OLR Report 2012-R-0359 explains (1) if Connecticut law requires background checks for nonschool-sponsored sports program coaches and volunteers, (2) whether any other states or any national youth sports leagues require such checks, and (3) for information on any recent Connecticut proposals to require non-school-sponsored youth sports coaches and volunteers to undergo background checks. This report is an update of OLR 2004-R-0615.
Criminal Background Checks for Non-School-Sponsored Sports Coaches
Connecticut law does not require criminal records background checks of school volunteers or nonschool-sponsored sports coaches.
We found three states with laws on criminal background checks for non-school youth sports organization personnel. Two of the states, New Jersey and Oregon, expressly encourage or allow the checks. Florida's background checks are mandatory.
Several youth sports leagues, including Little League Baseball and Pop Warner Leagues, require annual background checks for all league employees and volunteers. The national leagues require local leagues to check the names of their volunteers against their state sex offender registry.
Since 2004, three bills were introduced to extend the law on sports-related criminal background checks to nonschool employees and volunteers. None became law.
For more information, read the full report.
