Criminal Background Check Procedures

USA Cycling requires all it's licensed coaches to undergo a criminal background check. USA Cycling uses the National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) to conduct all criminal background checks via their secure website.

In order to complete the NCSI registration process, you will need an active and valid email address. To start you background check, go to www.ncsisafe.com and click on “Start a Background Screening Now”. Complete these steps:

Step 1:      Enter Self Registration Number: 95099494
Step 2:      Enter Your Information as Requested
Step 3:      Provide Legal Authorization and Certification
Step 4:      Provide Payment Information (Visa/MasterCard)

In general felonies, crimes against persons and/or multiple misdemeanors will trigger a red light on the criminal background check. A criminal background check which triggers a "red light" will lead to a denial of a coaching license/certification. There is no appeal process. If the applicant receives a red light and believes the red light is in error, the applicant should work with NCSI to resolve the matter. If the company adjusts its findings and issues a "green light", the coaching certification will be issued. “Red Light/Green Light” Results will be made available to USA Cycling. NCSI will contact you directly if there are any questions, problems or issues related to your specific information.

You do not need to wait for the criminal background check to be completed before you send the coaching license application. You may not receive notification of the green light status from NCSI.

All background checks are valid for two (2) years. However, with all licenses (regardless of term), any background check which expires during the term of the coaching license, the coach will have 30 days to renew the background check. Any coach who does not bring his/her background check current during the 30 day period, will have their coaching license suspended until the background check is brought current.
 

USA TRIATHLON CERTIFIED COACHES

If you are a USA Triathlon certified coach who has completed a background check through NCSI for USAT within the last 12 months, please be aware this information is not automatically released to USA Cycling. You must tell NCSI to release the information using the follow procedure:

1. Go to www.ncsisafe.com
2. Click "Start Your Background Screen Now."
3. Enter the USAC self registration number 95099494
4. When asked "is this your first time using NCSI?" Click "no"
5. You will then identify yourself one of two ways (last name, DOB and SSN or applicant ID and DOB).
6. Sign off on the consent forms which will allow NCSI to share your USAT screen with USA Cycling.
7. Notify USA Cycling via coaches@usacycling.org that the results have been released.

BACKGROUND CHECKS FROM OTHER SOURCES

USA Cycling cannot accept background checks from sources other than NCSI. USA Cycling understands that some people are in professions that require a criminal background check. However, these are not acceptable as USAC cannot verify the legitimacy of the paperwork in those cases.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR RENEWING COACHES

If you get a message from NCSI that a background check is on file, please be patient and return to NCSI later. There is a programming issue that has to be resolved. NCSI is aware of it and in the process of fixing it.

If you are a renewing coach and are not sure if you need the criminal background check or not, please check here. Some of the more recently certified coaches may not be listed.

COACHES WITH A LAPSED LICENSE

A lapsed license is defined as a license that was not renewed for the most recent license year. For instance, if you last held a coaching license in 2010 (or before) but not in 2011, your license is lapsed. Any coach that has had a coaching license lapse should review the information in Renewal Procedures to see if you need to complete the criminal background check in order to renew your coaching license.

It is important when entering your name that you use your full legal name as written on your birth certificate or driver’s license. If the legal name you use is not exactly the same as your coaching license name, please make sure the legal name is included with the coaching license application. Some people keep a maiden name for their coaching license, but their legal name is the married name. When the USA Cycling staff searches the NCSI site, it does a search for the name on the application. If that name is not in the system, it will delay the processing of the coaching license. Please also verify that your social security number was typed correctly. Using nicknames or failing to type a correct social security number may delay or invalidate your background check.

Generally, the cost will be $25.00 (subject to change) plus credit card charges. Some counties charge an additional fee that will also be the responsibility of the applicant.

In an effort to expedite the coaching license application process, coaching applicants may submit the information for the criminal background check at the same time as submitted the coaching license application and fee. Please indicate on the coaching license application that you have already submitted the criminal background check information.

If you have any questions or problems submitting your information, please call the National Center for Safety Initiatives at (866) 833-7100 x109. If you do not wish to use the online system, please contact NCSI for information on how to submit the paperwork via snail mail.

When you send in your coaching license application, there is no need to send in a copy of the confirmation page you receive from NCSI. Keep that page for your records. USA Cycling understands some people are in professions which require a criminal background check, however, these are not acceptable as USAC cannot verify the legitimacy of the paperwork in those cases.