A Vision for Sustainability & Sportsmanship

SUSTAINABILITY & SPORTSMANSHIP IN WESA

In 2023, the league began a process of evolving our structure to maximize both the member experience and sustainability.  With member input and dedication, we are striving to be more inclusive than ever by focusing on Sportsmanship, Fairness, and Community.

2023
- Revision of the division naming convention to Tiers to more accurately express the Vancouver experience
- Began an overhaul of how we assessed member skills by moving the NQ process to a league committee
- Initiated skills building programs for Rookies as well as continuous improvement processes to promote a mentorship and clinic culture in the league

2024
- Introduction of the league Code of Conduct along with Member and Coaching Agreements to maximize the member inclusion and volunteering experiences
- Completion of the improvements to the NQ assessments
- Initiated peer-driven team management and coaching clinics for members looking to enrich their WESA experience

2025
- Introduction of a three division structure with guidelines for grouping like-skilled players based on the NQ assessments with an approximate two-year implementation timeline.

"Everyone, regardless of NQ, has a place in WESA. We are a rainbow coalition and you should play with and against the colours that most closely match your colours."

2024 - A CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF WESA’S STRUCTURE 

The WESA 2024 Commission is asking for interested Members to submit contributions to an update of the 2023 paper entitled A Vision for Sustainability and Sportsmanship.  This document outlined goals to be achieved and actions to be taken over the 2023 and 2024 seasons. 

The three main objectives of the paper were: 

1. A more balanced divisional structure for sustainable growth by renaming and re-branding our divisions and ending any stigmas associated with the previous names; 
2. Create a more level playing field within our divisions by encouraging members to join the division that most closely matches their skill sets, abilities, personality, and approach to the game. This will be facilitated by creating and hosting new skill development sessions for members and coaches; and 
3. Enhance the membership playing experience and everyone’s happiness in softball by sharing and supporting this new vision. 

Call for submissions: 
As the Commission heads into an update of this vision and assessment of the results so far, we hope to hear from the membership and your thoughts on the topic.  Contributions will then be considered by the Commission and an update may be created.  Please keep submissions to less than 150 words. 

Updated: Details and timeline for the update in 2024: 

• April 15th to the AGM - Written submissions from the membership. 
• October - Consideration of written submissions. 
• December - Release of any updates and action plan. 
• UPDATE: after reviewing and considering all submissions, the WESA Commission has released a plan for 2025. See Season Orientation here.

Reference: 
WESA 2024 Update of the Vision for Sustainability and Sportsmanship
Click here to see a PDF of the report WESA 2023 Vision for Sustainability

Please send your submissions to Commission@WESA.net by May 31st.  We look forward to hearing from interested Members! 

DUSTY BAG related articles:
13 July 2024 - IS IT TIME TO SPLIT T1 DIVISION?