Rating Change Voting MatrixLeague Info
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you ask in person - have you checked the on line documents?
The Administration Rules Document includes almost everything you need to know about how the league works. (Deadlines, adding -deleting new players, standings, etc.)
The Play Rules Document (ECSA Open Division Play Rules) includes all the basic rules for game play on the field.
When do I ask? Who do I ask?
Elected officers are often inundated with questions and comments throughout the year about softball, fundraisers, tournaments, players, concessions, bathrooms, umpires and the list goes on and on. Those elected to represent you on the ECSA Board do a great job of answering questions as quickly as possible. However, please remember, they were not elected to be "on call' or "volunteer" their time 24/7.
When do I ask?
While questions and comments are always welcome we would like you to first "Ask Yourself" the following:
- 1. "Am I asking this question in an appropriate venue/time?"
- a. Does the question need an immediate answer? (Does it include injury or has a game stopped waiting for this answer?)
- b. Am I asking a question that is answered on the ECSA webpage, but I'm just too lazy to look it up myself?
- c. Am I proposing change to the league that should really be presented in writing via email or formal letter?
- d. Am I interrupting this person's personal time? (Is he/she out on the town enjoying his/her time with friends and family?)
- 2. "Is this a question that can be asked via email?"
- a. Emailed questions not only provide you with documentation of the answer given, it also give the person you are asking time to give the most thorough and informed answer.
- b. If your question is about a player on a specific team (with over 450 players on the fields this year) the chances of your executive officer remembering the exact name of a player and the team is much more difficult when done verbally, rather than in an email.
EMAIL IS THE PREFERED METHOD OF COMMUNICATION
Who do I ask?
While at the fields you should be aware that everyone on your executive board also plays/coaches teams and is also there to enjoy their day at the fields. Be courteous and don't interrupt their game so you can ask a question that does not need an immediate answer.
For email or in-person general questions
Commissioner - General questions should really funnel UP to the commissioner from the Assistant Commissioner that runs your specific division. Communication with the commissioner should happen when you need clarification of information that you do not understand or feel there is an issue with your division's Assistant Commissioner.
A/B, C, and D Assistant Commissioners - Answer general questions about the league and questions specific to your division.
Membership Director - Answer questions about membership. (Assist individuals looking for teams to play on and helping teams find additional players.) Answer general questions about the league.
Secretary - General questions about the ECSA Webpage and where documents are located. Answer general questions about the league.
Director of Competition - Questions about ratings, scorekeeping and rating question interpretation. Answer general questions about the league.
How are the ECSA Open Division Executive Officers Chosen?
Board Positions are held for 2 year terms. When a board position becomes available - interested parties put their names up for nomination and a general election is held. Majority vote wins.
Executive Offices Include:
- Commissioner
- A/B Assistant Commissioner
- C Assistant Commissioner
- D Assistant Commissioner
- Director of Competition
- Secretary
- Membership Director
Board Elected Position:
Commissioner Appointed Positions:
Elections for the following positions are held in the odd years. (2011, 2013, 2015, etc)
Elections for the following positions are held in the even years. (2010, 2012, 2014, etc)
If I give my email to ECSA will they sell it?
No they do/will not. The ECSA sends out a weekly e-newsflash to update the league on softball and softball/league related issues.
How is the schedule done?
The final ECSA schedule is based on a number of criteria which include, but are not limited to:
- Overall league size
- Number of teams in any given division
- Number of softball fields required to complete the season
- Location of softball fields scheduled
- Skill levels
- Bye weeks given for Out of Town Tournament Play
The ideal answer to this question is:
In a year where we have an appropriate amount of teams and parity of skill in a given division a coded schedule (D1 vs. D2) is done by using both computerized software and editing by the Executive board. Once the schedule is complete - the team codes are replaced with individual team names (done by a blind draw). Editing of the schedule would be done only to accommodate bye-weeks, games scheduled at different fields that require longer travel time, and for those teams that have individuals coaching other teams. A schedule would never be changed simply to accommodate a competitive advantage.
However, for those divisions that have a wide difference in skill level, a more customized schedule will be put into place. It will not be a blind draw.
Rather, it will be a schedule that provides the following:
- Every team the chance to play for a GSWS berth
- Every team the opportunity to play teams at similar skill levels
- Every team will play a very similar amount of games as other teams within their division
This process will be implemented to help facilitate a more fun and skill building environment for all teams involved.
How is the "Socials/Host Bar" schedule done?
First it is important to remember that the ECSA is a softball organization. Our primary focus is providing 4 divisions of softball skill levels and a schedule of games. However, we also recognize that the ECSA and our teams are supported by amazing sponsors, many of which are bar venues. Each year we publish a "suggested social/host bar" list. It is the responsibility of an individual ECSA Board member to create this list.
Components that are factored into this list include, but are not limited to:
- Size of Venue
- Large venues that can facilitate most or all of our members are often given special nights such as awards, opening nights, or shows.
- Smaller venues that cannot handle such a large group might be given a ‘non-play' day or share a date with another venue.
- Location of Venue
- Venues close to one another are often put on the same night to encourage venue hopping. This keeps our members close as a group while still supporting those sponsors.
- Venues that are in more suburban places or farther away from Capitol Hill are often put together in an effort to allow the league to choose one or the other - and avoid having them compete with a capitol hill bar
- Number of Teams / Years of Support
- Venues that have supported ECSA teams for many years are sometimes allotted special nights.
- Venues that support multiple teams in one year may be allotted special nights.
We realize that those bars/venues that support our teams are a large reason why we continue to grow as a league. It is exactly why we publish the "suggested social/host bar" list. It is to help provide more recognition to these sponsors and so our members can spend some social time together off the softball field.
With that, we hope that individual teams recognize that the success of a "social hour or host bar" is not 100% dependant on our list or the assigned date. It is up to the team(s) to promote your sponsors and any activities/specials that might be happening during that time.
Why do we have a tournament for the 2nd divisional berth for the GSWS?
There are several reasons for this - however, some of the more notable answers include:
- Teams hit their peak at different parts of the season.
- Some teams are better in tournament situations.
- For teams that strive to go to the GSWS this gives them the motivation to continue to practice and play their hardest and keep their teams together throughout the season. (This helps avoid teams losing motivation if they were statistically eliminated before the end of the season.)
- The first berth goes automatically to the team that has won the regular ECSA season. What is the league address?
Emerald City Softball Association
1122 E. Pike St # 1430
Seattle, WA 98122
