Township imposes background checks on coaches.

The township of Peters, Pa., recently implemented a requirement for all coaches in youth leagues to undergo criminal background checks and Pennsylvania child abuse history clearances. The Peters Township Parks and Recreation Board, which is comprised of citizens, officially proposed the safety measure in mid-January, and it was subsequently approved by the Peters Township Council.

Peters Township has a population of about 17,000 residents. With such a small population, the park and recreation department depends on volunteers to run its sports programs, and was concerned about the safety of the town's youth, said Jim Moodispaugh, parks facilities manager. "There are some people that do get very excited," he said regarding parental violence in youth sports. "We just felt this was another piece of the puzzle that would enhance our sports programs."

Peters Township prides itself on its sportsmanship ideology such as its Youth Exemplified Sportsmanship program and other volunteer training programs that teach sportsmanship above competition. Moodispaugh said the background checks will probably being in mid-2006, and will be overseen by a park and recreation department staff person to ensure privacy of the records.