Building a League in Ensenada: Open Letter to Leaders

This is an open letter proposal to the leaders of softball in Ensenada and anyone else in Mexico who seeks to find a great way to organize a successful youth league. It’s meant to be a guideline for leaders to adopt and implement.

First, before you read, what people must understand is that, in Mexico, most of the programs are run by what is referred to as “Travel Ball” programs in the USA. These teams travel far to play other teams or play with the local boys baseball team or even against older women in local leagues.

They are typically run by one strong leader who controls the whole program. Yet, the travel programs are not even close to competitive when it comes to the USA. The reason is that there is no feeder programs or what is commonly known as in the USA as “Rec Leagues” or recreation programs which are in fact, park leagues for all kids and players to learn, develope, and have fun learning team sport.

From these “Rec Leagues”, travel ball teams are able to recruit the best and the brightest. Some A level “Rec Leagues” in the USA have over 1000 kids playing youth softball. Even in C leagues, there are around 200 to 300 players. These feeder programs really set the stage and foundation for building up world class travel teams and rending the USA programs the model for the world.

In Mexico, there are virtually no feeder programs. Thus, these “travel team” programs are NOT getting the best players and frankly are missing out those thousands of players that could be playing recreation ball thus feeding them the cream of the crop. In the end, Mexico’s youth softball suffers from being highly uncompetitive.

Yes there are new leaders and new forces out there that yearn to build programs on par with USA programs. They want to be competitive. Yet, to do so, would require building “Rec Programs”. In lieu, we offer this blueprint below for the Ensenada Girls League that currently has 4 travel teams in their program. By building up a true Recreation league, they have a unique opportunity to become the first true Rec League in Mexico.

Mission 200

Ensenada Youth Girls Softball League (EYGSL)

MISSON & GOAL:

To be the very best Youth Fastpitch Softball Program in Baja California Mexico and a model of success for all of Mexico Youth Softball with over 200 players registered by Spring Season 2010 playing recreation ball and fielding strong All-Star Teams for each division for summer tournament play that has long term sustainability and continuity over time.

THE VISION: 2009-2010

By the beginning of Spring Season 2010 (February 2010) we aim to have over 200 players from 6–14 years of age, playing recreational fastpitch softball in 4 divisions: 8u, 10u, 12u, and 14u within 2 major divisions;

(1) Ensenada

(2) El Sauzal.

To meet this challenge, we will EMPOWER and develop new coaches and parents to contribute to the program via volunteerism.

PRINCIPLES

Every player plays is our simple core idea and developing players for both sport and good citizenship is our underlying principle that governs our direction. We also aim to develop all players and provide the skills they need to succeed in both softball and as solid successful citizens.

LEAGUE SEASONS

We shall support and play 2 seasons each year;

(1) WINTER: Sep-Dec

(2) SPRING: Feb-May

FAIR AND FUN LEAGUE PLAY

To insure that all teams are fair and fun each season, starting in Spring 2009, each Division will run sign-ups, try-outs, and a draft. In this way, each team in the league will have the opportunity to have a balance of advanced, intermediate and beginning players.

LEADING AND MANAGING THE MISSION

To accomplish our goal of 300 players by 2010, we shall run our league with a Board of Directors comprised of strong independent and experienced leaders who will provide the leadership and direction while each local Division will be run autonomously by a local Managing Board of Directors. In this way, each division can make fast and efficient decisions to insure speedy and fast action on the ground to move the mission forward.

FUNDING THE PROGRAM

Our League Board of Directors will be mandated with obtaining major funding for the league including but not limited to recruiting, promotion, media, equipment, and scholarship funding for proven underprivileged players. The idea is keep costs as close to zero for each player to participate. This action will encourage players to join and allow for growth of the sport especially with the financially challenged.

ALL-STAR TEAMS

We shall name and support one (1) All-Star Team for divisions 14u, 12u, and 10u after each Spring Season for tournament play each summer against teams from other All-Star Recreation Leagues in Mexico and the USA. These teams will be the Official Ensenada All-Star Teams made of our very best coaches and players as voted in by the League Board of Directors. Each Head Coach is voted in by the League Board of Directors. Each All-Star Player is voted in by the Head Coaches of each division.Our 14u, 12u, and 10u teams to play during the Summer at All-Star Tournaments both in Mexico and the USA.

OBJECTIVES

By Jan. 1, 2009

· Create a League Board of Directors to lead and manage the league with articles and by-laws that govern the league with the following Directors;

1. President: – non-Voting Position

2. Sponsorship

3. Secretary and Administrator

4. Marketing and Promotion

5. Treasurer

6. Games, Tournaments, and Rules

7. Ensenada Division

8. El Sauzal Division

READ IT IN SPANISH