background checks

[BktBallRef]

Originally posted by zebraman
Here in Washington we have to submit one every three years. From what I understand, they are basically just looking for sex offenders and trying to keep them from getting anywhere near kids.

Z

This is my point, rainmaker. What are the chances of this actually happening? Being a sport official does NOT put one in a position to take advantage of a child, any more than being a fan would. Now, I had to pass a background check to go to work for the school system and I understand that requirement. But this just seems to be overzealous.

Z, do you know if they've ever sniffed out a sex offender.

[RecRef]

Originally posted by dblref
We don't do it here in VA (at least in northern VA). I think it is because we are so close to DC, and everyone knows that government workers are all honest, hard-working, and law-abiding. BTW, there are 4 advertisements for background checks at the top of this thread.

Darn right we are! I do wonder how many of us have manufactured backgrounds.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally posted by RecRef
I do wonder how many of us have manufactured backgrounds.

[/B]

I was charged once with "impersonating an official".

[CYO Butch]

The DC CYO organization has required background checks on coaches for a long time. We even have to submit finger prints. This is required along with a NYSCA training program. Amazingly, they also give us copies of the rule book.

[RefRx]

Originally posted by BktBallRef

This is my point, rainmaker. What are the chances of this actually happening? Being a sport official does NOT put one in a position to take advantage of a child, any more than being a fan would. Now, I had to pass a background check to go to work for the school system and I understand that requirement. But this just seems to be overzealous.

Z, do you know if they've ever sniffed out a sex offender.

The check we go through in Wa, (Wa State Patrol Background check), is the same that the teachers go through. If they have caught any (sex offenders), they don't say. I do know, as an assigner, that we have had a few hits for felony convictions. these situations are reviewed with the legan counsel for the state on a case basis. I disagree with your statement that being a sports official does NOT put in a position to take advantage. If you work girls BB there are situations that questionable in view of the lack of adequate facilities for showers/dressing areas. To place an individual who has been convicted of a sex crime into a situation would be negligible on the part of the organization. I am not sure IF it has ever happened but understand the position of the State organization in taking every precaution to avoid it.

[footlocker]

Originally posted by Jurassic Referee
I was charged once with "impersonating an official".

That's hilarious.

[footlocker]

BktBallRef,

I disagree. I have worked schools where I had to walk through the girls locker room to get to mine. I need help on making sure it's empty. Been in locker rooms right in the middle of the guys locker room. With all the other sports there are sometimes kids in there. It would be inappropriate or dangerous to put a "predator" in that situation.

Furthermore, can you imagine the liability if somehting happened to a kid and they found out this person had previously been convicted? This would be an easy fix.

I know for my coaching we do this too. Not every background check is run though. They are expensive so it is done at random. I think the association runs each and every one.

[zebraman]

Originally posted by BktBallRef

Z, do you know if they've ever sniffed out a sex offender.

Tony,

Not in our local association.

Z

[BktBallRef]

Originally posted by footlocker
BktBallRef,

I disagree. I have worked schools where I had to walk through the girls locker room to get to mine. I need help on making sure it's empty. Been in locker rooms right in the middle of the guys locker room. With all the other sports there are sometimes kids in there. It would be inappropriate or dangerous to put a "predator" in that situation.

The problem here is not the possibility of a sexual predator. The problem here is putting anyone in that position. Locating a male officials dressing room inside a girls' lockerroom is stupid to begin with.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not against protecting our children. But we go out of our way to do background checks in some states. Then we have schools who have male officials dress in an office that's inside a girls' lockerroom. What's wrong with this picture?

[Edited by BktBallRef on Feb 27th, 2004 at 10:31 AM]

[mick]

Originally posted by BktBallRef

This is my point, rainmaker. What are the chances of this actually happening? Being a sport official does NOT put one in a position to take advantage of a child, any more than being a fan would.

Tony,
I believe the line of thought is that any "authority" figure may be able to disadvantage someone's kid with less effort than an *unknown*.
mick

[Camron Rust]

Originally posted by BktBallRef

This is my point, rainmaker. What are the chances of this actually happening? Being a sport official does NOT put one in a position to take advantage of a child, any more than being a fan would. Now, I had to pass a background check to go to work for the school system and I understand that requirement. But this just seems to be overzealous.

Z, do you know if they've ever sniffed out a sex offender.

I know OF a former official who's now in prison. Something to do with a 16 year old. I think there was some connection to basketball in the aquantaince.

I don't think that he should be permitted to officiate again.

[dblref]

Originally posted by Jurassic Referee

I was charged once with "impersonating an official". [/B]

I understand this is an ongoing charge against you.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally posted by dblref

I was charged once with "impersonating an official". [/B]

I understand this is an ongoing charge against you.

[/B][/QUOTE]Nope, I won my case easily at the trial. I pleaded "insanity", and presented myself as "Exhibit A"..

[Hawks Coach]

Originally posted by Jurassic Referee

I was charged once with "impersonating an official". [/B]

I heard that it was thrown out in court because it wasn't a very credible impersonation

[Nevadaref]

Originally posted by BktBallRef

The problem here is not the possibility of a sexual predator. The problem here is putting anyone in that position. Locating a male officials dressing room inside a girls' lockerroom is stupid to begin with.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not against protecting our children. But we go out of our way to do background checks in some states. Then we have schools who have male officials dress in an office that's inside a girls' lockerroom. What's wrong with this picture?

[Edited by BktBallRef on Feb 27th, 2004 at 10:31 AM]

Tony,
Most schools, where I am, only have two lockerrooms. They have to use both, one for each team, for each game. The common practice is to use the girls' lockerroom for the home team and the boys lockerroom for the visitors for the Girls Varsity game and the reverse for the Boys Varsity game. No matter which coaches' office the officials are placed in, they will be near the girls of one team.