1) Why are you implementing this now, was there an incident that triggered this?
In benchmarking with other National Governing Bodies and youth sports, we have found that most provide some type of voluntary or mandatory background screening to provide an additional level of confidence for participants. No incident triggered this action. We implemented background checks for coaches one year ago and believe that program has been very successful and are now expanding the program to include referees. We believe that our stated ethics and values, and desire to provide a safe and secure environment for our participants to enjoy the sport of water polo, will be well served by requiring the referees who officiate our sport to provide background screening checks.
2) Who will see this information, how do I know that any potentially disqualifying information will not be made public?
Unless the applicant decides to file an appeal from an adverse background check, all information generated by the background screening process will be visible only to the applicant and to the background screening company, TC LogiQ. Any erroneous or inaccurate information can be presented to TC LogiQ by the individual. In the event that the background screen reveals disqualifying information, only the fact that an applicant has not passed the background screen will be communicated to USA Water Polo, not the reason(s) for the failure to pass the background screen.
3) How did you select the company you are using, what are their qualifications and credentials?
After conducting an extended search, USA Water Polo selected TC logiQ, Inc. as its national provider. TC logiQ is a specialty consulting firm that provides professional employment services in the area of pre-employment and volunteer screening. TC logiQ provides similar services to other NGB’s. More information about this Colorado Springs company is available on their Web site at www.tclogiq.com.
4) With the current concerns about privacy and identity theft, why do we use social security numbers? Is it not possible to do a background check using a driver’s license number or a state-issued identification card?
Screening based on name, date of birth, address history and social security number is standard throughout the industry. The other common, but much more expensive and time consuming method, is finger printing (which still utilizes the SSN.). The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is the federal statute that outlines the basic laws and regulations that govern the background screening industry. It is also important to note that TC logiQ will not share your SSN with USA Water Polo.
The problem with using a driver’s license number or any other state-based identification is it is possible to search a record only in the state where the license was issued. If people have lived in multiple states, there is no way to search records in previous states of residence.
5) Many USA Water Polo members are already screened by various agencies for other employment or volunteer purposes. Is it possible for USA Water Polo to accept those screens so that we do not pay to be screened again?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The current reality of the industry is that there is no national clearinghouse for this type of information and, if there were, there are no standard criteria by which search reports are evaluated. Two employers may make different hiring decisions based on the same information. Likewise, various youth organizations use different criteria to determine eligibility for membership. And, because of privacy concerns and certain requirements imposed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, there is significant reluctance to share information between organizations.
6) Can I only do a background screen online?
Yes, in order to protect the confidentiality of the sensitive information in a background screen, the entire process has been automated. All referee members subject to screening requirements must go online to a secure website, initiate and complete a background screening.
7) What should I do if my screening returns incorrect or inaccurate information?
Here are guidelines to follow in the event that a background screen returns information that is incorrect or disputed. Do not be concerned about incorrect or unusual information in the address history.
*Go to the “Frequently Asked Questions” section of the TC logiQ web site at https://tclogiq.com/faq.php to see if your concern or question has already been addressed.
*Send an email to reportdispute@tclogiq.com. Include your name, Zone, date of birth and date of the screening report. Be sure to include a brief description of the information being disputed. In order to maintain the confidentiality of your screen results, please do not contact your Zone Chair or anyone else with USA Water Polo. As an initial matter, you must work with TC logiQ to resolve any issues resulting from your background screening.
*TC logiQ will respond by telephone or via email within 24 hours to discuss the concern and gather the necessary information to research the question.
*In order to research disputed information in a background screen, the provider must perform a physical search of records in the county reporting the disputed information. Depending on the county and state, this search could take as long as 14-30 days. When information in a search record is disputed, no action will be taken regarding membership eligibility until that information has been verified.
*If the verification process proves that the disputed information is incorrect, there is no cost to the applicant. If research verifies that the information is correct, the applicant will pay a fee of approximately $20 per county where records were verified. Please note that the cost for the re-verification process will vary slightly from county to county because of differing procedures and laws.
8) If my background screen returns information that disqualifies me for membership in USA Water Polo, do I have the opportunity to appeal that decision? How do I initiate an appeal?
Yes, you have the right to appeal your disqualification, or to request an exemption, by initiating a grievance proceeding under USA Water Polo’s Bylaws. The procedure for initiating a grievance is set forth in the Rules Governing Referees Conduct, which are posted on USA Water Polo’s website. There is no charge for initiating a grievance proceeding to appeal the results of a background screen or to request an exemption. There are two levels of appeal. In the first instance, an appeal or request for exemption will be heard by a Hearing Panel appointed by USA Water Polo’s Chief Executive Officer. If you are not satisfied with the results of the appeal to the Hearing Panel, you have the right to appeal the Hearing Panel’s determination to the American Arbitration Association.
9) If I am a Coach/Referee member and already completed a Background Screening, do I need to do another?
No, your previously completed screening as a Coach/Referee would be valid for Referee purposes.
10) What if I am under 18 years old?
Referees under the age of 18 do not require background screenings and will be notified on their 18th birthday of the need for one at that time.