Just asking if anyone had to face a challenge where a female player wants to join an all male SS league? She is quoting the SSUSA rule book section stating females "may" play on male teams. Our league has been all male and she already plays on co-ed teams and in other leagues. Her husband plays in our league and she believes she in entitled to play with him. She is an accomplished player but our membership wishes to remain all men. Does she have any legal standing?

TrooperJim ... We will not be able to provide guidance in this matter other than suggesting your league seek independent legal counsel to evaluate the league's governing documents and By-Laws within the context of her stated intentions and your state's laws ... Good luck ...

TooperJim, she does realize when she's quoting from the SSUSA rule book that it refers to sanctioned events governed by SSUSA and that most leagues use and or have their own set of rules.

Yes, leagues do differ. Our league allows women and we have several women players who can keep up with most of the men (we also have players up to age 93 and we integrate them into teams by ability).

A more interesting question would be: can she join an SSUSA team and play in some tournaments?

I don't like it, there are men's/women's/coed leagues. A man can't play in the women's league so it should work both ways. Otherwise why even designate gender titles to leagues in the first place. I would suggest they go play in a coed league together.

Not understanding how her playing would be anissue.If she wants to play and is capable in her abilities what is the concern?

Just got our first FEMALE signed up for SENIOR SOFTBALL in Columbus for this spring. All indications are that she can play with the BOYS. No special rules for her she will play just as we do. Looking forward to watching her play. Not a problem with me.

Put her at third base and when she gets beaned you'll see what the difference is. I don't get this need women feel to do this. Can I join the women's team and play in the women's tournaments? I think not. What's the point? Plenty of coed leagues and tournaments to play in.

We had two try to play in our league about 10 years ago. Our board allowed them but they only lasted a couple of games.
In our present league if our board thinks a person (male or female) can't protect themselves on the field we deny their participation.

Thanks for the responses. I appreciate hearing from you on this. We have in our by-laws and rules this is a men's league.

Here in Fresno, Ca we have quite a few in the senior league. But like what's been mentioned that varies with the leage. Get their by-laws, most have their own web site that should have them posted. Chances are good if the city doesn't offer a womans league of the same kind, I believe you should have a valid argument.
If they want the league to grow as most do, this is one of the best methods. We have husbands and wives playing together and against each other.

Since she already plays in women's and in co-ed there is no reason that she should have to play in men's. If the reason is to play with her husband have him play co-ed too. If she pushes this and her husband allows her to do so I think he should just join the women's league. It would be a better fit. lol
As someone else suggested.... I do agree if there were no co-ed or women's leagues around, it would be a great time to discuss making exceptions for women to play in that men's league.

A few questions seem to be missing here. Is there a Senior league for women available or is this lady stuck in leagues with the kids and their culture? Is her husband a friend you would hate to lose? And why does the league wish to remain all men?

I hate the idea of women in men's leagues. PERIOD Be careful with this. Soon it will go from one women on a team. Then 3-4 on the field, then whole teams of females. All I'm going to say is, in your by-laws cover yourselves. Either state no women, limit the amount of women on the field, put a minimum age (maybe 40).

I say, if she's good enough, let her play!

Yeah guys listen to boston, it will go from 3-4 on the field then whole teams of females. Next thing you know they will want to drive cars, then they will want to vote and make decisions for themselves. Stop the insanity!!

It's not about if she is good enough to play with the men or not, women have there league's and we have ours and if they don't that's to bad... sorry

Say no to PC!