Player Skills Assessments

PROMOTING PLAYER DEVELOPMENT, INCLUSION, AND FAIR COMPETITION

The WESA SQs — Skills Questions for Player Assessments

This page explains how WESA evaluates player softball skills and uses that information to create fair, inclusive competition while supporting player development.

"WESA Athletics is about learning, not judging. We focus on developing the four core skills of softball: Hitting, Running, Fielding, and Throwing. The annual Skills Assessment is simply a tool that helps players understand their progress, recognize their strengths, and identify opportunities for growth."

Learn more about WESA Athletics and how we use the Player Skills Categories to develop players. More HERE.

2026 Path to Finalizing Skill Assessments
The SQ Committee has been hard at work observing league play and answering the skills questions for all members.  The volunteers wrap up the process in June using this schedule.

Monday, June 8 - the earliest date for Preliminary Assessments to team managers for feedback
Thursday, June 12 - the earliest date for Preliminary Assessments to WESA members
Saturday, June 20 - June Field Day is the day set aside for final Challenges by members in Fielding, Throwing, and Running. (Hitting not available)
Monday, June 29 - Deadline for SQ Committee final skills questions observations

WESA Skills Assessment Online Learning Clinic
Wednesday, 18 February, 2026 at 630pm.
with Peter H
This 50 minute clinic is recommended for all 2026 WESA members motivated to gain a deeper understanding of assessing slo-pitch softball skills. The clinic will introduce the process and concepts of the WESA SQs (Skills Questions for Player Assessments) that the league uses as a guide for Skill Development and division eligibility.  Participants will gain an understanding of how the system helps leagues to bolster fairness and inclusivity, and how the Questions are answered by the volunteer committee members.

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Understanding ASSESSMENTS

Learning Resources

Why WESA Uses the Skills Questions System

As a competitive league, WESA groups players by skill level to ensure safety, fair play, and fun for everyone. This practice is common across North America and is supported by the objective iPride Softball (formerly NAGAAA) Skills Questions system.

“Everyone, no matter their skills, belongs in WESA. We’re a vibrant rainbow coalition — we connect and compete with those whose colours align most closely with our own.” — WESA

Getting It Right

In 2025–26, WESA completes a multi-year process to refine how player assessments are conducted. While we continue using iPride’s benchmarked system, our approach is now unified, objective, and consistent across all divisions.  The league has linked the Skills Assessment Process with our Skills Development efforts. 

Previously, assessments were handled mainly by teams with limited oversight — leading to inconsistencies. Now, assessments are centralized, standardized, and conducted by trained volunteers on the SQ Committee.

A key improvement: We focus on objective observation, not subjective “intangibles” like attitude or potential. The goal is accuracy, fairness, and transparency.

In 2026 - The volunteers on the WESA Skill Assessment Committee will begin their observations soon and, as part of a pilot project, will be using video to capture select game play to support the accuracy of SQ assessments. Any footage collected will be used solely for the committee’s evaluation purposes.

Start with the Process, Not the Number

It’s natural to focus on your final SQ assessment — but that’s the result, not the process. The process begins with observing measurable skills: batting, fielding, throwing, and running.

Each “Yes” answer represents a skill you consistently perform at the level described. Your total “Yes” responses = your SQ assessment.

Modified Batting Average (MBA)

For international tournaments (e.g., the Gay Softball World Series), iPride requires including your Modified Batting Average (MBA) in your overall iPride rating. WESA does not use the MBA in regular league play.

Intangibles and Limitations

The Skills Questions are the most objective method available for evaluating softball ability, but they don’t measure everything. Team value also includes leadership, teamwork, and spirit — qualities assessed during the draft process, not through SQs.

“Our goal is to keep the league fair and fun for everyone.” 
- WESA

Reviews & Assessments

• All players are reviewed annually by the WESA SQ Committee, with input from team managers.
• New players receive a full assessment.
• Returning players are reviewed and may have specific skills re-evaluated.
• Assessments use multiple observations — not just one game.
• Certain skills may be reviewed during Field Days; others must be observed in gameplay.

Each question has a performance benchmark (e.g., “Can the player do this 60% of the time?”). Consistency matters.

challenging: If You Disagree With Your Assessment

If you believe your answers to the skills questions (SQs)  are incorrect, you may challenge during the official challenge window ONLY.  Each season the window to challenge will stay open for about a week after the preliminary SQs have been released to the members by email notification. 

• Email commission@wesa.net
• Include your full name
• List the specific questions you’re challenging
• Explain why you believe the assessment is incorrect

For challenges involving Fielding, Running or Throwing, you may have these skills assessed at a  Field Day.  See the Field Days and Clinics Page for the schedule.

All reviews are subject to availability of qualified volunteers.

Who Reviews the Assessments?

Assessments are conducted by the WESA SQ Committee, a group of experienced volunteer evaluators who observe players, take notes, and ensure fairness and consistency.  The SQ Committee works in collaboration with the League Commissioner to finalize each players WESA SQ and iPride Rating for the season.

If you have a passion for fair competition and sportsmanship, check out joining the WESA Competition Team. More HERE.

Transparency & Contact

Have questions? Reach out any time at commission@wesa.net.

Safety Equipment
WESA encourages all players to use protective equipment for safety and comfort, including: face masks, cups, shin guards, cleats, and helmets.

Everyone Belongs
Everyone — regardless of skill — has a place in WESA. We’re a rainbow coalition, and each of us plays with and against the colours that most closely match our own.

For more information, contact:
Commissioner@WESA.net
Commission@WESA.net