Criminal Background Check Program - Overview

Program Overview

Sports are supposed to be fun. One way to ensure our sport remains a fun and safe environment for everyone is to perform criminal background screening on coaches and volunteers who have direct contact with youth athletes.

As such, USATF is following the lead of other youth-based organizations in implementing a criminal background screening program on youth coaches and volunteers. USATF's 57 local Associations have the option of implementing the program in 2006. In 2007, all Associations will be required to implement the program.

Background Checks have been implemented by USATF to:

  1. Promote a safe, nurturing, and supportive athletic environment in which youth athletes can pursue their athletic goals
  2. Maintain the sport of track & field as a hostile environment for those who would seek to harm youth athletes.

Offenses Screened For

The following offenses are being screened for when a background check is performed on an applicant:

  1. any crimes against children
  2. any sexual offenses
  3. drug convictions (within 5 years)
  4. weapons violations
  5. assaults, battery or any other crime of violence
  6. lewd conduct

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information, please read the FAQ.