JULY 8, 1994 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 3

Limit on straight softball players draws fire

by Bryan Read

Who ever thought an easygoin' game of softball could be so frustrating and complex? Certainly not the players and officials of Cleveland's North Coast Athletic Association lesbigay softball league.

A difference of opinion over league bylaws concerning teams' gay/straight player balance has some team members and community supporters crying foul.

Formed in 1983, the league has been a tool for bringing the queer community together in a social atmosphere. NCAA commissioner Steve Arnold simply states, "The goal of the

league has always been to bring together gay Clevelanders on a Sun-

day afternoon to play

ball and have some fun."

But recently softball

has turned to hardball when Arnold says he's "been dealing more with politics than sports these days."

Reynolds' need at that time for more players.

The NCAA had no problem with Reynolds' bringing in straight members of his family to fill his roster, said Arnold, but he should have also actively recruited gay members as well. "We're not telling straights they can't play. We want their support. But, it is important to remember who and what this league is about. This is a gay league, not a straight one," says Arnold.

To garner support for his case, Reynolds even took to the streets of Cleveland's Pride '94 festival to distribute pamphlets arguing the majority rule. Arnold again states that according to league by-laws, Reynolds' actions of late are grounds for possible removal from the NCAA. "NCAA officers are really trying to bend over backward to make sure that everything in the league runs smoothly. But Mark has yet to return my calls to work things out." To

"We're not telling straights they can't play. We want their support. But, it is important to remember who and what this league is about. This is a gay league, not a straight one."

Most vocal is Mark Reynolds, manager for the Memoirs-sponsored team, one of six teams in the NCAA. Having already lost two straight players, Reynolds believes the gay-majority rule applied to team rosters shouldn't exist at all, and wants it removed from the by-laws. NCAA is guilty of reverse discrimination against the straights. They say there are too many on our team and they shouldn't go to the Midwest Invitational this summer. They should let anyone who wants to play onto the team."

Arnold said that according to league rules, a two-thirds/one-third gay-to-straight team ratio is currently maintained. He also said this ratio was opened up back in 1991 from a ninety percent gay-majority rule to accommodate

counter Reynolds distribution of the pamphlets and to quell the fervor of this issue, the NCAA officers plan to clarify their position, backed by their constitution, and distribute their own material to league members soon.

NCAA officers wish to remind players and the community that the purpose of the league is not confined to the playing field. Once the season's expenses have been paid, the remaining revenue from players' fees are donated to area charities. Past recipients have included Health Issues Taskforce, Kamana House, and Northern Ohio Coalition (NOCI). Arnold says this year the league hopes to contribute to the Hebron House and the Women's Community Project, among possible others.

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