September 11, 2023

MAHA Volunteers:

With the 2023-24 season officially underway, it is imperative that we provide some critical updates regarding USA Hockey's Background Screening process.

Per USA Hockey and USOPC policy, all coaches, officials, board members, employees, volunteers, billets and anyone else who will have regular contact with, or authority over, minor athletes are required to submit a background screen before any contact with minor athletes.

As an affiliate of USA Hockey, the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) upholds this policy with its own participants; however, the 2023 implementation of the State of Michigan's 'Clean Slate Laws' has caused some delays in the background screening process for a limited number of USA Hockey members in Michigan. In an effort to ensure participation when the delays in background screening results are not the fault of participants in Michigan, USA Hockey has recommended the following solution:

PROVISIONAL CLEARANCE

Starting September 1, Michigan participants who have (1) previously received a screen through USA Hockey within the past two years, and (2) submitted for their screen this season and been delayed at least 10 days in receiving background screen results, will receive a provisional clearance to participate (which must be accepted by e-mail). Those who qualify for a provisional clearance will receive an e-mail requiring affirmative acceptance of their clearance, prior to participation in MAHA / USA Hockey activities.

NOTE: As NCSI submits results to USA Hockey, any participant whose screen results in a ‘flagged’ status will become ineligible for participation if denied eligibility on initial review and will remain ineligible until the screening review process has been completed.

Please be aware that provisional clearances will not granted to individuals who have not completed a USA Hockey background screen in the past two years. USA Hockey will continue to monitor the circumstances in Michigan, in the event that extended delays in processing persist, and recommend additional solutions if appropriate.