General: CAHA has implemented a screening program in accordance with USA Hockey Policies. All ice hockey coaches, locker room monitors, volunteers or employees with routine access to children (anyone under the age of majority) within the CAHA jurisdiction must consent to be fingerprinted, screened, and/or completes an Authorization to Release Information in accordance with the adopted screening procedures of CAHA.

Deadlines: All coaches, locker room monitors, volunteers or employees with routine access to children (anyone under the age of majority) within the jurisdiction of CAHA shall complete the screening process prior to participating in any CAHA and USA Hockey sanctioned event, including but not limited to all team activities and any other "on ice" or "off ice" hockey activities.

Disqualifying Events: A person may be disqualified and prohibited from serving as a volunteer/employee of USA Hockey, CAHA, and in any of its programs if an adverse report is retuned based on the following criteria:

• Been convicted (including crimes the record of which has been expunged and pleas of "no contest") of a crime of child abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, physical abuse, causing a child’s death, neglect of a child, murder, manslaughter, felony assault or any assault against a minor, kidnapping, arson, criminal sexual conduct, prostitution related crimes, or controlled substance crimes.

• Been adjudged liable for civil penalties or damage involving sexual or physical abuse of children.

• Been subject to any court order involving any sexual or physical abuse of a minor, including, but not limited to domestic order or protection.

• Had their parental rights terminated.
   
• Has history with another organization (volunteer, employment, etc.) or complaints of sexual or physical abuse of minors.

• Resigned, been terminated or been asked to resign from a position, whether paid or unpaid, due to a complaint(s) of sexual or physical abuse of minors.

• Has a history of other behavior that indicates they may be a danger to children in the USA Hockey, CAHA hockey program.

Any individual, who is subject to the provisions of this Screening Policy, will be summarily suspended if arraigned by a Municipal, State or Federal Court of Law on charges, which fall into the categories covered by the policy. The person shall remain suspended until the CAHA Disciplinary/Dispute Resolution Committee, in accordance with Section 28 of the CAHA Bylaws, convenes a hearing.

Screening Results and Appeal Procedure: Each screened individual within the jurisdiction of CAHA will be advised in writing of any adverse information as a result of the screening process (Pre-Adverse Action Notice) and will be notified of any adverse decision by CAHA (Adverse Action Notice). All notifications shall be in writing and shall be sent by certified mail. Individuals may appeal adverse decisions to the CAHA Disciplinary/Dispute Resolution Committee. Such appeals must be filed within ten (10) days of receipt of notification of decision. For the purposes of the CAHA Screening Policy, receipt of all notices shall be presumed to occur the third (3rd) calendar day after mailing of the notice by certified mail. If the adverse action is upheld by the CAHA Disciplinary/Dispute Resolution Committee or upon the expiration of the appeal period if the adverse action is not appealed, CAHA shall notify USA Hockey and the applicable member association that, pursuant to CAHA’s Screening Policy, the individual does not meet the qualifications to participate in CAHA or USA Hockey activities. No details of the nature of the disqualification will be disclosed except as otherwise required by law.

Compliance: Each Member Association, coach, locker room monitors, volunteer or employee with routine access to children (anyone under the age of majority) within the jurisdiction of CAHA shall comply with the CAHA Screening Policy.

Procedures to Implement: Instructions and required forms can be downloaded from the CAHA website, www.carolinahockey.org. The Screening Committee may prepare and distribute additional rules and procedures to implement this policy.

Refusal to Be Screened: Any individual required to be screened who does not consent to be screened and complete the screening process as required shall not be allowed to participate in any CAHA or USA Hockey sanctioned events, including but not limited to all team activities and any other "on ice" or "off ice" hockey activities.

Non-Compliance: Any Member Association and/or coach, locker room monitors, volunteer or employee required to be screened within the jurisdiction of CAHA not complying with the CAHA Screening Policy will be referred to the CAHA Disciplinary/Dispute Resolutions Committee for appropriate action.

Re-Screening Cycle: Screening checks will be completed on a three (3) year cycle. CAHA may adjust this period on an association by association basis to balance the renewal cycle.