Frequently Asked
Questions

Most reports come back quickly, often within minutes and sometimes up to a couple of business days, depending on the depth of the search. The system processes checks in batches, so leagues do not get stuck waiting during busy registration periods.

Each report includes:

• Felony check
• State level criminal check
• County level criminal check
• Misdemeanor check
• National criminal check
• Sex offender registry check
• SSN validation
• Previous address listing

Your organization decides. Many leagues have coaches and volunteers pay for their own report at checkout when they apply online. Others cover the cost as part of onboarding. Coach Background supports both models.

Thirteen states have a youth sports background check statute, and the rules vary on who is covered and what type of check is required. See which states require background checks for youth sports for a state-by-state breakdown.

No. Coach Background runs name-based searches of public records and proprietary criminal databases. Some states require fingerprint screening instead, such as Florida with its Level 2 requirement for youth sports coaches. Read fingerprint vs. name-based background checks to see how the two differ.

Many organizations run a new background check every season or once a year, since criminal history can change over time. Coach Background makes it easy to set up recurring re-checks so your records stay current.

1. Your organization signs up for an account.
2. Once approved, you create an online application for your coaches, referees, or volunteers.
3. Applicants apply online using the link or access code you provide.
4. Your organization receives an email when an application is complete.
5. You review each report and approve or deny the applicant.

Reports are stored securely online and available 24/7.

Start by filling out the Get Started form. A Coach Background representative reviews every new account and contacts you if anything else is needed. Approval generally takes one to two business days, and you receive an email once your account is active.

Yes. Send your coaches and volunteers to legacy.coachbackground.com/search and give them your access code. Coach Background collects their information, runs the check, and places the completed report in your account for review.

There is no long-term contract. You can stop using Coach Background at any time, and since you only pay for the reports you run, there is no cost to keep an account open during your off-season.

Coach Background follows industry-standard practices to protect personal information:

• Data is encrypted in transit and in storage.
• Only authorized personnel can access personal information, and only for job-related purposes.
• Systems undergo regular security audits.

The all-digital application process also avoids the risks of paper forms passed between volunteers and staff.

Youth sports leagues are the core focus, but cities, counties, parks and recreation departments, nonprofits, and companies with multi-state staffing needs also use Coach Background to screen coaches, referees, umpires, employees, and volunteers.