background checks

[oatmealqueen]

Our state association recently mailed a rough draft of the "new" officials registration form to me for some opinions.
It seems, that beginning in 2004-05, they would like to conduct Criminal History Background Checks on all new officials and all officials in subsequent years.
I reviewed the form, and offered my opinion.
Do any other states require this? If so, how does it work, and what do they ask on the registration form?
Thanks in advance.

[ace]

In Texas they simply ask if you have been convicted of a felony offense with the exception of traffic violations (as far as I remeber). And thats it.

[Snake~eyes]

Sounds like a pretty good idea. I know that little league coaches require this, all they ask for is full name and SSN if I remember correctly.

[stripes]

Just moved to AZ this year. They do it here.

[One-Whistle]

Submit your fee with a card that is signed-off by an Athletic Director and an already certified official and you are "in."

The sign-off states something to the effect that based on your knowledge of the individual you believe s/he is of proper character to fulfill the duties of sports official.

[BktBallRef]

My question would be is this really an issue? I can see it with coaches, as they deal with the kids everyday in more private settings. I can't imagine anything happening of criminal nature at a game where an official is working. Sounds like a politically correct idea.

[rainmaker]

We have to allow a background check here in Oregon. Tony, I think part of it isn't so much the relationship to the players that's the issue, as just a general respect for the law. A ref that had an embezzlement conviction, for instance, is certainly no threat to a player! But that person may not be an asset to a refs association, if he or she isn't concerned about maintaining a certain level of responsibility and trustworthiness.

[Dribble]

Ok, time to delete blaire576

[JugglingReferee]

Moderator?

[rockyroad]

Interesting...as has been stated, we have the checks here in WA. Don't know of any sex predators being caught by it, but we did have two officials who both had previous convictions for selling drugs to kids and they were asked to not come back...just in the last few days in Oregon there has been a story of an umpire sneaking into girls locker rooms and stealing various undergarments - don't know if Oregon has the background checks, or even if the guy had a previous record for anything like this, but possible future associations he might try to umpire for should know about this...

[IREFU2]

Not in our Association.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by IREFU2

Not in our Association.

Not in our Association??? Meaning there is nobody on the board with possible skeletons in their closet??? Or meaning there are no background checks done?

[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.

[JRutledge]

We have had them in Illinois for some time.

Not sure what they do with us veterans anymore, but we at one time had to send a copy of your driver's license or State ID with a picture to renew our license. We have not had to do that for some time, but I am almost positive that they continually check for convictions or accusations in legal matters. But I am almost positive they still do it for newer officials.

Peace

[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