Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers ages 14-18 and who are still in middle/high school can register as Student Volunteers with the Mighty Penguins to help mostly with on-ice duties during practices. All volunteers must register each season. Beginning with the 2026-2027 season, the registration requirements and guidelines will look a little different than in past seasons. Space is limited and all Students are required to use Crossbar to RSVP to practices. Please review the Volunteer Guide for more information on what it looks like to be a volunteer with the Mighty Penguins.



All adults 18+ looking to volunteer on the ice for the Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey organization must register each season. On-ice volunteers are typically pushers, helping to push players who are unable to propel themselves. Before registering as an off-ice volunteer, please reach out to our volunteer coordinator. Some off-ice volunteer opportunities may not require you to register as a volunteer or submit clearances.

Some off-ice opportunities may include:

• Grant Writing
• Tournament Scorekeeping and Timekeeping
• Fundraising Events

Steps for Registering as an One-Ice Adult Volunteer:

All adult volunteers (both off-ice and one-ice pushers) should register with USA Hockey as a manager/volunteer — this is a free membership. If you already have your current 2026-2027 USA Hockey # as a player and/or coach, DO NOT re-register as a volunteer with USA Hockey — you are able to use the same #.

Please note: You will be prompted to create a Crossbar account in order to submit your registration if you don't already have one. We have moved from SportsEngine to Crossbar, so last year's login information will no longer be valid.

STEP 1:  Register with USA Hockey as a manager/volunteer if you have not already done so. Print & save your number because you will need to enter it when completing the Adult Volunteer Registration in Step 2.

STEP 2: Complete the Mighty Penguins Adult Volunteer Registration Form by clicking the button below.

STEP 3:  Complete your SafeSport Training with USA Hockey if you have not already done so. If you completed your SafeSport Training last season, you will receive reminders about your SafeSport expiration date 30 days & 15 days from your expiration. 

STEP 4:  Complete the 3 required Pennsylvania Clearances if you have not already done so.

*Please note: If you have resided in PA for the last consecutive 10 years, you only need to print, sign & submit the Volunteer Disclosure Statement Affidavit — not the FBI Criminal History Fingerprinting. (Clearances are valid for 5 years)

1. Child Abuse Clearance: https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/cwis/public/home

2. State Police Criminal Background Check: https://epatch.pa.gov/TandCVolunteer

3. FBI Criminal History — If you have NOT lived in PA for the last 10 years go to (use DHS Volunteer service code 1KG6ZJ):  https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/keep-kids-safe/child-abuse-clearances/fbi-fingerprinting 

*If you have lived in PA for 10+ years print, sign & save the Volunteer Disclosure Statement Affidavit found here: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/keepkidssafe/resources/documents/disclosure-statement-for-volunteers.pdf

STEP 5:  Complete the NCSI Background Screening required by USA Hockey. Background screens are good for 1 year the 1st time you complete it and then every two seasons thereafter. NCSI screens expire on August 31. Screens completed January–March are valid through August 31 of the following year. Screens completed April–December are valid through August 31 two years later.

STEP 6: Email your USA Hockey #, proof of SafeSport completion, PA Clearances, and NCSI verification to Tara Garris — Registrar & Operations Manager:  tara.garris@penguinssledhockey.org

IMPORTANT: You are not permitted to volunteer on or off the ice until you have received your approval from our Volunteer Coordinator, Program Manager or Operations Manager.

QUESTIONS?

Questions during the season can be directed to Shannon Ebersole — Volunteer Coordinator: volunteer@penguinssledhockey.org