Dear Owl Families - 

There is nothing more important than the safety of the children participating in our PRAA Programs. Recently, the Board of Trustees voted to make some adjustments to the Coaching Certification Process. The goal of these adjustments was to contemporize and centralize the way information is submitted and stored, streamline the process for prospective coaches, and ultimately enhance the safety of our Owl participants. These changes are effective beginning with the coaches participating in our Fall 2024 Programs. 

These changes affect all returning and new coaches. We ask that you visit the Coaches Coacher on PRAA website to make sure you are in compliance with these requirements. 

https://www.parkridgeathletics.com/coaches-corner

To Summarize: 

• ALL coaches (both returning and new) will be required to submit a new background screening.
• At the time of Background screen, new coaches will need to submit documentation of completion for Rutgers Safety Course, Concussion video, Protecting Children/Abuse Training
• Following submission of the Background Screen, an email will be triggered by SportsEngine for Coaching Membership. 
• All coaches must go into the SportsEngine membership hub and attest completion of the Rutgers Safety Course, Concussion video, Protecting Children/Abuse Training
• For returning coaches, this attestation will be compared against historical records of completion. 
• After the attestations are complete, and clearance of the background screen, your coaching membership will display "Eligible"
• This process should take between 5-7 minutes to complete and will cover you across sports/seasons. Coaching membership will be valid for 2 years and at that point will require renewal with a similar process. 

We appreciate your understanding and willingness to volunteer your time for our programs. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the safety of our athletes and PRAA.

Please reach out to a member of the Board if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely, 

PRAA Board of Trustees