In accordance with USPC Policy 0900 and its Procedures, "USPC requires satisfactory completion of USPC-approved background checks and of USPC-designated educational training modules of individuals specified in the procedures. These must be completed prior to these individuals assuming positions or beginning specified membership terms."
It has become the standard among youth-serving organizations to require volunteers working with children to complete a criminal background check. USPC began developing a program for background checks in 2008. As a predominantly youth-serving organization committed to the safety and security of members and volunteers, USPC must adhere to best practices by requiring a completed, favorable, background check for adult members, leaders, and volunteers over the age of 21.
All Club, Center, and Region leaders and volunteers, as well as participating members of USPC age 21 and over, are required to complete a favorable USPC, USEF, or USOPC background check. If applicable, residents of Pennsylvania may need to submit valid a Pennsylvania Volunteer Background Check Clearances.
Regular instructors/clinicians, local-level instructors, and volunteers having ongoing contact with members are required to complete both a favorable USPC, USEF, or USOPC background check, or Pennsylvania Volunteer Background Check Clearances, and provide proof of SafeSport™ Trained Core Course completion. If applicable, residents of Pennsylvania may need to submit valid a Pennsylvania Volunteer Background Check Clearances.
View the Frequently Asked Questions
Use the links below to begin the correct background check for you!
Leader/Officer/Volunteer Background Check | PA Resident Background Check | Adult Member Background Check
For those with a current USEF or U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Background Check: You may email any of the following proof of a current USEF/USOPC background check to admin@ponyclub.org:
If you have already completed a favorable USPC or USEF background check within the last three years, or Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Check within the last five years, you will not need to submit a new USPC or USEF background check or clearances at this time. Upon expiration, a new USPC or USEF background check or clearances will be required.
Residents of certain states or countries wishing to participate or volunteer with Pony Club may have additional or different background check requirements based on their location. Please read the Additional Requirements by State/Country for more details.
By clicking the red button above (Leader/Officer/Volunteer Background Check), leaders and volunteers will be redirected to the Fastrax website, where they will be asked to sign-in via a secure portal, and directed to enter and submit their information to complete the background check.
After reading and signing a release, leaders and volunteers will submit information about himself/herself, including legal name, address, and social security number. Payment will be requested through a secure terminal upon submission of information. For additional information regarding fees, please see the Frequently Asked Questions.
Using the green button above (Adult Member Background Check), Adult participating members now have the option to complete a member background check. This background check DOES NOT satisfy the requirements of a leader or volunteer background check and is only for adult members who hold no leadership or volunteer position within the organization.
Contact the Compliance Coordinator with any additional questions or concerns regarding submitting a background check.
