Community Agreement

Community spaces are more meaningful for some people than for others. We take the time to think about our place in public spaces, to recognize the privileges we enjoy, and make sure to make space for others.

Gender diversity and sexual orientation

The term Queer encompasses a diversity of gender identities, sexual and romantic orientations, practices and interests. We do not take for granted that our marginal identities  make us allies for everyone. We commit to:

• Respecting people’s pronouns: For example, not assuming people’s pronouns, using gender-neutral language or asking for people’s pronouns and respecting them.
  • Here’s a short guide to gender-neutral pronouns, for reference.
• Using gender-neutral language: Using terms that are neither feminine nor masculine) when addressing people, avoiding using terms like “girls”,  “ladies”,  “guys”, “boys”). Using gender-neutral terms like “everyone”, “folks”, “people”, “the group”, “players”, etc.”
• Avoiding discriminatory comments about people’s gender identity, gender expression, sexual/romantic orientation, or sexuality.

Anti-racism

Racism is the differential treatment of people on the basis of their skin color, presumed ethnic origin or religious beliefs. Certain identities overlap, and racialized people are more likely to be marginalized, even in queer spaces. This league aims to be a space of solidarity, a safer space where no form of racism is tolerated. We prioritize an attitude of listening and empathy, and invite people to be sensitive to all forms of oppression, from the individual, to the local and global scale. We commit to:

• Listening and learning: no one wants to see themselves as behaving in a racist way, but we certainly all still have biases to deconstruct, so we commit to taking feedback with openness rather than defensiveness.
• Avoiding asking questions or making intrusive comments based on a person’s skin color, physical features, or religious symbols.
• Avoiding “jokes” about social, racial, religious and/or ethnic background, whether this relates directly to an individual within the league, or to others.
• Reflecting on the words we use, their weight and connotation. Recognizing that language conveys values, and has an impact.
• Remaining attentive and sensitive to what others may experience on a daily basis, including in terms of racial discrimination. Not waiting for the impacted people to explain how certain behaviours and/or words are problematic or hurtful, but doing the work to examine and improve our behaviours individually and collectively.

Anti-ableism and neurodiversity

Anti-ableism is a stance that aims to eliminate all forms of discrimination against people with disabilities, whether physical or  cognitive, visible or invisible.

The league is open to all people identifying themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+ who want to play softball in a safer space, regardless of their physical, athletic or strategic abilities. To this end, BMQS is committed to making reasonable accommodations wherever possible to make the sport more accessible. We commit to:

• Respecting our own limits and needs during games, practices, and beyond.
• Respecting and listening to each other’s limits, without asking for justification or explanations.
• Avoiding prejudging people’s abilities or limits: Bearing in mind that disabilities take different forms, both visible and less visible, and that individuals are the experts on their own situations.

Any attitude or comment that discriminates against disabled and/or neurodivergent people will not be tolerated.

Anti-classism

Classism refers to the discrimination of individuals or groups on the basis of their real or assumed membership to a particular social class. Classism can be expressed, for example, by disparaging or mocking attitudes, behaviours and remarks towards people deemed poorer, less educated, etc. 

Classist attitudes, behaviours, and remarks will not be tolerated.

We recognize that communication can be difficult, especially in stressful situations, but we are committed to doing our best to communicate in a healthy and respectful way whenever possible. This includes:

• Being kind to each other: Avoid shouting at, insulting, or pushing people.
• Giving and receiving feedback in a positive way, i.e.:
  • Addressing the problem rather than the person, and being specific rather than general, for example: not “You’re making bad calls”, but “From my perspective, it looked like the ball was still in bounds”;
  • Speak from the “I” perspective, for example: not “you’re rude”, but “I found that comment hurtful;”
  • Avoiding making assumptions about the motivations or thoughts of others, and instead remaining curious and asking questions;
  • Remaining open to feedback, and taking the time to reflect on it rather than being reactive;
  • Working together to find solutions
• Being as strict as possible with our own communication, and as generous as possible in our interpretation of  the communication of others.

We commit to following the rules and playing fairly. In addition, we commit to being considerate of other players, both on our team and in the league, respecting their skills, and encouraging a respectful and inclusive playing environment.

The purpose of the league is to strengthen relationships, not strain them! While winning can be exhilarating, we believe that having fun is more important. When in disagreement with a call or a decision, it’s fine to express the disagreement, but sometimes it’s necessary to simply let it go and continue enjoying the game, even if we feel the outcome should have been different.

We recognize that softball is a team game, and that our individual actions have an impact on the team as a whole. We commit to being present when we say we will be present, and to being on time and respectful of others’ time.

We commit to communicating honestly and in a timely manner about changes in plans, cancellations, delays, or anything else that may have an impact on the team or the league.

We commit to respecting the fact that some people may not want to be ‘out’, or may not want their images or information to be public, for various reasons. We agree not to post photos or information of members on social media or public platforms without their explicit consent.

We recognize that there is always room for improvement. Mistakes happen: let’s learn from them. We commit to being kind to one another, to being open to feedback, and to working together to make our league and our community as inclusive and safe as it can be.