Sam Bass Baseball Enforces Zero Tolerance Policy



wo separate, unfortunate incidents occurred and the policy had to be enforced to the fullest extent, which lead to the arrest of two coaches.

Round Rock, TX April 18, 2008 -- Sam Bass Youth Baseball, a leading youth baseball association in Central Texas, announced today that they have a very strict zero tolerance policy. Sam Bass Baseball offers very competitive but fun League and Select programs sanctioned under USSSA. The program is meant to be a fun, rich and rewarding experience for all involved (players, coaches, family and friends). To ensure the appropriate atmosphere for these activities, Sam Bass implemented a Zero Tolerance policy when the league was formed 15 years ago.

At a tournament hosted by Sam Bass, the weekend of April 12 -- 13, 2008, two separate, unfortunate incidents occurred and the policy had to be enforced to the fullest extent, which lead to the arrest of two coaches.

"It is very unfortunate that we had to go to this extreme," said Rick Garza, President of Sam Bass. "We are dedicated to providing an environment where kids can learn and grow their baseball skills and when coaches cannot control their behavior and emotions and physically assault someone, we will enforce the protocol that has been set and contact the appropriate authorities. In addition, we have implemented a new procedure at check in for our events. When a coach arrives to register their team for a tournament, they will sign the Zero Tolerance Policy a second time to ensure that they are aware of the consequences of their actions. Unfortunately, we cannot control human behavior, but we will enforce the policy and let the proper law enforcement agencies handle the situation," Garza stated.

Both incidents involved coaches from separate teams and both involved assault charges. Both coaches were arrested and taken into custody without incidence. Sam Bass followed the guidelines set forth in the Zero Tolerance Policy to the fullest extent. In both cases, the appropriate authorities were contacted in a timely fashion and they took the appropriate actions. In addition, both teams have been banned from participating at any Sam Bass events in the future.

Angie Goertz, Director of Publicity for Sam Bass said, "It is important for parents, players and coaches to know that we will not condone this kind of behavior and understand that we take our Zero Tolerance policy very seriously. If you act in a way that is abusive to any child, umpire, coach, parent or spectator at one of our events, we will take whatever measure necessary to make sure that it doesn't happen again."

About Sam Bass

Sam Bass is a non-profit youth baseball organization that is dedicated to providing the highest level of baseball in Central Texas by offering top quality fields, best tournament selections, a competitive baseball atmosphere and endless support for our youth. Sam Bass was founded in Round Rock 15 years ago and donates all the monies that are made at tournaments back to the communities of the Central Texas area. For more information, please visit www.sambassbaseball.org.

Media Contact:

Angie Goertz

512.203.0011





Sam Bass Baseball Enforces Zero Tolerance Policy