Lead the Game. Shape the Future.
Thank you for stepping up to coach! As a GSSA coach, you’re not just teaching soccer—you’re inspiring young players and creating lasting memories. This page will guide you through everything you need to know to get started and stay certified.
Background Checks & SafeSport Certification
Team coaches, assistant coaches and team managers must register and complete background checks and SafeSport certification once per soccer year between June 1st and May 31st. If you coach in the fall, you DO NOT need to re-register for spring.
Office staff and other association volunteers including board members and general volunteers must also complete background checks and SafeSport certification annually. General volunteers should register as a "coach" in order to create a GotSport account and access the required certifications.
For SafeSport, first time coaches will complete an in-depth course. Returners will complete a refresher each year for a total of 3 refreshers and then take the full course again.
I'm Registered. Next Steps?
Age group commissioners should reach out to confirm coach assignments. Further info and team rosters will be provided to coaches no later than 2 weeks before the season starts. This usually coincides with the coach meeting or posting of the online coach presentation. See COACH PROGRAM PAGE for important pre-season info.
Coach Registration
IMPORTANT: Registration is 3 STEPS: Registration, Background Check, and SafeSport (Heads Up is optional).
Please use legal names. Names on coach accounts, background checks, and SafeSport accounts MUST match.
Please note: GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS for coach registration from start to finish.
1) Fall 2025/SPRING 2026 COACH REGISTRATION (complete once between June 1 and May 31; new year opens June 1)
2) Complete Background Check accessed through the dashboard in your GotSport account.
3) Complete SafeSport Certification accessed through the dashboard in your GotSport account.
Upon completion of SafeSport, if status still shows incomplete, go back to SafeSport details and use CHECK RECORDS button to prompt a status update.
Common Questions for Coaches
Do I need to register again for spring if I already coached in the fall?
No. Coach registration is valid for the entire soccer year (June 1 – May 31). If you registered and completed your certifications in the fall, you do not need to re-register for spring.
What if my SafeSport status is not showing as complete in GotSport?
After completing SafeSport, go back to your GotSport dashboard and click the “Check Records” button under your SafeSport details to refresh your certification status.
I want to help, but not as a coach. Do I still need to complete certification?
Yes. All volunteers—including office staff, board members, and general helpers—must complete a background check and SafeSport annually. You can register as a “coach” to gain access to the required certifications.
How do I know when I’ve been assigned a team?
Your Age Group Commissioner will contact you once teams are formed, typically about 2 weeks before the start of the season. Official rosters will be released at that time.
Questions About GSSA?
If you have any questions, please check out our FAQ page to learn more. If we don’t answer your question there, please contact us using the button below.
Office hours are M-W-F 10am to 3pm. Appointments are preferred.
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