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How do I get involved?

Please review the below information. Contact any member of the PRAA Board of Trustees, Sports Commissioners or send an email to director@parkridgeathletics.com with questions!

Coaching Requirements

Updated 6/23/2024

Coaches are critical to the development of our athletes and the overall success and enjoyment of the PRAA programs. The Park Ridge Borough requires all coaches participating in programs sponsored and supervised by the PRAA complete certifications and trainings to ensure the safety of our Owl Athletes. These trainings ensure all coaches are well-prepared and meet the necessary safety and training standards. 

Beginning with the 2024 Fall Season, PRAA is making changes to the coach certification process:

  • Returning Coaches (those approved prior to the Fall 2024 season): 
    • A new background check must be completed.
    • You will be asked to attest previous completion of the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. course, Abuse Training and Concussion Video.
  • New Coaches (those coaching for the time for Fall 2024 season): 
    • You must complete your Rutgers Safety Training, Abuse Training and Concussion Video prior to registering for your background check.
    • At the time of registration, all of your documentation must be submitted. 

This will cover you across sports. If you are coaching across multiple PRAA programs or seasons, you will not need to re-do trainings, though background checks will expire after 2 years. 

Requirement Details To Complete Document Upload Attestation
Rutgers SAFETY Certification Program In-Person or Virtual Training New Coaches New Coaches All Coaches
Concussion Training Completion of the NFHS Concussion Video Training Online New Coaches New Coaches All Coaches
Protecting Children Training Completion of the NFHS Protecting Children Video Training Online New Coaches New Coaches All Coaches
Background Check Online - through Sports Engine All Coaches N/A All Coaches

Coach Registration and Background Check

To complete your background check and register as a coach, click the link below. 

Once you have completed the background check and registration, you will receive an email to attest to completion as part of your "PRAA Coach membership". Please be sure to finish this step to complete the process to become a PRAA Coach.

NEW COACHES

START HERE and complete the following three trainings:

Be sure to save your completion document to upload during the PRAA coach registration process.