Attaining youth sports insurance provides peace of mind for athletic teams, clubs, and leagues. However, sometimes, additional laws or statutes that become a part of the public conversation can add further levels of scrutiny to the youth sports niche, allowing for a sense of enhanced security.
That is where the fingerprinting and background check law for youth sports coaches comes in. It is applicable throughout Florida as of January 1, 2025.
If you are running a youth sports program within the Florida area, it is important to understand what this law means and ensure that all coaches comply. Let’s examine this concept in more detail.
The Basics
We will start with a brief overview of what this law means for coaches in Florida. All coaches participating in youth sporting events must undergo Level 2 background screening, which includes giving their fingerprints.
This law protects minors. However, some administrative burdens and costs do accompany it.
Who Must Submit to This Type of Background Check?
The law stipulates that the following individuals need to submit to this type of background check:
- Athletic coaches
- Assistant coaches
- Managers
- Referees
- Any other staff members who will have direct contact with minors
You will need to conduct these screenings yearly. The ISA (Independent Sanctioning Authorities) that organize Florida youth athletic events are also required to ensure these checks have taken place.
If the ISA does not have a headquarters in Florida but operates within the state, then the individual league must still comply with this law and complete all the associated processes. This involves participating in the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System (VECHS) program. This is to ensure that all coaches are screened according to the state’s requirements.
What is FDLE VECHS?
The FDLE VECHS is a statewide program. Its purpose is to help screen individuals who will be working around or directly involved with minors.
What is the Cost of This Screening?
This screening currently costs $29.25 for every volunteer and $37.25 for every paid employee involved in or associated with youth sports programs throughout Florida. This fee goes to state and federal fingerprinting fees.
You may note that these costs are higher than what some private organizations have charged for such services. This is due to the state government’s direct supervision of this program.
Who Can Be Disqualified Due to a Background Check and Fingerprint Scan?
Several groups of individuals can potentially be disqualified through the program. They include:
- Child abuse
- Sexual offenses
- Violent offense, including but not limited to murder, battery, or assault
- Felony offenses related to child pornography or domestic violence
These are considered to be Level 2 disqualifying offenses as dictated by the state.
Are There Exceptions from Disqualification?
In certain situations, someone might not be immediately disqualified from holding a position in Florida youth sports even if the person has committed one of these crimes. The exemptions under Florida Statute 435.07 include:
- Cases Where the Offender Can Show Conclusive Evidence of Rehabilitation: In this case, the applicant must show proof of taking concrete steps toward rehabilitation. The nature of the offense must be acknowledged, as well as the harm caused. The guilty party must also show that sufficient time has elapsed since the incident.
- Cases Where at Least Three Years Have Passed Since the Objectionable Behavior: The applicant must show proof of having completed the sentence related to the offense, including any applicable probation. At least three years must have passed since the original incident.
However, in some cases, no exemption will be possible. These situations usually involve individuals who have been found guilty of serious offenses that disqualify them from youth sports altogether.
The agency head does have the authority to grant an exemption. An individual’s rehabilitation, including whether they pose a risk to minors, must be taken into consideration during this decision.
How to Participate in VECHS and the Applicant Fingerprint Retention and Notification Program (AFRNP)
If your youth sports entity wants to participate in VECHS, it can apply directly to the FDLE. If it wants to participate in the AFRNP, it will be allowed to retain fingerprints from coaches and other individuals for future reference.
If your youth sports program wants to continue being a part of VECHS, it must maintain updated records for any individual who has gone through the fingerprint submission and background check process. Additionally, it must provide notifications to disqualified individuals and maintain documentation for at least five years. Annual screenings must be conducted for each coach, assistant coach, and referee.
Changes for 2026
On January 1, 2026, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) will take over responsibility for determining the eligibility of adults who want to be involved with youth sports. At that point, the following changes will be implemented:
- All new applications will cost $67.25, which includes fingerprinting and five-year print retention.
- Renewals will cost $43.25.
- If there is a break in service, then a resubmission fee of $13.25 will be charged.
AHCA will be responsible for making the final eligibility determinations, which in return will take the burden off the organizations to evaluate whether an individual is eligible to work with minors.
Conclusion
This new law in Florida brings significant changes to how background checks are managed through youth sports organizations. However, it is still important to adopt and implement a Safe Sport compliant risk management plan.
Education on topics such as the grooming process, mandatory online training for coaches, and mandatory handouts to administrators, coaches, and parents, may all be apart of the policies and procedures of a risk management plan that helps protect your players.
Have further questions on the new Florida Law and what is means for your youth sports organization? Reach out to our team at ESP Specialty today by email or phone at (877) 670-2377.