A. Under the rules of The WBSA, Cal Ripken Baseball and Babe Ruth Softball Leagues, The WBSA is required to conduct background checks on all volunteers. Volunteers are defined as managers and coaches, as well as any other persons and volunteers, who provide regular service to the league and/or have repetitive access to, or contact with, players or teams, and

B. The WBSA is required to conduct a nationwide search that contains the applicable government sex offender registry data. A check conducted only in one state will not meet the minimum requirements of these regulations.

C. The mandatory background screening policy is outlined here. The background check is thorough and confidential. From the date cleared, the background check is valid for a period of 12 months. Thereafter, the background check must be renewed annually.

D. All volunteers must have a valid clearance prior to their first workout or practice with their players, and maintained throughout their season. All members of the Board of Directors must maintain a valid clearance. The criminal background check is mandatory, there are no exceptions.

E. Criminal Background screening of volunteers is to be conducted by an outside, third party, who specializes in such work, and overseen by the Executive Council, a subset of the WBSA Board of Directors. All volunteers for the above mentioned positions must electronically sign a Release Form for Criminal History, which gives the WBSA the right to check criminal history records and verify social security numbers. Volunteers must process their background check through the third party provider selected by the WBSA.

F. Eligibility:

1. Offenses that involve minors - The WBSA is requiring a Nation-wide search that contains Government criminal and sex offender registry data. An individual who has been convicted or plead guilty to charges involving or against a minor, no matter when the offense occurred, will not be permitted to work or volunteer for the WBSA.

2. Offenses that do not involve minors - Even if convictions/offenses do not involve minors, the WBSA Executive Council may still deem these individuals as inappropriate and may prohibit them from working as a volunteer within the league.

3. In the event information surfaces, the WBSA Executive Council will review such information to determine eligibility. Only members of the WBSA Executive Council will review data obtained and will then be processed discreetly. All information is strictly confidential and will not be made public under any circumstances.

4. Reasons for being declined the opportunity to volunteer are noted as part of this policy. In some instances, factors of time may be taken into account when considering eligibility (i.e. length of time since disposition of certain offenses). The decision of the Executive Council may be appealed, for the purpose of clarifying facts or explaining extenuating circumstances, to the Executive Council.

G. All volunteers are required to notify the Executive Council immediately following an arrest or conviction of any felony. Eligibility will then be re-evaluated per policy above. All coaches and managers must have a valid clearance prior to their first workout or practice with their players, and maintained throughout their season. All members of the Board of Directors must maintain a valid clearance. 

Additional information