charges $10 for each of these clearances. ZHAA will reimburse coaches for the cost of these two clearances, if requested.

If a coach or commissioner would have up-to-date Pennsylvania criminal and child abuse clearances obtained through other current group or association requirements -- such as school, church or scouting activities -- they can submit a copy of those already-approved clearances.

All coaches and commissioners must submit approved clearances to their respective league commissioner or to the vice president of baseball/softball before the season begins.

For Team Volunteers:

ZHAA requires all team volunteers who may come into contact with children during league and game activities to submit a Background Disclosure Statement (pdf). Individuals not completing this form will not be permitted on the field or in the dugout during games or practices.

The purpose of this requirement is to make every reasonable effort to exclude any adult with a legally documented history of child abuse/molestation -- or any other conviction or record -- helping insure a safe and secure environment for children participating in ZHAA activities.

There is no fee charged for completing this form.

Individuals should submit completed forms to the team head coach before participating in any team-sponsored activity.