Background Information
As most are aware, USA Wrestling (“USAW”) implemented a voluntary background screening procedure in 2003, and will implement a mandatory background screening program in the 2008-09 membership year for all
member coaches, officials and state association national or regional team volunteer members. Those individuals involved with this process are very familiar with the reasons background screening was implemented. For others the question might be asked is “why does USAW do background screening in the first place”? There are two primary reasons:
The first relates to responsibility. USAW and its clubs not only have a professional and moral responsibility to provide a “safe” environment for its members during sanctioned activities, but also a legal responsibility. As
parents we all want to know that when our children are under the supervisi
on of another adult, the organization has taken reasonable steps to determine that those individuals are worthy of the responsibility to coach, officiate or chaperone minors. State and Federal courts have determined that associations and clubs can be held legally liable for sexual misconduct or abuse that can be connected to their sanctioned events.
USAW Background Screening Policy USAW Policy on Abuse and Harassment