Background Check

USAG BACKGROUND CHECK INFORMATION & Q & A

Dear Applicants:
USA Gymnastics is proud to announce a working partnership with National Center for Safety Initiatives through which we will engage in a comprehensive background screening program.
USA Gymnastics has taken important steps to ensure the highest level of safety within our programs - for the youth participants and also for you, who make the programs a success.
One of these steps is the implementation of a standardized approach to background screening for our coaches through the National Center for Safety Initiatives. This includes a comprehensive
background screening using the National Center for Safety Initiative’s and a simple “Red Light/Green Light” clearance report issued in accordance with the
Recommended Guidelines® published by the National Council of Youth Sports. This is part of a national movement towards the standardization of safety programs for youth-serving organizations in this country.

USA Gymnastics has worked with National Center for Safety Initiatives to ensure that this process is convenient, secure and confidential.
Simply go to http://www.ncsisafe.com and click on “Background Check Self Registration” on the left side of the webpage. Complete three easy steps:

Step 1: Enter Self Registration Number: (Self Registration Number)

Step 2: Enter Your Information as Requested

Step 3: Provide Legal Authorization and Certification

Step 4: Provide Payment Information (Visa/MasterCard)

“Red Light/Green Light” Results will be sent to USA Gymnastics. National Center for Safety Initiatives will contact you directly if there are any questions, problems or issues related to your specific information.

It is important when entering your name, you use your full legal name as written on your birth certificate or driver’s license. Please also verify that your social security number was typed correctly.
Using nicknames or failing to type a correct social security number may delay or invalidate your background check.

If you have any questions or problems submitting your information, please call the National Center for Safety Initiatives at (866) 833-7100 x109.

Thank you for your continued participation and your cooperation in this important process.
We are excited to offer world-class programs, working with world-class people!

USA Gymnastics Background Check Q&A
USA Gymnastics is proud to announce a working partnership with National Center for Safety Initiatives through which we will engage in a comprehensive background screening program.
USA Gymnastics is requiring background searches on all USA Gymnastics Professional Members to ensure a safe and secure environment for participants and it members.
Below are answers to many questions that you may have regarding the new background check requirement.

1. Q: Who must complete the background check?

A: All USA Gymnastics Professional Members must complete and pass a background check. Professional membership will carry a pending status until the background check and safety
certification have been successfully completed.

2. Q: When must the background check completed?

A: Beginning December 2007, all new professional members must take and pass a background check and safety certification to receive a professional membership.
All current professional members must complete the background check prior to renewing their professional memberships that expire December 31, 2007 and all
professional members renewing in 2008.

3. Q: What is the cost of the background check?

A: The minimum cost is $20 for one name and one county address. The cost of the background check may increase depending on the state and/or number of counties or
last names that are being searched.

4. Q: What is my username and password?

A: Username = Professional Membership Number

Password = 8 digit date of birth (mmddyyyy)

5. Q: Can I mail or fax my background check?

A: Yes, you can obtain a form from NCSI website. Please note that processing time when faxing or mailing is 4-6 weeks from the date received.
This form is sent directly to NCSI. It does NOT come to USA Gymnastics.

6. Q: What information is required for the background check?

A: The screening will need the following information:

· social security number (required for verification purposes, background check will not be submitted or completed without this information).

· first and last name

· city, state and zip

· contact information

· gender

7: Q: How far back does the background check search?

A: The first time check will go back 10 years. It will check all names and address with in that 10 years. Subsequent checks will not need to go back into the long history.

8. Q: Who do I contact if I have questions on my background check?

A: National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) at 866- 833-7100 x109

9. Q: What information is USA Gymnastics provided on my background check?

A: The Presidential and Vice Presidential offices of USA Gymnastics can be made aware of the content provided on a background check.
No other employees of USA Gymnastics have access to the content of an individual’s background check.

10. Q: When will I be notified of background check results?

A: Once you have completed the background check you will receive email notification. Normal processing time is 3 to 4 weeks.

11. Q. What if I am given a green light?

A: The “green light” indicates an individual has passed the background search with regard to suitability for participation as a professional member of USA Gymnastics.

12. Q.: What if I am given a red light?

A: The “red light” indicates an individual does not meet the criteria as suitable for participation as a professional member of USA Gymnastics.
If a question arises concerning a background search, the applicant will be contacted by NCSI and provided with an opportunity to correct potential errors
in the applicant’s record or to provide additional information prior to issuing a “red light.” In such situations USA Gymnastics may also be contacted.

13. Q: Can I contest a red light?

A: For an applicant to contest the content of a record provided to the applicant as part of USA Gymnastics background check, the applicant may seek an appeal
of his/her record with NCSI pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. USA Gymnastics will use the determination provided by NCSI, in accordance with
USA Gymnastics Bylaws Article 9 Membership, to determine an individual’s eligibility for membership in USA Gymnastics. Should an individual contest a
USA Gymnastics decision to deny participation based upon a “red light” from the background search, the applicant has the right to appeal the decision pursuant
to Article 10 of the USA Gymnastics Bylaws.

14. Q: When does the background check expire?

A: The background check must be redone every two years, dating from the month the first background check was completed.
The background check must be done prior to renewing their membership.

15. Q: Can an Instructor Member or Non-Member complete the background check?

A: At this time the background check process is only available to Professional or Pending Professional members.

16. Q: Can a club do a background checks for their employees?

A: Services for a club to do so will become available in the first quarter of 2008.

17. Q: Can I use the results from a different background screening agency?

A: No. USA Gymnastics will only accept results from NCSI. No other agency results will be accepted.

18. Q: Who receives the revenue from the background check screening?

A: NCSI is the only company receiving money from the background checks. USA Gymnastics does NOT receive any of the money from the background check process.
We are serving as a facilitator for the background screening agency and the members. USA Gymnastics worked closely with NCSI to obtain an affordable price for
this important service.

19. Q: Can one go through background check prior to their membership expiring?

A: Yes, the background check will be valid for two years from the month of the original background check.