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Volunteer Criminal Record Checks
November 17, 2020
Swim BC has been working diligently over the past year to address gaps in the delivery our SafeSport requirements and responsibilities. As you’re likely aware, we have been able to address a consolidated Swim BC centric approach to Coaches Criminal Record Checks. That process is working well, streamlined through the Province of BC Criminal Records Review Program. Swim BC staff were required to undergo extensive background checks to be able manage this program.
With a renewed Screening and Criminal Records Check Policy, Swim BC now requires certain club volunteers to provide CRC’s. Like all organizational policies, it is the club’s responsibility to adhere to Swim BC policy. Therefore, it is the club that is responsible to present to Swim BC a list of volunteers that, according to our policy, will require a CRC. Once this list is presented to Swim BC, the CRC’s we received will be monitored against that list. Please note that volunteer CRC’s are free of charge through the Criminal Record Review Program.
Individuals who work closely with children and vulnerable adults, who occupy positions of trust and authority within a member club are expected to submit a Criminal Record Check. This includes team managers, chaperones, and registered Level 3,4 & 5 Officials.
The process to submit a Volunteer Criminal Record Check to Swim BC is as follows:
- Fill out the Volunteer Criminal Record Check Form. This notifies Swim BC to anticipate a Criminal Record Check from the Volunteer and ensures we match the results with the correct individual.
- Submit a Criminal Record Check application through the Criminal Record Review Program. You will need the Swim BC specific access code which will be circulated separately.
Swim BC will receive a Clearance Letter from the CRRP, which indicates whether the volunteer poses a risk to the organization. We will keep a record of who has submitted a Criminal Record Check to Swim BC and these checks will be valid for 5 years. If the volunteer works with multiple clubs or transfers clubs within the 5 years, they do not need to resubmit a Criminal Record Check to Swim BC.
Only individuals with relevant offences that required adjudication will be informed of their Criminal Record Check status (see Policy, Section 6 – Relevant Offences). If a club needs to verify if a Volunteer has completed a Criminal Record Check, please reach out to Sam Thoms. She will be able to verify if Swim BC has received a Criminal Record Check from that individual.