Administrative and Training Requirements for Athletics Staff
Virginia Requirements for Private School Background Checks
Under Code of Virginia §22.1–296.3, all accredited private schools, including those affiliated with the Virginia Council for Private Education, must require any individual accepting a position involving direct contact with students to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history record check.
This requirement applies to employees, volunteer coaches, and assistants, regardless of whether they receive compensation. Compliance includes:
Submitting fingerprints for an FBI based criminal record search through the Central Criminal Records Exchange.
Completing the Central Registry Release of Information form, which checks for any founded cases of child abuse or neglect.
Even if you are volunteering without pay, you must complete this process before beginning your role to ensure student safety and meet state legal requirements.
Grace Prep Athletics Compliance Checklist
To comply with these legal requirements, all coaches, assistant coaches, and volunteers must
1. Complete the two Background Investigation Forms, which include the Central Registry Release of Information. These forms are available on the right side of this page.
2. Submit an official fingerprint card. Free fingerprinting is available Mondays from 1–3 PM at the Stafford County Courthouse.
For more details, see the full text of Code of Virginia §22.1–296.3 (Certain private school employees subject to fingerprinting and criminal records checks), §22.1–296.4 (Child abuse and neglect data required), §22.1–296.2 (Fingerprinting required; reciprocity permitted), §19.2–392.02 (National criminal background checks by businesses and organizations regarding employees or volunteers providing care to children or the elderly or disabled).
Required Training Courses for All Coaches and Volunteers
In addition to the fingerprint-based background check, all Grace Prep coaches, assistant coaches, and volunteers must complete the following annual training courses to meet school policy and state requirements.
Please complete each course at the links below and email or text your certificates of completion to the Grace Prep Athletic Director.
