SportsEngine Safety Solutions
The background screening registration is available on the NABF website here
Frequently Asked Questions for Coaches and Volunteers
1. What is SportsEngine Background Screening by NCSI?
SportsEngine, Inc. is the leading software provider of sport life management solutions for coaches, parents, athletes and youth sports associations. Safety is a fundamental piece of SportsEngine’s mission to help more kids get out and play. As a result, in 2017, SportsEngine acquired the two leading providers of background screening services, NCSI and SSCI. Operating today as the National Center for Safety Initiatives, NCSI offers in-depth background checks and comprehensive safety services. For more than 15 years, we have led the youth sports safety movement by advocating for safer communities and advancing safety policy through influence and education.
2. How does Background Screening by NCSI differ from a discount background check?
Background Screening by NCSI is the Gold Standard in youth and amateur sports because of the quality of service provided by NCSI and the depth of the background check. Unlike most discount screens, NCSI will do an in-depth identify verification, search over 800 million records from the national multi-jurisdictional databases, and sex offender registry, and then go to the local state and county searches. This is a key component missing from many discount searches, as many localities do not consistently report up to the national database providers. NCSI will then always do a thorough quality control review on the report before sending results back to the customer.
3. How do I start the background screening process?
The background screening registration is available on the NABF website here. Invitations to coaches and volunteers will also be sent via email. Please also check your inbox for an email from NABF.
In order to complete your background screening, you will need to submit your personal information, including your SSN.
4. What happens once I've submitted my background screen?
Once you have submitted your background screen, SportsEngine sends this information to NCSI. NCSI begins the background screening report by validating your personal data through a social security address trace. If they are unable to do so from the information you submitted, a member of the NCSI team will reach out to you directly from the email address automation@instascreen.net. .
After your personal data is validated, NCSI will search two national criminal databases and national sex offender registries. NCSI will then also perform a county level criminal record check in the county or counties associated with your address history found on the social security address trace.
In order to ensure the accuracy of the report, the NCSI quality control team reviews all information before sending the results of the report to the SportsEngine platform.
Once the report is delivered to the SportsEngine platform, your organization administrator will be notified and will have access to review the results of the report. Your organization administrator will make the final determination of your eligibility to participate.
5. How long does it take NCSI to complete the background screening?
The background screening process is typically completed in 3 to 5 business days from the date of submission. Be aware that the turnaround time can vary for a variety of reasons including: the applicant needs to verify their personal data with the NCSI team; or courthouses are experiencing delays either due to heavy volume or other circumstances.
If your screening is delayed, please check your inbox for emails from automation@instascreen.net , as NCSI may have reached out to you to verify your personal data.
Please note: providing inaccurate personal data during registration may delay the background screening process.
6. It’s been longer than five business days, and I haven’t received an email or confirmation that my background screening has been completed - what do I do?
After five business days, please contact NCSI directly at support@ncsisafe.com for a status update. Depending on the status, the NCSI support team may be able to expedite the process to complete and deliver the report.
7. Who do I reach out to if I have questions about the results of my completed background screening?
For questions, please contact the NCSI Quality Control Department at (866) 996-7412 and select option #3. You may also submit an inquiry via email to: qc@ncsisafe.com
8. What if I don't want to provide my personally identifiable information (PII)?
The background screening application requires the submission of full legal name, address, date of birth and social security number. All of the required fields are marked with an asterisk. We are unable to complete the background screening if any of the required information is not provided.
SportsEngine and NCSI have policies and processes in place designed to protect our customers’ and users’ best interests. Access to data is only given to those with a true need for such access. Both organizations are PCI-compliant, and do not share any personal information with third-parties.
Please note: providing inaccurate personal data during registration may delay the background screening process.
9. Can I get a copy of my report?
Yes, you can receive a consumer copy of your report, either by clicking the box at the end of your background screening registration on SportsEngine, or emailing qc@ncsisafe.com if you have already submitted your registration.
APS - Abuse Prevention Training
How do I complete my APS Abuse Prevention Training?
Once you submit your personal information for your background screening, you will be sent to a page that has a link to the APS training. Click through the link to continue on to the training. You will also receive an email, in case you need to retrieve the URL at a later.
I never received an email from APS to complete my training. What do I do?
If you have completed your background check and have yet to receive your APS training link, first check your SPAM/JUNK mail for 'abuse prevention'. If you still haven't received it, please email support@sportsengine.com.
I’ve completed my background screening and training, how do I ensure I’m cleared to participate?
You can call Phone: (NABF CONTACT)
What is the process for international screens?
For individuals who are international citizens, but have applied for a work visa, there is an FBI fingerprint and name check, as well as a security and background portion of the visa application process that must be completed and passed in order to obtain the visa.
Therefore, NCSI will only run a domestic check for the time that the applicant has resided in the U.S., as a supplement to the visa process.
For those applicants who are not able to provide a proof of visa, an international background screen will be required. The cost of the international background screen will be $150.00 at the expense of the applicant.
Please contact NABF for access to the international screen.
NCSI will contact the applicant to obtain any additional documentation that may be necessary to initiate the international screening (ex. passport image, country-specific consent, etc.)
What is the process for Pennsylvania background screens?
In addition to the Gold Standard background check, SportsEngine provides additional document management services to help organizations remain compliant with Pennsylvania Act 153 of 2014. This Act requires that any adults who come into contact with children while serving in Pennsylvania, either as paid employees or unpaid volunteers, provide the following clearances before participating:
Criminal History Record Search from the PA State Police (PATCH) system.
Child Abuse Clearance obtained through the PA Department of Human Services.
One of the following:
FBI Fingerprint screening submitted through the PA State Police
Signed Volunteer Affidavit (volunteers with continuous residence in PA for the past ten years)
Those coaches and volunteers that live in PA and are completing a background screen, will be required to upload the three required documents onto SportsEngine, and NCSI | SSCI will validate these documents. Please refer to the following link for complete instructions on how to obtain these clearances: www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov
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How does a Coach or Volunteer complete a Background Screen?
They complete a Background Screen by CLICKING HERE. You can forward this link to them if they haven’t completed the check yet.