Coaches Background Checks & Abuse Certification Test
Frequently Asked Questions for Coaches and Volunteers
1. What is SportsEngine Background Screening by NCSI?
In January of 2018, SportsEngine acquired Sports Illustrated Play and continues to serve the Sports Illustrated Play customers, providing the same commitment to service that you have come to expect.
SportsEngine also acquired the two leading providers of background screening services, NCSI and SSCI. While NSCI and SSCI services are fully-integrated with the SportsEngine platform, they remain as an independently-operated company to ensure data privacy and security.
2. How does Background Screening by NCSI differ from a discount background check?
Background Screening by NCSI is the Gold Standard in youth and amateur sports because of the quality of service provided by NCSI and the depth of the background check. Unlike most discount screens, NCSI will do an in-depth identify verification, search over 800 million records from the national multi-jurisdictional databases, and sex offender registry, and then go to the local state and county searches. This is a key component missing from many discount searches, as many localities do not consistently report up to the national database providers. NCSI will then always do a thorough quality control review on the report before sending results back to the customer.
3. How do I start the background screening process?
The background screening registration is now available HERE and on the individual league websites. An email with this link will also be forwarded to coaches and volunteers from your League President.
In order to complete your background screening, you will need to create a SportsEngine account, and submit your personal information, including your SSN.
4. What happens once I've submitted my background screen?
Once you have submitted your background screen, SportsEngine sends this information to NCSI | SSCI. NCSI begins the background screening report by validating your personal data through a social security address trace. If they are unable to do so from the information you submitted, a member of the NCSI | SSCI team will reach out to you directly from the email address verifications@ssci2000.com.
After your personal data is validated, NCSI | SSCI will search two national criminal databases and national sex offender registries. NCSI | SSCI will then also perform a county level criminal record check in the county or counties associated with your address history found on the social security address trace.
In order to ensure accuracy of the report, the NCSI | SSCI quality assurance team reviews all information before sending the results of the report to the SportsEngine platform.
Once the report is delivered to the SportsEngine platform, your organization administrator will be notified and will have access to review the results of the report. Your organization administrator will make the final determination of your eligibility to participate.
5. How long does it take NCSI | SSCI to complete the background screening?
The background screening process is typically completed in five business days from the date of submission. Be aware that the turnaround time can vary for a variety of reasons including: applicant needs to verify their personal data with the NCSI | SSCI team; or courthouses are experiencing delays either due to heavy volume or other circumstances.
If your screening is delayed, please check your inbox for emails from verifications@ssci2000.com, as NCSI | SSCI may have reached out to you to verify your personal data.
Please Note: providing inaccurate personal data during registration may delay the background screening process.
6. It’s been longer than five business days, and I haven’t received an email or confirmation that my background screening has been completed - what do I do?
After five business days, please contact NCSI | SSCI directly at verifications@ssci2000.com for a status update. Depending on the status, the NCSI | SSCI team may be able to expedite the process to complete and deliver the report.
7. Who do I reach out to if I have questions about the results of my background screening?
For questions, please contact the NCSI | SSCI Quality Control Department at (866) 996-7412 and select option #5. You may also submit an inquiry via email to:
Quality Control Department
Phone: (866) 996-7412
8. What if I don't want to provide my personally identifiable information (PII)?
The background screening application requires the submission of full legal name, address, date of birth and social security number. All of the required fields are marked with an asterisk. We are unable to complete the background screening if any of the required information is not provided.
SportsEngine and NCSI | SSCI have policies and processes in place designed to protect our customers’ and users’ best interests. Access to data is only given to those with a true need for such access. Both organizations are PCI-compliant, and do not share any personal information with third-parties.
Please Note: providing inaccurate personal data during registration may delay the background screening process.
9. Can I get a copy of my report?
Yes, you can receive a copy of your report, either by clicking the box at the end of your background screening registration on SportsEngine, or emailing
SSCI Quality Control Department
if you have already submitted your registration.
10. How do I complete my APS Abuse Prevention Training?
Once you submit your personal information for your background screening, you will be sent to a page that has a link to the APS training. Click through the link to continue on to the training. You will also receive an email, in case you need to retrieve the URL at a later.
11. I never received an email from APS to complete my training. What do I do?
If you have completed your background check and have yet to receive your APS training link, first check your SPAM/JUNK mail for 'abuse prevention'. If you still haven't received it, please email
SportsEngine support
12. I’ve completed my background screening and training, how do I ensure I’m cleared to participate?
You can call Phone and email:
background screening and training
Phone: 800-880-3142
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