Wylie, TX – The Wylie Fastpitch Softball Association (WFSA) announced on Thursday that it lost its United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) sanction and the accompanying liability insurance the Friday before its fall season was set to begin, according to a report by KTXS.
WFSA President Marissa Black said the sanction withdrawal came as a “shock” to the league’s leadership. “There have been no discussions whatsoever between the league and the USSSA New Mexico, West Texas state director regarding complaints, past due balances,” she told KTXS, adding that communication with the governing body had been “really good” up to that point.
Under the association’s facility‑use agreement with the City of Abilene, maintaining liability insurance is a prerequisite for using city fields. The association secured a replacement policy the same day USSSA withdrew its sanction, with Black noting, “We had insurance the same day. We have a policy that covers all of the same things and then exceeds what the city’s expectations are.” Despite the new coverage, the city terminated the agreement.
The city’s stated condition for reinstating the facility contract is that the current board resign and a new board be elected. Treasurer Stephanie Black emphasized that WFSA is an independent nonprofit governed solely by its own board, stating, “We are a nonprofit organization. We are not run by any outside entity, but our board of directors. The reality is, if we resign, what is going to happen to this organization? You can’t resign if there’s no one to take over.”
Looking ahead to the spring season, the Wylie Independent School District has offered its facilities for the association’s younger players, providing a temporary solution for that age group. However, the district’s fields cannot accommodate the older divisions, leaving the league without a venue for those athletes.
KTXS reached out to both the City of Abilene and the USSSA area director for comment. The city said officials were unavailable, and the USSSA director declined to comment at this time.
WFSA leadership is now exploring alternative locations for its older age groups while navigating the board‑resignation requirement imposed by the city. The association urges community support as it works to keep youth softball opportunities alive in Wylie.
What’s next: WFSA plans to hold a special meeting to discuss board restructuring and to identify potential facilities for its older players. The association will also continue negotiations with the city and USSSA to resolve the sanction issue before the upcoming spring season.
