SafeSport | U.S. Figure Skating

U.S. Figure Skating Background Screen Changes

Effective January 1, 2020, all U.S. Figure Skating background checks will be screened under new search components and criteria as required by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. In addition, U.S. Figure Skating background screens will move from being valid for one season to being valid for the season in which the screen is completed along with the following season.

Individuals with a current valid U.S. Figure Skating background check will not be affected by this change until the compliance period for the 2020-21 season opens in June 2020.

The new screens include the following changes:

Screens Submitted Prior to January 1, 2020

$ 20

• Background check valid for the season in which a determination is issued with an automatic six month recheck

• Local level searches — two County Criminal Records search of longest/ most recent residency in the past five years

• No Federal District Courts searches

• Automatic re-check at six months of multi-jurisdictional national database and SOR

• No National Watch List searches

Screens Submitted on or After January 1, 2020

$ 30

• Background check valid for the season in which a determination is issued and the following season with a 12 month automatic recheck

• Local level searches — County Criminal Records search for name used and county where the individual currently lives or has lived during the past seven years (up to three included)

• Federal District Courts searches — For name used and district where the individual currently lives or has lived during that past seven years (up to three included)

• Automatic re-check at 12 months of multi-jurisdictional national database and SOR

• Multiple National Watch Lists

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: I have a current USFS background check that is valid until June 2020. Do I need to submit a new screen based on these changes?

A: No. Individuals with a current USFS background check are not affected by these changes until the 2020-21 season compliance period which begins 6/1/2020.

Q: I have a current background screen with another organization/my employer. Can I submit the findings from that screen to USFS?

A: No. The background screen USFS requires is specific to the organization and must be completed through your Members Only portal. We do not accept any other screenings.

Q: I’m a SafeSport Compliance Chair or President for my club. How do you recommend communicating this to our members/volunteers who require compliance?

A: We suggest communicating these new requirements to your members/volunteers multiple times to ensure they see it. Emails, flyers, and in person communications about the updates are highly recommended. If you need materials to present to your members/volunteers about these changes, please email SafeSport@usfigureskating.org.

Q: Approximately how long will it take for a domestic or international screen to be completed?

A: Domestic screens typically take 5-10 business days. International screens may take up to 14 days to be complete depending on the country whose records are searched. Once U.S. Figure Skating is notified of the finding it takes one business day or less for a person’s compliance status to be updated.

Q: I’m unsure if my role within the sport requires a background screen. Who should I talk to about this?

A: There’s a matrix in U.S. Figure Skating’s SafeSport Program Handbook that outlines what positions require a USFS background screen. We suggest talking to your club’s SafeSport Compliance Chair or President about any additional roles they may have identified as needing compliance.