Western Mass Relics
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Assistant Commissioner

Term Length: 2 Years

Purpose

The Assistant Commissioner serves as the second-in-command and key operational partner to the Commissioner. This role is essential in ensuring continuity of leadership, supporting league operations, and sharing executive responsibilities. The Assistant Commissioner should be fully engaged in the league’s goals, actively supporting all major initiatives, and ready to step into the Commissioner’s role whenever needed. While the Commissioner is the chief executive, the Assistant Commissioner is not a passive position — they play a vital hands-on leadership role across all facets of league operations.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Governance Support

  • Support the Commissioner in providing strategic leadership and decision-making for the league.
  • Attend Board meetings and contribute actively to policy discussions and operational planning.
  • Assist in interpreting and enforcing The Relics’ by-laws, rules, and league policies.
  • Act as the Commissioner’s representative during meetings or events if the Commissioner is unavailable.
  • Help maintain fairness, consistency, and transparency in league governance and operational decisions.

Operational Assistance & Season Management

  • Work closely with the Commissioner and the Board on preseason planning: registration, tryouts, drafts, roster formation, field use issues, and scheduling.
  • Assist Division Chairs (Gold and Silver) and the Registrar with league operations to ensure smooth execution of weekly games.
  • Support communication across committees, helping ensure all officers and volunteers fulfill their responsibilities.
  • Participate in routine on-field setup or teardown tasks, demonstrating a team-first approach and a willingness to handle both major and minor duties.

Continuity & Emergency Leadership

  • Serve as the acting Commissioner whenever the Commissioner is absent, ensuring uninterrupted leadership for The Relics.
  • Be fully knowledgeable of ongoing projects, league decisions, committee activities, and operational challenges so leadership transitions are seamless when needed.
  • Prepare to assume temporary or long-term leadership in unexpected situations.

Member, Sponsor & Community Engagement

  • Assist the Commissioner in serving as an ambassador of The Relics to members, sponsors, field partners, and the community.
  • Attend major league events, ceremonies, and sponsor functions to provide visible leadership presence.
  • Support the Public Relations Chairman and Sponsorship efforts when an elevated leadership voice is needed.

Financial & Administrative Support

  • Participate in budget discussions and help ensure that operations, purchasing, and league decisions remain within approved financial guidelines.
  • Support the Treasurer by reviewing issues that may require executive input or leadership intervention.
  • Assist with fundraising initiatives (e.g., Banner Sponsor Program) and help coordinate sponsor appreciation efforts.

Culture, Conduct & Conflict Resolution

  • Help uphold the league’s Code of Conduct and model sportsmanship and respect at all times.
  • Support the Commissioner in addressing disputes, behavior concerns, or rule-related questions.
  • Help ensure a positive environment for all players by promoting fairness, cooperation, and consistent decision-making.

Hands-On Leadership & Volunteerism

  • Demonstrate a willingness to engage in both administrative and on-field tasks, reinforcing the culture of shared responsibility.
  • Assist in field setup, equipment needs, and operational support on game days as necessary.
  • Encourage volunteerism and collaboration across committees and divisions.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; able to communicate clearly and calmly.
  • Reliable, committed, and willing to actively support league needs at all levels.
  • Ability to collaborate closely with the Commissioner while also taking initiative independently.
  • Comfortable resolving conflict fairly and making balanced decisions.
  • Organized, dependable, and able to juggle multiple seasonal priorities.
  • Familiarity with league operations, field requirements, and senior softball rules is beneficial.

Time Commitment

  • Attend Board meetings and major league events.
  • Participate in preseason operations including tryouts, drafts, and registration support.
  • Provide weekly engagement during the season to help manage issues, communicate with members, and support on-field needs.
  • Assist with communication and coordination between committees, officers, and Division Chairs throughout the year.

Reporting & Accountability

  • Reports directly to the Board.
  • Supports all officers and committee chairs by providing leadership backup and hands-on assistance.
  • Expected to stay fully informed of all league operations and decisions to ensure continuity of leadership.
  • May temporarily assume Commissioner duties when needed.

Why This Role Matters

The Assistant Commissioner strengthens the stability, continuity, and daily operations of The Relics. As an active partner to the Commissioner, this role prevents leadership bottlenecks, supports all officers and committees, and ensures that no single individual is burdened with the full weight of league operations. The Assistant Commissioner is a vital leader—both strategically and hands-on—who helps keep The Relics well-organized, enjoyable, and sustainable for years to come.