Background Checks
All NICA coaches are required to complete an annual criminal background check through Sterling Volunteers in the NICA Pit Zone as part of their coach licensing requirements. NICA national staff, league directors, league staff, and race staff must submit to a one-time criminal background check. Any staff also in the role of coach must meet annual coach requirements.
Screening Cycle & Fees for NICA Coaches
Coaches are screened on a 6-year cycle, with background check fees structured as follows:
- Year 1: $38
- Years 2–6: $11 annually
- Year 7: $38 (cycle restarts)
Note for Pennsylvania Coaches: In addition to the NICA policy, Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League coaches, staff, and volunteers must meet the State of Pennsylvania’s requirements and submit for their PA Child Abuse History Clearance. PA coaches will be charged an additional $6 through Sterling for this screening and provided a pre-paid code for ordering the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance. For more information on the Pennsylvania requirements, please click here.
Timing & Delays
Initiate your background check at least 28 days before your first expected NICA activity. While 94% of checks are completed within 3 days, delays can occur. Some checks may take 1–6 months, depending on the counties or states where you've lived. If your check is still pending after 28 days, or you have questions, contact the Coach Help Desk.
Sharing a Background Check from Another Organization
If you've completed a Sterling Volunteers “Complete” background check within 1 year of your Pit Zone registration, NICA will accept it. Log in to your Sterling Volunteers account to share it with NICA.
Note: Background checks from other providers are not accepted due to:
- Privacy and compliance concerns under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Lack of a national standard or clearinghouse for sharing background screening data
- Differing eligibility criteria across organizations
Who Reviews the Results?
The NICA Background Check Committee (BCC)—a group of experts in the criminal justice field—is responsible for determining coach eligibility. The background check review flags criminal offenses inappropriate for an adult leader in a youth development organization. Their goal is to maintain a safe, fair, and supportive environment for all NICA participants.
Key Eligibility Guidelines:
- Individuals with pending charges are ineligible and may request a new background check once their charges have been resolved through the legal process.
- Traffic and conduct crimes such as driving under the influence, disorderly conduct, reckless driving, etc. will result in a minor (5 or less years) disqualification period.
- Violent crimes, crimes against a person and serious substance crimes will result in a substantial (10-20+ years) disqualification period.
- Permanent disqualification for any conviction involving a sex crime or crime against a minor.
- Domestic violence, sexual offenses, or any charges involving minors are reviewed carefully and may lead to disqualification even if the charges did not result in a conviction.
- A coach’s full criminal history will be considered during the eligibility review. Multiple convictions, regardless of severity, may result in disqualification.
- The BCC has the final decision on an individual's eligibility to coach.
Appeal Process
If your background check results in a negative determination, you may submit an appeal in writing within 30 days of receiving your notification using the form provided. Official documentation (court or police records) that offer further context regarding your record are required as part of your appeal.
If you believe any of the background check information is inaccurate, you may dispute it directly with Sterling Volunteers at: NICA@sterlingvolunteers.com