The Child & Volunteer Protection Advocate (CVPA) is one of the 7 required Regional Board positions as specified in the National Bylaws and Standard Regional Policies and Protocols (Section 4). The CVPA serves as the Safe Haven program representative in the local Region, Area or Section.
The primary responsibilities of the CVPA include:
- Screening Volunteers at the local level.
- Working with the Regional Board to ensure all approved volunteers are registered and assigned to their specific positions.
- Working with the Regional Coach Administrator, Regional Referee Administrator and Regional Commissioner to ensure that all coaches, referees and volunteers are properly trained and certified and that they receive an annual Safe Haven protocol review.
- Serving as a contact for child abuse, child protection concerns.
- Working with the Regional Commissioner to ensure mandated reporting of suspected child abuse.
Education Pathway
All CVPAs must complete an annual background check and have current certifications:
- AYSO Safe Haven
- Safesport
- CDC Concussion Awareness
- AYSO CVPA Training Webinar
California, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Washington require completion of Sudden Cardiac Arrest training. AYSO recommends that all coaches complete this.
