How to Complete a Background Screening

To complete a background screening:

Please log into your membership profile. Under the Main Menu, click on Coach Certifications, where you will be able to access and complete your background check.

Please note: USA Weightlifting does not accept background checks conducted by other organizations.
If you are a resident of Pennsylvania, you must also provide the PA-153 Child Abuse Clearance. This document may be transferred; however, you are still required to complete USA Weightlifting’s background screening.

Who Needs Background Screening

In alignment with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Background Check Policy, USA Weightlifting requires background screening for the following individuals aged 18 and older:

A. Individuals in Positions of Authority or Regular Contact with Athletes

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Coaches registering for any USA Weightlifting event
• All USA Weightlifting staff and contractors
• Club Presidents, Club Administrators, and Club Coaches
• USA Weightlifting Board and Committee Members
• Technical Officials (National level and above)
• WSO Board Members
• Coaching Education Instructors
• Medical professionals providing services to USA Weightlifting athletes or members at USAW events, National Team programs, camps, or international competitions
• Any individual formally authorized, approved, or appointed by USA Weightlifting to have regular contact with or authority over athletes

B. Athletes Selected for USA Weightlifting Programs or Events

Background screening is required for all athletes aged 18 or older who are:

• Selected to represent USA Weightlifting in national or international team competitions or Delegation Events
• Selected as alternates, training partners, or guides for national or international teams
• Participating in USA Weightlifting National Team programs, camps, or other high-performance activities
• Training at an Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, USOPC High Performance Training Center, or USA Weightlifting-designated training site

Individuals in these categories must maintain a valid background check for the duration of their participation in the applicable program, event, or training environment.

C. Additional Individuals

USA Weightlifting may require background screening for any individual who, in its discretion, has regular contact with athletes or access to USA Weightlifting training or competition environments.

Background Check Report Review

A. USA Weightlifting-Initiated Background Checks

• Any USA Weightlifting-initiated background check that results in a report of a disposition or resolution of a criminal proceeding, other than an adjudication of not guilty, will be subject to USA Weightlifting’s policies and procedures to determine the individual’s level of access and involvement.
• A “disposition or resolution of a criminal proceeding, other than an adjudication of not guilty” includes, but is not limited to: an adjudication of guilt, a plea of guilty or no contest, a plea to a lesser included offense, deferred adjudication, deferred prosecution, disposition of supervision, conditional dismissal, juvenile delinquency adjudication, diversion program participation, or the existence of an ongoing criminal investigation, pending charges, or an active warrant.

This includes:

1. Any felony

2. Any misdemeanor involving:

• All sexual crimes or criminal offenses of a sexual nature, including but not limited to rape, sexual abuse, sexual battery, child molestation, lewd conduct, possession or distribution of child pornography, prostitution, indecent exposure, or public indecency, and any individual required to register as a sex offender
• Any drug-related offenses
• Harm to a minor or vulnerable person, including but not limited to child abandonment, child endangerment, neglect or abuse, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, or driving under the influence with a minor present
• Violence against a person, including crimes involving firearms or domestic violence
• Stalking, harassment, blackmail, violation of a protection order, or threats
• Destruction of property, including arson, vandalism, or criminal mischief
• Animal abuse or neglect

B. Secondary Review

USA Weightlifting will comply with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Background Check Policy and Procedures with respect to any required secondary review of USA Weightlifting determinations.

C. Reporting Requirements

USA Weightlifting will report any findings that fall within the reporting requirements of the U.S. Center for SafeSport in accordance with applicable policies.

Background Check Provider

USA Weightlifting utilizes the National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) to conduct background screenings.

NCSI provides a comprehensive screening process used by National Governing Bodies, youth sports organizations, and public agencies nationwide.

If you have questions regarding your background check, you may contact NCSI directly:

NCSI
1853 Piedmont Road, Suite 100
Marietta, GA 30066
Phone: 866-996-7412
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (EST)
Email: support@ncsisafe.com
Website: http://solutions.ncsisafe.com

International Background Screening

All international background screenings for individuals residing outside of the United States must be completed at the expense of the registrant, unless otherwise specified.

Residents of Guam and Puerto Rico are not subject to additional fees, as these territories are included in the standard national search conducted by USA Weightlifting’s background screening provider.

Background Check Appeal Policy

Effective August 31, 2019: Background Check Appeal Policy

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,
USA Weightlifting