Safe Haven F.A.Q.s Click Here

All Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Referees are required to receive Safe Haven Training and Certification. Therefore we are asking that all Coaches and Refs who have not been Safe Haven Certified complete the online training course before the fall season beings.

You can complete the class and receive your certification in less than one hour, in the convenience of your home, at your most convenient time, rather than sitting through another class at the Coach or Referee meeting.

To complete the class online, go to www.aysotraining.org and follow the instructions.  You will need two things; (1) your AYSO ID number, and (2) your computer must have Flash Player 8.  If you do not know your AYSO ID number, write a short email to the Region 149 CVPA (Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate) requesting that information.  You should receive a reply within 24 hours.  If you do not have Flash Player 8, you can download it free from the www.aysotraining.org web site.

Once you have completed the course and passed the test, you will be able to print out a certificate of completion for your records.  Your database record at AYSO National ( called eAYSO) will also be updated to show your certification. The Region will use that list to determine which volunteers have completed their Safe Haven requirement.   Safe Haven certification is good for life and never has to be repeated.  If you are both a coach and a referee, you should complete BOTH classes and become certified for BOTH jobs.   Happy training!

Why Safe Haven Training is Required

Safe Haven is a child and volunteer protection program that was the first of its kind in youth sports.

The child protection aspect is intended to stop child abuse, educate or remove its perpetrators, and screen out predators before they get into the program. It includes proactive steps which provide a medium for positive, healthy child development, precluding the outbreak of child abuse in a weak, unfocused, non-empowering environment.

Volunteer protection comes into play as a result of volunteer training, certification and continuing education. The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 provides certain legal protections for volunteers who have been registered, trained and certified, and act in accordance with a written job description. Safe Haven has these three elements, giving volunteers the highest degree of protection available under the law.

Regional Safe Haven Information

To Contact our Safe Haven Rep. Click Here

Safe Haven F.A.Q.s Click Here

Regional Commissioner

» Certification Regional Commissioner Orientation
3 hours
» Training Introductory Management Training
4 hours 30 min
» Continuing Education Intermediate Mgmt Training or Advanced Mgmt Training
2 hours 30 min

Regional Coach Administrator

» Certification Safe Haven Coach Certification
2 hours 30 min
» Training Introductory Management Training
4 hours 30 min
» Continuing Education Intermediate Mgmt Training or Advanced Mgmt Training
2 hours 30 min

Regional Referee Administrator

» Certification Safe Haven Referee Certification
1 hour 15 min
» Training Introductory Management Training
4 hours 30 min
» Continuing Education Intermediate Mgmt Training or Advanced Mgmt Training
2 hours 30 min

Assistant Regional Commissioner

» Certification BASIC Certification
1 hour 15 min
» Training Introductory Management Training
4 hours 30 min
» Continuing Education Intermediate Mgmt Training or Advanced Mgmt Training
2 hours 30 min

Treasurer

» Certification BASIC Certification
1 hour 15 min
» Training Regional Finance - Treasurer I
1 hour 15 min
» Continuing Education Treasurer II
1 hour 15 min

Safety Director

» Certification BASIC Certification
1 hour 15 min
» Training Risk Management - Safety Director I
1 hour 15 min
» Continuing Education Safety Director II
1 hour 15 min

Regional Registrar

» Certification BASIC Certification
1 hour 15 min
» Training
1 hour 15 min
» Continuing Education Registrar II
1 hour 15 min

All Other Regional Board and Staff

» Certification BASIC Certification
1 hour 15 min
» Training Regional Staff Training
1 hour 15 min
» Continuing Education Regional Update in 2003
Reading InPlay, Shorts, and Play It Safe

Coaches

» Certification Safe Haven Coach Certification
2 hours 30 min
» Training Appropriate Coaching Course
Varies
» Continuing Education Annual Coach Update
Reading InPlay, Shorts, and Play It Safe

Referees

» Certification Safe Haven Referee Certification
1 hour 15 min
» Training Appropriate Referee Course
Varies
» Continuing Education Review Annual Law Changes,
Reading InPlay, Shorts, and Play It Safe

Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate

» Certification Role of the Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate
2 hours 30 min
» Training Role of the Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate
2 hours 30 min
» Continuing Education Annual CVPA Update
1 hour 15 min

All Instructors

» Certification Grade Specific Instructor Course
Varies
» Training Grade Specific Instructor Course
Varies
» Continuing Education Annual Instructor Update
1 hour 15 min

Area Director

» Certification Area Director Training
Weekend
» Training Area Director Training
Weekend
» Continuing Education Intermediate Mgmt Training or Advanced Mgmt Training
2 hours 30 min

Background Checking Policy

AYSO Criminal Background Check Policy
July, 2005

Since January 1, 2001, all American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) regions, areas, and sections are required to comply with the AYSO policy on criminal background checks.

1. The following AYSO positions shall be subject to a criminal background check:
   All coaches of sports teams
   All assistant coaches of sports teams
   All officers, board members, and staff who lead or organize children’s activities
   All referees
2. Any person volunteering in AYSO must complete and sign an AYSO volunteer application form each year. The application form includes a Criminal Background Check Release.
3. The Safe Haven Department at the NSTC shall act as the criminal background requesting entity unless specific arrangements have been approved in writing by the AYSO National Executive Director. Criminal background checks are performed on an ongoing basis throughout the year. The responses on the AYSO Volunteer Application Form may target certain individuals for automatic background checks.
4. Each Region shall designate at least one person as the Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate (CVPA) who will act as the liaison between the Region and AYSO for purposes of enacting this policy.
5. The results of the criminal background checks will be kept strictly confidential. The AYSO Safe Haven staff members at the National Support & Training Center in Hawthorne, CA are the only people authorized to review or have access to the reports. The Notice of Duty to Review Criminal Record process will be initiated by AYSO. These reports shall be kept in a locked, secure location, for a period as indicated by applicable law or until the person is no longer a volunteer, whichever is later.
6. When a negative determination is made, a copy of the criminal conviction report received by AYSO is sent to that volunteer applicant, in an envelope marked “Confidential – to be opened by addressee only,” along with the Notice of Duty to Review Criminal Record cover letter which is attached to this policy.
7. The CVPA or Regional Commissioner (RC) will be immediately notified of any issues related to the criminal background check of members of their region.
8. If a background check discloses a criminal conviction, AYSO Safe Haven Staff shall consult the Table of Convictions below and advise the region. Each situation will be considered on a case-by-case basis using the following guidelines:
9. Persons convicted of a violent crime or crime against a person (including sex offenses) within the prior 20 years should be disqualified from any position listed in policy paragraph #1 above.
10. Persons convicted of a theft related crime or fraud within the prior 15 years should be disqualified from any position involving the handling of funds or property.
11. Persons convicted of a substance abuse crime within the past 10 years should be disqualified from any coaching position or any position that leads children’s activities.
12. DUI: Persons convicted of driving while under the influence within the past three (3) years will be disqualified from holding any position.
13. Discretion shall be exercised in a uniform manner, so that similar convictions and circumstances result in similar treatment.
14. Felony convictions of any nature are serious offenses and will be viewed with extreme caution. Misdemeanor convictions, particularly where remote in time, may be viewed with more leeway where the applicant’s conduct since the conviction indicates rehabilitation or lack of risk to the children and the program.

TABLE OF CONVICTIONS (a partial list)

Violent Crimes & Crimes Against a Person:
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated Battery w/ Firearm
Armed Robbery
Arson
Assault
Attempted Murder
Battery
Blackmail
Child Abduction
Child Pornography
Domestic Battery
Endangering the Life or Health of a
Child
Exploitation of a Child
Extortion
Harboring a Runaway
Hate Crime
Home Invasion
Intimidation
Involuntary Manslaughter
Kidnapping
Murder
Possession of explosives
Terrorism
Reckless Homicide
Robbery
Second Degree Murder
Stalking
Solicitation for Murder
Tampering w/Food or Drugs
Threatening Public Officials
Treason
Unlawful Restraint
Vehicular Car Jacking
Vehicular Endangerment
Violation of Order of Protection

Sex Offenses:
Bigamy
Child Pornography
Criminal Sexual Abuse
Criminal Sexual Assault
Criminal Transmission of HIV
Distribution/Sale of Pornography
to a Minor
Indecent Solicitation of a Child
Keeping a Place of Prostitution
Obscenity
Pandering
Pimping
Prostitution
Public Indecency
Sex with a Minor
Sexual Exploitation of a Child
Solicitation of a Sexual Act

Theft-related Crimes:
Bid Rigging
Bid Rotating & Kickbacks
Bribery
Burglary
Check Kiting
Interference with Public Contracts
Looting
Money Laundering
Possession of Burglary Tools
Tax Evasion

Theft-related Crimes Continued:
Fencing of Stolen goods
Forgery
Industrial Espionage
Theft of Intellectual Property
Ticket Scalping

Fraud:
Deceptive Sales
Fraudulent Advertisement
Insurance Fraud
Mail and Wire Fraud
Odometer Fraud
Public Aid Fraud

Substance Abuse Crimes:
Abuse of Prescription Medicines
Criminal Drug Conspiracy
Distribution of Alcohol to Minors
Illegal Transportation of Controlled
Substances
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of Illegal Substances
Sale of Alcohol to Minors
Sale or Manufacture of Illegal
Substances

Miscellaneous Crimes:
Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm
Interference with Judicial
Proceeding
Computer Tampering
Interference with Penal Institution
Concealing or Aiding a Fugitive
Legislative Misconduct
Criminal Damage to Property
Obscene Phone Calls
Criminal Fortification of Building
Obstructing Justice
Criminal Trespass
Obstructing a Peace Officer
Discrimination in Sale of Real
Estate
Disorderly Conduct
Driving Under the Influence of
Alcohol
Driving without a License
Driving without Insurance
Eavesdropping
Environmental Crimes
Gunrunning
Harassment of Jurors or Witnesses
Illegal Transportation of Controlled
Substances
Identity Switching
Illegal Gambling Unlawful Use, Sale, or Discharge of
a Metal Piercing Bullet
Impersonating a Law Enforcement
Officer Vandalism
Perjury
Reckless Conduct
Reckless Driving
Repeated Traffic Offenses
Sale of Tobacco to Minors
Tampering with Public Records
Unlawful Possession of Weapons
Unlawful Sale of Firearms
Unlawful Use of Body Armor

(The following letter is sent to any applicant, and only the applicant, if there are convictions that fall under the above criteria)

Notice of Duty to Review Criminal Record
2004
October 13, 2004
Region 0000
Fist and Last Name
Street Address
City, State Zip

Enclosed you will find a copy of your criminal history report obtained by the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).

Pursuant to the laws of many states and in your own self-interest, you should review the record as soon as possible. Should you determine it is inaccurate or incomplete you are required to notify AYSO of such discrepancy within seven working days of your receipt of this letter.

For privacy protection, you should speak to Ellisa Hall at the AYSO National Support & Training Center. You may contact her during regular working hours, 8:00a.m.–5:00p.m. Pacific Time, Monday – Friday at (800) 872-2976, e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or write her at 12501 S Isis, Hawthorne, CA 90250. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

If the record is inaccurate, AYSO has a procedure for you to follow with the reporting agency to correct the information.

If the report is accurate, it is in the best interests of this organization that you not volunteer. If we fail to hear from you within seven days, we will contact your region with our final decision.

Ellisa Hall
National Certification and
Advocacy Administrator
Safe Haven for All

Because AYSO was the first youth sports organization to create a formal program to comply with the Child Protection Act and the Volunteer Protection Act, we have a lot to offer other youth sports organizations interested in developing their own Safe Haven programs. Our program can be tailored to other sports and other organizational structures. Call us at (800) USA-AYSO or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to learn more. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it