Coaches Certification

All Wood-Ridge Recreation Volunteer Coaches must be cleared in order to coach any Wood-Ridge Recreation or Travel sponsored sport. The following must be completed before coaching:

• FP-Finger Printing (Borough Ordinance #2009-22)
• BGC-Background Check (every 3 years following finger printing)
• P-Photo for Photo Id Card (every 3 years in conjunction with BGC)
• CCC-Coaches Certification Course (3 hours for new coaches only)
• CV-Sport Concussion Video (45 minutes online video)
• AED/CPR- Red Cross Heart Saver Training for Head Coaches (All Coaches are encouraged to complete – Course is free to all W-R Recreation & Travel Coaches)

If you want to coach, please plan accordingly and make sure you are cleared. Don't wait until the last minute.

FP-Instructions for Fingerprinting for Wood-Ridge Volunteer Coaches

Borough Ordinance #2009-22 requires that all Wood-Ridge Sport Coaches must be cleared via finger printing prior to coaching. There are no exceptions.

Please note: There is a $26.98 due at the time of fingerprinting. You will be reimbursed by the Recreation Office (email your receipt to recreation@njwoodridge.org).

Step #1- Logon/Go to www.instantverificationinc.com

Step #2 - Click on the fingerprint on the right side of the page and follow directions carefully. Do not skip any steps unless told to do so.

Instant Verification will receive the results of your background check in approximately 10 days. You will be contacted by them if you have not been cleared to coach. If this occurs, please refer to Borough of Wood-Ridge Ordinance #2009-22 for the process if you would like to appeal.

BGC & P-Background Check & Photo Id Cards for Volunteer Coaches

After your initial Fingerprints, you will need a Background Check every three years. Not sure if you require a background check? Contact the Recreation Office (201-939-7507) and we will let you know if your coaching certification/clearance is up to date.

There is a $38 charge for the Background Check & Photo Id Card however the Borough of Wood-Ridge will pay this fee for any Volunteer Coach so there is no cost to you.

We will contact you when your Coaches Id Card is ready to be picked up.

CCC-Coaches Certification Safety Course for Volunteer Coaches

On May 12, 1986, New Jersey became the first state in the nation to pass legislation which protects volunteer athletic coaches, managers, and officials from lawsuits. Commonly referred to as the “Little League Law” (2A:62A-6 et. Seq.), this legislation extends partial civil immunity to volunteers who have attended a “safety orientation and training skills program.” As part of the W-R Coaches Certification process, you are required to complete a 3 hour coaches certification safety class. This is a 3 hour, free class that will be held

In conjunction with this law, all Coaches are required to take the American Sport Education Program (ASEP-which is a Division of Human Kinetics) 3 hour Coaches Certification Course. This course complies with the New Jersey State Little League Law P.L. 1988, Chapter 87 (NJSA C.2A:62A 6) which provides volunteer athletic coaches, managers, and officials for non-profit sports teams or team in league affiliated with county or municipal recreation department with immunity from liability unless willful, wanton, or grossly negligent.

The course will include information on Being a Coach, Preparing for Game Day, & Coaching Safety and is offered seasonal.

The dates for the 2024 Coaches Safety Certification Class for NEW Coaches are as follows:
Tuesday January 23rd 6 p.m.
Tuesday February 27th 6 p.m.
Tuesday March 19th 6 p.m.
Tuesday March 26th 6 p.m.
Tuesday April 16th 6 p.m.
Tuesday May 21st  6 p.m.
Tuesday June 10th 6 p.m.

There is no cost for the above classes. If you do not attend one of our classes, you will need to take the RUTGERS (there is a fee) course online and present a completion certificate to the Civic Center to be kept on file in the Recreation Office.

CV-Online Concussion Video Course for Volunteer Coaches

The New Jersey legislature adopted NJSA18A:-41.4 and .5 requiring organizations using BOE facilities to comply with the BOE’s sports concussion program.  This includes municipal recreational programs. The MEL Web site (NJMEL.org) has a link to a model on line program designed by the CDC to assist members comply with this requirement. This is a 45 minute online free course that generate a completion certificate when a coach, referee or other sports official successfully completes the on line course. The Borough of Wood-Ridge requires that all completion certificates be kept on file in the coaches folder at the Recreation Office. The link for the free online concussion video is below. The certificate can be emailed to Recreation@njwoodridge.org. The link for the Resolution for Adopting a Sports Related Concussion Protocol #94-2015 follows.

HEADS UP to Youth Sports: Online Training    

Resolution #94-2015 Adopting a Sports Related Concussion Protocol

AED/CPR-Online Concussion Video Course for Volunteer Coaches

All Head Coaches and all W-R Moonachie Little League Coaches  are required to be certified in AED/CPR. Classes are available from the W-R PD at the Civic Center. You must register in advance by calling the Recreation Office at 201-939-7507. Class size is limited to 8 students.

2024 AED/CPR Certification Classes for Volunteer Coaches are as follows:
Thursday February 29th 7:00 p.m.
(additional classes will be posted when scheduled)