Fayette County got tougher

last week on groups using its recreational fields.

The County Commission gave

its approval to the concept of a contract with the different recreation

youth associations that will implement background checks for coaches and

assistant coaches.

"We have to do whatever

we need to to protect our children," said Chairman Greg Dunn.

The county's assistant program

supervisor Anita Godbee said the marshal's office will conduct the checks

and charge the association $5 for each check. Once the checks are completed,

the marshal's office will inform the association if the coach has passed

the background check.

If the coach does not pass

the check, the marshal's office will only tell the association that the

check revealed a crime, but will not release the nature of the crime,

Godbee said.

The coach will have the right

to appeal the decision to the association. The association's decision

will be final, she added.

Additionally, the associations

will have to provide a detailed calendar of what days they want to use

the fields. Previously, the associations's just said they were using the

fields all during the year.

Another provision of the contract

calls for the associations to carry liability insurance to remove the

county from any possible damages in a lawsuit.

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