Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Re: Accusations of slander

Any grounds she likes. Whether she can win is a different issue. You will have to defend if she does, so if you can reasonably avoid it, do so. It may be possible to have an attorney 'convince' her a suit would not work. The league should have an attorney to use. If you want to discuss the facts and options with an eye to hiring counsel, contact me.

Re: Accusations of slander

Ah... Little League... may we somehow survive.

Well meaning and dedicated poeple help with Little League everywhere. Many get their feelings hurt when we confront volunteers with a problem that we assess as their responsibility.

To protect your organization their are two things that should be considered. Budget for and purchase liability insurance that will at least pay for the cost of defense of lawsuits whether meritorious or not. Always speak well of others or remain quiet with your criticisms particularly with volunteers. Also remember, truth is a defense to any suit for slander.

You don't want to run a volunteer organization in a way that alienates people. You need the help. The kids also see the example that the Board sets. What life lesson will the kids learn. What life lesson do you want to teach?

I hope that someday there will be coaching training and Board training that will help make Little League more effective in teaching what we want all of our young people to learn...To care for each other, to encourage each other, to respect each other, and to help our kids to become responsible citizens. We need to live the Little League pledge.

Hope you work it out.

Re: Accusations of slander

Non-profit entities can be sued just like anyone else. You haven't provided enough information to assess her case, but if you think the league's non-profit status will make a difference you are mistaken.