Dear EWA Sports Family,
We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to share an important update regarding changes to the facility use agreement that govern our partnership and with Williamson County and its Department of Parks and Recreation (“WCPR”) and to ask for your support as we navigate what has become a challenging situation. This message contains important information and requests your involvement, vital to the continued existence and operation of East Williamson Sports (EWA Sports). In short, the existence of EWA is at risk and its athletes need your support to ensure our survival.
The Williamson County Attorney’s and WCPR have recently implemented a new facility user agreement (Contract) that incorporates several new requirements that shift burdens that should belong to the County onto EWA. A significant portion of the new Contract includes compliance with the TN Safe Stars Act, which was recently modified to include the “organizer” of recreational sports. Although the programs that EWA Sports facilitate are either managed by or impacted by WCPR control, the County Attorneys are determined to transfer WCPR responsibilities onto EWA which would strain current resources and elevate liability. Additionally, the Contract makes EWA potentially responsible for any and all damage or incidents related to Cecil Lewis and Fly Park for the entire year. Despite the fact that we are not the exclusive users of the facilities nor do we have the authority to safeguard the facilities.
Unfortunately, the Contract significantly increases personal and organizational risks, which negatively impact our volunteer Board, athletic programs, coaches, and participant families. Despite our discussions with the County and their initial indication of being willing to negotiate and modify the language of the contract we were recently informed that the Contract is non-negotiable. The new Contract is unreasonable and, in our view, makes an unjust interpretation of law for the sole purpose of eliminating all risks associated with WCPR programs from the County and shift them onto community organizations such as EWA Sports. We have also been made aware that WCPR has a contingency plan in place essentially forcing EWA to sign or be taken over by one of the other community youth sports organizations. It can be assumed that the community aspect of youth sports would be significantly changed, potentially forcing our participating families to give up the local community aspect of youth sports.
As a small, fully volunteer, non-profit organization, these requirements create substantial burdens that we are not currently equipped to meet. In order to even consider agreeing to the County’s proposed terms, we need immediate assistance from our community to enable EWA to move forward and open registration for spring sports. We currently have need of the following:
- Legal- guidance to fully understand the implications of the Contract and mitigation strategies. As well as implementation of participant waivers, contracts for coaches, etc…
- Insurance- Impact of Contract and evaluation of coverage.
- Board Volunteers - Need to expand to handle the additional administrative and compliance obligations.
The EWA Sports Board of Directors respectfully ask the members of our community to contact us by replying to this email if you are able to assist us with preserving EWA Sports. We are also asking that you make your voices heard. If you share our concerns about the County’s overreach and the strain these terms place on our volunteer community organization, or the level of resources committed to WCPR programs please consider reaching out directly to those making the decisions. Your advocacy can make a meaningful difference in ensuring that youth athletics in our area, stay in our area, and remain accessible, sustainable, and affordable. Thank you for your time, your understanding, and your continued commitment to EWA Sports. Our community has always been our greatest strength, and we are grateful to have your support during this critical moment.
With appreciation,
EWA Sports Board of Directors
Link to TN Code for Safe Stars Act