In addition to the image above, below is the complete text of the letter. Please pass it on.
02 March 2025
Softball Leinster,
It has come to my attention that, at the most recent league captains meeting on 25 February 2025, there was (as there is every year) vocal opposition to the concept of gender equality in lineups for all divisions of softball.I would like to remind you: the variance from WBSC (World Baseball Softball Confederation) rules is a non-standard deviation, for which there was never empirical evidence to support any stated desired outcomes. This variance has been proven to discourage women and non-binary participation with a reduction in recruitment of women and non-binary participants, but more clearly with the direct replacement of any woman or non-binary participant, with a man, in the lineup.
Achieving gender equality cannot be progressed until policies which reflect gender equality are enacted and enforced. The WBSC recognizes this.
If the enactment and enforcement of gender equality in lineups is delayed yet again, the league will have demonstrated a conscious choice, and willingness, to literally sideline women and non-binary players, in favour of men.
The league had better not be putting rainbow layers across any logos, or making statements regarding their support of women or non-binary players, without everyone understanding that the league willingly undertakes to ensure not all genders are encouraged to participate equally.
This decision will be taken into account by anyone considering their participation in softball, including potential sponsors, spectators, and any outside sporting authorities who may wish to be involved with, oversee, assist in development, or partially fund, this sport.
I hope you consider this issue seriously, stand strong against the voices who wish to maintain a gender imbalance, and enforce the WBSC standard of gender equal lineups, across all divisions of softball in Leinster.
Regards,
John Edwards