PITTSBURGH — The high school athletic district that covers much of southwestern Pennsylvania wants its statewide parent organization to do criminal background checks on the 13,700 athletic officials it has certified.

The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League's request comes just a few days after a Pittsburgh newspaper reported dozens of past and present officials who have worked games since 2005 have criminal records.

The head of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association said he has not seen the WPIAL's proposal. The PIAA has asked applicants if they criminal records since 2006, but doesn't double-check that information or go back to check on all its officials.

The PIAA will consider the proposal Oct. 2.