Purpose:
Guelph Ringette Association (GRA) adopts the policies and procedures of the ORA for Volunteer Screening
Policy:
Guelph Ringette has a responsibility to children, young adults, parents and volunteers in its programs and is committed to adhering to the following policy to support the provision of sound, safe and healthy ringette experience in our community.
Educating participants, coaches, managers, leaders, and volunteers about abuse and harassment is very important. Guelph Ringette recognizes that the organization has a responsibility to appropriately screen any person who will have access to vulnerable people.
Due to the positions of trust that are inherent in the provision of active, high quality sport activities, volunteers will be required to undergo a screening process based on the duties assigned by our association. This policy applies to all directors, volunteers, coaches, athletes, and members of the GRA.
All volunteers will be required to complete a Police Record Check - specifically a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC).
The forms to complete the Vulnerable Sector Checks will be given to all volunteers to complete and return to the designated executive member.
Vulnerable Sector Check
For the purposes of this policy, persons who will be subject to a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) are those who work closely with children and who occupy positions of trust and authority. Such “designated positions” include:
•Paid and volunteer coaches, managers and technical personnel (trainers)
•All Directors of the Board
It is GRA policy that:
a)Police Vulnerable Sector checks will be mandatory for all persons in volunteer positions; there will be no exceptions
b)Failure to participate in the Police Vulnerable Sector check process as outlined in this policy will result in ineligibility for the “designated position”
GRA accepts Vulnerable Sector Checks as being valid for a period of three (3) years, with a new VSC required in the fourth year. All Police Check information is confidential and will only be released to the “GRA representative” - Vice-President.
1.Each person subject to this policy will obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check. Residents of the City of Guelph may complete a VSC Application Form and submit it to the Screening Official at GRA (the Vice President) along with proof of photo identification. Non-Guelph residents must apply directly to their local police department. It is the responsibility of the person applying to pay for the VSS.
2.Police Record Check applications submitted directly to Guelph Ringette will be received and reviewed by the Screening Official (Vice President). Applicants who apply directly to their local police department will submit the original copy of their Vulnerable Sector Check to the Screening Official at GRA, in an envelope marked “Confidential”. The envelope may be mailed to GRA at its mailing address or may be provided directly to the Screening Official.
3.The Screening Official will review all Vulnerable Sector Checks received and will determine whether the Vulnerable Sector Check reveals a relevant offence. If a person’s Police Vulnerable Sector Check does contain a relevant offence, the Screening Official will notify the person and GRA executive that the person is not eligible for the “designated position”.
4.The results of the completed Vulnerable Sector Check are recorded on a Volunteer Screening Log.
5.Vulnerable Sector Checks are valid for a period of three years. The Screening Official will notify individuals when a new Vulnerable Sector Check is required.
6.The original Vulnerable Sector Check is returned to the applicant - GRA does not retain the records. GRA will retain records of its communications with the person submitting the Vulnerable Sector Check. GRA Executive will be informed of the approved results of the respective coaches and volunteers for their records. All records will be maintained in a confidential manner and will not be disclosed to others except as required by law, or for use in a legal, or disciplinary proceeding.