To download in PDF format:
AYSO Criminal Background Check Policy
Revised: January, 2006
Since January 1, 2001, all American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) regions, areas, and sections are required to comply with the AYSO policy on criminal background checks. AYSO acts as the criminal background requesting entity unless specific arrangements have been approved in writing by the AYSO National Executive Director.
1. Any person wishing to volunteer in AYSO is subject to a criminal background check, with a strong focus on the following:
Coaches of sports teams
Assistant coaches of sports teams
Officers, board members, and staff who lead or organize children's activities
Referees
2. Any person wishing to volunteer in AYSO must complete an AYSO volunteer application form each year, either online or by using the hard copy form, and submit a signed copy to the region. The application form includes a Criminal Background Check Release. All requested information must be provided by the applicant, including Social Security number, driver license number (or other state issued photo I.D. if the applicant does not drive) and date of birth.
3. The region must send the original copy of all such volunteer applications to the Safe Haven Department at the National Support & Training Center (NSTC) in Hawthorne, CA in a timely fashion such that the most sensitive criminal background checks can be completed prior to the start of any playing season.
4. Criminal background checks are performed on an ongoing basis throughout the year. The responses on the AYSO Volunteer Application Form may target certain individuals for automatic background checks.
5. Each Region must designate at least one person as the Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate (CVPA) who must act as the liaison between the Region and AYSO for purposes of enacting this policy.
6. To ensure compliance with all applicable laws, the AYSO Safe Haven staff members at the National Support & Training Center in Hawthorne, CA are the only people authorized to initiate, review or have access to criminal background reports (unless sanctioned in writing by the National Executive Director). In all cases, the results of any criminal background check must be kept strictly confidential. These reports must be kept in a locked, secure location, for a period as indicated by applicable law or until the person is no longer a volunteer, whichever is later.
7. The Notice of Duty to Review Criminal Record process is initiated by the Safe Haven Department of AYSO. When a negative determination is made, a copy of the criminal conviction report received by the Safe Haven Department must be sent to that volunteer applicant in an envelope marked “Confidential – to be opened by addressee only,” along with the Notice of Duty to Review Criminal Record cover letter.
8. If a conviction is disclosed or discovered, AYSO Safe Haven Staff must make a decision on whether or not the applicant may be used based on the following guidelines and partial Table of Convictions and advise the region of its decision.
Any application form that does not contain honest answers or that misrepresents the number, type or gravity of any such conviction(s) will not be approved irrespective of the nature of the offense or the time that has transpired since the conviction.
Any individual on probation or required to complete a court ordered rehabilitation or other such program following a conviction for a crime appearing on the Table of Convictions will not be considered to serve as a volunteer until all terms and conditions established by the court have been satisfied and proof of completion submitted to AYSO.
Any person convicted of a crime against or otherwise involving a minor at any time in the past will not be approved to be a volunteer.
Most felony convictions will result in a negative determination. Evidence of multiple convictions, either felony or misdemeanor, are likely to also result in a negative determination. Where a conviction is remote in time or where the applicant’s conduct since the conviction(s) indicates rehabilitation or lack of risk to the membership and the program, some leeway may be provided, with the concurrence of the RC and CVPA.
Persons convicted of a crime of violence or other serious crime against a person (including major sex offenses) within the prior 20 years should be disqualified from any position listed in policy paragraph #1 above.
Persons convicted of a theft related crime or fraud within the prior 15 years should be disqualified from any position involving the handling of funds or property.
Persons convicted of a serious substance abuse crime within the past 10 years should be disqualified from any coaching position or any position that leads children's activities.
Persons convicted of less serious crimes of violence, substance abuse or one of the listed miscellaneous crimes within the past 5 years should be disqualified from any coaching position or any position that leads children's activities.
DUI: Persons convicted of driving while under the influence within the preceding 3 years will be disqualified form holding the position of team coach or assistant coach. Persons convicted of driving under the influence within the preceding 3 years may be accepted for other volunteer positions with the understanding that they are prohibited from driving any child or AYSO volunteer other than immediate family members to or from an AYSO activity.
9. Discretion must be exercised in a uniform manner, so that similar convictions and circumstances result in similar treatment. The CVPA or Regional Commissioner (RC) will be immediately notified when a negative determination is made, or if there are issues related to an application. The specific results leading to a negative determination must remain confidential unless the applicant is willing to reveal the results to the RC or CVPA.
10. Because of the serious implications to the entire AYSO organization, all regions, areas, and sections must comply with the decisions made under this policy.
TABLE OF CONVICTIONS (a partial list)
Violent Crimes & Serious Crimes Against a Person:
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated Battery w/ Firearm
Armed Robbery
Arson
Assault
Attempted Murder
Battery
Blackmail
Child Abduction
Child Pornography
Cruelty to Animals
Domestic Battery
Endangering the Life or Health of a
Child
Exploitation of a Child
Extortion
Harboring a Runaway
Hate Crime
Hit and Run Causing Injury/Death
Home Invasion
Intimidation
Kidnapping
Murder
Possession of explosives
Preventing a 911 Call
Terrorism
Reckless Homicide
Robbery
Second Degree Murder
Stalking
Solicitation for Murder
Tampering w/Food or Drugs
Threatening Public Officials
Treason
Unlawful Restraint
Vehicular Car Jacking
Vehicular Endangerment
Violation of Order of Protection
Less Serious Crimes Against a Person
Harassment
Harassment of Jurors or Witnesses
Involuntary Manslaughter
Intimidation
Obscene Phone Calls
Simple Assault
Subject to a Restraining Order
Sex Offenses:
Bigamy
Child Pornography
Criminal Sexual Abuse
Criminal Sexual Assault
Criminal Transmission of HIV
Distribution/Sale of Pornography
to a Minor
Indecent Exposure
Indecent Solicitation of a Child
Keeping a Place of Prostitution
Lewd and Lascivious Behavior
Obscenity
Pandering
Pimping
Prostitution
Public Indecency
Sex with a Minor
Sexual Exploitation of a Child
Solicitation of a Sexual Act
Theft-related Crimes:
Bid Rigging
Bid Rotating & Kickbacks
Bribery
Burglary
Check Kiting
Fencing of Stolen goods
Forgery
Industrial Espionage
Interference with Public Contracts
Looting
Money Laundering
Misuse of Credit Card
Possession of Burglary Tools
Tax Evasion
Theft of Intellectual Property
Ticket Scalping
Fraud:
Deceptive Sales
Fraudulent Advertisement
Insurance Fraud
Mail and Wire Fraud
Odometer Fraud
Public Aid Fraud
Serious Substance Abuse Crimes:
Abuse of Prescription Medicines
Criminal Drug Conspiracy
Distribution of Alcohol to Minors
Illegal Transportation of Controlled
Substances
Possession of Marijuana, more than 1 ounce
Possession of Illegal Substances
Sale or Manufacture of Illegal
Substances
Miscellaneous Substance Abuse Crines
Driving Under the Influence
Drunk in Public
Possession of Marijuana, less than 1 ounce
Sale of Alcohol to a Minor
Miscellaneous Crimes:
Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm
Concealing or Aiding a Fugitive
Criminal Damage to Property
Criminal Trespass
Discrimination in Sale of Real
Estate
Disorderly Conduct
Driving without a License
Driving without Insurance
Environmental Crimes
Gunrunning
Identity Switching
Interference with Judicial
Proceeding
Illegal Gambling
Illegal Transportation of Controlled
Substances
Interference with Penal Institution
Legislative Misconduct
Obscene Phone Calls
Obstructing Justice
Perjury
Reckless Conduct
Reckless Driving
Repeated Traffic Offenses
Tampering with Public Records
Unlawful Possession of Weapons
Unlawful Sale of Firearms
Unlawful Use of Body Armor
Unlawful Use, Sale, or Discharge of
a Metal Piercing Bullet
Vandalism
(The following letter is sent to any applicant, and only the applicant, if there are convictions that fall under the above criteria)
Notice of Duty to Review Criminal Record
2004
October 13, 2004
Region 0000
Fist and Last Name
Street Address
City, State Zip
Enclosed you will find a copy of your criminal history report obtained by the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).
Pursuant to the laws of many states and in your own self-interest, you should review the record as soon as possible. Should you determine it is inaccurate or incomplete you are required to notify AYSO of such discrepancy within seven working days of your receipt of this letter.
For privacy protection, you should speak to Ellisa Hall at the AYSO National Support & Training Center. You may contact her during regular working hours, 8:00a.m.–5:00p.m. Pacific Time, Monday – Friday at (800) 872-2976, e-mail her at ellisahall@ayso.org, or write her at 12501 S Isis, Hawthorne, CA 90250.
If the record is inaccurate, AYSO has a procedure for you to follow with the reporting agency to correct the information.
If the report is accurate, it is in the best interests of this organization that you not volunteer. If we fail to hear from you within seven days, we will contact your region with our final decision.
Ellisa Hall
National Certification and
Advocacy Administrator
