WESA Conduct Expectations
Updated March 2026
The WESA Three Rules
1️⃣ Be Respectful.
2️⃣ Play Hard, Keep It Friendly.
3️⃣ Support the Community Volunteers.
If behaviour crosses the line, it will be addressed in the moment to protect the experience for everyone.
WESA DUGOUT RULE
Everyone on this field deserves to feel welcome here.
WESA is a Pride league built on inclusion and community. Play hard, support one another, and help keep the field a space where everyone belongs.
What This Means for You
WESA is built on inclusion, respect, and community through sport.
- Respect everyone — teammates, opponents, umpires, volunteers.
- Compete with integrity — play hard, keep it friendly.
- Support the community — everyone contributes to the experience.
- Own your behaviour — your actions shape the league.
On the Field
- Play with effort and respect.
- Respect umpire decisions.
- No aggressive, intimidating, or demeaning behaviour.
There is room for intensity — not disrespect.
Game-Day Accountability
Umpires and league representatives may address behaviour in the moment, including removing a player from a game.
This protects the experience for everyone — it is not about punishment.
A player may be removed for:
- Aggressive or disrespectful behaviour.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct.
- Language or actions that make others feel unsafe or unwelcome.
Further follow-up may occur through WESA’s Conduct process.
Off the Field
WESA expectations apply at all league events and in communications.
- Communicate respectfully.
- Avoid harmful or exclusionary language.
- Help create a space where everyone belongs.
If Expectations Are Not Met
WESA may take steps such as:
- Conversation and education.
- Warnings or game consequences.
- Formal Conduct review.
Final Note
WESA is more than a league — it is a community.
- Play hard.
- Be respectful.
- Take care of each other.
Reporting Safety Concerns or Conduct Issues
Emergency Situations
If you are experiencing an emergency or require immediate assistance related to assault, a medical emergency, or any situation requiring police, fire, or ambulance services, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Your safety and well-being come first.
Reporting a Conduct Concern
If you believe a WESA Conduct Expectation has been violated, you may submit a report to the WESA Commission.
Email: Commission (at) WESA.net
To assist the Commission in understanding the situation clearly, please include when possible:
- Date and location of the incident.
- Names of individuals involved.
- Description of what occurred.
- Any witnesses who may have been present.
Reports may be submitted at any time during the season.
Submitting a Report
To ensure clarity and fairness for everyone involved, concerns or complaints must be submitted in writing for the Commission to formally review them.
Members may speak with a Commissioner or league representative about a concern. However, for the Commission to formally review or act on a matter, it must be submitted in writing.
If a member chooses not to submit a written report, the Commission may be limited in its ability to review or take action on the matter.
What Happens After a Report Is Submitted
Acknowledgement
A member of the WESA Commission will acknowledge receipt of the report.
Review
The Commission will review the information provided and may gather additional details if needed.
Assessment
The Commission will determine whether the concern falls under the WESA Conduct Expectations and what steps, if any, may be appropriate.
Follow-up
Where appropriate, the Commission may communicate with those involved regarding next steps.
All Reports are handled with care and in accordance with WESA policies.
The Commission may seek guidance or support from appropriate league or external resources when addressing serious concerns.
Commission Discretion and Confidentiality
The WESA Commission reviews each situation individually and determines appropriate steps based on the information available and the circumstances involved.
To respect the privacy of members and maintain fairness in the process, the Commission may be limited in what details it can share regarding specific reports or actions taken.
Non-Retaliation
WESA encourages members to bring forward concerns about conduct or safety.
Retaliation against any member who raises a concern or participates in the review of a concern may itself be considered a violation of the WESA Conduct Expectations.
Members are expected to respect the integrity of this process and continue to treat one another with professionalism and respect.
Friendly Competition and Resolving Issues
Friendly competition has always been part of WESA’s foundation. Maintaining a welcoming atmosphere encourages members to try new divisions, stay involved in the league, and support one another through sport.
Many concerns can be resolved respectfully through conversation or with the support of a Team Manager.
However, Team Managers, league officials, and umpires may intervene when behaviour disrupts the positive atmosphere of the league. Umpires retain full authority to issue warnings or ejections during games in accordance with SPN rules.
Breaches of rules regarding alcohol consumption or intoxication during games are not tolerated.
When behaviour negatively impacts volunteers, officials, or the broader division, the league may step in to help restore a healthy environment.
The goal is always the same: resolve the issue, restore a respectful atmosphere, and return focus to the game.
Raising Concerns Informally
In many cases, concerns related to a game or team environment should first be raised with your Team Manager.
Members may also contact the Commission directly if they feel that is the more appropriate option.
The goal is to resolve issues effectively while keeping processes constructive, fair, and manageable for our volunteer leadership.
WESA Member Commitment
(From the WESA Governing Manual)
Welcome to WESA.
By joining the league, you become part of a community built on inclusion, teamwork, respect, and fun.
All members are asked to read and acknowledge this agreement during registration.
Our Shared Commitment
By registering for the season, members agree to participate in WESA activities in a positive, respectful, and responsible manner.
Failure to follow this agreement may result in action under the WESA Code of Conduct and Bylaws, including suspension, expulsion from games, or removal from the league at the discretion of the Commission.
As a WESA Member, I will:
Communicate Regularly
Stay in touch with my Team Management and keep communication clear.
Commit to My Team
Confirm attendance at games at least 24 hours in advance and arrive 30 minutes before game time unless other arrangements are made.
Keep the League Informed
Notify my Team Management and the League if my availability changes.
Come Prepared
Be ready to play and warming up at least 15 minutes before game time.
Follow the Code of Conduct
Practice Good Sportsmanship
Take responsibility for my behaviour on and off the field and avoid inebriation during games.
Be Open and Coachable
Stay Connected if Injured
Support my team where possible from the sidelines.
Contribute to Our Community
Members are encouraged to participate in league activities such as:
- Helping organize a team event.
- Assisting with the WESA Pageant.
- Helping with dugout or field setup.
- Volunteering at special events.
- Serving as a scorekeeper.
WESA Team Management Commitment
(Coaches’ Contract – from the WESA Governing Manual)
Team Managers and Coaches play a vital role in shaping the experience of players across the league.
By serving in this role, Team Management agrees to help create a positive, supportive, and safe environment for everyone involved.
Team Management will:
- Lead with professionalism and pride.
- Model integrity and sportsmanship.
- Follow and promote the WESA Code of Conduct.
- Attend at least 75% of games and the WESA Cup.
- Foster respect and inclusion.
- Communicate clearly with their team.
- Support player development and learning.
- Promote safety and responsible behaviour.
- Encourage participation and team spirit.
- Arrive prepared and organized for games.
- Be approachable and supportive.
- Encourage community participation and volunteering.
Failure to uphold these commitments may result in removal from Team Management at the discretion of the Commission.
WESA Conduct Expectations
(Excerpt from the WESA Governing Manual)
All players, members, sponsors, and volunteers are expected to:
- Maintain sportsmanlike conduct at all times.
- Treat all participants and officials with respect.
- Promote an atmosphere of friendly competition.
- Follow the WESA Members’ Agreement.
- Learn and follow the rules of the game.
- Respect the decisions of Team Management.
- Avoid any verbal or physical confrontation, harassment, bullying, or intimidation.
- Treat equipment and facilities with care.
- Pay league dues promptly.
- Operate in good faith in all dealings with the league.
- Respect WESA and iPride intellectual property.
- Not be on the field while inebriated or consume alcohol in the dugout or on the field.
- Encourage other members to follow the Code of Conduct.
- Respect park and venue rules.
- Maintain confidentiality when serving in volunteer or leadership roles.
For the complete version of the Code of Conduct, please refer to the WESA Governing Manual.
Background and Acknowledgements
In 2022 and 2023, WESA Coaches’ Retreats focused on improving communication and clarifying expectations across the league.
The 2024 Members Working Group, made up of a cross-section of WESA membership, reviewed this feedback along with input from a Rookie Advisory Group and other members. Their recommendations helped shape updates to league rules and policies.
Working Group Members:
Colin B., Emily D., Sean N., Drew R., Ian G., Justin M., Seán H-C.
While the wording of these expectations has evolved, the core values and messaging from the working group remain central to this document.
WESA also thanks our sister organization Out for Kicks for inspiration drawn from their Discipline Policy.
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