As an affiliate of New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS), WWPSA is required to participate in the NJYS KidSafe program. This program requires that WWPSA obtain relevant background information from all:

• Volunteer coaches
• Assistant coaches
• Substitute coaches
• Trainers
• Team Managers
• And any other adult who can expect to be alone with any registered player for any length of time (not to confused with parental responsibilities affecting their own child).

You do not need to fill out a KidSafe application if you are volunteering for any volunteer activities not specifically noted above.

This information is reviewed by the KidSafe Coordinator and is kept on-file for three years after the seasonal year for which the form was completed. The WWPSA KidSafe Coordinator is responsible for safeguarding and reviewing this information and uses it to file an annual certification of compliance with NJYS. If you would like to learn more about the KidSafe program, click here to visit the NJYS website. 

In addition to the background information required by the KidSafe program, WWPSA performs criminal background checks through the National Center for Safety Initiatives ("NCSI") on all people whose roles are described above. WWPSA will submit the information collected through this process to NCSI so that they can perform the relevant background checks. All those filling a role described above must complete both the KidSafe questionnaire as soon as possible and no later than 7 days after they have assumed their respective roles. If you are not volunteering for one of these positions, you should click "I Disagree" during registration.

Due to the timing of when background checks are returned, any volunteer or paid assistant or trainer associated with a team function may perform their assigned roles with their teams until the background checks are returned to WWPSA. In the event that the background check fails, the WWPSA has the right to immediately remove the person from their assigned role. 

WWPSA requires that there are at least two adults present at all practices and games and any other WWPSA-related activity involving our youth players.  Please note:

• One of the two adults may be a paid professional trainer. 
• Both adults must be connected to the team / group activity. For example, two trainers at the same field each coaching separate teams, do not constitute two adults for this purpose.
• In the event that there are not 2 adults present, the practice / game/ activity may not commence and, if necessary, parents should be contacted to collect their player(s) from the activity.

These requirements have been established to protect our players and the adults who work with them.  In the event that you become aware of an instance where this policy is not being applied, please contact Robin Dean via execdirector@wwpsa.org.

These policies intend to protect the children and all others participating in WWPSA programs. We appreciate your compliance with our policies, and hope that you agree they are in the best interests of the entire association. Thank you for your cooperation and compliance with these policies.

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