Criminal Background Checks

UPDATED 2026

All volunteers 18 years of age or older must register with APRA and provide the association with a current Criminal Background Check which can be uploaded during registration. This must be completed prior to commencing any volunteer role with APRA. 

Depending on your role, you will be required to submit either a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC), or a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC).

1. FIRST TIME APRA Volunteers - 

• All NEW Team Staff of 18+ teams, and NEW APRA Board of Directors require a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC).

• All NEW Team Staff of U19 and younger teams require a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC).

2. RETURNING Volunteers - 

• EACH YEAR, ALL RETURNING VOLUNTEERS (regardless of role) are required to submit a new Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC).

• ADDITIONALLY, EVERY 5 YEARS, STAFF MEMBERS OF U19 AND YOUNGER TEAMS are required to submit a new Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). If applicable, (i.e., 5 years have elapsed since your most recent VSC), volunteers should apply for a VSC rather than the yearly CRJMC during this cycle. Regardless if you have volunteered continuously during that time or have been an occasional volunteer with APRA, the association must be in receipt of a VSC dated within the last 5 years.

NOTES:

• The Association will accept background checks for the current season, provided it has been less than 1 year from the date of issue.
• Background checks or similar attestations from third parties other than local police (e.g., school boards) will not be accepted.

IMPORTANT: You will be unable to participate in any Ringette activities until you have 1) registered with APRA, and, 2) provided** the association with a current CRJMC or VSC.  

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR CRJMC/VSC - 

If you have a current CRJMC/VSC dated less than one year from your registration date, you can upload the document during registration.

**If you have applied for a new CRJMC/VSC and have yet to receive (typically 2-3 week turnaround), you can still complete the registration process and indicate the date when you applied with your registration. Email confirmation / receipt from the issuing partner (e.g. Durham Region Police Services) including the date of your CRJMC/VSC application must be emailed to the APRA Registrar at the time of registration. Once you receive your new CRJMC/VSC, email your new document to the APRA Registrar as soon as possible.

IMPORTANT - Team Staff that fail to produce a valid Criminal Background Check by November 1st will be removed from the Team Roster.

HOW TO APPLY FOR YOUR CRJMC/VSC- 

1)  SUBMIT AN INTRODUCTORY LETTER FROM APRA WHEN REQUESTING ONE OF THE BACKGROUND CHECKS (see attached)

A personalized introductory letter from APRA will allow you to obtain the background check as a registered volunteer, and therefore, at a reduced cost (CRJMC = free of charge; VSC = $20). Please contact the APRA Registrar (include your full legal name and the role you are applying for). 

2)  FOR RESIDENTS OF DURHAM REGION:

Durham Region Police Services are only processing CRCs online at www.drps.ca. A link for Police Record Checks can be found on the home page.

1. You will begin the online application HERE.
2. Online payment is required and all completed record checks will be sent to you via email from evidence.com (be sure to add this to your address book and check your junk folder for incoming messages).
3. The average processing time is 10 business days. If you have not received a response after 3 weeks, send an email along with your order # (found on the receipt that was emailed to you) to policerecordcheck@drps.ca 
4. Forward your completed CRJMC/VSC to the APRA Registrar for retention by the association.
5. Questions? Email - policerecordcheck@drps.ca  or call 1-888-579-1520, extension 4105 or 4104 (automated messages).

3)  FOR RESIDENTS OF TORONTO: 

To process your background check: