Coach & Volunteer Background Screening Policy (Enforcement Included)
All individuals participating in coaching or support roles within the National Federation of Middle School Sports (NFMSS) are required to complete a background screening. This policy is mandatory and is designed to protect the safety, well-being, and integrity of all student-athletes.
This requirement applies to all individuals involved in NFMSS programs, including:
- Head Coaches
- Assistant Coaches
- Team Staff (e.g., statisticians, trainers)
- Volunteers
- Any other individuals with direct or indirect interaction with student-athletes
Background screenings may be conducted by the member school or through the NFMSS National Office. All screenings must meet NFMSS standards and must be completed and approved prior to any participation in NFMSS-related activities.
The cost of the background screening is the responsibility of the individual seeking to participate.
Disqualification & Restrictions
- Any individual with a conviction involving crimes against children or minors is strictly prohibited from participating in any NFMSS program.
- Exceptions may only be considered with prior written approval from the NFMSS National Office.
- Failure to disclose relevant background information may result in immediate disqualification.
Enforcement & Penalties
NFMSS maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding non-compliance with background screening requirements.
Violations may result in:
- Immediate removal of the individual from all NFMSS activities
- Suspension or disqualification of the coach or volunteer
- Forfeiture of contests in which an ineligible individual participated
- Disciplinary action against the member school, including probation or suspension
- Permanent ineligibility for future participation in NFMSS programs
All determinations made by the NFMSS National Office are final and binding.
Compliance Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the member school’s Athletic Director and administration to ensure that all coaches, staff, and volunteers are properly screened and approved prior to participation.
Failure to enforce this policy at the school level may result in institutional penalties.
NFMSS is committed to maintaining a safe and trusted environment for all student-athletes. Compliance with this policy is mandatory and non-negotiable.
Effective July 1, 2026, NFMSS will implement an alternative pathway for coaches to satisfy the required coaching certification standards.
All coaches are required to complete the following three core areas of study:
- Principles, Philosophy, and Organization of Athletics in Education
- Health Sciences Applied to Coaching
- Theory and Techniques of Coaching (Sport-Specific)
As an alternative to the standard pathway, coaches may fulfill these requirements by completing an approved external coaching education program that aligns with NFMSS standards, in addition to completing a supervised internship.
The internship must be conducted in accordance with NFMSS guidelines and is subject to review and approval by the NFMSS National Office.
All certifications and supporting documentation must be submitted for verification prior to a coach being approved for participation in NFMSS-sanctioned activities.
Failure to meet these requirements may result in ineligibility to coach in NFMSS competitions.
| Option I (Current Requirements) | Option II NFHS |
| SED Approved First Aid course | SED Approved First Aid course |
| SED Approved CPR/AED course | SED Approved CPR/AED course |
| Completion of Principles, Philosophy and Organization of Athletics in Education | NFHS Accredited Interscholastic Coach Certificate (AIC-Level 1)* |
| Child Abuse recognition course | Child Abuse recognition course |
| School Violence Prevention Course, | School Violence Prevention Course, |
| DASA training | DASA training |
| Fingerprinting | Fingerprinting |
| Not required for certification, however required by District to coach: Concussion Course (Every 2 years) (Kept at local level) |
I. Fundamentals of Coaching
II. First Aid, Health and Safety For Coaches
III. Concussion in Sports
iv. One Sport Specific course of your choice. All courses can be found on our website