COMMISSIONER'S CORNER
Part of the WESA Dusty Bag News feature of WESA.net. Messages from WESA League Commissioner, Seán Hernández Cummings. Questions and comments always welcome. Please send to Commissioner (at) WESA.net
WESA COACH SQUAD TAKES MAJOR STRIDES IN LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT
08 December 2024
TL/DR Summary: WESA wraps up a successful mini-retreat series and introduces regular clinics for the Team Managers and Coaches.
Over the past two seasons, the spotlight has often been on WESA’s efforts to enhance player skills development. Most members are familiar with our Softball Essentials clinics and the player skill-building scrimmages, but there’s a vital piece of the puzzle that’s flown under the radar: the WESA Coach Squad development.
Closed Session Segment with 2024 Coaches (pic by Justin Q)
What sets WESA apart in the world of softball is our unique draft league model, where coaching teams are selected by invitation rather than independently. This distinctive approach allows the league to take an active role in team leadership, something you don’t see often in the softball community. It became clear that the league could benefit from uniting coaching leaders to share experiences, explore what’s been working, and identify areas for growth.
Mini-Retreats: Where Progress Begins
In November 2022, we took a bold step forward by inviting both past and current Team Managers and Coaches to a retreat-style event hosted by the WESA Commission. It wasn’t just a meeting – it was a chance for the coaching community to come together, reflect, and set the stage for future improvements. Together, we tackled some important topics: what values define the league, how we can enhance the experience for all members, and the roadblocks standing in the way of progress.
That retreat was so successful that we repeated it in November 2023, gearing up for the 2024 season. And most recently, we convened again to discuss how far we’ve come and what remains to be done. These retreats brought to light a wealth of ideas: from the various ways coaches handle competition and team stress, to challenges in communication, self-assessment, and team management.
Coaching Squad members at the 2024 Mini-Retreat (pic by Justin Q)
Key Takeaways from the Mini-Retreats
We walked away from these retreats with clear goals and actionable strategies that will guide us in the years to come:
- Setting Clear Expectations: We established a unified understanding of what’s expected from both members and leadership.
- Communication Best Practices: We developed new approaches to improve communication across all levels of the league.
- Conflict Resolution: We identified effective strategies to address conflicts and keep things running smoothly.
- Transparency with Integrity: We committed to maximizing transparency while respecting the confidentiality of sensitive matters.
These efforts are now integrated into the WESA Governing Manual and will be reflected in the upcoming 2025 edition of the WESA Coaching Manual, including documents like the WESA Member Agreement, the WESA Coaches Contract, and the WESA Code of Conduct.
Coaching Squad members at the 2024 Retreat (pic by Justin Q)
Addressing Criticism: Why ‘Corporate’ is a Good Thing
Some members have voiced concerns that this process is too “corporate” for their liking. And that’s okay. Here’s my response: in order to achieve the positive changes that emerged from these retreats, we needed to put structure in place. Yes, it may have felt a bit formal at times, but I firmly believe in the value of this work. The dedication of the WESA Commission and our Committees has been outstanding, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
Coach Squad Clinics: The Next Step in Development
With the retreat process behind us, it’s time to take action. The next phase is building skill clinics specifically for coaches. We’re passing the baton to the Coach Squad members to design clinics that will meet WESA’s needs in key areas such as Team Leadership, Team Building, Management, Rules of the Game, Coaching the Coach, and Scorekeeping. These clinics will help ensure that our coaches are not only equipped with technical knowledge but also prepared to lead and inspire their teams effectively.
Graphic of proposed future Coach Squad clinics
Looking Ahead: Join Us in 2025!
As we look to the 2025 season, I encourage all members to get more involved. Whether you’re looking to volunteer your time, sharpen your skills, or simply learn more about the game, there’s a place for you in WESA. We’re committed to finding opportunities for everyone who wants to contribute to the league's growth.
Ready to get started? Head to our Volunteer Form and find out how you can help shape the future of WESA.
Together in Pride,
Seán HC
End of article.
VANCOUVER'S STRONG PRESENCE AT THE 2024 GAY SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES IN LAS VEGAS
11 November 2024
TL/DR Summary: A recap of WESA's participation in the GSWS in Las Vegas with observations on the member experience, development, and community impact.
The 2024 International Pride Softball Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, this year, bringing together 55 leagues from across North America to celebrate LGBT athletes and their passion for the sport. Our league, the West End Slo-pitch Association (WESA) was among the participating leagues, contributing to a spirited atmosphere and underscoring the importance of inclusion and development within the gay+ sporting community.
Participation and Growth
WESA saw strong participation from its members, with nearly 40% of Vancouver's players attending the GSWS for the first time. Among the participants, several hadn’t competed in the series since 2017, highlighting a strong commitment to providing new opportunities for players. Additionally, 54% of this year’s participants hadn’t played in the previous GSWS, and four coaches were taking part in the tournament for the first time. This marks a continued effort by WESA to foster inclusivity and participation in the international event.
Player Development and Coaching Challenges
The development of player skills has been a central focus for WESA in recent years. The league uses the player assessment system (NQs)prescribed by the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA), which allows for more accurate assessments of player abilities using finite questions to measure a player’s abilities. This system moves away from anecdotal perceptions, instead offering objective, data-driven insights. Involving GSWS coaches in the NQ Committee has helped improve the accuracy of these assessments and fostered collaboration between league members and coaches, who learned firsthand the importance of integrity when it comes to player evaluation.
Coaching at the GSWS is no small task. Teams are selected from all of WESA’s membership, not based on season rankings, creating a unique challenge for coaches who must evaluate and select players based on a variety of factors, including skill level, team cohesion, and play style. The experience is especially demanding when the event takes place in a high-profile city like Las Vegas, which often attracts many league members but can make team-building more complex. Despite these challenges, WESA coaches continue to develop and manage teams with a focus on growth, learning, and creating a supportive environment for all players.
.jpeg)
Brew Jays pre-game. Photo credit Justin Q
A Unique Tournament Experience
Las Vegas, often described as an "amusement park for adults," offered both excitement and challenges for participants. The city's overwhelming energy—whether described as stimulating or an assault on the senses—provided an unforgettable backdrop for the tournament. For many players, the camaraderie and bonding experienced while traveling and competing with fellow WESA members was one of the most cherished aspects of the event.
However, the event wasn’t without its critiques. Some players expressed disappointment with the quality of certain playing fields, which didn’t meet expectations. Others found the host hotel lacking essential amenities, such as a communal space for teams to gather or in-room microwaves. As a result, some players opted for alternative accommodations to better meet their needs.
On a more positive note, many players were quick to praise the organization of the tournament, highlighting the friendliness and sportsmanship of athletes from across North America. The GSWS is known for being well-run, and this year was no exception, with teams from diverse backgrounds coming together in the spirit of friendly competition.
.jpeg)
Orcas D
This past year, Vancouver invited Hamilton and Toronto to partner in the iPride Softball Canada Caucus, in a unified effort to celebrate inclusivity and sportsmanship in the gay+ community across Canada. This year’s event showcased a special All Canada ceremonial jersey, symbolizing solidarity among the teams representing different cities.
One of the standout moments from the tournament was the journey of the Toronto Swallows D team, which advanced to the final game, earning strong support from other Canadians. Players from Vancouver showed up to cheer for their fellow Canadian team, filling the stands with national pride. Together, fans and players joined in a rousing rendition of "O Canada," adding a patriotic note to the closing game.
This collective spirit and camaraderie highlighted not only the athletic talent but also the deep community bonds fostered by International Pride Softball. The future of inclusive sports in Canada looks stronger than ever.
.jpeg)
Brew Jays C. Photo credit David Wu
The Big Picture: Unity in Pride
The experience of participating in the GSWS is one that resonates deeply with WESA members. The diverse cities that host the event each year—Kansas City, Dallas, Minneapolis, Houston, Columbus, and more—offer not only a chance to compete but also an opportunity to explore new locations and connect with local gay+ communities.
Importantly, the GSWS is a volunteer-driven event hosted by the local gay+ softball league and its supporters, both from the host city and from leagues across the continent. Like WESA’s own motto, “Together in Pride,” suggests, the tournament exemplifies the power of community, inclusion, and solidarity. When cities host the GSWS, they do so not just as a location for competition, but as a gathering of people who share a common bond through sport and pride.
The 2024 GSWS was yet another testament to the strength of the gay+ softball community, and a reminder of how sport can bring people together—regardless of the city or the challenges at hand.
Together in Pride,
Seán HC
End of article.
SUMMARY FROM THE 2024 iPRIDE SUMMER MEETINGS IN LAS VEGAS
20 October 2024
TL/DR Summary: As part of our membership in iPride Softball, WESA sends representation to the Summer Meetings before every Gay Softball World Series. The League Commissioner gives a brief report on what happened.
Above: View from WESA's seat in council.
The October 12-13 weekend at the International Pride Softball (iPride) Summer Meetings in Las Vegas was dense with information, topics for discussion, and opportunities for delegates. While many members are familiar with iPride Softball and what happens at these meetings, many members are curious. So I thought I would share with you a brief description of what transpired to paint a picture of the benefits we get from our membership.
iPride Softball (formerly NAGAAA) is the organization of Gay+ slo-pitch softball leagues across North America, of which WESA is a proud member. Other leagues include Hamilton, Toronto, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and about 50 more cities.
The Summer Meetings are scheduled immediately prior to the Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) every year. And while we are well into the Autumn, the scheduling of this get together is determined by when the GSWS happens. This year, with the GSWS being in Las Vegas, October was deemed as a better month for it.
Above: Vancouver and Dallas, TX were seated beside one another. This is my new friend WC who was one of five delegates from Dallas.
Earlier in the week, I participated in a MS Teams meeting with the other Large League delegates such as San Francisco, Chicago, and Tampa. The discussion proved fruitful as most of the large leagues adopted an E division in 2019. As this has been a dominant discussion in WESA this past season, I had plenty of questions for our sister leagues. The dominant piece of advice from the group was to remember that change is often hard but inclusion is worth it. The common issue that came up was the risk of an E division becoming dominated by aging but skilled members, when an E division is meant to be a place Rookies and Novice players to find their footing and thrive. The previous dropping of the E division ratings guidelines is meant to address that imbalance.
The first meeting of the weekend is at 7am Saturday morning for new delegates. This gives new folks the lay of the land and how the meetings will progress including voting procedures.
The full council (all delegates) meet at 8am and adopt the agenda for the weekend. Many presentations are made throughout the day including the current and upcoming teams from the GSWS and NAGAAA Cup tournaments, and reports from various Committees and motions that need to be approved are voting on to be discussed in Committees that evening.
After the whole council portion is complete for the day, there is then three breakout session time slots for nine committees to further discuss topics on Governance, Competition, Finance, Membership and more. Coming out of these sessions are the final versions of motions to be voted on the following day.
The council heard from the 2026 GSWS candidate city in Columbus, OH and the details of their plans. The proposal was unanimously approved the next day.
This first day took about 12 hours in length, which is normal.
Click the above to view the A Day in the Life reel on Instagram.
The second day started at 8am with the Full Council. Throughout the day, we vote on various changes to policy coming out of committees including disciplinary issues for violations of conduct and serious ratings shortcomings that resulted in protests the previous GSWS.
There was a closed session during the weekend to discuss ethics issues and possible violations that need to be discussed ‘in camera’. Other issues included a Motion to increase the upcoming E division rating threshold to 7 but dropping the team total threshold. That failed to pass. There was a loosening of the restrictions on head wear for the GSWS. Also, there is a continuing conversation in various impacted committees on the expansion of the use of LGBT in the Governing Manual to more letters. The latest version is up to ten characters so far. Whatever the committees land on will be voted on likely in January in Houston.
One very impactful discussion happened when some leagues, who had a serious number of successful protests of their players ratings (NQs) at the 2023 GSWS, came before the council to illustrate how they had addressed the short comings of their process of rating players. WESA has done a considerable amount of improvements on this front the past few years. At the core of the issue is improving understanding of how to answer the Nagaaa Ratings Questions and putting in the necessary work. There are no short cuts.
Above: iPride Canada Caucus members from Hamilton, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Sunday also featured a new partnership with Miken/Easton/Worth - as iPride USA member leagues were given access to a major price reduction for bulk purchases of iPride branded balls and bats with an option to brand them to one’s league. I had a conversation with Jason, the rep, to extend the deal to Canadian leagues. He promised to arrange this deal with his Canada counterpart. I then had a conversation with Jeff Sloan, the iPride Softball Commissioner, about finding a way to bring Canada into deals prior to the roll out so all leagues are included in celebrated deals with suppliers.
As WESA’s League Commissioner, I have been the primary delegate for the Winter and Summer meetings these past few years. I also sit on the iPride Marketing Committee and have recently joined the iPride Membership Committee. Both of these Committees involve monthly meetings as well as a contribution of time and skills to the joint work of the Committees, bringing a Vancouver perspective and a Canadian voice to the table.
WESA’s participation in these meetings and committees are packed with opportunities to learn from other leagues on topics ranging from inclusion, to ratings, to sponsorship. But limiting the experience to one delegate limits the benefits. In the future, I hope to send a second delegate to more of these meetings to expand the knowledge and benefits we gain from participating.
Throughout the weekend, more and more Gay+ folks from all across North America trickled in. By Sunday evening the hotel seemed filled with players, managers, and friends ready for a fun week of softball. Our Vancouver teams had a very strong showing at the 2024 GSWS. But more at that soon.
Above: I was lucky to be able to attend the Opening Ceremonies with our three Vancouver teams as we rolled out the first ever All Canada commemorative jersey with Hamilton and Toronto.
If any member wants to know more about International Pride Softball, the Gay Softball World Series, and the benefits WESA garners from being a part of iPride Softball, please reach out to me or see our web site.
Together in Pride,
Seán HC
End of article.
VOLUNTEERING IN WESA IS FOR EVERYONE
01 October 2024
TL/DR Summary: There are volunteer opportunities for everyone in WESA. It is up to you to grab them. To put your name in for 2025 click here.
WESA Coach Squad member Peter H. (Photo credit Justin Q.)
The benefits of volunteering are there for anyone who cares to reach out and take them. Finding a space in one’s life to take part in working to better our community organizations is not difficult. We all know what bandwidth we have to spare. It is finding the right place to give back that can be hard.
We have all been there before--offering help with a task that turns out to be a much bigger commitment than we thought. But yet we want to be a part of the league and of solutions to the problems that come up. There is no shortage of love for WESA. But there has been a shortage of hands.
WESA has been improving how we match people up for the right opportunities. Why? Because the membership has asked for it. Starting with the 2025 Season, the league is taking a more customized approach to volunteering. Yes, we still have our volunteers on the Commission who hold very large portfolios, but there are a number of volunteer spots including committee members, event volunteers, official scorekeepers, and managing coaches, that need to be filled.
Here are some facts to consider:
- Over 4,500 volunteer hours go into making WESA function every year.
- The nine members on the Commission alone do over 2,250 volunteer hours annually.
- Just 3% of the membership do 50% of the work.
- 88% of the work is done by 16% of the membership.
- 22% of WESA’s 2024 Pennant Season games went without a scheduled Official Scorekeeper.
- The scorekeeping needs of WESA represent 5.5% of our volunteer hours.
In the 2024 Member Survey, many members expressed that they want to be more involved in the league but did not know how or when to go about it. They want to show support for the other volunteers and want help in finding the right fit.
Scorekeeping
By learning to score keep games, members get to show their support for the league, their team, and learn more about the game. It is also a terrific way to show support for the Coaching Teams. In softball, scorekeeping is the job of the Team Manager, but in WESA the team management is what the Managing Coaches do. And our Coaches are also players. So WESA has evolved a tradition of scorekeeping for each other, to free up everyone to enjoy the game.
Coaching
Learning how to do Team Management and Player Coaching in WESA is a highly valued and rewarding experience. Whether you are helping with Skills Clinics or part of a Coaching Team, members who sign up for the WESA Coach Squad learn about the skills and processes that have built our league and are part of the future of WESA.
Committees
Participating in a Committee is a way to get involved in a limited way with a focus on specific aspects of league operations. Get your feet wet by joining a committee in 2025. Are Special Events your thing? What about management and care of Equipment and our playing fields? Want to get involved in organizing a tournament? There is a committee for that too.
The West End Slo-pitch Association is a 100% volunteer-run organization. The capacity of the league to operate at the level desired by membership is completely limited to the amount of volunteerism by the membership.
Do it now!
The volunteer program in WESA is called “Volunteers-In-Pride" for a reason. Show your Pride and start now to plan your volunteer experience by completing a quick questionnaire to learn about the volunteer opportunities and which role suits you by going to WESA.net > League > Volunteers in Pride or go directly to the Volunteering Form here.
Together in Pride,
Seán HC
End of article.
BUILDING A LEAGUE, DEFINING VOLUNTEERING
12 September 2024
TL/DR Summary: WESA Member Darcy Simpson was awarded the 2024 Commissioner's Award at the Awards Banquet on Sept 7th
Don Parker, Darcy Simpson, Sean C
(Photo credit Justin Mui)
In 2024, we recognized a member who has come to define what it means to be a league-building volunteer. Since joining WESA in 2004, Darcy Simpson has been a scorekeeper, a Commission member, a Coach, a WESA Pageant performer, an event volunteer on many occasions, travel team organizer, and an iPride Softball delegate.
For six years between 2013-2018 he was our League Commissioner, and when you add the seven years as Treasurer and a year as Secretary and a year as Past Commissioner, that makes 15 years on the Commission.
Darcy has been front and centre to help WESA through tough times and been a catalyst in our growth in the community. It is not hyperbole to say that Darcy has been instrumental in making WESA what it is today.
Darcy has been a friend, a mentor, a coach, a teammate, a model player and has defined what it means to be a WESA Volunteer-in-Pride.
He has contributed to every aspect of this league in immeasurable ways.
The following is a letter from Lifetime Member Art Gullet.
First let me say CONGRATULATIONS Darcy, well deserved.
Through the years the Commissioner’s Award has been given to individuals who have been instrumental in the growth and development of WESA. Just being a playing member has never been enough for Darcy, he has always been there to help, to coach, to serve on Commissions.
I am not going to pretend to know exactly how many times Darcy has served on the Commissions over the years, but I do know he led the team as Commissioner for six years and served in other roles many, many times. During the last 20 years or so that I have known Darcy I never played much ball on the same team, he was either playing on F212 or Coaching F212.
I have watched him “from the sidelines” as he developed his teams and many times worked with him on different Commissions throughout the years.
Here’s how I see it:
DARCY
-Stubborn–With a purpose
-Thoughtful- with a goal in mind
-Prepared- to engage anyone with facts and plan
-Respectful- for those willing to share ideas
Since I have been around for a “little while” I have always looked at the Leaders of WESA and analyzed their strengths that they have brought to the league. Although not always in agreement on the direction they have taken WESA, there is one thing Darcy and I ave always agreed on, the Legacy of the League. Remembering where WESA came from, how it has grown and the people who have driven the bus over the decades, ust always be important. The continued support WESA and its sponsors provide to its members andthe community, have and will always be important. Darcy is the epitome of Legacy.
Congratulations once again Commissioner, you are a big part of the WESA Legacy.
- Art Gullet
On behalf of WESA, thank you Darcy for your ongoing commitment and dedicated service to the spirit and values of our league. You have re-defined what it means to be a volunteer.
Together in Pride,
Seán HC
End of article.
IS IT TIME TO SPLIT T1 DIVISION?
13 July 2024
TL/DR Summary: Members are encouraged to consider that it is time to split the very large T1 division into two.
Competitive play is at the core of softball. Of course, the entire WESA experience is more than just that but as a sports league, our constitutional goal is to provide an atmosphere of friendly competition. When people describe how to achieve a 'friendly' atmosphere we think about being welcoming, amicable, and having goodwill. All these are true, and I think it also involves understanding where members come from as competitors.
Many members come from a place of experience with athletic competition. These seasoned competitors find playing in a division that is high-paced and highly-skilled a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Historically, the T2 division (previously C division) has served as the place where our most advanced players and those seeking a high level of competition have found what they are looking for from WESA.
Our T1 division (previously D division) has served as the place where our more recreational-focused membership have thrived and has acted as the mechanism where new members get their first WESA experience. A few members migrate every year from this division to the more advance-skilled division. But more members tend to stay and prefer to seek a happy medium experience between a competitive and recreational atmosphere. That is what a friendly atmosphere means to many.
Indeed, in 2004, when WESA last split the membership into two divisions, that is precisely what we were looking to do - give the more advanced players a place to thrive while preserving a welcoming place for rookie and novice players in their own division. At the time, the team split was 4 in the Advanced division and 4 in the more Recreational division. In 2024, we are now at 5 in T2 division and 14 in T1 division.
Our more Recreational division is bursting with 14 teams filled with players of vastly different skill levels and comfort levels of competition. How has that affected our efforts to provide a friendly and welcoming atmosphere? Are we truly serving the needs of our Rookies and Novice members?
After 21 years in WESA, I believe it is time to look at how we structure our divisions of play. Many insights can be found by looking at our International Pride Softball sister leagues across North America. The vast majority of iPride Softball has a more prescribed approach to grouping like-skilled players into divisions of play. I would describe this approach as being one that reserves divisions of play for those of similar play level and prescribes the more advanced-players into a suitable grouping that is welcoming and friendly for everyone.
I encourage the membership to engage with each other on this topic. How can the league best provide an atmosphere of friendly competition for its members? Is it time to fully adopt the iPride Softball division structure (Divisions E, D, C) that allows members the freedom to play in the two more highly advanced divisions while preserving a place for Rookies and Novice players? Lots to consider when plotting the next course in this, our 46th year.
Together in Pride,
Seán HC
End of article.
**
JERSEYS TALK
12 July 2024
TL/DR Summary: Your sponsor jersey is an essential part of your Kit, along with your glove, cleats, cup etc.
Hi WESA players! Let's take a moment to appreciate our family of Sponsors. The link below will take you to our page on Sponsorship and lists those businesses who support our league activities. Essential to our relationship with Sponsors is our team jerseys! Visibility is at the forefront of why they support WESA. Let's show our gratitude to our Sponsors by remembering to wear a sponsor jersey each and every time we are playing. That means wearing our team jersey at every game including when sparing for another team. A Sponsor jersey on each and every player for each and every game is essential to showing our support for our WESA Family of Sponsors.
Also, its in the rules. The WESA league appendices state D24. All Members must wear the current team jersey on the field.
Consequences: not wearing a sponsor jersey may result in a member not playing.
Please do your best to treat your jersey as an essential part of your kit along with your Glove, Cleats, Cup, Cap etc.
It shows respect for our Sponsors and support for our league. https://wesa.net/wesa/Sponsorship
Together in pride,
Seán HC
End of article.
Sponsors
