The Importance of Background Screening for Martial Arts Schools
Background screening is a critical component of a martial arts school’s liability insurance reduction strategy. With full screenings costing around $25, there’s no excuse for school owners not to conduct them. The consequences of hiring someone with a criminal record can be severe, both legally and reputationally.
Why Background Screening is Essential:
- Legal Protection: If sued for the actions of an employee with a criminal past, a school cannot defend itself if it failed to conduct a background check that could have revealed the employee’s history.
- School Reputation: Understanding who you are hiring is vital as these individuals represent your school to current and prospective students.
- Regulation Compliance: The background screening industry is regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), ensuring the privacy of individuals' information.
Employee Concerns:
- No Suspicion Implied: Emphasize to employees that screenings are not based on suspicion.
- No Credit Impact: Clarify that these screenings do not affect their credit scores.
Effective Screening Practices:
- Thorough Searches: Conduct searches both in multi-state criminal databases and local jurisdictions. Note that there is no single national criminal database as some jurisdictions choose not to report criminal convictions.
- Criminal Record Duration: Be aware that misdemeanors and felonies may not be reported indefinitely, depending on the jurisdiction.
- Name-Based Records: Criminal conviction records are maintained by name, not Social Security number. Ensure your background check company searches both given and alias names for the most thorough screening.
- Sex Offender Registry: Always include a search of the national Sex Offender Registry, regardless of whether you work with children or adults, as adults are not immune to sexual predators.
Conclusion: Investing in background screening is a small price to pay for the protection it provides. It ensures the safety of your students, the peace of mind of their families, and the overall integrity of your martial arts school.
By implementing these practices, martial arts school owners can significantly reduce liability risks and build a safer, more trustworthy environment for their students.