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Coaches Background Checks FAQs
17Dec07
What is a background check program?
A background check program ensures that TAA authorized individuals who spend time with children were not at one time charged and convicted of a crime that could potentially increase the likelihood or threat of causing harm to a child in his or her responsibility.
What does the background check program include?
A background check program includes fingerprinting, photo ID and completion of the appropriate forms for the actual background check. The Tewksbury Background Check Program will adhere to the standards that have been established in the State of New Jersey by the New Jersey State Legislature and the New Jersey State Police for volunteers who work with children.
Why do we need a background check program?
Simply put, The TAA wants to ensure the safety of our children. Unfortunately, arrests of coaches and other volunteers for improper behavior have become too common place. Over the past few years, an increasing amount of volunteer-based-organizations have standardized on background checks for adults who have positions of responsibility with children. For example, the Boy Scouts, church groups and other athletic associations all use a background check program.
Also, by implementing a background program we are also complying with the "Safe Kids Program for Tewksbury Athletic Association", a requirement by our insurance carrier.
What is the process to have a background check?
Rob Edmund, TAA Coaches Coordinator, will schedule background check sessions with the Tewksbury Police Department and the TAA Sports Program Directors. Sessions will be held either at OTS or at the Police Department. The individual Sport Program Directors are responsible for coordinating background checks for their Coaches, Assistant Coaches and other volunteers. Individuals will complete the appropriate forms and have their picture and fingerprints taken by the Tewksbury Police Department.
The fingerprints and forms will be submitted to the New Jersey State Police. The New Jersey State Police and the FBI will complete the background check. Results will be reported back to Rob Edmund from the State Police in four to five weeks. The result will be either a “Thumbs Up” or a “Thumbs Down”. Neither the Tewksbury Township Police nor the TAA will receive any details regarding personal criminal records.
What will the background check include?
The background check will include the following areas. If you have been convicted of the following crimes, you will receive a “Thumbs Down”:
2C:11 Homicide
2C:12 Assault; Endangering; Threats
2C:13 Kidnapping
2C:14 Sexual Offences
2C:15 Robbery
2C:20 Theft
2C:24 Bigamy
2C:35 Controlled Dangerous Substances
(All offences except 2C:35-10A4 which is for
convictions of possession of less than 50g of
marijuana or less than 5g of hashish)
How will I know if I pass or fail the background check?
When your “Thumbs Up” comes through, the Tewksbury Police will issue you a laminated card with your picture to show that you have successfully passed the background check. Your Sport Program Director will contact you of your result. You will be expected to wear your card at all TAA sponsored events.
What if I receive a “Thumbs Down”
If you receive a “Thumbs Down”, you will not be permitted to participate as a coach or volunteer in the TAA program. If you feel that you received a “Thumbs Down” wrongly, we will work with you to remedy the result. However, you will not be allowed to participate in the program until the issue is resolved and you receive a “Thumbs Up”.
What happens to my fingerprints after the background?
The New Jersey State Police will destroy all fingerprints after the results are reported.
Who needs a background check?
All coaches, Assistant Coaches, Trainers, TAA Board Members, team drivers, and any other TAA authorized person who is formally engaged by the TAA. No exceptions will be made.
What if I have already have passed another background check, do I need to do it again for
the TAA?
There may be situations when the TAA engages non-TAA volunteers or trainers who have already undergone and passed a background check. If the Tewksbury Township Chief of Police, Rusty O’Dell, approves the background check result, then that person will not be required to undergo the TAA background check. This exception does not apply to TAA Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Board Members, etc. but only applies to non-TAA participants.
How long is a background check valid for?
Background check conducted by the TAA program will be valid for three (3) years. Anyone wishing to continue to participate in the program will need to re-submit to a background check.
How do I schedule a background check?
Contact your Sport Program Director and they will contact Rob Edmund to schedule a session.
Do I have to pay for the background check?
The TAA will use program fees to cover the costs for all background checks.
Additional Questions
If you have any additional questions regarding the TAA Background Check program, please contact Rob Edmund, rsedmund@aol.com or 832-5894.
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