Sportsfan,

The answer to your questions depends on how you define "proper" background check. Given the criteria set forth by USAW and what they are screening for it doesn't take too long to check databases for criminal records. There are a lot of factors that enter in to the time it takes such as the level of check you are doing, the type of clearance you are trying to provide, history of the individual, etc.

I am pretty sure that it also speeds up the process if you already have a government security clearance. The reason for that is because the investigation for those are a lot more detailed.

Bottomline: Given the number of and different types of databases that are available today, along with the screening criteria that USAW is using, it shouldn't take too long to identify whether somebody is cleared to get a coaches card.

Shawn Budke