WMBFSU
Western Maine Board of Federation Softball Umpires
Background Checks
All high school and middle school softball umpires in Maine, must complete TWO different background checks.
- Must complete the USA Background Check Release and Authorization Form - each year at no cost to the umpire
Starting in 2020
- All high school and middle school softball umpires must complete the Maine Department of Education Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) AND continue to complete the USA background check form. The reason for TWO background checks is simple; two different organizations are requiring background checks using different criteria/processes. National USA require the form every year, at no charge to you. The Maine Principals’ Association is requiring the department of Education process that includes fingerprinting and costs $85 the first year and is good for five years. Note that if you officiate another MPA sport, then you do NOT have to go through the process again.
CHRC Process
Starting in the 2019-2020 school year, all Maine high school sports officials must complete the Department of Education Criminal History Record Check (CHRC). This often referred to as getting fingerprinted. If you currently work in a school or officiate another sport, you only need to send proof of a valid CHRC or the last four digits of your social security number to your local secretary or UIC. If you have not gone through the process yet, there are two steps to get started (the order is not important, but BOTH must be done);
To start the process, Google ‘doe fingerprinting’ or go to:
https://www.maine.gov/doe/cert/fingerprinting
1a) On this page, in the third column, there is a link to ‘How to create and MEIS Account.’ This is the best and fastest way to get your information processed in the certification office for the Department of Education. Every person creating an account in the MEIS system for the purpose of applying for a credential will need to select to Be a Maine Educator in order to access the proper screens. Any individual having issues with creating an account can call us at 207-624-6603 Monday-Friday 9-3:30 or email us at Cert.DOE@maine.gov
1b) After you create your MEIS account, you will want to go to the link that says ‘How to Apply for a Background Check (CHRC) Only.’ Complete that process which will include providing a credit card to pay the $15 fee associated with this step.
1 Alternate) If you absolutely cannot get through 1a & 1b above, you can download a form, complete it, and send it in with a $15 check, made out to the Department of Education. The form can be downloaded at the link below. Important note: Using this form WILL take significantly more time. The additional time would be measured in weeks! It is in your best interest to complete steps 1a & 1b above.
2) Get an appointment with IndentoGO to get your fingerprints done.
https://me.ibtfingerprint.com/
When setting up your appointment, you will be asked for the Agency name. It is the Department of Education.
REMEMBER, THERE ARE TWO STEPS. YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH STEPS TO COMPLETE THE PROCESS.
Once you have completed both steps above, you can check your progress at:
https://www.maine.gov/doe/cert/status
Click 'I DO NOT have a MEIS account'
Enter your last name and last 4 of your SSN and hit submit.
Once complete, you can print the screen and email it to your local secretary or UIC, or simply email the last four digits of your social security number to your local secretary or UIC.
If you have questions or issues, call:
The Department of Education, certification office, at 207-624-6603
Note: It is YOUR responsibility to provide the appropriate information to the local authorities. The DOE is NOT going to reach out to anyone, including you, that you have completed the process and are cleared to officiate.
REMEMBER, THERE ARE TWO STEPS TO GET OR TO UPDATE YOUR CHRC. YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH STEPS TO COMPLETE THE PROCESS. IT IS MORE THAN JUST GETTING YOUR FINGERPRINTS DONE!