Background Screening Paid and Volunteer Coaches Should Be Mandatory, CriminalBackgroundRecords.com
Across the United States tens of thousands of kids participate in after-school sports. A critical component to sporting leagues are the coaches, but just as teachers, caregivers, and other volunteers involved with youth, coaches must be fully vetted before they are given the responsibility of working with children.
Adam Almeida, President and CEO of CriminalBackgroundRecords.com states: "Any individual that works with at-risk populations such as children and young adults, must be as fully background checked as possible. Background screening can be the first line of defense in protecting at-risk populations."
There are numerous references to nefarious activity between coaches and children highlighted across the news every month.
In Maryland a soccer organization changed background screening policies after a coach was arrested for illicit behavior with a minor.
From NBCWashington.com (Jun. 30, 16):
The prior background system appeared to have failed last year, according to an April report by the I-Team. The report found ... a man arrested in Fairfax County for trying to sexually exploit a young boy was able to continue coaching youth soccer for the Soccer Association of Montgomery after his arrest. (1)
Changes have since been made to a year-round screening process as opposed to a single annual check.
In Grand Rapids, Michigan a rowing coach was arrested for illegally recording female students changing from street clothes to athletic clothes. He was subsequently fired.
From AOL.com (Jul. 11, 16):
Police say the Rockford men's rowing head coach... was responsible for taking the videos by hiding the camera in the changing area. He was arrested and the Kent County Prosecutor's Office has charged him with child sexually abusive activity, using a computer to commit a crime and child sexually abusive material. (2)
In Florida a Titusville High School coach was arrested on a drug related offense forcing a greater scrutiny on background screening policies and procedures.
From a recent posting from WFTV.com (Jul. 07, 16):
9 Investigates discovered the Brevard County school district said it’s working to make sure people with a criminal past don’t slip through the cracks again and get hired to work with children.
This comes after an assistant coach failed to disclose his criminal history years ago on his employment application, and was recently accused of running a multistate drug ring. (3)
Almeida states: "A strong, thorough, and well publicized background screening policy and program can be an initial deterrent for any individual seeking to exploit at-risk populations. Whether it is drug or sex related those with ill-intent can be slowed and, often, stopped before they get into a position such as a coach. But background screening should be vigorous and thorough, and conducted through a third-party background screening company."
CriminalBackgroundRecords.com is a third-party background screening company that can assist any organization or group with background screening of employed or volunteer coaches. With access to numerous current and robust databases, as well as to county court records, CriminalBackgroundRecords.com can provide the most current, up-to-date, and reliable information available.
Notes:
(1) nbcwashington.com/news/local/Maryland-Soccer-Organization-Upgrades-Background-Checks-After-I-Team-Report-383689431.html
(2) aol.com/article/2016/07/11/high-school-coach-accused-of-recording-female-students-changing/21429829/
(3) wftv.com/news/9-investigates/9-investigates-school-background-checks-after-titusville-high-school-coach-arrested-in-drug-ring/389898142
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