We, the undersigned players, parents, coaches, and community members, strongly urge Softball Manitoba, to officially establish a standalone AA Minor Softball Division/League.

Currently, our AA players are playing in lower-tier A leagues for two months prior to playing at the competitive skill level they are qualified to play at. This confines their skill development potential, minimizes their ability to play competitively on a level playing field, shortens the length of their competitive ball season, limits the depth and frequency of team bonding, and leads to sport devaluation (burn out) for players and coaching staff.

The suggested change world promote a larger, more structured pool of AA players and teams; would generate consistency in competitive play for the duration of the season, enhance team cohesion, improve the athletes confidence, create an opportunity for games and tournaments to be planned over the course of 3 months rather than 1, and allows for AA board members and coaches to plan more productively for the pre and post try out season. 

Benefits for A league players includes more fair-play throughout the Division, skill development at a level that is consistent with the age grouping of the team, increase safety and lower risk of injury to A division players - leading to a more enjoyable ball season for all. A Division registrations numbers have increased over the last 5 years across multiple regions/platforms under the Minor League category. Further actions to increase and preserve registration numbers can be achieved by increasing advertising and recruitment efforts, hosting "learn to play" clinics in the off-season, and/or amalgamating teams within close proximity to one another. Alternatively, the Association should consider the distinct needs of rural and urban Softball Clubs, and work towards a more suitable plan that benefits all players, regardless of their geographical location. 

Additionally, this transformation would help to bridge the skill gap between AA and AAA Division where AA Division can act as an official development tier, subsequently generating a larger pool of high-skilled and highly-motivated athletes to be better equipment to play at, and sustain the AAA Divisions. This would allow for an expanded talent pool for both AA and AAA leagues, more call-up options to fill gaps due to injury or illness, and generates a more reliable tryout and evaluation system to ensure athletes are placed on the correct tier for their physical and mental readiness. 

As a final point, in Canada, roughly 50 - 70% of females playing at a competitive level of softball drop out of the sport by the time they reach the age of 16, and the drop out rate increases from there. Supporting the change to have the AA division a league of its own will strengthen the athletes' mental, emotional and physical wellbeing, minimizing burn out and dropout rates, and enhancing a healthier sport mentality for all softball Divisions - keeping female athletes engaged in softball and softball mentorship programs, longer. 

We respectfully request that Softball Manitoba consider the feasibility of this standalone league in time for the upcoming 2027 season; and ask that league executives meet with community representatives to begin drafting a framework for AA league play.

Sincerely,

The undersigned participants of Softball Manitoba & the Greater Community