In the interest of student safety, the REC Foundation is updating and expanding the requirements and process for background checks to include US-based coaches and Event Partners. Follow these steps to complete the Background Check.
Before you get started...
Have you ever completed a background check with Sterling Volunteers for another organization?
- If YES, was this associated with the REC Foundation or another organization?
- If your previous Sterling Volunteers background check was processed for another organization, you can SHARE your background check with the REC Foundation for review. Please visit this Sterling Volunteers page for assistance.
- When searching, please use
- ROBOTICS EDUCATION AND COMPETITION FOUNDATION
- TEXAS
- If your previous Sterling Volunteers background check was processed with the REC Foundation and it is time for renewal, your RobotEvents.com account will reflect an expiration date and you would be able to log into your Sterling Volunteers account to RENEW your background check.
Do you have questions regarding the background check process with the REC Foundation?
- Please visit the Background Check FAQ or contact your Regional Support Manager (RSM).
Step-by-Step Process for RECF Background Check
Click here to access a live, printable version of these instructions.
Step 1: Establish or login to your RobotEvents.com account.
- Make sure to put in your proper name, birthdate, and other information, otherwise you may experience delays in the background check process.
- You will need to use the same email address in RobotEvents.com and Sterling Volunteers.
Step 2: Are you a Coach or an Event Partner?
- Coaches: If you are identified as a Primary or Secondary Coach during the team registration process, you will be prompted to complete a background check at that time. Continue to Step 3!
- Event Partners: Contact your REC Foundation RSM to inform them of your intention to become an Event Partner if you're not one already. If you do not know your RSM, you can find their contact information here. You’ll know that Event Partner status has been added to your account when Admin appears in the top-right menu options.
Step 3: Go to your RobotEvents.com account dashboard
Open the “My Account” option from the top-right menu in RobotEvents.com.
Step 4: Go the Background Check portion
Once in “My Account,” on the left side you will see 'Background Check' in the menu with a red X next to it. Click on 'Background Check' in the left side menu.
Step 5: Verify your account information
If you do not see the ABOVE screen, then your RobotEvents.com account should be ready to go and you will instead see the BELOW screen.
Step 6: Confirm your information in Sterling Volunteers
Once you have completed all the steps within RobotEvents.com, you will be redirected to Sterling Volunteers to confirm your information again.
Step 7: Set up your Sterling Volunteers account
If you get a token error or 404 error during the Sterling Volunteer account creation process, go back to your RobotEvents dashboard, clear your web browser cookies, refresh the page, and start again. Sometimes, you may have to wait and return to retry at a later time or try again on a different web browser.
Step 8: Complete the 1st step within Sterling Volunteers
- Step 1 of 4 within Sterling Volunteers requires your personal information.
- * denotes required fields
- You are NOT required to provide your social security number. If you choose not to provide this information, please select the checkbox beside ‘No SSN’ option.
Step 9: Complete the 2nd step within Sterling Volunteers
- Step 2 of 4 within Sterling Volunteers requires your personal address of residence.
Step 10: Complete the 3rd step within Sterling Volunteers
- Step 3 of 4 asks for you to review and acknowledge the required notices.
Step 11: Complete the final items within Sterling Volunteers
- The last step, Step 4 of 4, within Sterling Volunteers is to select the option to donate to cover the cost of your background check and then input your payment details and submit your background check order OR select the option for no donation and submit your order.
What's next?
Background checks typically take 2-10 business days for processing.
- Once your background check has fully processed, your RobotEvents.com should automatically update from ✖ to ✔ in the background check status on the left side menu of your account.
- If it has been longer than 10 business days, please discuss this with your RSM. If you do not know your RSM, you can find their contact information here.
If you have questions regarding the background check process with the REC Foundation, please visit the Background Check FAQ.
If you experience any issues with this process, please contact your RSM.
If you have been advised that you will be sent a manual invitation, please see the RECF Background Check Manual Invitation Process guide.