Background Screenings: A Critical Step in Selecting a Young Athlete’s Program
By John Rowan
As we conclude the school year and enter the summer season, numerous parents and children are preparing for summer travel and youth sports activities. Over the past 25 years, travel youth sports have seen substantial growth in the United States, with an increasing number of competitive programs offered by various privately owned club teams. This transformation has turned the neighborhood little league team into a multi-million-dollar industry. Enticed by the prospect of college scholarships, parents are willing to invest substantial amounts of money to provide their child with a competitive advantage and garner attention from college coaches. The influence of social media and college recruiting pressures has heightened demand, leading to an increase in travel team opportunities that promise elite training and competition before esteemed college coaching staff.
The decision to join a travel program can be beneficial for some athletes; however, the increased pressure on the athlete, financial burden, and time commitment must be carefully weighed against potential advantages. Selecting an appropriate travel program for young athletes requires assessing the child's abilities, financial implications, travel frequency and distance, and most importantly, evaluating the coach's qualifications.
Enacted in 2018, the Protecting Youth Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 expands child abuse reporting laws and mandates abuse awareness training for all adults working with young athletes. Coaches are required to report physical or sexual abuse of minors to law enforcement within 24 hours. Additionally, organizations must provide a confidential reporting mechanism for adults to report abuse of minors within their organization. Any adult working with minors must undergo training to recognize and report abuse, with options for online training available.
Although not universally required, certain states mandate background checks for adults working with children. The Safe Sport Act recommends background screenings as a preventive measure. When researching potential travel teams for the summer, parents should inquire whether background screenings are conducted on coaching staff and if they are familiar with the Safe Sport Act. Routine screenings conducted by travel team owners and coordinators can ensure the protection of children in their programs and establish trustworthiness among coaches.
Regrettably, physical, mental, and sexual abuse can occur in youth sports. A 2024 study found on uscenterforsafesport.org indicated 11% of the over 3000 athletes surveyed experienced unwanted sexual contact of sexually explicit behavior during their sports involvement. Nearly 7% reported unwanted calls, notes, emails, texts, photos or videos that had a sexual connotation or were sexually explicit. Ensuring the care and athletic development of your child is paramount, and due diligence can help mitigate the risk of such incidents.
Conflict International offers a range of services, including background screenings, that travel sport club teams can utilize to enhance athlete safety and potentially reduce liability in case of an incident. Club owners who provide screened and trained coaching staffs can promote accountability and awareness of the Safe Sport Act, prioritizing the health and safety of young athletes.
John Rowan is the Senior Vice President of US Operations for Conflict International and retired as the Chief of Detectives from the Suffolk County (NY) Police Department following a 30-year career. He also serves as the 2025 Chapter President of the FBI National Academy Associates NYS/Eastern Canada Chapter.