MSU Extension 4-H Sports Programs

DOWNLOAD

July 10, 2025

PROGRAM DEFINITION

Team and individual youth sports programs coordinated through the 4-H youth development program, including soccer, volleyball, tennis, swimming, baseball, and other sports programs.

GOLD VOLUNTEER ROLES

Volunteers who interact directly with program participants, manage team finances, and consistently contribute to the sports program require Gold level screening.

 Examples may include:

  • Coaches or instructors
  • Assistant coaches
  • Dugout/bench supervisors
  • Individuals supervising the locker rooms
  • Program or team managers
  • Facilities or coaching managers
  • Board or council members
  • Lifeguard, unless they are provided with rental/lease of the facility
  • Team photographers, communication, or marketing coordinators
  • Individuals who have access to sensitive participant information

SILVER VOLUNTEER ROLES

Volunteers who have little to no contact with program participants and no access to sensitive participant information require Silver level screening. Below are examples of tasks a silver volunteer may do to support the 4-H Sports Program. However, if a Silver volunteer completes these tasks regularly throughout the sports season, they should be screened as a Gold volunteer.

Examples may include:

  • Umpiring or refereeing games, tournaments, matches, scrimmages, etc.
  • Maintenance, including facility or field maintenance such as lawn mowing, painting fields, etc., unless provided by the facility
  • Equipment manager or equipment maintenance
  • Scorekeepers
  • Individuals who assist with scheduling games, practices, field/court use, etc.

VEST COACH SUPPORT

Other volunteer roles within the 4-H Sports Program may require discussion between 4-H staff and their VEST coach to determine the appropriate level of screening. If you are unsure what level of screening a volunteer should receive, 4-H staff should contact their VEST coach.

DOWNLOAD FILE

Accessibility Questions:

For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.