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New process for USBC's Registered Volunteer Program

The United States Bowling Congress has made changes in its Registered Volunteer Program for the 2009-10 season. The changes, which take effect Aug. 1, include:

The registration process. Volunteers will register directly with the National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI). Volunteers no longer will need to go through a Registered Volunteer Supervisor (RVS) or local association.

The cost. The fee, which has been slightly reduced from last season, will be $21.25 - $20 for the official screening and $1.25 for administrative fees. Certain areas or states might have higher administrative fees.

With the RVP becoming a user-direct program, USBC associations will spend less time administering the program and it will eliminate the need for a local association to have a Registered Volunteer Supervisor (RVS). This process is consistent with other national governing bodies that use NCSI.

"The RVP is a valuable tool for centers to use to make sure our young bowlers can participate in the sport in a safe environment," Bowling Proprietors' Association of America President Jim Sturm said. "I encourage all volunteers to go online and get registered, and for centers to enroll in the program and to continue to make sure any volunteers working in USBC Youth programs wear their RVP badges."

Volunteers will pay for their screenings by credit card and may be reimbursed if their fees ultimately are handled by their association or proprietors. Screening results remain valid for two years; NCSI will directly e-mail volunteers 30 days before it's time to renew.

USBC will continue to supply "Green Light" volunteers in the program with a RVP lanyard and ID badge.

"We appreciate all the volunteers who have taken the time to register through NCSI," USBC Chief Operating Officer Kevin Dornberger said. "We want to make sure we have the right people working with our young bowlers and RVP is a key part of the process."

The RVP, developed in cooperation with BPAA and the National Council of Youth Sports, is designed to keep individuals with criminal records involving sexual misconduct, violence and other felony behaviors out of USBC Youth programs.

Anyone 18 years of age or older who has regular physical or verbal contact with USBC Youth bowlers, holds a position of authority or supervision over USBC Youth programs, has an opportunity to establish a position of trust, and/or has an opportunity to build a one-on-one relationship through USBC Youth programs is encouraged to register as a USBC Registered Volunteer.

The program remains optional for proprietors. Participating proprietors will ensure that only RVPs wearing a current RVP ID badge and lanyard are working with USBC Youth.

For any questions regarding the RVP, contact the USBC at registeredvolunteers@bowl.com.