All training happens through the US Soccer Learning Center (USSLC). Create a free account — or log into your existing one if you've coached before. Your SafeSport ID from any previous training is tied to your account here. Keep your login information somewhere safe; you'll use it every season.

Required by federal law under the SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017. This course covers abuse prevention, appropriate boundaries, recognizing warning signs, and how to report concerns. Takes about 45–60 minutes. If you've completed it before, you'll take the Refresher course instead — check your certificate expiration date. Your SafeSport certificate expires one year from the date you completed it.

This single course satisfies two Washington State legal requirements at once. It covers:

• Concussion training — required annually by Washington State HB 1824 (the Lystedt Law) for all coaches, managers, administrators, and board members.
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) training — required annually by Washington State SB 5083 (Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Act) for the same group.

Takes about 30 minutes. Washington Youth Soccer requires both annually. Do not skip this step even if you completed it last season — it must be renewed each year.

Once your certifications are Verified, log into your SportsConnect account. Under the Volunteer tab, check the box next to Risk Status and click Renew & Update. This opens a form — fill it out completely and submit. This triggers your background check through the Washington Youth Soccer Risk Management Application (RMA) system.

What the background check includes: Criminal history nationwide, plus Washington State founded findings from Child Protective Services (CPS) and Adult Protective Services (APS). A CPS founded finding — even an older one — can appear and may affect your eligibility. An APS founded finding of abuse, neglect, or exploitation can result in permanent disqualification from working or volunteering with children. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact the registrar before submitting.

Cost: The background check through the WYS RMA system is provided at no cost or reduced cost. Do NOT pay for a background check through the SafeSport portal — that is a separate product and does not satisfy the WYS/CYSA requirement.

Background checks typically process within 24–48 hours but can take up to a week. You will receive written notification when your Risk Status is cleared. You may not coach, attend practices, be on the sideline at games, or serve in any board or official club capacity with players present until you receive this clearance confirmation. This is not a technicality — it is a legal requirement. If you haven't heard back after a week, contact the registrar.

Coaches must also register with the appropriate league for their age group. This is separate from SportsConnect clearance. See the league section below for direct links. U5–U12 coaches register through CYSA. U13–U19 coaches register through SWYSA.

Once you've received clearance, email Tanaja so she can confirm your status in the club system and assign you to your team. You're not officially on the roster until she's confirmed you on her end. Include your full name, the age group you're coaching, and your role.