skip navigation

Coach Requirements

BEFORE PLAYER CONTACT

Anyone who is interested in being a coach for an Edina Girls Softball team, whether as a head or assistant coach, must agree to complete the following requirements before the first team practice:

  • Complete ACE (Aspire, Challenge, Encourage) Coaching Program  
  • Complete SafeSport Training
  • Complete a Criminal Background Check
  • Complete Concussion Protocol Training 

See details for each requirement below.

There is a fee to complete the training and background check and you will be reimbursed by EGFA.  You can submit your receipts or proof of completion with the reimbursement amount via e-mail to: EGFA.Treasurer@outlook.com

SAFESPORT

SafeSport training is required by all on field and in dugout personnel and is a Federal Law. SafeSport is abuse and misconduct prevention measure that raises member awareness of misconduct and abuse issues in sport.

SafeSport certificates will be available for you to download upon completion.

There is no cost for USA Softball member coaches. Anyone that is not a member of USA Softball will be charged $20.

SafeSport training is good for one (1) year upon completion.

SafeSport training can be started here https://www.registerusasoftball.com/ by scrolling down to the middle of the page and clicking on the SafeSport tab.

BACKGROUND CHECK

Background checks are a critical component of any athlete protection program. A thorough background check of all individuals who engage in regular contact with minor athletes is the first step toward protecting those athletes. The welfare of young athletes should be a priority for all youth leagues and background checks help to provide parents, athletes, volunteers and coaches with peace of mind knowing that your league is taking proactive steps toward athlete protection.

All on field and in dugout personnel are required to successfully pass a background check.

Background checks cost $13.

All successful background checks expire on August 31.

Background checks are performed at https://www.registerusasoftball.com/.

ACE

The ACE (Aspire, Challenge, Encourage) Coach Education Program is a coaching program, developed and designed to provide softball coaches of all levels – from beginning coaches to experienced veterans – an opportunity to be educated as a coach with a national softball organization.

All on field coaches/personnel are required to be ACE certified.

ACE costs $28 per coach and has a background check bundled in the cost. Do not pay for a background check and then do ACE.

All ACE certificates expire on August 31.

ACE Coach Education can be taken at https://www.registerusasoftball.com/.

CONCUSSION

In 2011, the State of Minnesota passed a new law, requiring, among other things, that ALL youth athletic coaches and officials receive training on concussions.

By taking this free, online course and using what you learn, you will be well positioned to improve the culture of concussion. Your actions can help create a safe environment for young athletes so that they can stay healthy, active, and thrive – both on and off the playing field. We can help athletes stay active and healthy by knowing the facts about concussion and when it is safe for athletes to return to play.

Concussion certificates expire three (3) years from successful completion. Wisconsin coaches are NOT REQUIRED to take concussion training.

There are two places you can take concussion training.

Once you are completed with your training modules and get certificates or proof of completion you can upload them into your Minnesota Softball dashboard.

Go to your dashboard - https://www.mnsoftball.com/pages/dashboard

  • Click on the  Compliance  button next to your name.
  • Click on the compliance certificate you are going to upload.
  • Click on Upload New File.
  • Click on upload arrow icon.
  • Browse to the location of the document you are uploading from your computer or phone.
  • Enter the Document's Expiration Date.
  • Click "Upload Document".

Repeat this for all your compliance certificates.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you contact us for support the first thing we are going to do is direct you to the USA Softball SafeSport Guide. That will cover most of your issues.

Q: Can I appeal a failed background check?

A: Yes. Anyone failing a background check has the right to appeal within two (2) weeks of notification. We encourage the person appealing to get letters of recommendation from your association board.

Q: Can we use Trusted Coaches for our compliance resources?

A: Yes. But Minnesota Softball and USA Softball will not recognize it or approve it. We will accept Trusted Coaches concussion training certificates.

Q: I coach hockey and have been through SafeSport with USA Hockey. Do I need to retake this training for USA Softball?

A: No. Just send your SafeSport certificates to Dan Pfeffer at dan@josoftball.com and we will escalate those to USA Softball to mark you as completed.

QUESTIONS?

Please direct any questions regarding coaching requirements and compliance to:

Amanda Greenberg

Compliance Director