About

GCAC Registration Link

Search "Grove City Athletics Club" on GetMeRegistered.com


Note: there is no separate registration for GCAC elementary track & field or cross country - just register and show up for practice!

GCAC Volunteer Coach Required Background Checks

These policies are instituted in an effort to keep your children safe.  Below is directly from our approved GCAC by-laws:

 

XII. YOUTH PROGRAMS

 a. Background Clearances

  i. Anyone working directly in a coaching capacity within any GCAC youth program (e.g., elementary cross country practices, elementary track and field practices) are required to successfully pass the following two background checks:

1. Act 34 (Pennsylvania State Police – Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History)

   a. Website: https://epatch.pa.gov

   b. Click: New Record Check (Volunteers Only) – this should be free.

   c. Email a copy to GroveCityAC@gmail.com and also present the certificate to the GCAC Secretary.


2. Act 151 (Child Abuse – Pennsylvania Child Welfare Information Solution)

   a. Website: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis

   b. Create Individual Account or Individual Login (if you already have one)

   c. Reason: Volunteer – Other – Grove City Athletics Club (this process should be free)

   d. Email a copy to GroveCityAC@gmail.com and also present the certificate to the GCAC Secretary.


    3. Exception: These two above clearances may be substituted with proof of current USA Track & Field (USATF) “Coaches Registry and Safe Sport” certification, which requires a national background check.

   a. Website: http://www.usatf.org/Resources-for---/Coaches/Coaches-Registry/Coaches-Registry.aspx

   b. Email a copy to GroveCityAC@gmail.com and also present the certificate to the GCAC Secretary.


  ii. Background clearances must be validated/repeated every five years for each individual.


  iii. Background clearances are not required to volunteer at GCAC youth competitions (e.g., cross country races, track and field meets, road races, etc.) as private one-on-one interaction with youth at these events is unlikely.

 

  b. First Aid and CPR Certification

  i. Current First Aid/CPR certification is required for all “head” GCAC youth coaches.

  ii. The “head” coach should make sure that a First Aid/CPR certified individual is present when he/she is absent.

 

  c. Coaching Code of Ethics

  i. All coaches and volunteers agree to abide by the RRCA “Coaching Code of Ethics”.

1. Website: https://www.rrca.org/our-programs-services/programs/coaching-program/ethics

    2. Coaching Standards: Competence, Integrity, Professional Responsibility, Respect for Participants and Dignity, Concern for Others’ Welfare, Coaches Do Not Misuse Their Influence, Responsible Coaching, and Resolving Ethical Issues.

  ii. Coaches or volunteers found breaking this code or behaving inappropriately otherwise may be dismissed from coaching/volunteering duties and/or the GCAC by majority vote of the Board.

 

d. Coaching Certifications

  i. While not required, anyone working within the youth programs are encouraged to attain a coaching certification such as USA Track and Field (https://www.usatf.org) or the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Coaching Certification (https://www.rrca.org/our-programs-services/programs/coaching-program).

 

e. The Secretary will maintain these certificates and update a list of GCAC members passing these clearances/certifications, including expiration dates of each.

Purpose

The Grove City Athletics Club (GCAC) is organized to provide a structured group for the purpose of promoting running, walking, track & field, and healthy lifestyles within our community. 


Note: outside of the U.S., the term “Athletics” is a collection of sporting events that involve competitive running, jumping, throwing, and walking.

History

On March 1, 2018, "the meeting of the Grove City Running/T&F Minds" occurred discussing one complex idea.  They planned on starting a non-profit community Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) / USA Track & Field (USATF) club that would cater to youth, recreational adults, families, walkers, and serious athletes.  Activities would include things such as group training runs, elementary programs, group track speed workouts, cookouts/social events, supported relay races, athlete scholarships, etc.  Coach Brian Buchan had previously created the "Grove City Running Club" for elementary cross country, but we wanted to expand.  The idea was simple – pool all of the available resources in the Grove City (PA) area and make it a thriving running/T&F community for youth and adults. The formation of the Grove City Athletics Club was the result. 

Now, we want you to be involved!



Logo History

GCAC Apparel / Gear


Click here: Grove City Athletics Club Online Store with HI - Branding



Order Notes:

**If you have questions, contact Kristen Hovis, Hi Branding Inc., khovis@hibrandinginc.com, 724-264-5526, or email: GroveCityAC@gmail.com

Contact Us

For more information about the Grove City Athletics Club, contact us at GroveCityAC@gmail.com


GCAC Board Members

Dr. Seth Jenny

President & Head Coach

Cara Rumbaugh

Vice-President

Hannah Gildersleeve

Treasurer & Adult Group Run Coordinator

Mandie Buxton

Secretary

S. Mark Courtney

At-large Board Member

GCAC Volunteer Coaches

Seth Jenny

USATF Level 2 Coach (Youth Specialization)

Ryan Wells

USATF Cross Country Specialist Coach

Angie Jenny

Former XC/Track athlete at Grove City College

Hannah Gildersleeve

Boston Marathon Qualifier

Shannon Baker

Chrissy Hayes

Former Track & Field Jumper

Dorene Powell

Cara Rumbaugh

Former XC/Track athlete at Grove City College

Chuck Jaskowak

Former NCAA D1 Javelin thrower (U of FL)

Mandie Buxton

Grove City Middle School Track & Field Coach

Evan Guiney

Former Collegiate Distance Runner

Jen Hindman

Physical Therapist

Curt Buckley

Kristen Slivka

Amanda Krise

Ultramarathoner

Josh Jones

NCAA Division 1 Runner

Panayiota Hall

Megan Benton

Robin Springirth

Slippery Rock HS Jumps Coach

While not all of our coaches are listed here - thank you to all who have helped!!!

**We would love to have you as a Volunteer Coach too!  No experience necessary; only a background check is required (see above tab);  If interested, email GroveCityAC@gmail.com 

Some Past GCAC Volunteer Coaches

Nicole Gardner

Jillian Stringfellow

Rachel Verbois

Marnie Brooks

Brodie Whitley

Rachel & Charlie Mullins

Renae Shawgo

Megan Nash