West End Slo-pitch Association
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WESA's PIP

Sections:
Player Inclusion Policy
History of the WESA ACA Accessibility Committee

The following is from the WESA Governing Manual (28 Feb 2025)

D9. PLAYER INCLUSION POLICY (PIP)
League Members with a severe and prolonged disability may request accommodation from the WESA Commission for an additional Courtesy Runner for themselves when playing for their team during the Season (including WESA Cup). In addition, Members may request other accommodation(s) if these accommodation(s) remove barriers that help the Member participate in league games more easily. For example, reducing distractions (i.e. asking other players remain silent when Member is batting) can be helpful for Members that experience barriers from sensory overload.

Requests for PIP accommodations should be emailed to the Membership Commissioner at Membership@WESA.net and include:

  • current limitations in the Member’s ability to participate in league games
  • based on these limitations, requested accommodation(s) that will assist the Member to participate more fully in league games

The WESA Commission does not currently require a physician letter to verify that the Member has a disability. The Commission may place restrictions on PIP as it believes fit.

The spirit of this accommodation is taken from the Accessibility Canada Act (ACA) “to make Canada barrier-free by 2040”.

History of the WESA ACA Accessibility Committee
In 2024, the league was approached by membership for information on a disability accomodation.  The Commission, in consultation with the T2 division Team Managers, approved a pilot policy and assembled a committee consisting of a cross section of the membership with a wide span of experience and perspective.

This new committee was tasked with looking at current policies in place in iPride leagues and other  LGBT sports organizations while considering a British Columbia and First Nations perspective, and how a new policy would fit into WESA's culture.

After many weeks of work over the season, the Committee presented its recommendations to the Commission. The 2024 Pilot ACA policy was replaced with the PIP for 2025.

On behalf of the league,  the Commission would like to Congratulate and Thank the 2024 WESA ACA Accessibility Committee for their hard work to bring this policy to life. ​​​​​​​


WESA ACA Accessibility Committee: Peter H (chair), Dan J, Rachel A,  Gord An, and Daniel R.



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Last edited 10 April 2025