Should Basketball Officials Have Background Checks, and BeTested For Drugs?

[williebfree]

WI is lax in this area. Initially, candidates for state certification are required to have a certified official and an Athletic Director sign off on the application card. That is our state's extent of a "Background Check." I have absolutely no reservations to submitting to a "Background Check" or drug testing. Unfortunately, I have encountered officials who have obvious "issues" with alcohol abuse. It would seem to me these unfit officials are rapidly removed from the circuit as their conduct does not merit future contract and the "word" would make its rounds (via the "grapevine").


Additional food for thought...
Our games are played on school grounds. By state law, no alcohol or tobacco products are allowed on grounds.