Screening is one of the first and most important layers of safe sport. GymBC’s newly released Criminal Record Check FAQs make it easier for clubs, coaches and volunteers to understand who needs a check, how to get one and how often it needs to be renewed.

Who Needs a Criminal Record Check?

• Coaches: All registered coaches 19 years and older, as required by provincial law, including a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS).
• Club Key Personnel: Paid staff, the club owner or president, Board members and other volunteers in positions of trust, the privacy officer, the WorkSafeBC joint health and safety representative and the finance coordinator.
• Provincial Teams: Team BC coaches and the volunteers who travel with them to events and competitions.
• GymBC Events: Volunteers at major GymBC events that have been designated as requiring a CRC.

Quick Answers:

• How long is a CRC valid? Three years. GymBC may request an updated check sooner if there is reason to believe previous results are no longer accurate.
• How do coaches and staff get one? Visit your local police station and request a CRC with a Vulnerable Sector Search, then submit a copy to coaching@gymbc.org or through the GymBC Screening Form.
• What about volunteers? Volunteers can complete a free online check through the BC Ministry of Justice using a volunteer access code from GymBC. Keep in mind the online option does not provide a hard copy clearance letter.

Why it Matters:

Screening helps make sure the adults in positions of trust are the right people to be working with our athletes. With GymBC’s compliance checks happening this month, now is the perfect time for clubs to confirm every coach and key volunteer is up to date and on file.

Resources:

GymBC Criminal Record Checks Page
GymBC Screening Policy
BC Ministry of Justice: Criminal Record Check Process