Where Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) checks are part of a general background check for employment, volunteer work, or licensing purposes, the following practices and procedures will generally be followed.

1. CORI checks will only be conducted as authorized by the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB). All applicants will be notified that a CORI check will be conducted. If requested, the applicant will be provided with a copy of the CORI policy.

Both US Lacrosse and Founder's Girls Lacrosse League (FGLL) and Mass Bay Youth Lacrosse League (MBYLL) also require an NCSI background check as well as a CORI check.

2. An informed review of the criminal record requires adequate training. Accordingly, all personnel authorized to review CORI and NCSI reports will be thoroughly familiar with the educational materials made available by CHSB.
3. Unless otherwise provided by law, a criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant. Rather, determinations of sustainability based on CORI and NCSI checks will be made consistent with this policy and with policies, and applicable laws and regulations adopted by our governing organizations.
4. If a criminal record is received, the authorized individual will closely compare the record with the information on the CORI and NCSI request forms and any other identifying information provided by the applicant, to ensure the record relates to the applicant.
5. If Pentucket Youth Lacrosse (PYL) is inclined to make an adverse decision based on the results of the CORI or NCSI checks, the applicant will be notified immediately. The applicant shall be provided with a copy of the criminal record and the organization’s background check policy, advised of the part(s) of the record and the individual unsuitable for the position or license and given an opportunity to dispute the accuracy or relevance of the records.
6. Applications challenging the accuracy of the policy shall be provided a copy of the CHSB’s Information concerning the process in correcting a criminal record. If the record provided does not exactly match the identification information provided by the applicant, PYL will make a determination based on a comparison of the CORI and NCSI records and documents provided by the applicant. PYL may contact CHSB and request a detailed search consistent with CHSB policy.
7. If PYL reasonably believes the record belongs to the applicant and it is accurate, based on the information as provided in Section 4 on this policy, then the determination of suitability for the position will be made. Unless otherwise provided by law, factors considered in determining suitability may include, but not be limited to the following:

• The relevance of the crime to the position sought;
• The nature of the work to be performed;
• Time since the conviction;
• Any person on probation;
• Age of the candidate at the time of the offense;
• Seriousness and specific circumstances of the offense;
• The number of offenses;
• Whether the applicant has pending charges;
• Any relevant evidence of rehabilitation or lack thereof;
• Any relevant information, including information submitted by the candidate or requested by the hiring authority

PYL will also consult the US Lacrosse list of Red Flag Criterion Offenses, which include, but are limited to:

1. Any felony (any crime punishable by confinement greater than one year)

• Defined on the basis of exposure for the offense for which the defendant was convicted, pled guilty or pled nolo contender. If pled down, then the crime to which the defendant ultimately pled.
• Definitely all crimes punishable by greater than one year in jail or prior, regardless of how characterized by jurisdiction. If range, alternate sentencing, or indeterminate sentencing, outer range > one-year

 b. Any lesser crime involving force or threat of force against a person

 c. Any lesser crime in which sexual relations is an element, including “Victimless” crimes of a sexual nature.

 d. Any lesser crime involving cruelty to animals

 e. Any lesser crime involving controlled substances (not paraphernalia or alcohol)

 f. Any sex offender registrant

 g. Any lesser crime involving harm to minors

 h. Any lesser crime involving financial misappropriation, including but not limited to embezzlement and theft.

8. PYL will notify the applicant of the decision and the basis of the decision in a timely manner.