NEW BACKGROUND CHECK PROGRAM LAUNCHES JANUARY 10

 USA Swimming will launch a new background check program on January 10, 2011.
 
All non-athlete members who have not previously completed the USA Swimming background check must successfully complete the new background check program by February 15, 2011.
 
All non-athlete members who have previously completed the USA Swimming background check before September 1, 2010, are required to complete the new check prior to April 30, 2011.
 
Any non-athlete members who completed the USA Swimming background check after September 1, 2010 must complete the new background check prior to December 31, 2011.
 
USA Swimming is pleased to announce that Acxiom Information Security Services, headquartered in Cleveland, OH, has been selected as the organization’s new background check provider. Acxiom, a pioneer in the industry, is one of the largest providers of background screening services in the USA. Led by nationally-recognized background screening expert Nadell Investigation Services, USA Swimming conducted an extensive selection process receiving proposals from 20 industry providers.
 
Based on new rules established at the U.S. Aquatic Sports Convention in September, all non-athlete members are required to complete a USA Swimming background check (BGC).  The new program will provide two levels of screening. Coaches and Officials are required to complete a Level 2 BGC while all other non-athlete members must complete the Level 1 BGC.
 
The Level 2 Background Check will cost approximately $37-$40 while the Level 1 Check will cost between $17-$20. The initial check for both levels is valid for two years. Prior to the end of the 24th month following the initial check, all non-athlete members (regardless of membership type – coach, official, other) will be required to complete a Renewal background check that will also cost $17-20. The Renewal check must be updated every two years in order to maintain a non-athlete membership in USA Swimming.
 
At the time the legislation was approved, the deadline for meeting the new requirement was December 31, 2010. With the selection of a provider taking longer than anticipated, the USA Swimming Board of Directors has created new implementation deadlines as outlined below.
 

Non-Athlete Members – No Previous BGC:

All non-athlete members who have not previously completed the USA Swimming background check must successfully complete the new background check program by February 15, 2011.  

Non-Athlete Members with Previous BGC prior to Sept 1, 2010:

All non-athlete members who have previously completed the USA Swimming background check before September 1, 2010, are required to complete the new BGC prior to April 30, 2011. This group includes anyone with current checks as well as anyone whose previous background check may have expired since September 30, 2010. The renewal deadline for these individuals has been extended until April 30, 2011. For example, a coach who had a background screen expire on October 31 now has until April 30 to complete the new BGC.
 

Non-Athlete Members with BGC between Sept 1, 2010 – Dec 31, 2010:

 Finally, any non-athlete members who have completed the USA-S background check since September 1, 2010 are required to complete the new background check prior to December 31, 2011.
 
Over the next few weeks, USA Swimming will be sharing additional details about the new program as well as directions for initiating the new background check. In the interim, if you have questions about the new background check program please contact [email protected].