Bruceton Little League President Johnathan Tedford addressed the town’s Mayor and Board of Aldermen at the July 14 meeting concerning a recent letter he received from Mayor Robert T. Keeton III.
The letter concerned the unauthorized use of the city park regarding liability, insurance and public activities permit requirements. Tedford said he was quite frustrated over the letter’s content, to say the least.
“We try to do as much as we can for the kids,” said Tedford. “We want to do things and raise money.”
The Little League president said he wanted someone to explain where the League stepped out of line.
“You haven’t stepped out of line but it was brought to my attention there needs to be an insurance policy on doing outside activities,” said the mayor. “The insurance the Little League has, does not cover those events.”
He specifically mentioned food trucks and inflatable items.
“The insurance you have now doesn’t cover outside activities,” said the mayor.
As an example, he mentioned extra insurance has to be purchased each year by the town to cover the Bruceton in May event. In fact, $800 was spent for extra insurance this year.
Alderman Renee Ford-Ward complimented the job the Little League does for the youth.
“I do appreciate what you do,” she told Tedford. “We need to do something for the kids.”
There were 14 players who signed up for baseball this year while a number of local youngsters played in other towns, according to Tedford.
In the future, the mayor advised Tedford that the Little League should provide the board members with a financial statement of its needs so that it can be placed in the budget for funding. There is a need for a batting cage presently, Tedford said.
It’s too late for funding this year since the 2026-2027 budget has been prepared and passed. But Keeton said the League can be putting a list of needs together for next budget year.
The letter that Tedford received listed several concerns about the activities and arrangements for the Little League.
During the meeting the mayor made note of the fact that Family Dollar Store would be closing for good in September.
“I heard the news today, although it has not been confirmed,” he said. “I I understand it is due to the lack of sales.” The store is located on the east side of town. Dollar General has a store in the town.
Vice Mayor Cliff Sturdivant questioned what would happen to the building. Keeton said he was unaware what the plans were, but intended to find out. The town is hoping to find another tenant.
The mayor remarked that the construction on the addition at the fire station to store equipment had begun.
Weeds and tree trimming were brought up by alderman James Butler and Sturdivant. Street Superintendent Andy Baker said due to the lack of manpower at this time work in these areas was at a standstill.
A lawsuit filed against the town has been settled by the insurance carrier, according to Keeton. No amount of the settlement was released.
•••
Mayor’s Letter on Little League
Insurance Requirements
Little League maintains liability insurance for its registered players, coaches, and volunteers:
However, this insurance does not extend to: Out-of-town teams, travel ball teams, visiting organization, non-league participants,, special events or activities outside official league play.
Any activity involving individuals or groups not covered under Little League’s policy creates significant legal and financial exposure for the town.
Legal and Liability Concerns
Unauthorized use of town property exposes the town to: Uninsured injury claims: If a participant or spectator is injured during an unapproved event, the town may be held responsible for medical costs, damage, or litigation because no valid insurance coverage is in place. Property damage: lability damage to town facilities during an unapproved event may not be covered by insurance, leaving the town financially responsible. Violation of municipal risk-management requirements: The town is obligated to ensure that all organized activities on public property carry appropriate insurance and have been reviewed for safety and scheduling. Potential impact on governmental immunity protections: Allowing unauthorized groups to use town property without property documentation can jeopardize the town’s liability protections under Tennessee law.
For these reasons, the town must strictly enforce its facility-use policies.
Out-of-town teams, travel ball, and non-Bruceton organizations are not permitted to use Bruceton fields. These groups are not covered under the League’s insurance and are not authorized under the town’s long-standing arrangement with the League. Any activity outside of official Little League games or tournaments requires a Public Activities Permit. This includes: fundraisers, special events or gatherings, clinics, camps, or practices involving outside participants, and any non-game function that is not part of the official Little League schedule.These activities require: A completed Public Activities Permit, liability insurance listing the Town of Bruceton as additionally insured. Submission of event details for scheduling and safety reviews.
Significant events may require Board approval
Events that are large in scale, involve outside organizations, or present elevated risk may require formal approval by the Board before they be held on town property. The Town will advise the League if Board action is required based on the nature of the request.
The recent activity occurred without a permit, without required insurance, and outside the scope for approved league play.
The Town values Bruceton Little League and appreciates the long-standing partnership in serving the youth of our community. We are always willing tio review and approve additional events when proper procedures are followed. However, compliance with town policy is required to ensure safety, proper scheduling, and protection of municipal liability. Please ensue that all future activities adhere to these requirements. If you need assistance with the permitting process or have questions about what is allowed, city hall will be glad to help.
Comments 1