BACKGROUND CHECKS
Little League International requires all leagues and districts in the United States to conduct an annual background check, including a nationwide criminal search, a search of the National Sex Offender Registry, review of the U.S. Center for SafeSport Centralized Disciplinary Database and Little League International Ineligible List. Little League’s required provider, J.D Palatine, has a Criminal File database that contains more than 685+ million records, including criminal and sex offender registry records covering 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as the review of the U.S. Center for SafeSport Centralized Disciplinary Database and Little League International Ineligible List, meeting the current Little League Regulation 1(c) 8 & 9 requirement.
Here are some common questions and guidelines around league backgound checks
Important Questions
- Who needs to submit a BG check? A: Any adult that is spending extended time on the field or in the dugout with children during games or practices, even if only covering once.
- How often do i need to submit one? A: Little League requires BG checks to be completed every 6 months.
- What roles are required to submit? Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Parents, Umpires and Board Members are required.
- How long does it take to complete? The application only takes 1-2 minutes to complete but depending on the complexity of your background the results can take anywhere between 1hr-1week. Do not expect approval same day.
Volunteer Background Check Steps
SEALL is on the Sports Connect platform, and takes advantage of the new integration option between Sports Connect and JDP. This seamless integration allows individuals to complete their Volunteer Application during the Sports Connect player registration experience. It also allows leagues to:
- verify an individual’s Volunteer Application and required questions, using a new, custom-built report
- securely send the background check request to JDP for processing
- complete the verification with a government-issued photo identification as required by Regulation 1 (c) 8 & 9.
Learn More
SEALL will issue a link that allows you to submit your information direct to the processing system JDP/Sports Connect Integration
SEALLt verifies the volunteer’s application with a government-issued photo ID. This allows the league official to verify the information on the volunteer application (name, DOB, and address) is correct.
Step 4:
Approving the background check
Once a background check has been conducted on a potential volunteer, the designated league official reviews the results of the background check in JDP. If there is a charge on the potential volunteer, it will be indicated by a red flag on the JDP Platform. The local league must first determine if this charge is permitted by Little League Regulation or present this information to either the league president or local board to determine if this individual is fit to participate in any manner in the league.
The following offenses prohibit an individual from participating:
- Any charge, conviction, no contest plea or guilty plea, or admission to any crime involving or against a minor.
- An individual is listed on either of the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s Centralized Disciplinary Database and/or Little League International Ineligible List.
- If an individual has any charge, conviction, no contest plea or guilty plea, or admission to any crimes that are considered sexual in nature or listed on the National Sex Offender Registry, they must contact the Security Manager at Little League International (570-326-1921) before appointing the individual as a volunteer to participate in any capacity in the league.
- NOTE: If an individual involved with a league, or any activity of the Little League program, is under investigation for any type of child abuse, or has a pending charge against, or involving, a minor, they must be suspended until the outcome of the investigation or pending charges are complete and the allegations are resolved.
NOTE: A letter or email, which includes a copy of the completed background screening report & Summary of Rights, will be sent to every volunteer where a criminal record from the public records database is reported to your local Little League. A toll-free number is listed on the letter if the volunteer decides to dispute the information reported.
NOTE: A local league or district official is strongly encouraged to check additional criminal records that may provide more information regarding the criminal case of individuals whose crimes do not require that they be listed on a sex offender registry. For example, convictions for assault, battery, theft or drug offenses would not result in a report on the sex offender registry. Details
Step 5:
Issuing a wrist band
Once the volunteer is approved they may come to the concession stand to receive their approved volunteer wrist band.