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Peters updates background check policy for coaches
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Peters council on Tuesday unanimously approved an updated background check policy for coaches and volunteers who work with local youth sports leagues, including fines for those who don't comply.
The township was one of the first in the region to implement a background check policy in 2006, including child abuse history clearances and statewide criminal records searches.
The new policy expands the background checks nationwide and provides penalties of up to $500 for youth sports associations that don't fully comply.
Pat Airhart, a member of the township parks and recreation board, told council members that most of the sports associations have cooperated with the initiative, though several still don't have all of their members cleared.
The policy disqualifies anyone convicted of a crime against a child, along with violent crimes and felonies. Certain misdemeanor convictions, such as a DUI or simple assault, are overlooked if they occurred more than seven years ago.
First Published May 29, 2012 11:14 pm
