Youth sports background checks are essential. Entrusting your team with an adult who hasn’t had one is like sending a little league batter onto the pitch without a helmet: It puts both the player and the organization at risk.
But background checks—and the laws around them—are confusing. And the whole process can feel overwhelming.
This guide is here to help. In it, we’ll cover:
- Why background checks are critical for youth sports
- Who needs them
- Legal vs policy requirements
- Setting a background check policy
- Types of background checks
- How much it costs to run a background check
- What documentation is required
- Tools you can use to make background checks easier
In short, you’ll find everything you need to know about background checks, so you can stay focused on what matters most: creating a safe environment for your team.
Why Background Checks Are Critical for Youth Sports
Youth sports programs aren’t just fun, they’re an integral part of any community. They teach values like trust, teamwork and dedication. They improve cognitive skills, strengthen relationships and help our kids grow up strong and healthy.
But they’re not without risks. Unfortunately, misconduct and abuse can happen anywhere. In fact, statistics suggest that 90% of abuse is by someone a child knows and trusts.
That’s why prevention is so important. Background checks are the first line of defense in abuse prevention as they help to weed out those with a history of abusive behavior and serve as a deterrent to potential predators.
Who Needs to Complete Background Checks for Youth Sports?
To answer this question, it helps to think about it on two levels: a legal level and a policy level. These two areas won’t always match up. For example, checks might not be required by state law, but might be required by your specific league.
Are Background Checks Required for Youth Sports by Law?
Laws vary by state. Some mandate checks for all youth-serving volunteers, while others do not. This database from ChildCare.gov is a great resource for finding out state-specific requirements.
Should You Carry Out Background Checks Even if Not Legally Required?
Absolutely. Industry best practice is that anyone who interacts with minors should be subject to regular checks. This includes coaches, referees, staff, and volunteers. Many organizations like Little League and USA Lacrosse already make this standard procedure.
Setting a Background Check Policy
If you don’t yet have a policy, your next step is to create one covering:
- Types of checks: Which searches are required for which roles.
- Frequency: How often checks are conducted (annually is best).
- Storage: How data is kept confidential.
- Disqualification criteria: Clear boundaries on what offenses are unacceptable.
- Review: Committing to an annual policy update.
Types of Background Checks
National, state, and county levels offer different insights. For maximum coverage, consider a combination:
- National Criminal Background Checks: Covers the National Criminal Database, Sex Offender Registry, and FBI watchlists.
- State-Level Checks: Specific mandates like Pennsylvania’s Child Welfare Clearance or California’s LiveScan.
- County-Level Checks: Crucial for picking up the most up-to-date local records not yet in national databases.
How Much Do Background Checks Cost?
Standard checks cost $25–$30, but adding county or state-specific fees can increase that price. You can choose to have the organization cover these costs to remove barriers for volunteers, or pass them on to applicants.
What Documentation Do You Need?
Usually, you only need the candidate's name, address, social security number, and their signed consent. Processing typically takes between a few hours and three days.
Tools for Making Background Checks Easier
A compliance system like Ankored allows you to track the status of checks via a dashboard, automate workflows, and manage waiver forms and abuse prevention training in one secure place.
Next Steps
- ☐ Check the laws in your state and county.
- ☐ Check for existing league policies.
- ☐ Create and circulate your own background check policy.
- ☐ Choose a background check provider.
- ☐ Implement a compliance management software solution.
- ☐ Run background checks at least once per year.