Contents
Board Report 4 Executive Officer Report 6 Life Members & Hall of Fame Inductees 7 Board Members & Award Recipients 8 Sub Committee Reports 9 Our Members 26 Past Presidents & Secretaries 56 Partners & Sponsors 57
Board Report Softball clubs. This means addressing barriers for young people and families to play our sport and In reviewing what has been successful about our educating everyone on what this looks like. The year in Softball and determining how far we have Board participated in a workshop to improve our moved toward our aspirations for the game, it is inclusive capability and this education is being pleasing to hear around the diamonds that a extended to our Member Associations at our number of changes have improved the experience Members forum. for kids, coaches, administrators and volunteers. We received a significant increase in government It is the Board’s intention to approve incentives and investment and it is also exciting to read through easy to deliver programs for our Associations and the reports of terrific achievements of our Member Clubs to bring the fun back and celebrate everything Associations. that is wonderful about Softball. Recently sport in general has had a shadow cast over its reputation. Along with new committee members, we have seen With this shadow comes an opportunity to ‘step up increases in recruitment and a revitilisation of to the plate’ as a sport by creating a safe place for volunteers. These members are focusing clearly on young people and families where racism or drugs the future while maintaining what has been good are not tolerated. Sport consumers have a bevy of and valued about the past. To all those who choices and Softball has so much to offer. dedicate so much of their time to Softball, thank you for your efforts in contributing to regrow the The Board has envisaged a future, which brings sport. females back to our sport. Together with Sport and Recreation Victoria, we are offering leadership For the second year, our member numbers have opportunities through the Women in Sport and grown. Junior member category registrations are up Active Recreation (WISAR) program, which aims to by 30% and Masters and recreational registrations positively engage young women in Softball. up by 300%. The corporate slow pitch competition at Melbourne has led the way in the recreational The Board was successful in our application to category attracting participants outside of our vicsport to be part of their Good Governance traditional member categories; a strong project that aims to assist State Sporting demonstration of Softball’s appeal as a social sport. Associations to improve governance capacity and influence board diversity and inclusion. It helped Sports constant challenge is to maximize these the Board to review its workings, see what we are efforts and transition recruits into opportunities to doing well, where we have made progress and what play for life; a distinct market advantage for is still to be done. Softball, which has a super masters program, an elite pathway and social modes of the game. One benefit of this Board development is to also enhance the work of Board, Member Association With this in mind, a goal was and will continue to and Club, committees. The goal is for them to also be, a focus on building our coaching stocks. The reflect a diverse and changing demographic for coaching committee has had input into the Softball and combine a skill mix together with improved development pathway and held the first content expertise thus delivering exciting outcomes face to face courses in five years. for our participants. It has been encouraging to again see growth in the number of volunteers Good coaching is not enough. Kids and parents contributing at State level. reject sport when there is an unfriendly or non- inclusive environment. Our partnership with From research, we know that young people want VicHealth guides our work to provide welcoming input into their choices and people who have been
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around for a while, want support. We have Having access to their knowledge of the game and developed a survey, which will be released in July to Mike’s commercial acumen was invaluable and we find out how you want Softball to fit into your life thank them for their contribution. over the next five to ten years. At the end of last year Elaine Duyvestyn retired as a The Board developed the 2013/14 business plan Director after many of service to the Board. Elaine is that prioritises the work of the office and sub- a Life Member of Softball Victoria and we would like committees. The planning identified our skill and to thank her for her tireless contribution. Elaine capacity gaps and identified the enablers and continues her involvement in Softball through barriers to achieving our vision for Softball in committee work and at Melbourne Softball Victoria. Softball is no less resource poor than other Association where she is also a Life Member. sports – what we do with our time and funds must Both Barry Curley and Geoff ‘Joffa’ Ritchie left be smart and targeted. With our strategy and Softball Victoria following long tenures. Joffa was operations in a positive position and Softball growing, we are positioned to start thinking about the face of Softball Victoria for a long period as the Development Officer. We wish them both the best the commercial leveraging of Softball in Victoria. for the future. On the world stage, we congratulate our champions Jo Phillips commenced as the Executive Officer in - Kris Kiefel, David Edwards and Helen Edwards (Statisician) who won a Bronze medal with the October and made an instant impact. Jo’s mandate Aussie Steelers at the World Championships in New was to transform our administrative culture. She has improved processes for members and is an Zealand. Leigh Evans represented the country in the ‘blue’ uniform. The Under 19 Men’s team, the advocate for using technology to do so. Welcome to Aussie Colts also secured a bronze medal in our sport Jo and thank you for the manner in which November last year with Sam Kassianou (Captain) you have energetically taken on significant change. Ryan Sinclair, Scott Jansen and Jack Hayes our Alan Vogt, Life member of Knox & District Softball players who secured an Australian junior cap along Association and Victorian coaching representative with Assistant Coach Sandra Evans and Umpire passed away in April. Many of our elite athletes had Kevin Broomhall. In July, the Aussie Spirit Women’s involvement with Alan and benefited from his Team travelled to Canada and also returned with a dedication and positive coaching style. The Softball Bronze medal. Congratulations to Justine community is poorer as a result of his passing. Smethurst and Mary Walkinshaw (Statisician) on their success. As we report on the year that has I would like to acknowledge the work of the Board: been, the Under 19 Aussie Pride Team are a hard working group with abundant expertise, competing in Canada at the World Championships which they apply to their leadership and decision- and we wish them and Victorian Umpire, Phil Waller making. With another year of significant change, all the best for the tournament. they have never shied from the challenges. Thank you to the Board and all those who contribute to Softball Australia recognized the contributions and the leadership of our sport. stellar careers of two Victorian greats: Natalie Titcume and Wendy Braybon (physiotherapist) were Jenny Holliday inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame at President the SAL Awards dinner in December. On behalf of the Softball Victoria Board
During this year appointed Director Mike Shields and elected Director Raelene Jeffrey resigned.
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Executive Officer Report umpires and coaches is integral to ongoing funding under this program, as is the work of the It is with a great sense of optimism that I write my development committee in attracting members to first report as Executive Officer of Softball Victoria. our program. As we head towards the development Since commencing in October, I have been on a of a new strategic plan we will continue to work steep learning curve about the sport of Softball. It towards getting more people, more active in has been a pleasure meeting with Associations, Softball, more often. attending State Championships, State Team training sessions and National events both here and On a personal note, I would like to thank the Board interstate. The passion and dedication to the sport for their tireless work towards revising the way we is evident amongst the many volunteer govern and administer the sport, which will administrators, coaches, officials, parents and ultimately provide the background for an exciting players. future for our members.
The 2012-2013 Season has been one of significant Joanne Phillips Executive Officer change, and although there is still work to be done, Softball Victoria the Board, Committees and Associations should be tremendously proud of their efforts to date. SAL HALL OF FAME: Wendy Braybon & Natalie Titcume Significant effort has also gone into the various projects funded through our partnerships with VicHealth and Sport and Recreation Victoria. Whilst many of the projects are still in their infancy, they will have a profoundly positive effect on the softball community in the years to come.
VicHealth
Through the Everyone Wins program we have been reviewing our internal policies and procedures, to ensure we have the appropriate framework to create inclusive and positive environments for our members. Photos Courtesy of Tru View Photography
Sport and Recreation Victoria Wendy was appointed as the Australian Open Women’s Team physiotherapist from 1982 -2000 A major achievement through the Women In Sport and acted as the Victorian physio over this time. and Recreation project has been the appointment Wendy attended five World Championships (1982, of Kylie Bracey as our Mentor Coach for women. 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998) and two Olympic Games with Softball. In total, she attended 36 tournaments Our mentor program has been established with as the Australian Team physiotherapist. three community coaches, who will work with Kylie and our Senior Coaching Advisors to develop the Natalie represented the Australian Open Women's resources that will support and encourage female Softball team, the Aussie Spirit, from 1994-2008 coaches. playing 334 games for Australia. She is ranked 3rd all time for Australian appearances in the women’s The Victorians More Active funding is broadly program. Natalie competed in three Olympic Games reflected in the outcomes of our current strategic (2000, 2004, 2008) and two World Championships plan. The accreditation and training of statisticians, (1998, 2006).
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Life Members & Hall of Fame Inductees
Life Members 1946 Jack OWENS* 1979 Pauline CAREW* 1946 William NEWSOME* 1980 Midge NELSON MBE 1947 Irene BURROWES* 1984 Arthur ALLSOPP* 1948 Lorraine MICHAEL (nee REID) 1986 Elaine DUYVESTYN 1949 Jack FRANKLIN* 1988 Aubrey KOTZ 1950 William MUIR* 1989 Betty MCGUIRE 1951 Roy BARTLETT* 1996 Margo KOSKELAINEN OAM 1952 Frances CRAIG* 1998 John BYRNE 1953 Dorothy LUMSDEN* 1999 Lyn BISHOP 1954 Judy THOMPSON* 1999 Lorraine DAVIES 1954 Gwen HOOPELL 1999 Vivienne TRIPLETT* 1955 Thomas DOBSON* 2001 Des SMITH 1956 Esther DEASON, MBE* 2003 Bill GOBBART 1963 Glory BAIN 2006 George JAMES 1964 Elizabeth DORNAN* 2009 Kevin BROOMHALL 1968 Myrtle EDWARDS* 2009 Leigh EVANS 1971 Merle SHORT* 2010 Dot BOURKE 1975 Marjorie DWYER* 2010 Rhonda SCAMMELL 1977 Lorraine IRELAND (nee CADMAN) 2012 Esther LIGHTOWLER
*Denotes deceased
HALL OF FAME
Ken ALLAN Josephine LOTON Jan ALLSOPP Merrilyn MIDDLIN Rhonda BOYD Midge NELSON MBE Helena COGHLAN Joanne PAEZ Myrtle EDWARDS* Gladys PHILLIPS Leanne EVANS Marjorie SARGENT Judy DE LACY Merle SHORT* Esther DEASON MBE* Margaret SWANN Bess DORNAN* Vivienne TRIPLETT* Rita GUY Sandra TROYHAN Denise HUTCHINSON-DAYNES Norma WOOD
Awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement in Softball
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Board Members & Award Recipients
Board of Directors President Jenny Holliday
Directors Gail Bergmann Dot Bourke Raelene Jeffrey (resigned 20/12/12) Roger Maddern Grant Rice Mike Shields (resigned 20/12/12) Ryan Thorneycroft (appointed 21/03/13) David Talalla Karen Wallace
Staff
Executive Officer Barry Curley (resigned 04/06/12) Joanne Phillips (appointed 01/10/12) Sport Development Officer Geoff Ritchie (resigned 09/08/12)
Merle Short Service Award
The Merle Short Service Award honours members for their valuable contribution to Softball by being recognised with the award for exceptional service to Softball:
Tony BLACK Dandenong
Marjorie N Dwyer Memorial Scholarship
The Marjorie Dwyer Memorial Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance for the education, training and advancement of Softball Umpires. This year there were no scholarship recipients
Peter Phillips Award
In honour of Peter Phillips, who mentored and coached many of our female stars, the award is presented to the most valuable Under 17 female player in her contribution to the team both on and off the diamond during training and Championship. This year it was awarded to:
Jodi PENFOLD Waverley
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Sub Committee Reports
FINANCE COMMITTEE:
Chair- Gail Bergmann
Committee: David TALALLA and Jenny HOLLIDAY
The Finance Committee meets on a monthly basis. Similarly, by including all expenses from all Prior to his resignation from the Board of SV Mike activities we can better control our costs and Shields was also a member of this Committee. The identify areas of potential underinvestment. Executive Officer attends each meeting in an ex Oversight of the ‘big picture’ is crucial so that officio capacity. In accords with its Terms of appropriate short, medium and long term financial Reference the Committee recommends and decisions, which support the achievement of the advises the board on matters including: SV Strategy and Business plan, can be made with . Financial performance of SV confidence. . Financial management policies, systems and processes There has been an increased emphasis on . Financial reporting, including the annual developing and then reporting against robust financial report budgets which will continue. This enables us to . Recommendation to the Board on, and better respond, or indeed proactively manage, oversight of, the external auditor budget shortfalls or windfalls. This year we are . Oversight and implementation of ongoing reporting a surplus of $74,000 and we have financial reform at Softball Victoria budgeted for a surplus of $13,000 in 2014. Whilst . Identification of and advice on, potential it is important to achieve a surplus so as to remain new revenue generating and cost saving financially viable in the long term we have also initiatives budgeted to spend increased amounts on various initiatives to enhance programs and other SV During the 2013 Financial Year the Committee, deliverables. with the assistance of the Executive Officer, has focused on improving the recording and reporting Sound and accurate financial reporting is also of all SV financial transactions. As at 30 April 2013 critical in enabling us to meet our reporting we have, for the first time, a complete picture of obligations in relation to our funding. We have the revenue and expenses attributable to the increased our grant revenue from $23,000 in the entire SV operation. The true size of our prior year to $100,000 this year. Our compliance organisation is now apparent. For example, in the with milestone reporting and prudent financial previous two years we disclosed revenue in the management will hopefully see this funding order of $300,000. By including all revenue for increase further over time. which SV is responsible (such as state team levies and development academy fees) we see that SV will continue its focus to centralise all finance revenue is actually in the vicinity of $650,000. We functions. The introduction of processes such as also now have visibility of all revenue streams. We the online registration and payment of fees for all can review the revenue attributed to other Development Academy athletes has been activities such as coaching, umpiring and scoring extremely successful. A similar system will also be courses and can determine if we are fully introduced for 2014 State Team players, thereby capitalizing on the revenue that can be generated reducing the burden on our already over worked from these activities. team managers. This year, registration and
payment for umpiring, coaching and scoring The financial statements for the year ending 30 courses will also be online. The Committee will be April 2013 are presented within the Annual Report setting a pricing schedule for all courses early in – with accompanying notes and narrative. The July. Statements have been audited by Lindsay Coster CPA. With the advancements made in day to day recording and reporting of revenue and expenses, I would like to thank all the members of the thanks to the diligent efforts of our EO, the Finance Finance Committee and our EO for their hard work. Committee now has the bandwidth to allocate Thanks especially to David Talalla for the use of his more time to the challenge of identifying business premises for our monthly meetings. I additional and non-traditional sources of revenue look forward to achieving even more in the 2014 to assist in achieving the strategies of SV. financial year.
PROFIT & LOSS STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2013 $
INCOME Grants Note 1 123,728 Members Levies Note 2 172,486 Development Academy Levies 76,437 State Team Levies 166,938 SAL Fees Collected 26,758 Events Revenue Note 3 28,457 State Team Dinner 10,555 Sponsorship 8,400 Course Revenue 3,482 Other 18,660
TOTAL INCOME 635,900
EXPENDITURE
Development Academy 61,813 State Team Expenses 222,555 SAL Fees and Cost Share Allocation 29,365 Events Expenses 22,896 State Team Dinner Expenses 21,445 Staff Costs 89,007 Insurance 46,076 Motor Vehicle Expenses 5,313 Board and Technical Committee Expenses 7,251 Bad Debts 7,545 Rent and Rates 9,887 Administration 38,093
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 561,245
NET SURPLUS 74,655
NOTES TO THE PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2013 $
Note 1 Grant Revenue
SAL Gilleys Shield Funding 23153 Department of Planning and Community Development 70,575 VMA 2012- 2015 26,000 WISAR 42,000 Indigenous Sport 2,000 Sporting Uniforms 575 Vic Health 30,000 Total Grant Revenue 123,727
Note 2 Member’s Levies
Senior 65,347 Junior 21,826 Recreation Slow Pitch 8,091 Masters 5,944 Insurance fees 66,433 Other 5,165 Total Member’s Levies 172,806
Note 3 Events Revenue
U12 Spectacular 789
State Championships Fees 5,341
Masters Championships 22,327
Total Events Revenue 28,457
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 APRIL 2013 $
CURRENT ASSETS Bank 166,694 Marj Dwyer Trust Account 7,118 Accounts Receivable 110,401 Prepaid Expenses 759 Uniform Stock 2,000 Other Receivables 406
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 287,379
NON CURRENT ASSETS Plant & Equipment 3,314 Motor Vehicles 3,000 Office Equipment 359
TOTAL NON CURRENT ASSETS 6,673
TOTAL ASSETS Note 4 294,053
CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts Payable 48,448 Credit Card 2,823 Unearned Revenue 3,636 Tax Payable 6,045 PAYG Tax Payable 1,772 Leave Provisions 7,708
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 70,433
TOTAL LIABILITIES Note 4 70,433
NET ASSETS 223,619
EQUITY
Retained Earnings Note 4 148,964 Surplus 74,655
TOTAL EQUITY 223,619
NOTES TO THE BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2013
Note 4 Opening Balances
The Directors of SV have determined that it is not practical to have the opening balances of each asset and liability account included in the 2013 financial statements audited. In prior periods (up to and including the 2011 financial year) various assets and liabilities controlled by SV were not reflected in the balance sheet that was audited and provided to members. That decision was made by the directors in place at that time.
In 2012 the Finance Committee made a decision that, in accordance with accounting standards and the Associations Incorporation Act, all assets and liabilities under the control of SV should be reflected in the financial statements. Those 2012 accounts were not audited (as disclosed at the 2012 AGM).
The work that would now be required by the newly appointed auditor to confirm the opening balances is not considered cost effective. The EO and Finance Committee have done considerable work in ensuring that the opening balances were accurate, given in some cases the quality of records available. The closing balances of all assets and liabilities under the control of SV as at 30 April are, in the opinion of the directors, accurate and those balances have been audited.
The increase in net assets arising from these adjustments has been added directly to equity via opening retained earnings rather than introduced as current year income
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Chair- Mike Shanhun
Committee: Ian BAHN, Perin DAWSON, Elaine DUYVESTYN, Jenny HOLLIDAY and Richard WICKLIFFE
The Development Committee reviewed and available to deliver the program. Last year refined the Pathway process for this year, we suffered with a shortage on the girl’s eventually deciding upon a slightly shorter side, whereas this year there has been a program. We hope this will alleviate the major increase allowing us to get down to a possibility of “burn-out” particularly on the very manageable coach/player ratio. parent side. However the boy’s program has suffered from a lack of available coaches. We are still This year has seen a change in fortune looking to appoint a Head Coach to co- somewhat with great numbers in the ordinate the August component of the younger junior academies yet the U/19 Pathway and we will lose some coaches groups in particular have had very low from both programs to State teams. numbers. This will be an are of focus for the committee over the next planning period to So far this year we have had good feedback ensure that we retain those numbers we from both players and parents regarding the have gained in the junior groups delivery of the Pathway. The committee will work have the Development tops and hats The following table shows the relevant available much earlier in the future. numbers participating this year. The late announcement of the U/15 Lismore Girls Academies - Regional Championships presented a U/13 28 challenge for the committee and office. It has meant that we have been trying to U/15 56 organise all aspects of a travelling team at U/17 44 very short notice. Having said that, the U/19 16 officials of the team are working overtime to TOTAL 144 ensure it all goes smoothly.
The next major challenge is to ensure the Boys Academies – team arrangements for both Albury and U/13 11 Adelaide also go smoothly. U/15 15 We have been working with the Coaching U/17 22 Committee this year to present specialized U/19 15 sessions for all academies and it appears to TOTAL 63 be working well so far. The Scoring and The U/19 Boys do not participate in the Umpiring committees have both been active weekly sessions which will be addressed in in arranging their members to attend the the future but have registered and selection trial days and we would expect the completed the benchmark testing to be participation from both these groups will eligible for state selection. increase as we move towards game trainings The other major change we have seen this in the second part of the Pathway. year has been the number of coaches
The Development Committee would like to make particular mention of the work Joanne Phillips has done in helping to streamline many processes. It is an enormous task and the changes have helped us to deliver a great program.
Under 12 Softball Spectacular Junior Growth Committee: Jo INGRAM, Cathy FERRARO, Dominic PASSARELLI, Lynne WILLMOTT, Ryan THORNEYCROFT, Keith QUINN, Polly TUIALII
The highlight of the junior calendar, this year’s event at Northern Districts exceeded all expectations, with team participation up from 8 to 15 teams.
Teams: Bluebirds Brandon Heights Casey Cheetahs Eastern Raiders Falcons Frankston Geelong Glen Eira
Glen Waverley Kotuku Laverton Pandas Laverton Bears Monarchs Pinewood Rebels
Although the heat was stifling, it seemed nothing would stop Casey from taking out the trophy. A huge congratulations to all that participated and in particular to the Junior Growth Committee for their tremendous efforts in running the event
Photos Courtesy of Tru View Photography
MASTERS COMMITTEE:
Chair - Dot BOURKE
Committee: Ray CARTER, Carolyn CHRISTIE, Steven LLOYD, Kay WILLIAMS
This past year has again been very successful This year some of the teams that did not for the MASTERS. participate will be travelling to the World Masters Games in Italy and we wish them In June 2012 we travelled to Shepparton well. where the weather was again very kind to us. This year in 2013 we travelled to I would like to thank the members of the Bendigo. Following our previous visit to Masters Committee, Carolyn Christie, Kay Bendigo, which was not the best tournament Williams, Steve Lloyd and Ray Carter for all we have had, this year was very successful their support, assistance and hard work. I with terrific weather and a very good venue would also like to thank Deb Keogh and at the Sports Precinct at Epsom. Rhonda Scammell, for their support and work with the Umpires during the Team entries in the Women’s section are tournament and to Jo Phillips from the increasing but unfortunately in the Men’s Softball Victoria office for her assistance. division numbers have fallen. Each year we Also, to our ground crew, Steve Lloyd and have between 36 and 40 teams entered. Doug Bourke for the great job with the diamonds each day.
VICTORIAN CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE
Chair - Esther LIGHTOWLER Committee: Ray CARTER, Mark SCAMMELL and Karen WALLACE
The 2012-13 Series of Victorian State AGE GRADE MALE FEMALE Championships were successfully held across Under 15 A-Grade Casey Waverley the state at various venues. We would like to B-Grade Geelong Casey thank Albury-Wodonga, Melbourne, Sunshine Under 17 A-Grade Casey Knox B-Grade Dandenong and Geelong Associations for hosting and for Under 19 A-Grade Casey Waverley your co-operation in the lead-up to each Open A-Grade Casey Glen Eira Championship. B-Grade Albury-Wodonga
Congratulations to the victorious teams: Declining team numbers continues to be a prevalent factor in the sustainability of state
championships. However, it is encouraging to see that the amount of participants at Under 15 level has not declined significantly. The Committee is working with the Board on
different initiatives that will allow for greater that all participants are aware of correct on- participation and interest at all levels and field attire for future championships coupled from all softball members. with a recommendation of financial implications for each participant who is out of uniform during the championships. Moving forward, the committee intends to spearhead a number of updates to bring Victoria in-line with Australia and to encourage competition and development I would like to thank specifically the members of the Championship Sub-Committee; Ray within Victoria. These have been tabled separately but include changes to pitching Carter, Mark Scammell and Karen Wallace for distances, player eligibility, and scheduling. their hard work and dedication that allows the We will be recommending an audit of each Victorian Championships to be run each year. Association’s uniform requirements to ensure
SCORING COMMITTEE
Chair - Lorraine DAVIES Committee: Ray CARTER, Helen EDWARDS, Angela FORGAN and Mary WALKINSHAW
On behalf of the committee a summary of used at Australian Tournament the demand our work in ensuring the State of Victoria for learning to score with the use of remains a leader in the development of technology is becoming very popular. scorers along with further advancement of Refresher course was held once again for our senior statisticians. updating the latest rules and ways of scoring etc. Courses Level 1 Waverley October 8 Tournaments Level 1 Geelong September 7 Victoria once again hosted a round of Level 2 Waverley November 8 Gilley’s Shield at Waverley. This again is a Level 2 Geelong November 5 busy time for all senior statisticians. The use of spotters for these games is excellent. Level 3 Burwood September 2 Again we saw some excellent scorers doing some of these games. They are able to gain iScore some valuable insight into their Beginners May 14 development. Experienced May 17 Victoria did not host an Australian Advanced August 10 Championship with Gilley’s Shield Women’s round our only National tournament. Senior Statisticians Refresher course Victoria sent quite a group of statisticians to August 11. various states this year.
As above our courses continue in Gilleys Round 1 Perth development. With the iPad now being TCS Lorraine Davies
Gilleys Round 2,3,4 Awards TCS Chris Trengove Gilleys Round 3 Melbourne This year along with great co-operation TCS Ray Carter from the Softball Victoria board we Gilleys Round 1 Perth presented the Inaugural Statistician of the Jim Giles Year Award and with the Rookie Statistician Gilleys Round 2 Adelaide Award of the Year. Allison Pendlebury Statistician of the Year Award was won by U/17 Boys Tasmania Mary Walkinshaw for her dedicated work in Jim Giles the past 12 months. Along with this Mary Under 19 Women Canberra also won the Australian award for TCS Kerryn Bell Statistician of the Year. Very well deserved. Open Men Canberra Rookie Statistician Award of the Year was TCS Allison Pendlebury presented to Zoe Carolan. Open Men Canberra Lorraine Davies Future Jim Giles We are in the process of setting up our Australian Women working dates for the forthcoming season. Mary Walkinshaw Canada Development continues with the Australian Men technology side of scoring with training to Helen Edwards New Zealand our statisticians in the various facets of this pathway. Thanks to everyone who has assisted in the above tournaments especially our Gilley’s Unfortunately Victoria will not host a Shield round in Melbourne. National Tournament but senior We would very much like to acknowledge Statisticians are able to apply to for tasks in the scorers who travel with our other States. development teams. .
Mary Walkinshaw and Zoe Carolan Photo Courtesy of Tru View Photography
UMPIRING COMMITTEE
Chair- Richard BARROW
Committee: Debbie GROVE, Ryan THORNEYCROFT, Trevor MURPHY, Leigh EVANS, Diane WALLER, Jason CARTER, Merv LARTER, Kevin BROOMHALL, Stuart TYLER International Representation opportunities are on the horizon for international representation. A number of international umpiring opportunities have presented themselves National Representation over the last twelve months. In July 2012 Debbie Grove and Diane Waller fulfilled Victorian Umpires held a management role their appointment to the Canada Cup and at every National tournament, including ISF XIII Women’s World Championship held five of the nine TCU roles. We provided twenty-six on-field umpires at all in Canada. In November 2012, Kevin Broomhall officiated at the ISF IX Junior tournaments, and many were rewarded for Men’s World Championship held in their excellent performance with Grand Final appointments. Our four National level Argentina. Leigh Evans officiated at the Australia v Japan Men’s pre-Worlds series candidates were successful with Ryan in Canberra and the Dean Schick Memorial Thorneycroft (Albury), Chris Trengove (Waverley) and Stuart Tyler (Waverley) tournament in New Zealand in February 2013. Richard Barrow was selected to travel attaining the highest national accreditation to New Zealand and participate in the SAL- Level 6 and Dave Addlem (Geelong) achieving Level 5. We filled thirty-two SNZ Trans-Tasman Umpire Exchange, umpiring at the NZ Men’s Open Club allocations over all of the National Championships in March 2013. Finally, in Championships, including 44% of SAL Tournament Management positions such as March 2013, Leigh Evans officiated at the ISF XIII Men’s World Championship held in TCU or Assessor. New Zealand. Open State Championship
Held at Albury-Wodonga Association on 9- 10 March, this tournament ran well. Equally significant is the recent appointment of Phil Waller, who will travel Unfortunately there was a need to invoke to Canada in July 2013, appointed to the ISF the Judiciary Regulations with one on-field incident and one post-match off-field X Junior Women’s World Championship. These are great achievements for hard- incident. Cones to mark the outfield working umpires. boundary continue to cause issues.
Many teams continue to enter without The next Oceania ISF Certification Seminar is proposed for Feb 2014 in New Zealand, umpires. As you’d be aware, the Open State Championships is not the tournament to be where another group of Victorian umpires hope to present for further advancement. under-staffed, in fact the standard of play With the ISF moving to a two World requires us to be over-staffed, with A-grade games in particular deserving of a 3-umpire Championships per year format, increased
system. Even if every team entry contains attended for a range of Junior Umpire one umpire, we don’t have enough. All six Development activities, including round games were staffed with a two classroom-style workshops and on-diamond umpire system, which is unsatisfactory. This work. I would like to congratulate the is the third year that we have struggled for participating clubs for their support of the umpire numbers at Opens, and thus we had trainee umpires in action. I would also like to use inexperienced level one and two to give thanks to those associations that umpires. This is not conducive of our wholeheartedly embraced this umpire primary aim – servicing the games with the development opportunity and I would standard of umpiring they deserve. implore all associations to do likewise in the future. U19 & U17 State Championships Impact Challenge The U19 one-day tournament, held at Melbourne Association and U17 hosted by The Impact Challenge this year saw over 70 Sunshine, were well staffed. The games and more than 290 allocations tournaments were successful and ran completed by senior umpires. Two games without incident, with sufficient umpire were played Tuesday nights at Casey and numbers, and good co-operation between Werribee. This competition offers umpires TCU, VSA Rep and Tournament Convenor. the chance to hone their skills in a high- Pre-tournament ground inspections were level competition. VUC would like to thank satisfactorily completed. Trevor Murphy for his work in organizing the umpire allocations. U15 State Championship Summary The Under 15 Championship was held at Geelong on 23-24 February where the Victorian Umpires have again performed Future Umpire Program was held for four well at International level, with nine developing umpires, some of which were appointments to international events. building and consolidating the training from We have also excelled on the National front the week earlier at the U12s. It was great to with three umpires (Ryan Thorneycroft, have a very friendly and keen group of Chris Trengove and Stuart Tyler) attaining umpires. The Future Umpires in attendance the highest national level and another enjoyed the camaraderie of the umpires’ (Dave Addlem) achieving national room so much that they spent their off- accreditation. We filled thirty-two time there as well. Umpire assessments for allocations over all of the National the season were completed at this Championships, including 44% of SAL tournament. This tournament also saw the Tournament Management positions such as debut of our new Green Shirts after a TCU or Assessor, and Victorian Umpires successful grant application. featured strongly in Grand Final U12 Club Spectacular appointments.
The second Under 12 Club Spectacular was At State level, another eight umpires have held at Northern Districts on 17 February achieved their next level of accreditation. A where around twenty novice umpires big push on Junior Umpire Development
again took place at the U12 and U15 associations, we hope to continue that tournaments, with a lot of hard work by the grass roots development. senior umpires. With the support of all local
Leigh Evans – Umpire Of The Year Photo Courtesy of Tru View Photography
MARKETING AND MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Chair – Roger Maddern Committee: David TALALLA Management of the SV’s Website The Marketing & Membership Committee including CRM database (M&MC) was established in November Volunteer management 2012 with its Terms of Reference approved by the Board in December. The committee has met 5 times since November 2012 to establish its priorities The purpose of the M&MC: and work to deliver on the relevant Is to advise the SV Board on and facilitate initiatives’ in the SV 2010-14 Strategic Plan. relative action for: Marketing strategies and tactics Specific activities and involvement eMarketing including SV Website included: and related social media platforms Participation and presentation at Marketing communications ACHPER Victoria 2012 Conference. Media relationships Softball Aust. 2013 Gilleys' Shield Sponsorship, brand management, Round 1 at Waverley Assc. merchandise and related activities SV 2013 Presentation Dinner Membership management Review of SV current sponsorship including retention, recruitment agreements and related policy. and segmentation. Increased interaction with members via SV facebook page
Reviewed, updated and action current market trends and priortised the Membership, demands. Markets, and Participation working Development, tasking and time line ‘dashboard’. scheduling SV Volunteers - Retain & Analyzed the results and Gain Program. recommendations of the Softball Australia 2012 National Softball The committee would like to acknowledge Survey & Segmentation Study and thank Elaine Duyvestyn and Julie conducted by Sports Business Nemeth for their time and work in the past Partners to further develop and with the SV Website, social media platform enhance planning. and the SAL CRM program development. Engaging consultants (funded by a grant allocation) to develop a We look forward to positive outcomes for detailed SV Communication SV resulting from the delivery of the Strategy. committees’ operational strategies in 2013- Ongoing interaction with Softball 14 and the future. Australia on the development and delivery of revised and new membership offerings in tune with
Coaching Committee
Chair – Bryan Edwards Committee: Lyn CLARKSON, Peter DONOHUE, Jenny HOLLIDAY, Stephen LLOYD
The Coaching Committee held the first face legends of our game and benefit from their to face Level 1 and 2 coaching courses in knowledge. Victoria for around five years. These courses The Community Coaching program will be a were held on the same day at Casey and Werribee Associations and were well focal point for this committee and the attended. The committee has a number of WISAR mentor coaching program, designed to recruit and enthuse new and experienced courses planned for August and September and we would welcome the support of coaches at all levels. Member Associations to promote the courses in our effort to build a broader base of grassroots coaches. The Coaching Committee also assisted with securing some specialist coaches for the development program and this initiative will build next year so our development athletes and coaches have access to some of the
Our Members
ALBURY WODONGA SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION: Kathy Goode, Secretary
The 2012/13 season has been another would like to thank the girls who played with successful one for our association. our team. Our Women’s Opens team was successful in winning B Grade. We are lucky to retain similar numbers to past years, with two new B Grade women’s We sent three masters’ teams away to teams entering the competition. Bendigo, with our men’s team winning A Grade and the Border Angels winning silver We had 343 members in total. 114 women, in the C Grade women’s competition. 68 men, 84 junior female and 77 junior males. We had 7 U12’s teams, 7 U14’s Albury/Wodonga had Laura Moorfield and teams, 4 U16’s teams, 6 B Grade women’s, 4 Jayde Gardiner compete in the U19’s A Grade women’s and 6 men’s teams Victorian State team and Aaron Nitschke in compete the U19’s and U17’s men’s team. Aaron has been named in the Australian U19’s squad. We hosted the boy’s development squads in October 2012. This year we are moving this Ebony Fulford competed in the U17’s Girl’s weekend to September to get away from the Victorian State team and Steven Garoni in AFL and Rugby league grand finals in hope of the U17’s Boy’s team. encouraging Canberra back. Thanks must go to Rhonda Scammell for her We held our come and try day in September tireless efforts in training these players here to encourage new players. We had a small in Albury to assist in their representation in number attend with a few new enrolments. the State teams.
Development squad training numbers have We were lucky enough to host the Open’s grown this year. We had 26 attend last tournament in Albury this season and it was season and 35 attending for this season. Six successful for us to help raise funds to cover boys have trialed for the U 17’s state team the cost of the weekend. A huge thank you and 2 girls for the U17’s state team. AWSA must go to everyone that helped leading up wishes them the best of luck, as it is a huge to and over the weekend. Without the commitment to fulfill, especially the travel support we could not host these events. that is involved. Alan VanBreda ran another successful Our association sent teams away to play in umpires program throughout the season. the Victorian State Championships. We are lucky to have a strong background in umpiring in our association and this We had 3 teams come runners up in the encourages new people to want to learn and competitions. They were the U15’s B Grade become level one umpires, with several girls, U17’s A Grade boys and the U19’s A continuing on to achieve higher levels. Grade women’s. We did need the help of pick up players for the U19’s team and
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Thank you to our hard working committee. which keeps adding great value to the Together the majority has been doing this association. Without the dedication of these for several years now and we work very well people the game of softball would not be as as a team. Each season we get a couple of successful as it is in our area. new faces to bring fresh ideas on board
BAIRNSDALE SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION: Jeannie Claridge, President Bairnsdale continues to survive due to our took out the A Grade final. We still have a players refusing to fold. We attended the Vic ground to use with its clubroom available for Open just missing the final by one run that our use on a shared basis. Apart from had an effect on our percentage. Five of our training nothing else to report. players joined Amigo's for the Masters and
BALLARAT SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION: John Wakeling, Co-ordinator No Report.
CASEY SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION: Steven Lloyd, President Casey Softball is still one of the biggest Congratulations to all representative teams Associations in the state. and officials.
Victorian Championships State Representatives
We had a very successful year as an This year once again saw Casey Softball Association with our Representative Teams. being represented in the Victorian State As usual we entered teams into all Teams. Championships U15 Boys and Girls, U17 Boys and Girls, U19 Boys and Girls and Open Men Under 17 Girls and Women. We had 3 Representatives Molly Joynson, The Casey team in the Under 12 Spectacular Isabel Zaharias and Sarah Scopelliti had a great weekend coming home winners Under 17 Boys
The U15 Boys, U17 Boys, U19 Men and Open We had 8 Representatives Dean Leskie, Men all had a successful campaign at the Adam Talarico, Ethan Chavasse, Hayden State Championships taking out all 4 titles. Trezise, Jacob Cassar, Jayden Bamford, Ryan The U15 Girls won this year, U17 Girls, U19 Lawrence and Jordan Herangi. Women and Open Women had good Under 19 Men tournaments.
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Boys we had 5 representatives William Congratulations to Nick and Sam for being Browne, Robert Scopelliti, Dean Leskie, selected in the Aussie Squads/Teams. Adam Talarico and Cameron Short.
Competition Open Men Once again we had our own summer We had 7 Representatives Drew Faulkner, competition of Under 13 Boys, Under 13 Joel Goodall, , Sam Kassianou, Nick O’Shea, Girls, Under 15 Boys, Under 17 Girls, Under Ryan Shanahan, Nathan Shanahan and Sam 17 Boys, Social Women, B Grade Women, B Trevethan. Grade Men, A Grade Women and A Grade Men Officials
We had Nigel Mackay as Head Coach to the Victorian Open Women’s Team, Bruce Interstate Tournaments Faulkner as Manager of the Victorian Open Men’s, Donna Faulkner Assistant Manager South Brisbane Classic – 1 Men’s Team Open Men, Richard Wickliffe Head Coach Skins – 2 Teams U17 Boys and Shane Goodall Assistant Coach U17 Boy’s KFC Challenge Cup Canberra – 1 Boys and 1 Girls Team Umpires Macarthur River Easter Tournament – 1 We had Richard Barrow and Richard Dodd Team represent the State at National Championships.
Congratulations to all players and officials Committee that were selected in the State Teams. I would like to thank the executive team for the time and effort that everyone of them has put in this year. Deb Coonan, Julie National Representatives Barrow, Jenny Joynson, Bernard Vella, Drew The Aussie Colts team for 2012 saw Nick Faulkner and Zelma Condor. O’Shea and Sam Kassianou being selected to play at the Junior World Championships held in Argentina 1-10 Nov 2012.
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DANDENONG SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION: Paul Bonner, President
City of Greater Dandenong this facility available to State teams and The Association would like to recognise the State development squads. support of the City of Greater Dandenong. Recruitment / Membership Once again this year the council has given Although our membership base continues to considerable support to the Association. remain stable or have a slight increase, any recruitment of new members obviously Major works have almost been completed brings benefits to the association. on the left hand diamonds with some work yet to be finalised on diamond 5. Dandenong is an active participant in the AASC initiative in the hope of drawing as The main hurdle faced with council many players as possible to softball in the discussions is the ongoing battle and area confusion of municipal boundaries and state government as to which body has the rights Masters to our venue this lack of resolution results in The Dandenong Masters Women, Pinewood a stalemate as to any further development. Rebels Women, Pinewood Rebels Men and This needs to be resolved with the relevant Springvale Men all participate in various bodies ASAP to allow for planned future masters tournaments throughout the year. developments with the COGD. All teams are very competitive and enjoy the Victorian Championships tournaments with Dandenong Masters We were able to enter representative teams Women and Springvale Men winning Gold in the majority of age groups and genders at Medals at the last Victorian titles. State championship level where our U/17 Congratulations to all for representing the Girls team claimed the B grade title and our Association so well! U/19 Men were A grade Runners-Up. We wish the Pinewood Rebels Women all It was disappointing that we were unable to the best as they are about to embark to enter representative teams in all grades Turin Italy in August for the 2013 World however we remain committed to Masters’ Games..Good luck to all!! endeavour to enter all State Championships.
Congratulations to all representative teams State Representatives and officials The following members represented the Association and State at the 2013 series of Development National Championships; This year we have been able to fully utilise our indoor batting facilities, this allows our Under 15 Girls (Regional Championship clubs and teams to make greater use of our Team) facilities. We have also been able to make Victoria Russell Chloe Spencer
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Under 17 Girls We fielded teams in Women’s, Men’s B Mark Scammell (Ass Coach) grade, Under 17 Girls, and the Under 15 Under 17 Boys Boys and Girls as well as an Under 12 Tom Greer competition held in conjunction with Knox Matt Speirs and Frankston. Under 19 Women Our A grade men and U/17 boys participated Sarah Curran in a joint competition with Casey Under 19 Men Steven Dawson All Dandenong teams again were very Matt Speirs competitive and the majority of teams Open Women contested in finals series with many Bree Wanke members being awarded Best and Fairest Tania Puketapu honours for the season as well as Grand Open Men Final MVP awards. Geoff Machirus Umpires Springvale were successful in winning the Diane Waller U/15 boys and Open women’s premierships Phil Waller this year.
Also congratulations to the following for Easter Challenge 2013 representing We endeavoured to get this competition up School Sport Victoria and running but were disappointed in lack of team entries and were unable to proceed. 17 & Under Victoria Russell It is a concern for both the short and long Mikaela Spencer term viability of this weekend.
12 & Under We appreciate the support of both Softball Teraize Bonner Victoria and those players/teams who Courtney Old expressed interest. However local support Tamara Richardson requires improvement. Tony Black (Official) The Internet Special congratulations to Tom Greer for Mark Scammell continues the job of keeping being selected to the Australian U/17 our internet sites and Facebook page up to Development Squad and to Dianne Waller date and developing them into a useful tool on representing Australia at the ISF Open for both current members and prospective Women’s World Championships. Phil Waller members. This is a never ending job and will also represent Australia at the ISF Junior Marks efforts are much appreciated by the Women’s World Championships later this members. year. Canteen South Eastern Region Competition The canteen is still a major contributor to Dandenong was again an active participant association revenue and Thanks to Sue Black in the South Eastern Metropolitan Region. for her excellent administration of this service. SOFTBALL VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2013 P a g e | 30
contributed to the success of the 2012/2013 Executive Team year. There are many people that contribute to the Associations’ success; however special Sponsorship recognition needs to go to the Executive We are pleased to announce continuance of Team members, Andrea Wanke, Mark the sponsorship deal with the Dandenong Scammell, Jim Giles, Lee Marsh, Tony Black Club; we look forward to working closely and Brett Russell. with them to help further the advancement of Softball in the Greater Dandenong area. Thanks to those who sat on the rep Team sub-committee for your efforts in getting our teams on the diamond this year.
Also thanks to the coaches, scorers, umpires and all the members of the Association that
FRANKSTON SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION: Malcolm Jansen, President
No Report.
GEELONG SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION: Lynne Willmott, President
Board/Management - maintaining seven team Open The Geelong Softball Board/delegates women competition managed a busier than usual season with - Successful Batter Up competition achievements including and Friday night juniors - Up dating By-laws - Sighting of the Master Plan for the - “Get into Softball” for Primary Stead Park precinct students supported by ASC Successes and achievements are rewards - Come Try Day from a dedicated and hard working Board. I - Catholic Secondary Schools thank the Clubs representative on the Board tournaments for the supportive role to make this season - entering five tournament teams, such a success. Board members and assist a team and hosting a championship delegates to be acknowledged include David - Inaugural U12 Spectacular team Addlem, Kristy Linehan, Greg Christie, Stacey - Scoring course Birch, Caroline Christie, Janine Jewel, Chris - continued AASC involvement with McManus, Michelle Mahoney, Debbie Lynch, twelve schools over four terms Debbie Brackley and Katie Appleyard. - Completion of Healthy Sports Environment contract Competition - receipt of three successful Geelong Open women competition government Grants remained on a Wednesday evenings with - On going planning for hosting additional games played early in the week to Australian Masters Games in October 2013 complete the rounds. The scheduling of games was due to daylight savings, extra SOFTBALL VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2013 P a g e | 31
rounds to even the draw and request not to is a positive way to promote and expose play on the weekends. Weather conditions softball in the Community. It allows us to were kind to the Geelong competition with communicate to a wider community and little disruption this season. hopefully will follow on to more This season saw the introduction of more registrations. The support GSA received to permit players playing for teams in the conduct “Softball – Get into it” day with 200 Geelong Women competition. This can only local primary students by AASC , was a be good for Geelong as the introduction and fantastic opportunity to show case softball inclusion of new players adds interest and for juniors in Geelong. We look forward to variety. Premiership team was Cougars and future support and increase membership. runners up were Birralee White. Geelong Men softball players were only Tournament Teams contained to one club this season. Cougars Geelong entered five teams this season participated in the Werribee Saturday including two open teams, two teams at afternoon competition in two grades. Ocean U15’s and mixed Primary at the U12 Grove ladies entered a team in Werribee as Spectacular. Geelong combined girls in an well and sought support from players from U17 team with Sunshine – seems to be the other Clubs. Both Cougar teams were normal at junior State Championships. successful in the respect grades. Winners in their respective grades were U15 Boys team and runners up U12 Spectacular Juniors team. Special mention and thanks to players Second year of running Batter Up program for conducting themselves in a professional with 4 -8 year olds proved to be successful. sportsman like manner whilst representing Geelong decided to separate juniors into Geelong and appreciation to support staff of two groups to assist recruiting eight years these teams. Congratulations also to David and over to encourage the establishment of Addlem for attaining his Level 5 umpiring at a junior competition on a Friday night. The Nationals. priority was to gain and train children to enter two teams in State Championships in State Representation Geelong and enter a mixed Primary team in Representing Geelong in their State teams the U12 Spectacular. I was responsible for were Kate and Emma Willmott. Emma made the running and organizing of the juniors in the Open women Titans team and Kate Geelong and was pleased with the outcome made U17 Victorian Girls team. Kate also of successful SBU program and the went on to be selected in the Victorian successful entering of a girls and boys team Schools Girls team who travelled to Perth into U/15’s championship. The boys team last month. Karl Willmott coached the team. won B grade at the State Championships and Geelong were runners up at the inaugural Grounds and Canteen u12 Spectacular for Geelong. The support of COGG and Barwon Water is Special mention to Geelong members who to be acknowledged with the conditions of helped with the juniors included Karl the playing grounds at Stead Park. Willmott, Kate Willmott, Amanda Hotchin Groundsmen Tom and Mal Davies spent and Rachel Smith. When assistance was many hours ensuring grounds were at the requested from the Board, they were willing best condition for our playing members and to cover absentees and it was greatly visiting competitions. As the Association appreciated. looks forward with the COGG five year Geelong Softball Association’s presence with Master Plan for Stead Park and surrounding the Active after Schools Community program SOFTBALL VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2013 P a g e | 32
activities, it is exciting and promising with draw and upcoming events elevates the changes that are to come. workloads for committees. Feeding our members is of priority to our canteen ladies, Lorraine Davies and Leanne Conclusion Linehan. Week after week, the ladies serve a The continual success of Geelong Softball variety of healthy meals and enhance the Association is in the hands of devoted and social atmosphere before and after the dedicated volunteers. Geelong Softball games. The ladies took it in their organized needs to continue to offer opportunities for manner to ensure the food was at its best individuals to participate in many types of during the State Championships in February. softball competitions to encourage growth in membership. Thank you to all who have Media contributed in some way this season. Face book – the modern day telephone is an Geelong Softball, along with the support important link to members. Many use it from Softball Victoria, need to work together however, it is also important that our web to ensure the continual growth of softball to site is up dated regularly to inform and gain be a sport to be proud of and love to play new hits of interest. The ability to find the
GLEN EIRA SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION: Ian Bahn, President
The 2012/13 season was a real mixed bag for won the Open A Grade State Championships Glen Eira Moorabbin. We had some great in Albury. For a small Association these are events and achievements which need to be amazing achievements. acknowledged and celebrated, however Off the diamond, GEMSA held a highly there was also a number of issues that need to be addressed if our Association is to successful Pink Ribbon Day to raise money for the Cancer Council’s Pink Ribbon Appeal. continue beyond the upcoming season. Our committee and coaching staff were I want to start with the successes. Last joined by some new and returning members season GEMSA was able to form 2 junior and and we all worked cohesively to ensure that 4 senior teams that we entered into SEMR GEMSA operated smoothly through out competitions, as well as our A grade team another season. I would like to take this that competed at Waverley. The Waverley opportunity to once again thank our team was very successful ending the season outgoing committee, coaches, grounds crew runners up in a hard fought grand final and and all helpers, for the tremendous efforts our Saints team also made it through to the that they made last season in supporting our finals in their competition. players, teams and charity efforts.
GEMSA also had members who made State I would now like to speak briefly about some and Victoria school girls teams and of the issues that GEMSA is now facing. I do participated in the Victorian State not wish to be negative, but rather advise Development program. We entered 2 teams everyone about the sorts of problems that into the U12 spectacular, another in the U15 will need to be addressed before and over State Championships and were runners up in the coming season. the U17 State Championships. To everyone’s delight our Open Women’s team
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Declining membership is our biggest utilisation of our amazing home grounds, problem and impacts upon many situations. place the financial burden of ongoing Last season, GEMSA’s membership dropped expenses on less people and make it difficult to 97 members, this is an all-time low. for the experience and expertise of many of Memberships consisted of 26 Batter Up, 18 our members and friends to be passed on Junior and 53 Senior members and these and retained within the Association. figures also include non-playing members. Another issue that we face is the utilisation 100 members did not return from the 2011/12 season and although many of these and ongoing availability of our grounds. players had legitimate reasons, the reality is Softball people from many other Associations comment upon the excellent that our Association, or perhaps our sport as standard of our grounds and they are a whole, is not able to attract and retain players and members to ensure ongoing amazed by their presentation and maintenance. Last year we did have some growth. problems with GESAC and the council which Our junior program over the last few years meant we were unable to host the SEMR has steadily declined to the point where we Grandfinal day, however meetings have no longer have any boys teams, many U15 been held with council and at the moment and U17 girls need to play in both recommendations to solve these problem competitions to form teams and our have been made for inclusion in next year’s Wednesday night primary competition capital works budget. This is only part of the cannot form sufficient numbers to offer a fix. basic program. For a healthy Association a large junior program is critical, to form a Our grounds are a premium space and many base from which team succession and other groups within our community would like to utilise them. Also the ground development pathways can exist and to counteract natural attrition within some allocation fees that we pay makes up one of our Associations major expenses. Once older age groups. again reduced memberships mean these Declining membership amongst our senior costs are shared by fewer. members means we have problems forming committees and working parties, do not Financially last season we had a sizeable have sufficient experienced people around deficit. If GEMSA is to continue into the future this cannot keep occuring again. The to support our junior programs and also loss of 100 members between seasons made leads to difficulties finding resources to cover all the off diamond duties that are the planning of finances difficult. With ever required such as coaching, umpiring, scoring, increasing expenses and the need to replace equipment it will be necessary, unless new grounds preparation, canteen and fundraising. There will come a point in time, members can be recruited, to increase and perhaps we have already passed it, members fees and/or to rely more upon additional fundraising and finding further where our Association no longer has sufficient members to keep it going. Many sponsors, both of which are difficult to do members come along every week and play with a low memberships. their games, but do not realise the full scope These are some of the challenges that the of what is required to keep our Association new committee and members will have to operating. Low memberships affect the face over the upcoming season.
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I will not be renominating for the President’s Now is not the time to sit back and assume role next season. I will however stay around that others will keep the work going to keep on committee and do all I can to support the our Association financially and competitively new president and committee, to find ways viable both on and off the diamond. If we to action and hopefully solve many of the want to see the names Glen Eira and issues I have mentioned. I believe it is time Moorabbin and the colour pink continue into for a new ideas and a new approach in many the future, it is essential that more people areas. At our recent AGM it was step up and help our Association rebuild and encouraging that we had a number of new re-grow. This will not be easy, but I am sure people who have put their hands up for that if we all work together we can return positions, together with the returning GEMSA back to a sizeable, sustainable and committee members this will help maximise competitive Association that we have been the generation of alternative ideas at a in the past. committee level, as well as help to spread the workload around a greater number of people.
HORSHAM SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION: Heather Farrell, Secretary
Horsham has had a fairly rough few years. Five years ago, a few of us decided to try and For the first time in five years, we have been save an Association that was in dire straits. able to fill all positions on our committee. We had very few players, our savings were We have a group of dedicated and hard tied up in a financial institution that was in working people that we think can help us liquidation; we had next to nothing in the rebuild our association. bank and debts five times the size of our bank account. With a number of people within our Victorian Softball allowed us to host the Association saying we weren’t advertising Under 14 State Championship, we rang enough, we put in a concerted effort, anyone we thought might be able to help spending over $3,000 on radio advertising as out. Hosting that Championship put enough well as newspaper advertisements. We in the bank for us to stay afloat for another promoted softball through the local couple of years; just long enough for us to Shopping Centre as well. We polled all new regain our investment. We stayed afloat by registrations, and every one of them came the skin of our teeth, and the hard work of a from the inserts we put in the school very few dedicated people. newsletters. VSA provided the flyers, we We can proudly say that now we are in a paid for overprinting, and the schools good position financially. We have a core distributed them for free. Our $150 group of players that are very keen, and we investment in overprinting provided a much hope to be able to build on that core group better response rate than the $3,000 we to expand our membership to allow a spent on radio advertisements. For us, it regular competition. At the moment, we was a lesson learnt, use the school only have enough players to almost fill one newsletters and word of mouth for the best team, so not enough for a regular results. completion. SOFTBALL VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2013 P a g e | 35
We ran two groups using the Softball Batter stepped up and improved as the weekend Up model. One group of 5-8 year olds went on. One of our boys actually pitched averaged about seven players at each the entire grand final. Not bad for someone session. The group of 8-15 year olds who had never played in a real game until practiced skills, and games had to be the day before! modified to suit the group. We averaged nine participants in the older group. It is imperative that the association attempt During the 2012-13 season, the only real to retain the current list of players and games our players got to experience, were encourage new players to join so we can as part of the Geelong Under 15 Boys team continue to build our numbers and be able that won a B Grade Championship. The boys to regularly play full games amongst from Horsham had NEVER played in a real ourselves. Being able to have separate age game of softball before that Championship groups this year was beneficial to all and weekend. Thanks to the expertise of Karl resulted in a marked increase of skill and Wilmott and the Geelong crew, our boys understanding in all the players
KEILOR PARK SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION: Bryan Edwards, President
It was a very difficult year for our association The committee would like to congratulate with a continued drop in membership and Kris Kiefel and David Edwards for their therefore teams to enter into competitions. selection in the Aussie Steelers world With the demise of the men’s competition in championship team, and we would also like the North West Region we were not able to to congratulate Helen Edwards for her field teams on a Saturday during summer. selection as the team statistician. Huge congratulations to all players and officials in Metrans a member club of Keilor Park did the team for their Bronze medal. field a team in the midweek competition Metrans travelled to Werribee and Casey We would also like to congratulate Debbie weekly to support the competition. Grove on her continued achievements in the umpiring fraternity. With the poor scheduling of the State championships this year Keilor Park was not National Level able to defend it Open Men’s title as we had a large number of players in New Zealand The committee would like to congratulate Playing or supporting the Australian team at Kris Kiefel, David Edwards, Lewis Weldon, Nathan Gill, Bryan Edwards, Helen Edwards the World Championships. and Jenny Miles for their selection in the The Keilor Park Association made the Victorian Open Men’s team for the 2013 decision last year to run a winter National Championships. competition for men, this competition was a The Keilor Park Committee has decided to success and was well supported. It is the intention of the committee to continue to continue with the winter competition so as run as a winter competition and try to to provide options for players all year round and also to stop the clash of competitions rebuild from this position. with Sunshine. The Comets team will International Level attempt to enter a team in the Sunshine SOFTBALL VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2013 P a g e | 36
competition this year. We are optimistic that I hope to see you all on the diamond in the we can once again enter a team into the 2013-14 year. State Championships.
KNOX & DISTRICT SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION: Lawrie Hand, President
Playing Members: Seniors – 184 Our Junior Development Committee has spent many hours working to increase our Juniors – 99 numbers and also the skills of the junior The season started in October 2011 with players. The committee have organized B&C Grade teams playing at Gilbert Park, A2, association skill training nights which will Under 17 and Under 15 playing in the South only help to keep the juniors interested in Eastern Metro Region Competition, the the sport but will also help them progress to Under 12 playing in the Dandenong, squads and state teams. The committee has Frankston and Know Junior Competition and further plans for the coming year with 1 team playing in the Senior Competition at increased focus on increasing our numbers. Waverley.
I would like to take this opportunity to Our squad members and coaches should congratulate the teams who won the finals also be thanked and the players who tried Under 12 Mixed B – Heathmont Raiders out for State Teams should also be very proud as we are of their representation of Under 15 Girls – Lilydale Ejays Knox as an association
Under 17 Girls – Misfits I would like to thank all the committee members for all their help and support over C Grade Womens – Heathmont Raiders the past year, it is a thankless job with many B Grade Womens – Gully Rebels criticisms being leveled at us all however without your support and guidance this On behalf of the Association I would like to association would not operate. We make thank those clubs who have entered teams decisions for the good of the association not in all the various competitions as I believe just individual clubs therefore at times some we have to be willing to diversify if we want clubs feel that they are not receiving the the sport to grow and prosper in the future. support they would like. I see that when these decisions are made the clubs are not As an association we had a good year with taking this information back to the club no major issues raised during the season; members, which only helps to increase the however we still need to look at increasing feelings that their club is not being looked our junior membership across all clubs. after. There will not be a future for Softball if we cannot recruit junior plays as they are the There are people in the association that put future of the sport and the senior teams. a lot of time in at the grounds to ensure that the grounds are playable therefore I would like to take the time to say a special thanks SOFTBALL VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2013 P a g e | 37
to Merv Larter, Brendan Shatwell and spent many hours over the past years filling Graeme Young. If these people did not put in for me as I have not been able to perform the time into the grounds we would not my duties due to extended work have diamonds set up each week and the commitments. grounds would not be in the good condition they are through out the season. I feel a Again thanks to all who have helped throughout the year to make the association special thanks should also go to Richard and sport a success Johnson as the Vice President as he has
MELBOURNE SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION: Lorraine Ireland, President
2012 Metro League A Reserve Division Our competition, the Metro League, began Hayley Watson on the first Sunday of May with teams (Melbourne Uni Angels) competing in three open age grades, namely B Division Divisions A, A Reserve and B. The Chantelle Spencer competition was played over nineteen (Monash Rosewood) weeks with only the Queen’s Birthday weekend off. Recognition During Grand Final Day presentations, we As has been our practice for many years, we again acknowledged the considerable were pleased to have involved in the contribution of our club members and competition, members from Affiliated others to the success of Melbourne Softball. Associations and we trust they found their time at Fawkner Park enjoyable and Presented with awards for service to Softball beneficial. at Fawkner Park were Roy Arscott (Scrumshis Slices), Katja Everaerts (Wingers), Once again Grand Final Day was very Michelle Zammit (Red Devils). Chris Johnson competitive with the following results: (Flaming Beacons) was presented his award at the conclusion of 2012/2013 slow pitch season. A Division Panthers defeated Red Devils Also, Softball Victoria recognised at its A Reserve Division recent State Team Dinner the following: Melbourne Uni Angels defeated Melbourne Tony Black as the recipient of the Warriors Merle Short Service Award for B Division extensive service to softball; and Monash Rosewood defeated Eastern Raiders Gabrielle Mifsud was awarded MVP for the 2013 Victorian Under 17 Girls
Team. The MOST VALUABLE PLAYER awards for the Grand Finals were: Members To Softball Victoria And Softball A Division Australia Kathy Bedwell (Panthers) SOFTBALL VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2013 P a g e | 38
Melbourne acknowledges that a number of Amaru Day our members, extend their involvement in Melbourne Softball again celebrated Amaru softball to take on various roles for Softball Day on the last Sunday in July, a day set Victoria, namely Elaine Duyvestyn, Neil aside to remember and honour Layne Duyvestyn, Rhonda Rowe and Julie Nemeth. Amaru, a past member of our association. Margo Koskelainen and Lorraine Ireland are The morning of fun activities encompassed members of Softball Australia’s History Sub- the comradeship of our great team sport, Committee. Their efforts are to be and was enjoyed by all in attendance. commended.
State Representation Masters Melbourne was pleased to have members Members of Melbourne Softball were again representing Victoria at National involved in Masters competitions. Our Championship competing for the Elinor Association is proud to support Vicsens who McKenzie Shield. Congratulations to Sophia had one team compete at the Victorian Huilani (Red Devils) who was selected as a Masters Championship in Shepparton to win player for the first time in the Victorian a bronze medal, and also the Pan Pacific Under 19 Women’s Team. She was joined Games on the Gold Coast. Two teams by Melissa Southern (Underdogs) who was travelled to Tasmania to come home with appointed as the team statistician. gold and silver medals. We also congratulate members, playing on permit from Sunshine and Waverley, who We recognise Victorian Championship gold were selected in the Victorian Under 17 Girls medal winners, Melbourne Warriors, who Team to compete for the Esther Deason are affiliated with Knox Association and play Shield at National Championship, namely in our Metro League. Also acknowledged Gabrielle Mifsud, Narisse Privitera, Natasha are other members of our association linked Holt and Meaghan Grah. with masters teams from other associations.
Recreational Slowpitch Competition Congratulations to all our more senior During the 2012/2013 summer season, softballers. Melbourne once again was involved in a twilight mixed recreational slowpitch competition. This competition revolves Development Program around the corporate sector and is played in This program is now in its eighteenth year a relaxed and friendly manner. and has continued to attract members, at all levels, from within and outside the The Association is appreciative of members Association. of our softball community who gave their time to learn and implement the intricacies The Association again held trials for selection of umpiring slow pitch softball and to Neil in the Open Team which competed at the Duyvestyn, Nol Duyvestyn and Elaine Victorian Open Championship hosted by Duyvestyn for their time and efforts in co- Albury Wodonga Softball Association. ordinating this competition. Melbourne had a successful campaign in A Grade to be defeated by Glen Eira in the Grand Final. Again the Association was
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extremely proud of the team’s efforts, both word for what seems to be for very small on and off the diamond. rewards. Our promotion strategy is all encompassing by spreading the word Our sincere thanks to the officials, Liz (softball for “everyone”) and encouraging all Reisman (Head Coach), Julie Nemeth to “join in” as best suits them and (Assistant Coach), Jo Dillon (Manager), Neil experience the sport we all love. Duyvestyn (Statistician) and Roy Arscott (Umpire). We again held Come ‘n Try Days in April in a We also record our sincere thanks to Rhonda lead up to the Metro League and we had a Rowe and Roy Arscott for their support and small turnout at each session which not only co-operation in ensuring the Association was gave these individuals the opportunity to well represented at the state titles. experience our great sport but also proved that our marketing strategy was, to a The Association continues to work with degree, working. Umpires, Coaches, Scorers and players in providing them with every opportunity to The Association’s web page is used as a key achieve their desired goals. communication tool for our members with news items added frequently and feature Victorian Under 19 Womens And Under 19 boxes updated regularly to promote current Mens Championship events and the draws/results section Melbourne Softball was pleased to host this reflecting competition status. event on behalf of Softball Victoria. The weather was kind and it was really good to see many young members of the softball The website has had a focus of not only community enjoying Fawkner Park. providing information for our current members but also as a marketing tool used Once again we had a small Organising to entice “new” members into the park – Committee and we are extremely grateful to and it has been successful. this group and for the tremendous support we received from a small number of members of our softball community over the To continue spreading the word we have weekend. also linked our site to numerous other sites such as ‘Active Melbourne’, ‘Kidspot’, ‘City Promotion Of Softball of Melbourne’, ‘True Local’, “That’s The Association continues to develop and Me!bourne”, “Only Melbourne” and again implement a marketing strategy. We also this has been successful in producing continue in our endeavors to develop the enquiries. awareness of our sport amongst educational
institutions, the corporate sector and the Clubs are encouraged to develop and use general community. their own website to be, not only of benefit
to their club and its members, but also as a Again, effort is being put in by a small group promotional tool for softball at Fawkner Park of volunteers in spreading the ‘softball’
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and the wider community. Statistics show attain towards the general community as a many visits to pages on our club websites. whole and softball in particular.
The effort in supporting the Special Olympics To further ‘spread the word’, Melbourne is invaluable to the Special Olympians, their again hosted the Australian Corporate families and supporters and softball as a Games, softball and cricket components, at whole. Special Olympics tournaments that have Fawkner Park. This has seen many been held in 2013 were: participants and supporters at Fawkner 24 February 2013 – Special Olympics Park, in our clubrooms and at our canteen. (Melbourne Southern Region), held at Glen Eira/Moorabbin Softball
Ground We also host in our clubrooms child/parent 23 March 2013 - Special Olympics playgroups linked to a local kindergarten (State Summer Games), held at Bulleen Park and so not only do we have potential adult
players, we have some very young In Conclusion softballers in the making. Moving forward, Melbourne has commenced its 2013 Metro League competition, and is working towards the Special Olympics development of our members by providing Melbourne Softball Association coaching and scoring courses, clinics for acknowledges members of Red Devils players and other opportunities as they Softball Club and Nol Duyvestyn for their become available – eg recent Community great effort in supporting the Special Coaching Course. Olympics Games. As always our programs are open to any individual wishing to improve their skills and Members of Red Devils Softball Club knowledge in any aspect of our great team competed against the Special Olympics team sport. and Nol umpired all games. Both Red Devils . and Nol are indicative of the community support and the spirit and attitude that Melbourne Softball Association strives to
NORTHERN DISTRICT SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION: Cathy Ferraro, Secretary
Northern District Softball Association’s pre- over a period of approximately 3 weeks. season began with quite a bit of preparation; This led into our Come and Try Day on 8 we held a pamphlet drop which saw quite a September 2013. The Come and Try Day few of our members pamphlet dropping saw a number of new and old faces attend both in new areas around Mill Park such as and was also combined with club South Morang, Mernda and Doreen and old registration day which worked well as clubs areas such as Lalor and Reservoir and were able to start planning their teams for contact was made with many of the schools the upcoming season. This pamphlet drop, in the district to have our flyer distributed school call out and the Come and Try Day through newsletters and the like. There took much preparation and I would like to were approximately 12,000 flyers distributed thank everyone who gave up their time to
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do the pamphlet dropping, school call outs recruiting and retaining and therefore every and/or assisted on the Come and Try Day. effort is made for the children to enjoy the game. We are also working with the schools The recruitment during the pre-season was in the area to hold various Tee-Ball round reasonably successful within our junior robin days at NDSA which we hope will divisions but we lost quite a few junior develop into a recruiting tool. members to other sport which meant that our numbers in the junior divisions stayed The Primary Grade played a modified game similar to that of the year before. of softball which included the coach pitching 3 pitches when the batter’s count got to four As part of the Committee’s strategy to balls. If the batter did not hit any of the 3 improve training sessions at NDSA, it was coach pitches then the batter was out. This decided to hold coach the coach clinics for was to allow batters to hit the ball with no coaches who would be engaged in training walks in the game and also to have fielders the juniors in the park during the season. fielding the ball as much as possible. This These clinics were held over 4 sessions and seemed to keep the game moving and the headed by Luke Le Tet. There were at least children enjoyed themselves. This division 10 coaches attending each session and each was used as a stepping stone from Tee-Ball coach was provided with information, to softball and it was found that quite a few various drills and the like so that each of the of our Primary players also played in our coaches at NDSA were running trainings in a Junior High competition. Many of these similar manner and any coach could take players also participated in the U12 over from another with little interruption to Spectacular in February and enjoyed the training sessions for the juniors. themselves immensely.
Northern District Softball Association started Our Junior High Grade competition this year its season on 13 October 2012 with 3 Tee- was again of mixed age and talent. This year Ball teams, 3 Primary Grade (years 4 & 6) this division was very competitive. This is teams, 4 Junior High Grade (years 7 & 9) the division where the players are not only teams, 4 Senior High Grade (years 9 -12) playing to have fun but also to win. teams, 5 Women’s Open teams. We also had some social slow pitch and men’s games Our Senior High Grade competition this year for parents and kids as a prelude to some of again consisted of 4 mixed teams – our social events. This season was the first Monarchs, Cheetahs, Redbacks and Mixtures season for a long time that no Blastball was (combination of Monarchs and Cheetahs). conducted at Northern District Softball Our juniors benefited in playing in this Association. competition as their skills/abilities were put to the test. All in all the Senior High Grade The Tee-Ballers again did not play in a was great to watch, displayed the various competitive division but rather the coaches talents of our junior girls and boys. concentrated on skills and the element of fun in the game of Tee-Ball and softball in The Open Women’s competition started well future years. The coaches of Tee-Ball teams with one team from Amigos, one from took on the task with great enthusiasm and Rebels, two teams from Cheetahs, one team the children enjoyed themselves immensely from Monarchs and a team from West with many of these children then playing in Coburg Redbacks, although due to loss of the Primary Grade. For NDSA this age group players one of Cheetahs teams and the is the age group that we hope to succeed in Monarchs team ended up merging to form a SOFTBALL VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2013 P a g e | 42
Cheearchs team with the competition going enjoyed what was a very hot and long day. from 6 teams to 5 teams. Games were of NDSA certainly enjoyed having all the young varying skill levels depending on which players at our ground and seeing the teams were playing. Some very exciting enthusiasm of these players for the game of softball was played and watched. softball. Our Mayor attended the presentation at the end of the day and The final results for the year’s competition commented on how it brought back many were: memories for him of when his girls played Premiers Runners Up softball at NDSA. The happy faces of the Junior High Grade U12 participants were a sight to see. I take Mixtures Cheetahs this opportunity to thank all the volunteers Senior High Grade who attended on the day to make the U12 Monarchs Cheetahs Spectacular again a successful and Open Women’s memorable day. Amigos Cheearchs. Northern District Softball Association would Northern District Softball Association like to congratulate our three Victorian entered 4 representative teams at State Representatives this year in the National Championship level – an Open Women’s Under 17 competition – Ray Carter, Nick team, a girls Under 17 team, a boys Under Sheedy and Mihikura (Mitzi) Tuialii and the 17 team and a girls Under 15 team. two in the National Under 19 competition – Although our results were not always what Graham Tuialii and Bridgitte Jessop. We also we had hoped, all our representative had five representatives in the Academy players, coaches and other officials should teams: one girl – Isobel Jermieson and three be well pleased with their performance at boys – Nick Sheedy, Nathan Tomasin and the State Championships. I would especially Cooper Veal and one official – Angela like to thank all the Coaches, Managers, Tomasin, Manager and again would like to Scorers and Umpire’s for all their hard work extend our congratulations to these players leading up to and including the days of the and officials. This has encouraged many of championships given that without you, these our younger players to strive a little further teams would not have been able to in their softball pathway. compete. I would also like to thank the parents of our representative players for The Northern District Softball Association their support. Winter Academy will again be organised for this winter provided the numbers are Northern District Softball Association also available to run this program. The program entered a girls Under 17 team in the Easter runs for interested players from 5 to 17 Competition for the first time this season. years of age and we are hoping to include a This team was made up of several of our specialised pitching programme. We have players together with some interstate and found that this programme allows the other players and all played extremely well children to touch base with softball in our off surprising many with their results. Thank season and also allows players who are just you to the Coaches, Scorer and Manager for starting out to get some skill training and their time and effort in putting this team practice under their belt prior to the together and for their time during the event. commencement of the season. The programme incorporates skills training, We also hosted the U12 Spectacular this games, rules sessions and social events. season and hope that all who attended SOFTBALL VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2013 P a g e | 43
With the end of the 2012/2013 season for the Committee, the Umpires, the Coaches, the Northern District Softball Association, a the Scorers, the Grounds crew, the Canteen special thank you goes out to all those who staff and all members of the Association. have helped make this year a great success –
SUNBURY SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION:
No Report
SUNSHINE SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION: Jo Ingram, Secretary
This season proved to be a huge challenge for the board as we had the lowest number Having the opportunity to host a of participants in our recent history. With championship was a bonus financially and the disbanding of the North West League, a contributed to the running costs of our number of teams/players made the decision season. Together with a number of to permit elsewhere in the belief that fundraising sausage sizzles at our local Sunshine was not going to sustain a Bunning’s stores we managed to keep our competitive league. This was a massive heads above water. We are very grateful to disappointment to lose players right before Bunning’s for giving us this opportunity to the season was to begin. Thankfully Hiway, raise extra funds and we have built up a Deer Park and Albion North were prepared viable relationship with our local stores. to enter women’s teams along with Sunbury Thanks, once again to those club and board Knights and we managed to run a minor members who volunteered their time when women’s competition. It was difficult for all asked to help. but our sincere appreciation goes out to the dedicated members who kept the wheels We were fortunate to have a coach actively rolling along. involved with the Primary Schools AASC program and thanks to Felicity Mifsud on Even with limited numbers, Sunshine was providing our local primary schools with fun, successfully able to host the U.17 Victorian game based softball coaching in Term 4 last Championships in November. The hard work year. Unfortunately the transition from paid off and the weekend ran fairly smoothly primary school softball to local club softball with a dedicated band of volunteers who still proves to be a giant hurdle for us and worked tirelessly to provide canteen much work is needed in this area to attract facilities and ground maintenance 24/7. and retain junior members. (Mind you, security duty was a bit rough when the lilo you are sleeping on goes flat State Championships: every hour or so!) Well done to the The Sunshine Women’s team entered into combined Sunshine U.17 girls’ team who the 2013 Open State Championships in played extremely well and were a very Albury on the long weekend in March. The competitive unit for their opponents. team played competitively all weekend and Excellent effort and thank you to Jodie can certainly hold their heads up high. They Lightowler for coaching. had a win, a draw and narrow losses which
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in most cases were games that were mates at Sunshine are very proud of your winnable, usually let down by errors in one fantastic achievements. innings or just not stringing the hits together. The highlight of course being the Umpires: draw against Waverly which is probably the Thank you to the club umpires who first time we have even got close to beating supported the teams each week to fulfil this this team in a long time. Well done team and vital role in our competition. Leigh Evan’s to Grant Dimitrijevic for coaching. contribution to National and State Umpiring has continued and his tireless work with a 2013 Victorian State Representatives: full program this season included: - Well done to the following state Victorian Umpires Committee rules representatives: interpreter. U.19 Men - Corey Dimitrijevic (Head Coach) ISF Rules Panel and UIC Technical - Softball U.17 Girls- Gabrielle Mifsud (Most Valuable Australia Player) Umpire at the Men's Canberra Skins. Open Men – Bryce Pilcher (Player) Bryce Men's Nationals Championships Umpire and announced his retirement from State Examiner. Softball and was formally recognised at the Aussie Steelers Pre-World Championship 2013 State Dinner along with his long time Tournament, Canberra. team mate Kris Keifel. Dean Schick Tournament -New Zealand. ISF XIII Men’s World Championships in 2013 National Selection: Auckland. Congratulations to Sandra Evans on her Mentor at Werribee Memorial Shield. A selection as the Australian U.19 Men’s team development pathway for Victorian umpires. Assistant Coach. She coached at the Awarded the Margo Koskelainen Victorian Australian U.19 camps in July and August Umpire of the Year 2013. This was presented and at the 2012 ISF IX Junior Men's World at the 2013 State Dinner. Congratulations Championship in Parana, Argentina, Leigh! November 1-12th 2012. The team was successful in winning a bronze medal. Softball Victoria Life Membership: Sandra also coached at the International At Softball Victoria's Annual General Youth Cup in July 2012. After many years of Meeting held on Saturday, 30 June 2012 LIFE commitment to softball at the highest level MEMBERSHIP was bestowed on Esther for Australia, Sandra announced her Lightowler our esteemed President. The retirement and was honoured at the State meeting stood as one in a standing ovation dinner for her years of dedication in as Softball Victoria’s President, Jenny developing our junior athletes at State and Holliday, announced Esther as Life Member. International level. Congratulations Sandra Jenny's letter of congratulations, in part, and thank you! read "It is my pleasure, on behalf of Softball Victoria, and its members, to congratulate Congratulations also go to Gabrielle Mifsud you on being awarded Life Membership. This on her selection this year for the Australian Life Membership, the highest honor we can U17 Girls Aussie Spirit squad. She is bestow on a member, is given in recognition travelling to USA in July to compete in a of the exceptional service you have devoted tournament against USA College Softball to our sport. Your contribution and teams. Well done Gabby! We wish you well dedication are greatly valued. We thank you and the Board, along with all your team and look forward to your continued involvement in and ongoing contribution to SOFTBALL VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2013 P a g e | 45
softball in Victoria for years to come". A huge congratulations to one of our much Esther was a guest at Softball Victoria's 2013 loved softball icons, Kerry McGuire, on State Dinner where her Life Membership receiving an OAM in the Queen’s Birthday was formally recognized. Congratulations honors list this year for his tireless work in and well deserved Esther! the area of Disability in Sport. Kerry gave many decades of volunteer time to softball Brimbank 2013 Sports Awards: before taking on a new challenge in the At Overnewton Castle on April 10th Joanne sport of Blind Bowls. Joint congratulations Ingram was inducted into the Sports for his efforts to both Kerry and his wife Volunteer Hall of Fame in recognition of Betty McGuire who has been at his side outstanding volunteer service over 25 years supporting him all the way. at Sunshine Softball Association. This was indeed an honor and wonderful recognition 2012/2013 Board Members: for many years of commitment to grassroots A big thankyou to the members of the softball in the Brimbank Municipality. Sunshine Softball board for their tireless Gabrielle Mifsud was also awarded with a work throughout the year. Esther fantastic sporting achievement as Runner Up Lightowler (President), Lynda Otimi in the Junior Sports Athlete of the Year. (Treasurer), Jo Ingram (Secretary), Sally Congratulations go to both award recipients. Lightowler (Vice President), Karen Wallace (Registration Secretary), Faye and Arch Order of Australia Medal: Thompson. (Canteen and Grounds)
WAVERLEY SOFTBALL ASOCIATION: Cheryl Waye, President
This year Waverley Softball Association recruitments to the game. The program also reduced the number of senior grades to best saw some players move advance to the next maximise the number of teams. In order to level of play, moving to the Primary B grade. facilitate this change, the senior grades were Thanks also to Robyn’s team of helpers, led renamed to Open 1, Open 2, Open 3 and by Judy Liddell, who turned up each week to Open 4. This resulted in an increase of make sure the players had fun, whilst senior teams with a total of 31 senior teams, learning something about our game of with seven in Open 1, six in Open 2 and nine softball. in both in Open 3 and Open 4. The 2012-13 season was shorter than other Our junior teams decreased with the loss of years due to an early Easter in March, but three T-ball teams, whilst Div 1 & Div 2 this did not dampen the enthusiasm for the remained the same, and Div 3 decreased by game with many great games played one and Primary B increased by one. throughout the year at both junior and senior level. T-ball was replaced with a very successful Softball Batter Up – T-ball program held for The Open 1 Grand Final saw Moorabbin an hour from 9:30 each Saturday morning, meet Syndal, defending champions who culminating in a game against the parents at wanted to add back to back Premierships to the end of the season. Thanks must go to their 2011-12 success. Syndal ran out Robyn Robinson for her diligence in making winners with several home run hits, with the sure the program continued for the whole final score 10 – 6. season, which resulted in several SOFTBALL VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2013 P a g e | 46
Syndal finished the season with four Trophies. Our 17 team finished the rounds Premierships – Open 1, Open 2, Div 1 and on top of the ladder, but Knox won the final Div 2. Glen Waverley took two Premierships game by one run in a hard fought game. with Div 3 and Primary B, whilst Northwood Open Women’s team faced another Falcons won Open 3 and Northvale the Open challenge this year with the Championships 4 Premiership. held on the long weekend in March at Albury. Waverley were unsuccessful in Awards bringing home the trophy, but This year the Peta Edebone & Des Smith congratulations must go to the team of medals, which recognise the Open 1 and players for their commitment to Waverley Open 2 Most Valuable Players, were Association by travelling to Albury to presented at an evening held after the end represent their Association and keeping of the season. I would like to acknowledge Waverley in A Grade. and thank Heather Webb for organising the event, Sharon Myhre-Davis for being MC and Waverley sent four Representative teams to Jacinta Poole for the presentation slide the Canberra Tournament in January this show. year & was fortunate to be able to field six teams at our Easter Junior Tournament. Peta Edebone presented the medal in her honour to Dale Stocker of Northwood Congratulations and thank you to all the Falcons who won an unprecedented third members involved with the Representative Peta Edebone medal with 23 votes, a Program, including coaches, managers, massive 10 vote margin over Jess Bahn, statisticians, parents and players who give Danielle Rigg and Lauren Daykin who all up their time to represent Waverley at local finished equal second on 13 votes. and interstate tournaments.
Gabrielle Mifsud of Brandon Heights won Thank you to Anne Holt who gave up her the Des Smith medal with 20 votes, a time to meet teams at the park for uniform comfortable win over Bianca Ross and allocations again this year, making sure all Charlotte Dillon who finished equal second the players were in uniform. with 14 votes. Des was on hand to present the medal. Gilley’s Shield The Waverley Softball Association hosted The junior Most Valuable Player awards round 4 and the Finals of the Gilley’s Shield were presented on Grand Final day with the during the 2012-13 Season, over the Chas Holland-King Award for Division One weekend of 31st January – 2nd February. awarded to Lisa Mundos of Eastern Raiders There are many people to thank who helped and the Arthur Allsopp Award for Division over the three day tournament, but special Two awarded to Ashleigh Carolan of thanks must go to Greg Brown & Rob Brandon Heights. Cunningham who worked tirelessly over the season break to make sure our diamonds Representative Teams were well prepared for the tournament. The Waverley Softball Association was Greg & Rob were also present during the represented at all Victorian State tournament and lead the grounds crew Craig Championships. Shiell, Rodger Trevethan, Geoff Norden, Neil Our U19 and U15 teams were both Hamilton and Tony Black (Dandenong) who I successful in winning their respective age must thank for the many hours of preparing groups, bringing back the Championship the diamonds for play. SOFTBALL VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2013 P a g e | 47
took the U15 Plate medals back home with A huge thanks to Moira Teichert for all her them. work in the background and assisting with whatever task was asked of her. To Anita Congratulations to U15 Red for a hard and her wonderful team in the canteen, fought Grand Final win over Misfits in a tie another huge thanks for the fantastic job breaker. Also congratulations to U13 Red making sure there was plenty of great food and U19 for making the Cup Grand Finals in for all. Thanks also to Joanne Phillips from their respective age groups. Thank you Softball Victoria for putting her hand up to again to all coaches, managers & statisticians help whenever she was around. for their efforts throughout the season.
Gilley’s Shield weekend was completed with Thank you also for the huge contingent of the Softball Australia Awards of Excellence volunteers from the committee, parents and Dinner, held after the Gilley’s Shield Grand even other associations who helped with the Final. Congratulations to Mary Walkinshaw grounds prep, canteen & BBQ over the who was awarded the title of ‘2012 tournament. Once again Anita and her Statistician of the Year’ at the dinner. The fantastic band of helpers in the canteen award recognised Mary’s dedication to must be thanked for their many hours of scoring for over 20 years. Mary holds the preparing food for the weekend including position of Accreditation Coordinator, dinners after an early start each day. responsible for arranging the conduct of accreditation courses, subsequent Thanks also to Chris Trengove, tournament processes, training of lecturers’ and regularly UIC, and his crew of umpires for a great lectures at accreditation courses for Levels weekend. 1-4, including the use of technology. Another highlight of the evening was the Congratulations to all players, coaches, staff induction of Natalie Titcume into the Softball and families for a wonderful weekend of Australia Hall of Fame. fantastic softball and sportsmanship.
Natalie has played and coached recently Grounds with Eastern Raiders and been a very Waverley Softball Association grounds have successful coach and mentor to many young continued to be kept in good condition. This players of the game. We congratulate Nat on is mostly due to Greg Brown and Rob her contribution to the game of softball, her Cunningham, who took on the role of personal success representing Australia and groundsmen just prior to the start of the most importantly the fun and enjoyment season, and spent many hours working on she's shown and shared with teammates and our grounds this year to ensure they were opposition alike throughout her time at always presented in pristine condition. Not Waverley. just for our regular season, but also for the number of extra events that Waverley Easter hosted this year. The Waverley Easter tournament was again These included: a great success with 35 teams travelling to Gilley’s Shield Round Four and Finals Waverley to participate. It was great to see – Jan/Feb 2013 the U15 New Zealand team Mt Albert WSA Easter Junior Carnival – Ramblers make the journey across the March/April 2013 ocean. They had a great tournament and
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Greg & Rob also took on the huge task to dig equipment for our regular competition and up and prepare both Diamond 1 and 2 for representative teams. the Gilley’s Shield during the break from our regular season. Both were also often at the Waverley would also like to acknowledge the grounds during the week to setup and support of Stockdale & Leggo Real Estate in prepare diamonds for Schools and other Glen Waverley & Mount Waverley for their community groups who use our grounds. support with two advertising signs for the association. There were two working bees this season and thanks to all clubs for their efforts. Each Council Award diamond was delegated to a club again this Waverley Softball Association was awarded year which worked well. The diamonds the Active Monash Sports Club of the Year looked good when Waverley were on display for 2012 in recognition of the overall at all events held this year. consistent administration and involvement in developing community sport, at the Batter up Program annual Active Monash Awards night.
Council - Let’s All Play Program
Thank you to Claire Shelvey and volunteers Fiona Johns, Geoff Norden, Sheryl Ecker and Lauren Passarelli for taking on the task of The Let’s All Play program was run at Batter up Program again this year with a four Waverley Grounds in November 2012 as part day School Holiday program leading into the of Monash Active month & again recently in start of our tournament. Claire commented May 2013. The Let’s All Play program is ‘that it was an uplifting and heartening aimed at supporting youth from newly experience to work with them’ when asked arrived and migrant backgrounds to be how the program went. Parents of the linked in with sport and recreation in participants said ‘This is our first Batter Up Monash. There is undeniable evidence to program and the girls loved it. I think it was suggest that sport and recreation acts as a great value, fantastic involvement & games fantastic vehicle for settlement. In setup. Congratulations!’ November and May, the program saw
summer and winter sports days respectively. U12 Spectacular On both occasions, youth from a range of This year saw four Waverley teams; Eastern cultural backgrounds were rotated around 5 Raiders, Brandon Heights, Glen Waverley introductory activities, run by National and and a combined Northwood State Sporting Organisations, local sporting Falcons/Syndal/Eastern Raiders team clubs and the Monash Aquatic and participate in the Under 12 Spectacular, an Recreation Centre. initiative of the Softball Victoria Growth and
Development committee. Thank you to all In closing I would like to thank the hard Clubs for their support of this tournament. working members of the Executive. It was
another busy and challenging year both on Sponsorship and Publicity and off the diamonds. Waverley was again sponsored by Ausport
during the season and we are thankful for their contribution which assisted us with SOFTBALL VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2013 P a g e | 49
Thank you to all Club Presidents, Secretaries Waverley also hosted the School Sport and their committee’s for their continued Australia 12 and Under Softball efforts in managing their clubs and ensuring Championships during the week of their player’s involvement in our sport is November 14th to 18th, 2011.Thank you to all maximised and enjoyable. the Volunteers who helped to make this a successful tournament. Finally, thank you to every member of the Association who assisted throughout the The Waverley Easter tournament was again year wherever necessary for the betterment a great success with teams travelling from of the association. many states, including the largest contingent from South Australia. Team entries were Eastern Raiders and Glen Waverley both down on last year’s record number. Some participated in the inaugural Under 12 great softball was played and the Spectacular, an initiative of the Softball tournament continues to be a highlight of Victoria Junior Development committee. our softball calendar. Glen Waverley was the overall winner. We currently have an application with Monash Council for lighting on D2 and have The Waverley Softball Association hosted a been advised that our application will be round of the Gilley’s Shield during the 2011- considered as part of the Council’s Capital 12 Season over the weekend of 28-30th Works program. October. The weekend was a little In closing I would like to thank the hard challenging for the ground staff with days of working members of the Executive. It was a typical changing Melbourne weather. busy and challenging year.
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WERRIBEE SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION: Chris Holliday, President
WSA Committee Fees The preparation for the season started in We increased the WSA fees slightly to July, firstly recruiting members to be on the ensure we were able to cover some committee, then to sort out the calendar of previously unknown costs and knowing events and workplan for the up and coming there was some work to do for upgrading season. the fields and making our Association a better place for our members. With five of the ten committee members taking on the role for the first time, we set WSA offered an incentive to get fees out to forecast the budget based on the collected for the start of the season to calendar and activities we wanted to deliver reduce the burden for the clubs. If fees for the members. Our goal was to make a were paid by the 4th week of the season surplus for the season. there would be a 10% discount. Most clubs took advantage of the incentive. With more committee members there was a greater sharing of the workload making it Membership easier for everyone. This season our membership totalled 315 members, which broke down into 113 Season juniors, 192 senior players and 10 Official’s. Our first gameplay kicked off with the Memorial Shield in September which proved Development to be a great success with 16 teams entered WSA entered an A grade women’s team into across the Men’s & Women’s sections Melbourne Softball Association last winter including the boys and girls U17 state teams. with 7 junior girls playing in order to help The Under 17 girls won the women’s section develop their skills and get exposure to A and Giants winning the men’s. grade level. A special thanks to Laverton for the use of their training facility during the This year saw the need to fit 18 rounds into winter season. In one way or another, the 15 weeks due to the timing of various players improved their game and the holidays and State Championships. This experience proved to be of value when they meant that we played double headers some were selected for WSA Rep teams. weeks which extended the day and made for WSA appointed a development officer to a great atmosphere later in the day. work with the Active after Schools program through the Australian Sports Commission, We put together a male legends game to also plans were made to hold a softball support the breast cancer fundraiser which jubilee during the school holidays, but due was a great success and saw many people to the schools Oval grounds being scheduled stay back to watch past and present for maintenance this was not possible as it Australian and Victorian male had to be run on school grounds. representatives who have played at Werribee over the years. Many commented Softball Batter Up program was also run in on the concept which can be developed in conjunction with the Memorial Shield the future. generating 4 juniors attending the program who were integrated into clubs. Also with SOFTBALL VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2013 P a g e | 51
the Memorial Shield, a Level 2 Umpire season, often through very difficult weather development clinic was hosted with 11 conditions and travelling from other candidates from 5 Associations attending. Associations. The Blues at Werribee are highly regarded and are the backbone of the The Softball Victoria Under 12 Spectacular Victorian umpiring community. On behalf of tournament was held again this year with the Clubs, thanks Umps for the work you did double the number of teams entering which this season. is great for junior development. This year WSA had two Club teams enter – Laverton Club Debriefs and Kotuku. This year we gave each club the opportunity to fundraise which saw great support for At the State Championships this year, we Clubs as well as for charity’s like the Breast entered teams in both boys and girls Under Cancer research through pink day and Relay 15 and 17’s and boys Under 19’s. Of the five for Life. teams, the U15 and U19 boys made finals. Thank you to the Coaches, Managers and Clubs were also given the opportunity to Statisticians who supported these teams and give the Committee feedback on the the parents and friends who were there for successes and pitfalls of the season. Overall training and the tournaments. Clubs were pleased with the canteen management, food selections, quality of Congratulations to Trevor Murphy who was information, ground maintenance and awarded his Level 6 umpiring badge. positive approach to making change happen. Areas for improvement included more Representatives timely information including more notice for Congratulations also to the following duty rosters: canteen, umpiring and other players, statistician and umpires who won responsibilities. State and Australian Team Caps for 2013. They are: Clubs were interested in pursuing different State Teams models of competition to encourage more U17 Boys: Bailey James (Player), competitive comp and to increase Debbie Lee (Statistician) recruitment to the game. U19 Men: Lachlan Hughes, Brent James, Hayden Masson (Players) In closing, I would think that the season was Umpires: Kevin Broomhall, Jason a success due to planning but most of all, the Carter, Trevor Murphy continued help and support of our Clubs. As Australian Squads / Teams always a club or Association such as WSA U19 Men’s: Hayden Masson (Player) would not be successful without a Umpire: Kevin Broomhall (Under 19 committed team of members, so a special Men’s World Championships, Parana, thank you to the WSA Committee members Argentina) for their loyalty, time and commitment to Umpires the plan established at the start of the A small number of regular umpires carried a season. big load of commitments through the .
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High Performance
The following athletes and Team Management represented Victoria in the 2013 National Championships. Thank you to all those who supported the athletes and contributed endless hours to improve the opportunities for Softballers in Victoria:
Under 17 Girls Sarah Beales, Knox Brittany Kennett, Knox Sarah Scopelliti, Nthn District Ebony Fulford, Alb/Wod Gabrielle Mifsud, Sunshine Mihikura Tuialii, Nthn District Meaghan Grah, Waverley Jodi Penfold, Waverley Kate Willmott, Geelong Natasha Holt, Waverley Hayley Piper, Knox Isabel Zaharias, Casey Molly Joynson, Casey Narisse Privitera, Waverley
Coach: Cheryl Waye, Waverley Assistant Coaches: Donna Scammell, Waverley, Mark Scammell,Dandenong Manager: Heather Webb, Waverley Statistician: Ray Carter, Waverley
Under 17 Boys Jayden Bamford, Casey Thomas Greer, Dandenong Nicholas Sheedy, Nthn District Sam Beales, Knox Jordan Herangi, Casey Matthew Speirs, Dandenong Cory Beswick, Knox Bailey James, Werribee Adam Talarico, Casey Jacob Cassar, Casey Ryan Lawrence, Nthn District Hayden Tresize, Casey Ethan Chavasse, Casey Dean Leskie, Casey Steven Garoni, Alb/Wod Aaron Nitschke, Alb/Wod
Coach: Richard Wickliffe, Casey Assistant Coaches: Shane Goodall, Casey, Mac Utatao, Casey Manager: Lisa Beswick, Casey Statistician: Debbie Lee, Werribee
Under 19 Women Grace Bibby, Glen Eira Bridgitte Jessop, Nthn District Lauren Passarelli, Waverley Emily Clow, Waverley Katrina Johns, Waverley Natalie Passarelli, Waverley Sarah Curran, Dandenong Kathryn Laemmle, Frankston Bianca Ross, Waverley Jayde Gardiner, Alb/Wod Kelly Martin, Waverley Elly Trevethan, Waverley Emily Grisold, Waverley Laura Moorfield, Alb/Wod Alys Young, Waverley Sophia Huilani, Melbourne Matilda Newton, Frankston
Coach: Mike Shanhun, Frankston Assistant Coaches: Graeme Tuialii, Nthn District Manager: Joanne Phillips, Victoria Statistician: Melissa Southern, Melbourne
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Under 19 Men Sam Beales, Knox Lachlan Hughes, Werribee Aaron Nitschke, Alb/Wod William Browne, Casey Brent James, Werribee Robert Scopelliti, Casey Steven Dawson, Dandenong Dean Leskie, Casey Cameron Short, Casey Thomas Greer, Dandenong Hayden Masson, Werribee Adam Talarico, Casey
Coach: Corey Dimitrijevic, Sunshine Assistant Coach: Peter Donohue, Keilor Park, Nathan Gill, Keilor Park, Manager: Cathy Weldon, Keilor Park Statistician: Allison Pendlebury, Waverley Sports trainer: Jenny Miles, Keilor Park
Open Women Jess Bahn, Glen Eira Mikaela Gregory, QLD Kym Tollenaere, Waverley Racquel Bisinella-Duns, Brittany Flint, QLD SarahTutchener, Waverley Waverley Katrina Johns, Waverley Marina Walker, Glen Eira Stacey Bulger, Waverley Tracey Mosley, ACT Brianna Wanke, Dandenong Lauren Daykin, Waverley Kate Robinson, Italy Emma Willmott, Geelong Jackie Di Siervi, Glen Eira Amy Stenniken, Waverley Tyleisha Dunn, QLD Rachael Thomson, Waverley
Coach: Nigel Mackey, Waverley Assistant Coaches: Danni Hanna, Waverley Manager: Tracey Duscher, Waverley Statistician: Mary Walkinshaw, Waverley Sports Trainer: Jenny Miles
Open Men David Edwards, Keilor Park Geoff Machirus, Dandenong Nathan Shanahan, Casey Drew Faulkner, Casey Nick O’Shea, Casey Ryan Shanahan, Casey Joel Goodall, Casey Bryce Pilcher, Sunshine Ryan Sinclair, Frankston Sam Kassianou, Casey Glen Rigg, Knox Sam Trevethan, Casey Kris Kiefel, Keilor Park Mark Rigg, Knox Lewis Weldon, Keilor Park
Coach: Bryan Edwards, Keilor Park Assistant Coach: Nathan Gill, Keilor Park Manager: Bruce Faulkner, Casey Statistician: Helen Edwards, Keilor Park
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National Representatives
2012 ISF XIII Women’s World Championship 2012/13 AIS Squad Justine Smethurst, Waverley Marina Walker, Glen Eira Kym Tollenaere, Waverley
2013 Under 17 Girls Australian Squad Sarah Beales, Frankston Gabrielle Mifsud, Sunshine Bianca Ross, Waverley Sarah Scopelliti, Northern District
2012 Open Men’s Australian Squad David Edwards, Keilor Park Kris Kiefel, Keilor Park Drew Faulkner, Casey Lewis Weldon, Keilor Park Joel Goodall, Casey Sam Kassianou, Casey
2013 ISF XIII Men's World Championship David Edwards, Keilor Park Physiotherapist Bernie Sumai Kris Kiefel, Keilor Park Reserve: Drew Faulkner, Casey
2013 Under 19 Men’s Australian Squad Hayden Masson Werribee
2012 Under 19 Men’s Junior World Championship Scott Jansen, Frankston Jack Hayes, Waverley (Reserve) Nick O’Shea, Casey Assistant Coach: Sandra Evans, Sunshine Ryan Sinclair, Frankston Sam Kassianou, Casey
2013 Under 17 Boys Australian Squad Sam Beales, Knox Adam Talarico, Casey Tom Greer, Dandenong Aaron Nitschke, Albury/Wodonga Dean Leskie, Casey
Australian Championship Awards
2012 John Reid Shield Rosemary Adey Rookie Of The Year Nathan Shanahan
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Past Presidents & Secretaries
Presidents Secretaries
1942-45 Irene BURROWES 1942-46 Betty TURNER
1946-47 Jack FRANKLIN 1947 Dorothy LUMSDEN
1948-54 Irene BURROWES 1948 Maria HEMSWORTH
1955 Esther DEASON 1949-52 Merle SHORT
1956 Glory BAIN 1953-57 Coral THOMSON
1957 Merle SHORT 1958-61 Merle SHORT
1958-61 Esther DEASON M.B.E. 1962 Barbara STAPLETON
1962 Barbara STAPLETON 1963-66 Merle SHORT
1963-70 Esther DEASON M.B.E. 1967-76 Lorraine CADMAN
1971-76 Midge NELSON B.E.M. 1977-80 Val ALLPRESS
1977-81 Vivienne TRIPLETT 1981-82 Glory BAIN
1982 Esther DEASON M.B.E. 1983 Paul GALE
1983-87 Aubrey KOTZ 1984 Margo KOSKELAINEN O.A.M.
1988-89 Ed CHATWIN 1985-89 Gail BOWEN
1990-1999 Bill GOBBART
1999-2000 Ron PILKINGTON
2000-2011 Bryan EDWARDS
2011- Jenny HOLLIDAY
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Partners & Sponsors
Our thanks go to the following supporters of Softball in Victoria
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