The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) announced updates to its National Governing Body (NGB) Background Check Policy in summer 2025. These changes introduce greater flexibility for international screening, clarify certain exemptions, and establish additional documentation requirements for training center access.
TL;DR: Key USOPC Background Check Changes
- International screening: Homeland Security Searches are now an accepted option for certain individuals with international residency histories.
- Canadian criminal checks: Qualifying Canadian Criminal Record Checks may be accepted in place of international screening.
- Military and diplomatic personnel: Certain individuals who lived on U.S. government compounds abroad may qualify for exemptions.
- Visa holders: Individuals with verified current U.S. entry visas are exempt from international background check requirements.
- Government partnerships: Background checks completed through certain parks and recreation departments may be accepted.
- Training center rosters: Background check expiration dates must be included on rosters submitted to Olympic & Paralympic Training Centers.
What Is the USOPC?
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee oversees the Olympic and Paralympic movements in the United States and works with National Governing Bodies to support athlete development, safety, and organizational standards.
Its background check policies establish screening requirements for individuals participating in covered roles and activities, helping organizations maintain consistent athlete safety practices.
What Changed in the USOPC Background Check Policy?
The latest updates focus on providing organizations with additional screening options while maintaining established safety standards.
1. New Options for International Background Checks
The USOPC now accepts a Homeland Security Search as an international records search for individuals who meet both of the following conditions:
- Have lived outside the United States for more than six consecutive months.
- Do not hold a current visa to enter the United States.
This provides NGBs with another accepted screening option for individuals with international residency histories.
Canadian Criminal Record Checks
Canadian citizens may use a Level 1, 2, or 3 Criminal Record Check in place of a Homeland Security Search or equivalent, provided the check was conducted within one year of the end date of participation.
Organizations should review the dates and level of the Canadian check when determining whether it meets the updated requirements.
U.S. Military and Diplomatic Personnel
U.S. military service members and diplomats may qualify for an exemption from the Homeland Security Search or equivalent if they:
- Lived abroad for more than six consecutive months during the past seven years.
- Resided on a U.S. government compound during that time.
These exceptions give NGBs more flexibility when evaluating individuals with specific international residency circumstances.
2. Current U.S. Visa Holders Are Exempt From International Screening
Individuals who hold a current visa to enter the United States are now exempt from the international background check requirement once their visa has been verified.
The USOPC is working to incorporate visa verification into the application process. Olympic & Paralympic Training Centers will also communicate this exemption to participating organizations.
In the meantime, organizations can work with JDP to implement visa verification or choose to continue screening visa holders.
What this means for NGBs: Organizations should review their international screening workflows to determine how visa verification and applicable exemptions will be handled.
3. Background Checks From Government Partners May Be Accepted
NGBs that partner with local or state Departments of Parks & Recreation may now accept the partner’s background check to fulfill their own screening requirements for individuals covered by the policy.
This change may help organizations reduce duplicate screening when working with government partners.
However, NGBs remain responsible for meeting all applicable background check requirements in the jurisdictions where they operate.
Organizations should review partner screening procedures before accepting an existing background check.
4. Background Check Expiration Dates Are Required on Training Center Rosters
The USOPC has also updated documentation requirements for individuals accessing Olympic & Paralympic Training Centers (OPTCs).
All individuals must have a valid background check throughout their entire stay at an OPTC facility.
Beginning in Q3 2025, rosters submitted to OPTC Operations for training center programs must include the background check expiration date for each individual.
The USOPC is also exploring technology solutions that could allow NGBs and the USOPC to securely share background check information automatically.
What this means for NGBs: Organizations should have a process for tracking background check expiration dates and identifying screenings that may expire during scheduled participation.
How Can NGBs Prepare for These Changes?
The updated policy creates opportunities to simplify screening processes, but organizations should review how the changes affect their existing programs.
Here are four steps NGBs can take:
- Review international screening procedures. Identify where Homeland Security Searches, Canadian Criminal Record Checks, and applicable exemptions may be accepted.
- Establish a visa verification process. Determine how current visas will be verified and documented when individuals qualify for the international screening exemption.
- Evaluate government partner screening programs. Review existing partnerships and determine whether their background checks meet applicable requirements.
- Track screening expiration dates. Maintain accurate records of background check validity, particularly for individuals scheduled to access Olympic & Paralympic Training Centers.
Have questions about the updated USOPC Background Check Policy?
Contact JDP to learn how our youth sports screening solutions can support your organization’s screening program.