Board directs staff to require insurance from outside tournament teams after field-use concerns

Board members expressed concern that outside tournament teams have used Walkersville fields while implying or appearing to operate under local affiliation, and they directed staff to require proof of insurance before permitting future use.

Members described a pattern in which a group referred to in the discussion as JBATS (and another referred to as Valley Bridal in past emails) had used fields and, according to board members, had presented material suggesting an association with GBAA. A board representative said the outside groups "are not under GBAA" and that they had in prior seasons used fields without completing the park's approval process. The board raised two related issues: lack of clear affiliation and absence of a certificate of insurance. One member said that if JBATS could produce a certificate of insurance by Friday at 4:30 p.m., play could proceed this weekend; otherwise the group should not use the fields.

Members also discussed enforcement practicalities: the board does not patrol all fields and would typically learn of unauthorized use only if reported. Several members favored contacting the outside organizers immediately and coordinating with the town manager to make enforcement and follow-up clear. The board emphasized that organizers who wish to use fields must provide insurance and get approval in advance.

The board did not pass a formal ordinance; the action was recorded as direction to staff and field managers to require a certificate of insurance for outside tournament teams and to clarify field-use authorization going forward.