AYSO Region 285 – Mira Mesa
Thank you for stepping up to volunteer with AYSO Mira Mesa (Region 285). We are 100% volunteer run. No paid staff. No sidelines without you. So on behalf of our coaches, referees, and most importantly our players… thank you.
Whether you’re coaching, refereeing, managing a team, or helping behind the scenes, there are a few required steps to keep everything safe and organized.

What All Adult Volunteers Must Complete
Every adult volunteer must complete the following:
- Background Check (Sterling Volunteers)
- SafeSport Training (annual refresh required)
- AYSO Safe Haven
- CDC Concussion Awareness
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training
- AYSO Summary of the Laws of the Game
- Role-specific core training (Coach, Referee, etc.)
The background check can take several days. Most online trainings can be completed in under two non-consecutive hours.

Required for All Adult Volunteers
All adult volunteers must:
- Have their own Sports Connect account
- Use a unique email address
- Use their legal name (for background check accuracy)
Go to:
👉www.miramesaayso.org
Do not create a second account if you already registered your player. Use the same account.

Step 1: Log In Using Your Existing Account
All volunteers must have their own account at www.miramesaayso.org with a unique email address.
This is the same system you used to register your player.
Important:
Do not create a second account for volunteering. Use the same account tied to your player registration.

Create an Account (If You Don’t Have One)
- Visit miramesaayso.org or scroll up and click "register now"
- Click Log in
- Use your legal first and last name
- Use your own unique email address
Your name must match your government ID for background screening and fingerprinting.
Detailed instructions on how to log in or create a new account.

Step 2: Register as a Volunteer
Log into your account.
1. Click “Volunteer” on the left menu.
2. Select the current season.
3. Choose your role(s):
- Head Coach
- Assistant Coach
- Referee
- Team Manager
- Board Member
- Other roles as needed
4. Click Submit.
You can update your volunteer preferences later if needed.
Detailed instructions on how to register for a Volunteer role.

Step 3: Complete the Background Check/ Risk Status
First-Time Volunteers
You must complete a background check through Sterling Volunteers.
Detailed instructions on how to accept an invite from Sterling for first time users. 

Returning Volunteers
You must renew your background check if it has expired. Background checks may be renewed up to 90 days before expiration.
How it works:
- After registering as a volunteer, your risk status will be evaluated automatically.
- If needed, you will receive an email from Sterling Volunteers.
- Check spam/junk folders if you don’t see it.
- Your status may show as “pending” until approved.
You cannot participate with players until your risk status is cleared
Detailed instructions on how to renew and update your status for returning users.


Step 4: California Mandated Fingerprinting (Live Scan)
Under California AB 506, all youth sports volunteers must complete Live Scan fingerprinting.
Important:
- Live Scans are not transferable from one organization to the other.
- Even if you completed one elsewhere like school, scouts, other sports, you must complete one specifically for AYSO.

Region 285 will provide approved Live Scan provider information and instructions once you register as a volunteer.
Do not complete a Live Scan on your own without Region-specific paperwork. It will not be accepted.

Step 5: Complete SafeSport Training
SafeSport is mandatory for all adult volunteers.
From Sports Connect:
1. Click the graduation cap icon 🎓
2. Locate the SafeSport section
3. Click the SafeSport link
4.Create or log in to your SafeSport account
Complete:
SafeSport Trained – U.S. Soccer Federation
The first course takes the longest. Annual refreshers are much shorter.
Your SafeSport certification must remain current throughout the season.
Detailed instructions on how to register and complete SafeSport Training.

Step 6: Complete Required Certifications in AYSOU (eTrainU)
From your Sports Connect dashboard:
1. Click the graduation cap icon 🎓 in the top right.
2. Click Log in to eTrainU.
3. Enroll and complete the required certifications before the first practice.

All Volunteers Must Complete:
- AYSO’s Safe Haven
- CDC Concussion Awareness
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- Coaches: AYSO’s Summary of the Laws of the Game

Coaches Also Complete:
Age-Specific Coach Course (based on division you’re coaching)

Referees Also Complete:
- Online Official Course 
- Required additional in-person or field training

A Few Helpful Notes
- Complete trainings before your first practice.
- Rosters cannot be released to coaches until required safety trainings are done.
- This isn’t red tape. It’s how we protect kids and volunteers.

Before You Step on the Field
To coach, referee, or interact with players, you must have:
- Cleared background check
- Current SafeSport certification
- Completed AYSOU certifications
- Completed Live Scan fingerprinting (California requirement)
Rosters will not be released to coaches until safety requirements are complete.
This isn’t bureaucracy for the sake of it. It’s how we keep kids safe and protect volunteers.

Need Help?
Coaches: Contact the Regional Coach Administrator
Referees: Contact the Regional Referee Administrator
General Questions?

We can’t do this without you. And once you’re cleared, you’re part of something that matters.