USA Basketball considers many elements to determine eligibility for a coach license.  In order to receive and maintain a valid coach license, individuals must meet the eligibility standards outlined below.  Individuals who do not meet these eligibility standards will be notified through the contact information provided to USA Basketball. USA Basketball receives monthly background screen updates to ensure all licensed coaches maintain good standing throughout the duration of the license season.  If a licensee is found to be ineligible at any point during the season, his or her license will automatically become invalid. 

An individual may be disqualified for the reasons below, whether discovered through a background search or through other sources.

Automatic Disqualifiers

• Section 1: An individual will be automatically ineligible for licensing by USA Basketball if a background search reveals that such individual has been convicted of, received a deferred sentence or adjudication for, or pled guilty or no contest at any time for, or has been charged with (a diversion agreement will be considered a charge unless and until the agreement is fulfilled and the charge(s) dismissed), any of the following:

(i)  Murder or homicide.
(ii)  Sex crimes, involving violence, lack of consent, or inability to consent, including rape and sexual assault.
(iii) Sex crimes involving a minor
(iv) Child endangerment, neglect or abuse.
(i) Violent crimes involving weapons (e.g., armed robbery v. unlawful possession)
(vi)  Animal abuse.
(vii)  Drug use or possession within the previous five years.*
(viii) Other drug-related crimes including distribution, intent to distribute, manufacturing, trafficking, or sale within the previous seven years.*

(b)  Any misdemeanor involving:

(i)  Sex crimes involving violence, lack of consent, or inability to consent, including rape and sexual assault.
(ii) Sex crimes involving a minor
(iii) Child endangerment, neglect or abuse.
(iv) Drug use or possession within the previous three years.*
(v) Other drug-related crimes including distribution, intent to distribute, manufacturing,
trafficking, or sale within the previous seven years.*

(c)   Multiple alcohol- and/or drug-related offenses within the previous three years.*
  
* Period of ineligibility calculated based on offense disposition date.

• Section 2: An individual will also be automatically ineligible for licensing by USA Basketball if (i) USA Basketball receives notification that the individual is currently subject to any sanction, whether temporary or permanent, by (1) the U.S. Center for SafeSport; or (2) another national governing body, for SafeSport-related violations; or (ii) the individual is currently subject to any ineligibility sanction, whether temporary or permanent, by USA Basketball. 

USA Basketball will mirror and apply any sanction issued by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, or by another national governing body for SafeSport-related violations, and will enforce its own sanctions.

Potential Disqualifiers

1.   Section 1: An individual may be ineligible for licensing by USA Basketball if a background search reveals that such individual has been convicted of, received a deferred sentence or adjudication for, or pled guilty or no contest at any time for, or has been charged with (a diversion agreement will be considered a charge unless and until the agreement is fulfilled and the charge(s) dismissed), any of the following:

(a)    Any felony involving:

(i)  Non-violent sex crimes, including lewd conduct, indecent exposure, public indecency, prostitution, voyeurism, pandering and offender registration violations.
(ii) Violence against a person not included in the Automatic Disqualifiers above.
(iii) Any other felony.

(b)  Any misdemeanor involving:

(i)  Non-violent sex crimes, including lewd conduct, indecent exposure, public indecency, prostitution, voyeurism, pandering and offender registration violations.
(ii)  Violence against a person within the previous five years, including harassment and stalking.*
(iii) Animal abuse.
(iv) Financial crimes, including financial fraud, forgery, and embezzlement.

(c)  Multiple alcohol and/or drug-related offenses not otherwise included in Section (c) of the
      Automatic Disqualifiers above.

(d) Multiple felony and/or misdemeanor offenses not otherwise included in the Automatic
      Disqualifiers.

* Period of ineligibility calculated based on offense disposition date.

• Section 2: In addition to the criteria above, an individual may also be disqualified for the following reasons, where USA Basketball has received appropriate notification:
  • A violation, or charge of a violation, of the USA Basketball Coach Code of Conduct: https://www.usab.com/youth/development/coach/coaches-code-of-conduct.aspx.
  • A violation, or charge of a violation, of any of USA Basketball’s Bylaws, rules, policies, or procedures, including without limitation its SafeSport policy, to the extent not otherwise included in Automatic Disqualifiers Section 2 above, including instances where an individual is in the process of having a hearing before USA Basketball’s SafeSport Panel.
  • Being currently subject to any sanction, whether permanent or temporary, against an individual by another national governing body, for violations other than SafeSport-related violations.
  • Having been previously subject to any sanction, whether temporary or permanent, by (i) the U.S. Center for SafeSport; (ii) another national governing body; or (iii) USA Basketball.
  • Being adjudged liable for civil penalties or damages involving sexual or physical abuse.
  • Being subject to any court order involving any sexual abuse or physical abuse, including but not limited to domestic order or protection.
  • Having had their parental rights terminated.
  • Having a history with another organization (volunteer, employment, etc.) of complaints of sexual or physical abuse. 
  • Having resigned, been terminated or been asked to resign from a position, whether paid or unpaid, due to complaint(s) of sexual or physical abuse.