How We Verify Coaches & Scouts
Your child's safety starts with knowing who is on the other side of every message
Quick Summary
- Unverified accounts cannot message minor players
- Every coach/scout application is reviewed before messaging access is granted
- Verification levels are displayed on every profile and message
- Parents can report any account at any time
1. Our Verification Process
Every coach and scout account goes through a multi-step verification process before they can contact players on the platform. Here is exactly how it works:
Registration Review
When a coach or scout registers, they provide: name, organization, role, organization website, and a brief description of their coaching role. This information is required before any access is granted.
Email Verification
College coaches must register with an institutional (.edu) email address. A verification link is sent to confirm they have access to that institution's email system.
Organization Cross-Check
We check the provided organization website to confirm the registrant appears on the coaching staff page. For college programs, this means checking the athletics department staff directory. For high school programs, the school's athletics page. For travel ball organizations, the team's roster or staff listing.
Manual Review
If our automated checks cannot confirm the registrant's identity, the application is flagged for manual review. Our team reviews the evidence and may request additional verification (such as a school ID or official organization email confirmation).
Ongoing Monitoring
Verified coaches can be reported by any user at any time. Reports trigger an immediate review. Accounts that receive multiple reports are suspended pending investigation.
2. Verification Levels
Every coach and scout profile displays one of three verification levels, so players and parents always know who they are interacting with:
Email Verified
Confirmed institutional email (.edu or verified school domain)
Organization Verified
Name confirmed on organization's staff page
Identity Verified
Full manual verification including additional identity confirmation
3. What Unverified Accounts Can Do
Accounts that have not completed the verification process have limited access to the platform:
- Search and view public player profiles
- Save players to favorites
- Add private notes
Restricted Actions
- Cannot message any player under 18
- Cannot post "Player Wanted" listings
4. What Parents Can Do
Parents have full visibility and control over their child's account on Lightning for Players & Parents:
- View who has contacted their child through the Parent Activity Portal
- Block any account from contacting their child
- Report any account with one click -- our team reviews all reports
- Receive email copies of all messages sent to their child (for 15-17 age tier)
- Full account control for under-15 players (parent-managed accounts)
5. Report a Concern
If you have any concern about the safety or behavior of a coach, scout, or any other user on the platform, please contact us immediately:
Safety Team - Lightning for Players & Parents
Email: [email protected]
We take every report seriously. All reports are reviewed within 24 hours. If you believe your child's safety is at risk, contact us immediately.