T
alk about an overreaction by the states and school systems to a few incidents, most of which didn't even involve officials.
Since you asked for feedback...
I would challenge your initial assumption that "The case for criminal background checks of officials is compelling." I don't believe that it is anything more than a fearful reaction.
At worst mandatory background checks are a tremendous invasion of personal privacy, especially in those areas in which HS game officials are classified as independent contractors and not employees. Who does them? Who sees them? How are they secured? Do other officials learn the results? Why should officials have to get fingerprinted? What is next--taking a DNA sample?
Officiating a HS sporting event is not equivalent to working a government job. No one should be scrutinized as if he is running for political office just to blow a whistle.
At best the state has an interest in protecting the safety of the kids and Florida has it correct as it simply checks the sex offender registries. Why do people believe that anything else makes sense?
Why would any other crimes be relevant to officiating in a HS environment? Would a felony DUI or gun charge pose any risk to the student-athletes? Would a person who has a past drug related offense, theft, or embezzlement conviction be interested in bothering a kid? What is the connection?
I can see how these would reflect upon the individual's character and ability to provide an honest service and uphold the integrity of the game, but that is not at all the concern of the schools in instituting background checks. Let's face it they don't really care if the officials are cheaters or if the games are fair, and aren't trying to find out. They are only out to assuage the fears of mom and dad that some nasty officials is going to assault their child.
The solution isn't background checks. The solution is proper supervision by the school administrators, and not having the officials in situations in which they are alone with the children. If the schools would take care of that, then how could there possibly be a problem? However it is obvious that the schools will take the easy path, try to be politically correct, and desire to obtain something which they can tout as evidence that they are taking steps to protect "your children."
This whole background check issue is a farce. All it will do is cost a bunch of money and leave people with a false sense of security. It's not the answer.