TeamSideline integrates with Protect Youth Sports (PYS) to provide volunteer background checks. Because PYS is a third-party provider, some background-check functions are managed in TeamSideline, while others must be handled directly through PYS.

This article answers common questions about PYS background checks, including fees, processing times, billing, results, and managing background checks through TeamSideline.

How do I set up a fee for coaches or volunteers to cover the background check?

PYS does not charge coaches or volunteers directly when they complete a background check. Your league or organization is billed directly by PYS for all background checks initiated through your TeamSideline site.

If you want to pass the cost on to coaches or volunteers, you can collect the fee during registration using a TeamSideline Add-On/Buy Item.

1. Create a Volunteer Add-On/Buy Item

1. Go to Programs > Configurations > Buy Items.
2. Click Add Buy Item.
3. Enter the desired information and price for the Volunteer Buy Item.
4. Click Add.

2. Add the Buy Item to your program

1. Go to Programs > Manage Programs and select the desired program.
2. Click the 2 Configuration tab.
3. Scroll to the Add-Ons section.
4. Click Add Add-On.
5. For Offering, select All or the desired offering.
6. For Enrollment Type, select Volunteer.
7. For Buy Item, select the Volunteer Buy Item you created.
8. Set Required to Yes.
9. Set Allow Multiple to No.
10. Click Add.

How do I check the status of a pending background check?

You can monitor submitted background checks from the Background Checks Dashboard in TeamSideline. The dashboard shows whether volunteers are pending, have passed, or need review.

How long do background checks take?

Processing time depends on the type of background check:

• BASIC checks, which include a national lookup, are typically returned quickly.
• PLUS and PA Package checks include additional county and/or state court searches and can take 72 hours or longer. A delay of several days can be normal.

If a check has been pending for more than 5 business days, excluding weekends and holidays, contact PYS directly for a status update or to ask about expediting the check.

PYS Support: support@protectyouthsports.com
Phone: 877-319-5587

TeamSideline Support cannot look up, verify, or expedite individual background check results because the checks are processed and returned by PYS.

Can a customer request a copy of their background check?

Yes. A customer can request a copy of their background check from the league or organization that paid for the check.

The league or organization can access the PDF results through the Background Checks Dashboard and provide a copy to the customer.

How do I update my PYS billing or payment information?

Billing and payment information for PYS cannot be changed through your TeamSideline administrator account.

PYS bills your league or organization directly for background checks initiated through TeamSideline. TeamSideline does not manage your PYS payment information or invoices.

To update your billing information, contact PYS or complete the appropriate PYS accounting form.

PYS Support: support@protectyouthsports.com
PYS Billing: 877-319-5587

You can also contact PYS if you need a copy of an invoice or receipt.

How do I update my PYS account or billing contact?

PYS provides an Organizational Update form for updating account and organizational information.

For billing-related changes, use the Billing Notice form.

Can background checks use a driver's license instead of a Social Security number?

PYS requires a Social Security number for its background check process.

The information is entered securely and transmitted to PYS. Organization administrators and TeamSideline do not have direct access to Social Security numbers through the TeamSideline system.

Can PYS run employment background checks?

PYS has an employment screening line of business called Active Screening.

If your organization is a parks and recreation department or another organization that needs employment background checks, contact PYS directly to discuss the available options.

PYS Support: support@protectyouthsports.com

How far back do PYS background checks go?

Background checks typically go back 7–10 years, depending on the state.

Certain more serious offenses, such as felonies and sex crimes, may be legally reportable for a longer period.

Because background-check laws vary by state, contact PYS directly with questions about the requirements that apply to your organization.

Does PYS meet all state background-check laws?

Some states have specific requirements governing background checks.

Your organization is responsible for working with PYS directly to ensure that the background-check process meets the requirements applicable to your state.

What if coaches should not be assigned to a roster until they pass their background check?

If your organization uses PYS background checks, you can request that the Background Check Status Filter be added to your site.

Contact TeamSideline Support to have this option enabled.

Once enabled, volunteers who have not passed their background check can be filtered out of the Assign to Roster page, helping prevent coaches from being assigned to a team before their background check is complete.

What is the PA Package background check?

The PA Package includes additional Pennsylvania-specific screening requirements.

The process generally works as follows:

1. A volunteer enrolls through your TeamSideline site.
2. PYS automatically runs the National Combo Search and Statewide Criminal checks.
3. PYS sends the volunteer an email with instructions and a code to obtain their Child Abuse Registry certificate.
4. The volunteer completes the certificate request, or PYS closes the report if the volunteer does not complete it.
5. The organization must verify that the Child Abuse certificate is included with the report.
6. If the certificate is missing, the organization may need to contact the volunteer and ask them to complete the process and send the certificate to PYS.
7. Once PYS receives the certificate, PYS updates the report and sends the organization a notification that the report has been updated.

Why does the PA Package email ask whether the applicant received a clearance certificate?

PYS cannot remove this question from the email.

Pennsylvania law allows the Child Abuse Registry clearance to remain valid for five years, so the question is intended for applicants who may have already completed the required process.

How do I stop running PYS background checks?

To stop new PYS background checks from being triggered, remove Protect Youth Sports as the background check option from the volunteer role in each applicable program.

For each active enrollment program:

1. Go to Programs > Manage Programs and select the desired program.
2. Open the 2 Configuration tab.
3. Scroll to the Volunteer roles.
4. Remove the existing volunteer role and re-add it with Background Check left blank instead of selecting Protect Youth Sports.

This prevents future volunteer enrollments in that program from triggering a PYS background check. You can continue collecting volunteer registrations normally.

Note: This only prevents new background checks from being initiated. It does not affect background checks that have already been submitted to PYS.

Quick Reference: Who Handles What?