Do athletes need a criminal record check to go to NAIG?

Yes, if you are the age of majority in your province, territory or state. All participants of that age (athletes, coaches, managers, chaperones and mission staff) must give their Chef de Mission a background check completed within 18 months of the Opening Ceremony.

• Canada: a Criminal Record Check and a Vulnerable Sector Check.
• USA: a State Criminal Record Check and a Sex Offender Registry Search.
• You fill out the forms and pay the fees yourself.
• If you turn the age of majority 90 days or less before the Games start, you must be listed and show proof that you applied for the checks (such as a paid receipt from the police).
• A participant who has not been verified through the Chef de Mission's Background Check Form is not eligible to take part.

The following offences on a record mean you will not be permitted to take part: murder or extreme violent behaviour charges, any sex offence charge, soliciting for prostitution, violation of a position of trust (including theft or fraud), criminal driving offences, any weapons charge and arson (all with no time limit), plus trafficking in an illegal substance (10 years), shoplifting under $500 (3 years) and impaired driving (3 years). For a minor offence, the Chef de Mission considers the nature and age of the offence, what the person has done since, and the circumstances.