Quote:
|
Originally Posted by gottaluvhoops
I was recently in a discussion with a fellow member who also coaches. And he asked me why officials do not have criminal record checks as part of the membership and his coaching association requires it. I stated our association has made the choice not to do them, at this point at least.
What are some of your opinions to having officials getting criminal record checks?
|
If you haven't done anything wrong, then there shouldn't be anything to worry about. That being said, Background Checks will begin in Texas starting the 08-09 school year, and at a cost or $65-85 to each official. I know a lot of officials who NET $750-800 per year calling games and have told me in no uncertain terms, that if they are required to submit to a criminal background check just to call some JH, JV, or the occassional Var. game that they will be hanging up their stripes. Whether or not they do . . . well, that is yet to be seen. I can't say I blame them.
MY opinion is that I am NEVER in contact with any athlete in a private setting . . . only on the floor, and yet I am to be treated with the same "caution" as a coach or teacher who is regularly in a private and unsupervised setting with students/athletes. Yet, in many states they are not required to go through a Criminal Background Check. I have a hard time accepting that scenario. But, that's just me. (NOTE: Criminal Background Checks for ALL education professionals in Texas (teachers, aides, etc.) were instituted 1-2 years ago, and will be in effect for ALL district employees beginning next year. YEAH!!!)