In the spirit of reconciliation, acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. Partners and sponsors Contents

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS Message from Sport Australia ...... 1 Chairman’s Report ...... 2

Chief Executive Officer’s Report ...... 3

Staff and Member States ...... 5

Committees ...... 6

High Performance ...... 7

Marketing and Communications ...... 9

Member Recognition ...... 15

Membership...... 17

Technical Umpiring ...... 25 NAMING RIGHTS SPONSOR Scoring ...... 29 Coaching ...... 31

Appointments WBSC ...... 33 ...... 34

Events and Results International ...... 35 National ...... 39 EXCLUSIVE CATEGORY PARTNERS Teams and Squads ...... 53

Awards & Honours ...... 55

1 |SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA | ANNUAL REPORT 2 |SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA | ANNUAL REPORT

Message from Sport Australia Softball Australia’s Chairman report

John Wylie AM John Hollingsworth

The start of 2020 has been an extraordinarily tough time for Australians, including all of us Softball in Australia has again taken great strides towards the betterment of the committed to sport. game during very challenging times. The impact of bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic have been confronting for The past 12 months was an exciting time for softball in Australia, highlighted by communities, where we all know sport plays such an important role. our return to the Olympics via an unbeaten qualifying tournament in China in At the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), comprising Sport Australia and the Australian September 2019. Institute of Sport (AIS), our energy is focused on supporting our partners through these We are fully supportive of the decision of the International Olympic Committee times as we continue to advocate the importance of sport to our economy, productivity, to postpone the 2020 . This was obviously difficult for our High health, wellbeing and culture. Performance team but their resilience and positivity following the news is We believe whole-heartedly that when we get through this challenging period, sport will hugely admirable, I look forward to seeing them take their deserved spot on play a prominent role in lifting the nation’s energy and spirits again. the diamond in Tokyo 2021.

Times such as these can also make us more appreciative of what we do have and of the success we have achieved. Internationally, our Open Women’s team returned to the League in the United States under Success in sport is always hard fought. But it’s a fight Australian high-performance sport welcomes as it continues to the banner of the of Minnesota. This is not only a huge opportunity for both the current squad of achieve success. Australian players but also to those at the junior level who now have the prospect of being selected to compete in Last year the wonderful Ash Barty won the French Open and became our first female No1 tennis player since her idol, a professional league overseas. Thank you to the Peppers for hosting our girls and your support of our High Evonne Goolagong Cawley, in 1976. Javelin-thrower Kelsey Lee-Barber set personal bests throughout the year and took Performance program. the title at the IAAF World Championships in Doha. Dylan Alcott added three more Grand Slam quad wheelchair singles Our Junior Men’s program once again proved their credentials on the world stage with a runner-up result at the trophies to the cabinet and Sailing duo Matt Belcher and Will Ryan claimed the men’s 470 World Championship. In the Junior Men’s World Cup held in Palmerston North, , an exciting sign for the future of the Aussie Steelers. pool, our swimmers won seven gold medals at the FINA World Championships, placing Australia fourth on the medal tally. At the domestic level we had another brilliant Summer of Softball starting with our National Championships. I’d like to commend the Open Men’s and U14 Boys’ participants for their understanding of Softball Australia’s decision to This year our inspiring women’s cricket team won a fifth World T20 title, drawing a record crowd of 86,174 to the MCG. shift their tournament venue from Hawker to Blacktown to avoid the treat of bushfires. How fitting that this historical moment fell on International Women’s Day. These results are a testament to the tenacity and passion of athletes, coaches, sports staff and sporting organisations, which know we have all the skills and abilities We saw our Member States come together to ensure the safety of our participants were a priority, thanks to all for to achieve success. their cooperation in a difficult situation. That was an encouraging sign for our One Softball initiative which again has I am proud too of the service our organisation provides to Australian sport each year, on behalf of the Australian taken big steps in the last 12 months. We appointed a full-time resource to facilitate One Softball amongst States Government. and its been exciting to see that progress. Undoubtedly our sport needs to transition to a One Softball organisation to grow participation and improve retention. The primary aim of this transformation is to increase participation and The ASC, through Sport Australia and the AIS, delivers 25,000 grants a year. ultimately membership in softball across Australia. It is crucial for us, now more than ever, to grow the sport and the The AIS, funds and prepares our Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games to represent us at the highest level One Softball strategy is going to play the pivotal role. in international competition. Finally, the COVID-19 Pandemic has rocked communities and economies across the world and Australian sport is In the past few years, we have enhanced our support to athlete wellbeing and engagement, a move that is essential, certainly no different. All codes have been forced to adjust quickly. I am thoroughly impressed by the leadership especially in the current environment. from our Member States and commend them for making, and continuing to make, difficult decisions in difficult Sport Australia invests in sports participation programs, from our national Sporting Schools program for younger times. children through to the Better Ageing program aimed at Australians aged 65 and over. As I step away from the Board of Softball Australia I have full confidence that new Chair Peter Jon Hartshorne and So many of these grants fuel aspirations. Our Local Sporting Champions program supports 9,000 children a year to his fellow board members, an impressive group of industry professionals, will continue to grow our game, and I reach for their sporting dreams. depart proud of the current state of the sport and its growth potential. Our Women Leaders in Sport program and the AIS Talent program provide opportunities for women to progress their professional development in all roles across sport. I’d like to personally thank the Board of Softball Australia, staff at the national office and the Member States, athletes, coaches, umpires, scorers and volunteers for all contributing to my enjoyable nine-year involvement with the sport. We continue to work with sports to modernise traditional governance structures in Australian sporting organisations and we continue to encourage environments that are inclusive, diverse, safe and welcoming, making sport the My time on the Board has been an incredibly rewarding experience. benchmark for a more equitable society. Best of luck to our future Olympians and Australian representatives, as well as anyone who steps onto a diamond to This was to be the year of the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo. Instead, it has been postponed to 2021, with play this great game. the Olympic Games to be held from 23 July to 8 August 2021 and the Paralympics from 24 August to 5 September 2021. John Hollingsworth We have already witnessed a great deal of positivity from athletes who now need to re-set. Chairman I’m confident, as a united sport system, we will do the same.

John Wylie AM ASC Chair

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Softball Australia’s CEO report

David Pryles

The past twelve months for Softball Australia has seen the highest of highs when the Travelodge Aussie Spirit won their way back into the Olympic Games and at the other end of the scale dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic that stopped .

Despite the difficulties every sport in the world has experienced, I am proud of where we sit as an organisation and how we’ve maintained momentum in a number of areas.

High Performance Firstly, congratulations must go to our Travelodge Aussie Spirit team who were commend our State SEOs around the country for how they Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing

magnificent in their WBSC Asia/Oceania Olympic Qualifier, winning all five games all professionally and efficiently handled this unprecedented Chairperson John Hollingsworth who steps away from the and committing no defensive errors in a pressure packed tournament with only one situation. role after six years as Chair and nine as a member of the spot in Tokyo up for grabs. Of course, we didn’t escape the COVID-19 Pandemic without Board. Full credit to Head Coach Laing Harrow, the High Performance team and his coaching staff for earning our spot back a , notably we were forced into the cancellation of the U23 Softball Australia has seen an increased focus on nation-wide in the Olympics, more on this in the High Performance Report along with other fantastic results including a silver medal Men’s and Women’s National Championships along with the collaboration; increasing emphasis on grassroots; the for Australia at the Junior Men’s World Cup in 2020. International Friendship Series, Aussie Diamonds and establishment of a highly skilled, diverse national board; a Futures Tours originally planned for April 2020. significant increase in commercial revenue; a strong balance

Commercial Grassroots The re-scheduling of international events including the sheet which will hold the sport in good stead for years to Commercially, we have again recorded strong results At a grassroots level we have re-invigorated the Open Men’s and U18 Women’s World Cups also led to a come under John’s leadership. bringing on several new partners including Kumho Tyre, Softball Batter Up (SBU) program including the small re-shuffle of 2021 National Championship dates. As we enter the 2020/2021 Calendar Year there are a still a National Storage, PTP, Aussie Athlete Agency and development of starter packs an online platform for number of uncertainties as to what our sport will look like Our Open Women’s squad was obviously dealt the harshest Gamesense as well as retaining our partners from the purchasing equipment and offered every Association cards with the re-scheduling of the 2020 Olympic Games to under the new ‘COVID normal’ but we also have a number of previous 12 months. who runs an SBU program store credit. We also offered 2021, however this news was taken in stride by the group things to be excited about in softball. up a number of beginner coaching courses for free to We also entered a crucial partnership with Crocmedia who remain focused on a fifth Olympic Medal. arm Associations with the necessary knowledge to host Thank you all for your passion and support and I look who not only greatly improved the broadcast of our their own junior participation programs. They’ve taken a number of lessons from former Olympians forward to more positive results in year 2020/2021. Australia Pacific Cup and Summer Slam – Fully Loaded including Peta Edebone who was recognised this year with David Pryles Softball tournaments, but also provided live streaming I’m pleased that the organisation has invested in the an OAM, along with Deb Keogh, John Larter and Andrew Chief Executive Officer of our Men’s and Women’s National Championships. marketing of the sport with investment in digital

SEO/SEM and Google AdWords in a first for the sport. Rindfleish while Debbie Grove received an AM. Importantly, Crocmedia provide us with multimedia We also saw Fiona Crawford and Tanya Harding inducted facilities, including a full broadcast studio, to assist us in into the WBSC Hall of Fame and Darren Sibraa and Michael creating engaging content around major COVID-19 effect on play Tanner were inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of announcements. Another aspect of our partnership is In March, Australia was in the grips of the global Fame. Umpire of the Year was awarded to Trevor Murphy. the ability to tap into their extensive commercial COVID-19 Pandemic, an uncertain time for not only the contacts to sell our sport further. country, but the entire world. There is no playbook to I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outgoing follow for a situation such as this, but I am extremely members of our History and Recognition Committee who

proud of our staff and our Member States for their have done a fantastic job of chronicling our games through La Trobe University partnership handling of the situation. the years, thanks to Margo Koskelainen, Audrey McLaughlin, The Softball Australia and Softball Victoria offices From Softball Australia’s perspective, it was important Neville Lawrance and Mark Jeppesen. moved into the new La Trobe Sports Stadium based in to share relevant information we were receiving from Bundoora next to the La Trobe University campus. This the Australian Government and Sport Australia. is so much more than a change of scenery, along with Softball Australia does not have the ability to enforce the new office, we now have access to first class sports a cancellation on local tournaments, but science facilities, training grounds and meeting rooms. recommended competition be suspended following We have also entered a partnership with La Trobe our first wave of COVID-19 infections, falling in line with University and their internship program allowing us to other NSOs and sporting codes. achieve more in various areas of the business while This information was not met with resistance from the assisting in the professional development of students. community but rather understanding of the unique situation and of course disappointment. I would like to 5 |SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA | ANNUAL REPORT 6 |SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA | ANNUAL REPORT

Softball Australia staff and Member States Softball Australia Committees

Board of Directors Finance Committee National Scoring Committee John Hollingsworth (Chairman) Melissa Hamilton (resigned Feb 2020) John Hollingsworth, Committee Chair Ngaire Huston (Qld), Chief Statistician Peter Jon Hartshorne Christine Heron Jenny Dunn, Director Michael Hannelly (NSW), Technical Development Fiona Crawford Helen Langenberg David Pryles, Softball Australia CEO Sandra Palmer (NSW), Operations Sandra De Witt Richard Lindell Hari Prasad, Softball Australia Financial Controller Kirsty Andrews (Qld), Communications Jenny Dunn Philippa Wright (appointed 26 March 2020) Chris Trengove (Vic), Technology Development

Staff Governance Committee National Umpiring Committee David Pryles Chief Executive Officer Christine Heron, Director, Committee Chair Kyira Cox (NSW) National UIC/UIC Operations Chet Gray Chief Operating Officer David Pryles, Softball Australia CEO Leigh Evans (Vic) UIC Technical Josef Oduwo (comm Dec 2019-dept May 2020) One Softball Project Manager Sandra De Witt, Director Debbie Grove (Vic) UIC Development Simone Wearne High Performance Manager Helen Langenberg, Director Scott Rindfleish (NSW) UIC Communications Jack Lucas Communications & Marketing Manager Richard Lindell, Director Ben Utting Sport Development Manager Laing Harrow Australian Women’s Head Coach Helen Davis Office Manager Shane Cantelmi National Events Manager Presidents Commission One Softball Steering Committee Ryder Ranieri National Teams & Events Coordinator John Hollingsworth, Director, Committee Chair Peter Jon Hartshorne, Director, Committee Chair Tim Hatzi Club & Community Development Coordinator Peter Jon Hartshorne, Director Richard Lindell, Director Brooke Wilkins Technical Project Coordinator David Pryles, Softball Australia CEO David Pryles, Softball Australia CEO Joanne Paez Participation Coordinator Frank Curcio (ACT) Gerard Kennedy (Vic) Hari Prasad Financial Controller Loretta Watts (NSW) Jo Cantle (ACT) Audrina Ning Accounts Assistant Michelle Krauer (NT) Jenny Goolagong (ACT) Mark Jeppesen/Darren Sibraa (Qld) Paul Brooking (SA) Uby Faddoul/Karyn Dale (SA) Jim Manning (SA) Sheryl Burnie (Tas) Ben Byrnes (Vic) Member States Bron Madigan (Vic) Softball ACT President: Frank Curcio Warren Duff/Nicole Winstone (WA) Chief Executive Officer: Ben Kirk Softball NSW President: Loretta Watts General Manager: Daniel Rushworth History & Recognition Committee High Performance Advisory Group Softball NT President: Michelle Krauer Joanne Paez, Softball Australia Participation Coordinator Fiona Crawford, Director Executive Officer: Nicky Bacon/Mitzi Ferguson (State Operations Manager NT) Kylie Bloodworth (Vic) Chet Gray, Softball Australia, COO Softball Qld President: Mark Jeppesen/Darren Sibbra Cathy Kerr (Softball NSW) Simone Wearne, Softball Australia High Performance Manager General Manager: Ross Symonds Laing Harrow, Open Women’s Head Coach Softball SA President: Uby Fadoul/Karyn Dale Dennis Cullen (Qld) Executive Officer: James Harris Joyce Lester (Qld) Bob Crudgington (Qld) Softball Tas President: Sheryl Burnie Executive Officer: John Milbourne/Sheryl Burnie Softball Vic President: Bron Madigan Executive Officer: Nick Frayne Softball WA President: Warren Duff/Nicole Winstone Chief Executive Officer: Russ Clark/Jill Green (Acting)

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High performance

This year will undoubtedly be remembered for the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) The team won all five games in comprehensive fashion to Highlights outstanding performance of our Travelodge Aussie not only finish undefeated but surrender a total of only Open Women Training Camps: a three-day camp was held Spirit competing at the WBSC Asia/Oceania Olympic four runs for the event. as part of the Olympic Qualifier preparation; and a camp Qualifier in Shanghai, China and taking the sixth and post the 2020 Australia Pacific Cup more specifically as part Highlights included with 3 final softball position at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic of our 2020 Olympic Campaign. Both camps brought wins, and an ERA of just 1.40, Taylah Tsitsikronis with a Games. players and officials together to establish clear goals and batting average of .500 and a tournament leading 7 RBIs objectives, touch on identified priorities on and off the field, Whilst there were no competitions or programs for the and with an OBP of .643. and confirm team philosophies and expectations prior to Australian Men’s team, an Australian Men’s Squad was Our pitchers had an overall team ERA of 0.93, we finished departure for Tokyo. selected for 2020 following the 2020 Open Men’s with a team batting average of .394, the best offensive AIS Pitching Testing: Pitching testing (biomechanics National Softball Championship. The Travelodge Aussie Spirit once again made a result for the Travelodge Aussie Spirit in the last decade; specific) was conducted at the AIS in early December commitment to attend the 2019 NPF season in the United The Squad was selected in preparation for the next we did not commit one error in defense, the best defensive providing an opportunity to expose five of our pitchers to States in preparation for the Olympic Qualifier in China. It WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup, which was originally result from a Travelodge Aussie Spirit team ever. testing that had not been available previously, and also was not only an excellent chance for our players to be scheduled to be held in February 2021 in New Zealand. have them around new Battery Coach, Andrew Kirkpatrick exposed to world-class game play daily, it was also an Australia Pacific Cup However, the WBSC announced in June 2020 that the and sports scientist Dr Sophia Nimphius. opportunity to build a strong relationship with the The two Australian Open Women’s teams (Travelodge event would be postponed by 12 months, due to the Scholarship Athletes: Mankato Peppers organisation located in Mankato, Aussie Spirit and Australia A) were buoyant and eager to athletes were involved with ACTAS, COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota. not only participate in the final selection event in the lead QAS, NSWIS and WAIS. The current Squad are scholarship athletes and the ongoing support they receive in their Head Coach Laing Harrow took the opportunity to learn up to the announcement of the 2020 Olympic Squad, but state-based Institute/Academy programs provides a more about the playing list as a whole, create important also to perform strongly against opposing Olympic fantastic support and base for our National Program. relationships with both players and coaches, and expose Nations on home soil. Athlete Management System (AMS) the players to game situations where Harrow’s strategy Both teams displayed solid performances, but it was the : We took our affiliation and philosophy could be played out in real time. Travelodge Aussie Spirit who was able to defeat the highly with AMS to another level by implementing a new ‘softball specific’ dashboard. This was established to capture skill- Our pitchers improved their ERA .09 from the 2018 NPF rated Mexican team 3-2 to earn the right to play Japan in specific training data, notably pitch and swing quantities season, a significant improvement given the quality of the battle for first place. The team ultimately finished in and training ‘types’ which will benefit staff as we prepare a hitters they were facing. The team’s defense improved, second place. new program for our pathway athletes post Tokyo 2020. adding .06% to the team fielding average compared to Brooke Spence (Qld) and Stephanie Trzcinski (SA) were Scouting: the 2018 season, and although the team played an debut players for the Travelodge Aussie Spirit; Captain Tony Mackie and Laing Harrow continued to code additional 8 games in comparison to 2018, they Stacey Porter was named Tournament MVP and Kaia and scout games, both from our own team and opposition committed 16 fewer errors. Parnaby was named Pitcher of the Tournament. Olympic teams. Reports have been produced, including individual reports for all 2020 squad players to assist them WBSC Asia/Oceania Olympic Qualifier The Summer Slam – Fully Loaded Softball in their ongoing learning. The pinnacle for the Travelodge Aussie Spirit team was no The fast-paced, challenging game of Fully Loaded Softball, gameSense Partnership: After establishing an initial doubt the Olympic Qualifier held in Shanghai, China. with players under pressure from start to finish, was again relationship prior to the Olympic Qualifier, which certainly Captain Stacey Porter led the way in what was a make or an opportunity to meet specific High Performance assisted us in our training and ultimately our performance break scenario for the team vying for the sixth and final objectives, a priority in an Olympic year. in China (offensively), we formalised an agreement with US- position in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic competition. A number of young and developing players were included based pitch occlusion company, gameSense, Webinar in each of the six team rosters, providing an opportunity support and app access to our Junior Spirit players and staff to expose them to the more experienced Australian squad is one of many positive outcomes of the relationship given but also international-level game experience – both our focus on the developing athletes looking towards 2028. important aspects of transitioning post the Olympic Games to a more pathway-focused program in the lead Simone Wearne up to the 2028 Olympics. High Performance Manager

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Marketing and communications

2019/20 has seen a significant increase in softball’s presence in mainstream media with an Olympic year and National Championships streaming the Travelodge Aussie Spirit’s strong chance of a medal in Tokyo. The Open Women’s and Men’s National Championships were streamed by Crocmedia for the first time and Softball Australia secured several partnerships to strengthen the sports position in the busy commercial sports saw a vast improvement in quality, consistency and social media engagement. communications and marketing landscape. Over the course of the tournament, softball fans across the world consumed a cumulation of 9,300 hours of Direct communications with our community during the COVID-19 Pandemic which escalated in Australia from livestreaming through Facebook alone, resulting in 700 new social media followers in a week, all organically. March were high priority. This is an enormous improvement on 2019, which ticked just over 869 hours and gained 300 followers over the course of the tournament week. Media Call – Travelodge activation In conjunction with Travelodge Hotels and to coincide with the announcement of the Olympic Qualifier squad, a media call took place at Travelodge Wynyard on 14 August, 2019 launching the ‘Softball Suite’ with , Gabbie Plain, Elle Roberts and Stacey McManus taking part in a photo and vision opportunities in the Suite.

Australia Pacific Cup and Summer Slam The Australia Pacific Cup and Summer Slam achieved significantly more coverage as Softball Australia’s showpiece tournaments on the events calendar.

New articles appeared in the Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Gold Coast Bulletin, Times and regional publications through an AAP article and the momentum continued following Olympic qualification with articles and interviews on mainstream news programs including 7 National News and ABC Breakfast.

Crocmedia In August, media giant Crocmedia joined our growing list of partners, offering live broadcasts and multimedia content pieces, a new media monitoring service to track coverage in the Olympic year and the addition of high-profile corporate partners.

Along with an increase in production value of live broadcasts of the Summer Slam and Australia Pacific Cup, Crocmedia also livestreamed the Men’s and Women’s National Championships in January.

Partnering with Crocmedia provides access to professional filming studios, a recording studio, and a direct line to SEN to make significant announcements to a national audience.

• Crocmedia Studios - Video Production: provides an opportunity to film professional preview clips for National Championships, Summers Slam and Australia Pacific Cup, greatly lifting the presentation of these events and adding extra credibility to the athletes competing. • Softball Australia Podcast: commencing in July 2020, the Podcast will feature notable softball figures each month for six months beginning in July 2020.

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Marketing and communications (cont’d)

All Softball Australia social media channels experienced an increase in reach, engagement and impressions. Media Monitoring service - Meltwater Softball Australia Post Event Social Media Report - 2020 Australia Pacific Cup Softball Australia partnered with Meltwater providing access to an accurate and efficient media monitoring service which Facebook Softball Australia 2019 2020 (30 Jan - 2 Feb) % Change will provide audience numbers per article, number of articles by publication, geo-location of articles and much more. Likes 14,588 20,348 39.48% Through Meltwater, we are able to present data through their reporting module allowing access to visually appealing Likes Gained 178 380 113.48% and easy to understand graphics and with these details, Softball Australia can add quantifiable data for potential and Video Views 79,675 326,589 309.90% Impressions 380,737 645,947 69.66% current commercial partners and the Board of Softball Australia. Reach 241,667 611,216 152.92% Metrics are retrospective, meaning measurements can be made against previous major events/announcements. Engagement 55,360 113,237 104.55% Twitter Softball Australia 2019 2020 (30 Jan - 2 Feb) % Change Softball Australia joins a number of National Sporting Organisations in Meltwater’s stable to use a media monitoring Followers 3,911 4,580 17.11% service. Followers Gained 31 58 87.10% Video Views 25,791 17,550 -31.95% Snapshot of the last 12 months of data Impressions 149,625 275,069 83.84% Engagement 9,990 10,443 4.53% Instagram Softball Australia 2019 2020 (30 Jan - 2 Feb) % Change Followers 3,977 6,350 59.67% Video Views 18,528 5,850 -68.43% Impressions 114,245 195,806 71.39% Engagement 7,592 8,658 14.04% Reach 70,759 168,411 138.01% Youtube Softball Australia 2019 2020 (30 Jan - 2 Feb) % Change Video Views 26,345 N/A -% Avg Duration 12:19 N/A -% Likes 85 N/A -% Shares 204 N/A -% Subscriptions 110 N/A -% Totals 2019 2020 (30 Jan - 2 Feb) % Change Impressions 644,607 1,116,822 73.26% Engagement 72,942 132,338 81.43% Reach 385,368 779,627 102.31%

Softball Australia Post Event Social Media Report - 2020 Summer Slam Facebook Softball Australia 2019 2020 (3 - 5 Feb) % Change Likes 14,700 20,416 38.88% Likes Gained 56 68 21.43% Video Views 48,093 141,198 193.59%

Impressions 282,834 289,239 2.26% Reach 171,417 272,451 58.94% Engagement 29,608 34,579 16.79% Twitter Softball Australia 2019 2020 (3 - 5 Feb) % Change Followers 3,949 4,582 16.03% Followers Gained 38 28 -26.32% Video Views 10,344 16,051 55.17% Impressions 105,872 129,339 22.17% Engagement 4,019 4,248 5.70% Instagram Softball Australia 2019 2020 (3 - 5 Feb) % Change Followers 4,003 6,354 58.73% Video Views 36,139 48,563 34.38% Impressions 165,182 416,009 151.85% Engagement 16,093 11,840 -26.43% Reach 116,014 336,031 189.65% Totals 2019 2020 (3 - 5 Feb) % Change Impressions 553,888 834,587 50.68% Engagement 49,720 50,667 1.90% Reach 287,431 608,482 111.70%

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Marketing and communications (cont’d)

Partner promotions During the isolation period, Softball Australia reached out to partners to inform them of various promotions to run throughout April/May with a goal of data capture for our various partners and engaging our digital audience.

• Win a SONIQ Smart TV, 1-12 April (just under 400 entries) • Win a signed Panthers playing jersey from the 2020 Summer Slam thanks to East Coast Car Rentals, 13-19 April • Win an Easton Ghost Advanced bat signed by the Australian squad and Easton Softball signed by Stacey Porter thanks to National Storage, 20-26 April • Win a signed Travelodge Aussie Spirit playing jersey from the 2020 Australia Pacific Cup thanks to Travelodge Hotels, 27 April – 3 May

Video content To engage with the softball community via our digital channels, several clips were created from the 2020 Summer Slam and published during isolation. This was in line with other major sporting codes including the PGA Tour, NBA, NFL and domestically in the NRL and AFL.

Current statistics alongside 2020 Summer Slam tournament statistics for comparison Softball Australia Facebook Report - 2020 Summer Slam Clips during isolation Facebook Softball Australia 2020 SS (3 - 5 Feb) 19 March - 15 April % Change Likes 20,416 20,964 Likes Gained 68 140 105.88% Video Views 141,198 276,534 95.85% Impressions 289,239 799,307 176.35% Reach 272,451 798,195 192.97% Engagement 34,579 60,107 73.83%

Softball Batter Up SEM investment To increase awareness of the Softball Batter Up Program, work is underway for an SEM campaign that will be launched in July 2020 and run for six months.

The website ‘Search & Display’ campaign will include a data capture feature to build a database to help Softball Australia and Member States to identify registrations state by state, hopefully leading to more Softball Batter Up registrations for associations and clubs.

Social Media Softball Australia reached the milestone of 20,000 followers on Facebook, further strengthening the reach and influence of the channel.

Social media remains our best tool to communicate news and updates, as well as a valuable tool for potential and current partners and a conscious effort has been made to post more engaging content such as videos and competitions to continue to grow the brand across all platforms. Twelve-month growth outlined below.

2019 Twitter % Instagram % Facebook % YouTube - SUB % LinkedIn % Spirit - FB % Steelers - FB %

1-Jul 4115 4752 15995 1297 460 3054 2066

2020 Twitter % Instagram % Facebook % YouTube - SUB % LinkedIn % Spirit - FB % Steelers - FB %

5-Jul 4718 13.65% 6788 35.28% 21491 27.75% 1630 22.75% 764 49.67% 3127 2.36% 2496 18.85%

Jack Lucas Marketing and Communications Manager

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Member recognition

Softball Australia proudly acknowledges WBSC Hall of Fame, Softball Australia Hall of Fame, Queen’s Birthday 2019 Vivienne Triplett Umpire of the Year Honours, Service Award and Umpire of the Year recipients. Trevor Murphy (Vic) Trevor’s commitment to the Victorian Umpiring Program is demonstrated by both his WBSC Hall of Fame administrative roles and practical contributions. It is Trevor’s commitment to the umpires Fiona Crawford (nee Hanes) (NSW) themselves that shines through. His willingness to be available in all areas, development, th Fiona was the 190 female to represent the Aussie Spirit. Beginning her career as shortstop, mentoring and assessing goes well above the standard. He is as familiar with the grass roots nd nd she progressed to 2 base, and was the starting 2 base for every game at the 2000 and as he is the national stage. 2004 Olympic Games. By the time she retired from representative softball in 2007, Fiona, He is well known to travel to any metropolitan Associations where required to perform these had accumulated an impressive career, playing 223 games for Australia, competing at two roles to ensure that all umpires are afforded the same opportunities to advance. Olympic Games (bronze and silver medal), three World Championships and many international competitions. Trevor is extremely active within the softball community in Victoria. He currently holds multiple positions with his local Association and at state level. His exposure to the grass roots Fiona’s first World Championship was at junior level in 1995 in the bronze medal winning and elite level provides him with a diverse skillset and understanding of the sport at all levels. U19 team. At the 1998 World Championships in Japan she was a member of the Aussie Spirit team that won silver against the USA. Fiona was one of Australia’s leading batters at Service Awards the 2002 World Championships in Canada. Qld: Andrew Baxter, Craig Clark, Tony Crook, Kerri Davies, Carol Freeman, Brenda-Lee Huntley, Abraham Kilgour, Fiona was inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame in 2010. Sheree Lehr, Terry McLaughlin, Gayle Ray, Beth Tahere, Tracy Rhys, Linda Underhill, Alan Walsh

Queens Birthday Honours Tanya Harding (Qld) Tanya was the 166th player to play for the Aussie Spirit from 1993 – 2008 playing 283 games OAM for service to softball as a player and coach and over 50 tournaments. She competed at four Olympic Games (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008) Peta Edebone (Vic): , three-time Olympian; played in 330 international and four World Championships (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006). Tanya is one of only three matches for the Australian Open Women’s Team Australian players to medal in four Olympic Games, with three bronze medals and one Kerry Franklin (Vic): for service to softball, umpire from Victoria, softball career spanning 21 years silver medal. Debbie Keogh (Vic): for services to softball, a softball career as an umpire spanning more than 35 years, officiated After the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Tanya retired from international competition, at more than 30 national championships and nine international events leaving an indelible mark on Australian softball. Her list of achievements is as formidable as John Larter (Vic): for service to softball, a softball career as an umpire spanning a quarter of a century including the spin and speed she put on the ball. State Director of Umpiring and the National Umpiring Committee. Tanya was inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame in 2012. Andrew Rindfleish (NSW): for service to softball, umpire servicing State Championships for more than 30 years, Softball Australia Hall of Fame umpired at over 50 National Championships and Internationally serviced elite competitions including four ISF World Championships for 23 years. Darren Sibraa (Qld) Darren has a long and illustrious career as an umpire. He has umpired at 41 national Vicki Warren (Qld): for service to softball, and to hockey, softball career spanning more than 50 years. championships across all age groups, men and women. Eleven of these have been as an AM Umpire’s Examiner and 10 as the Tournament Chief Umpire. Debbie Grove (Vic): for significant service to softball through umpiring development roles at the elite level, umpire Darren’s international experience includes six international tournaments, two World from Victoria, officiated at more than 25 international events including five Word Championships and the 2008 Championship Qualifiers and four World Championships. Beijing Olympic Games

Vale: In Memoriam Michael Tanner (ACT) Margaret Dodds Michael was the 71st player and member of Australia’s first team to win a medal at the World Player number 40, Margaret played 15 games at three international tournaments, including the first ISF Women’s Championship, Bronze in 2004, and a member of the Gold Medal team in 2009. He played World Softball Championship held in Melbourne in 1965, which Australia won. Softball Australia Hall of Fame 76 games for Australia. recipient in 1986.

A lead-off hitter for the Aussie Steelers, Michael led the way at the 2013 World Ken Duff Championships with a batting average of 0.400, an on base average of 0.487, slugging Assistant Coach of the 1992 Australian Open Women’s team that attended the V ISF World Championship. Average of 0.400 and a fielding average of 1.000. Mike McDermid Softball Australia Board Member from 1986-2000; selector for a number of national teams

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Membership and participation

As at 30 June, Softball Australia’s membership totalled 21,737, a, reflecting a 14.67% decline from the previous year. Summary of Knox Pilot Highlights from the pilot which spanned eight events conducted under the Fully Loaded Softball Junior School Impact of COVID-19 Rules: In March 2020 COVID-19 locked down the country which meant all sport was cancelled as safety measures were put in • 8 events (2 days for each district, Scoresby, Wantirna, Rowville, 1 day for Bayswater, Plus Division Finals) place to stop the spread of the virus. • 29 total schools (Scoresby 7, Wantirna 8, Rowville 8, Bayswater 6) With the timing of the pandemic most of the summer seasons and competitions were able to be completed, with only • 648 total participants (Scoresby 144, Wantirna 168, Rowville 192, Bayswater 108, plus 36 extras on division a few summer finals impacted or cancelled because of the virus. Winter seasons however were either abandoned or day) pushed back indefinitely pending restrictions being lifted in each state. • 51 total teams (Scoresby 12, Wantirna 14, Rowville 16, Bayswater 9) • 68 teachers involved in events At the time of writing, some winter seasons are planning to start soon in delayed (shortened) seasons but are dependent • 42 teachers involved in Professional development prior to event on state-based safety requirements for COVID-19. The full impact is still uncertain with conditions around the country • 8 regional Victoria Conferences presented, covering 160 division coordinators around the state changing weekly and some parts of the country are either in a second round of lockdowns or have the potential for it. • 5 local area Division presentations covering 105 local school sport coordinators Softball Batter Up Following pilots and presentations to many school network groups, Fully Loaded Softball was presented at the The Softball Batter Up website was substantially updated with new resources, coaching education and significant School Sport Victoria State Conference in October to more than 120 division coordinators from around the state, marketing. where the teacher group voted to implement the Fully Loaded Junior School Rules to be played in all interschool competitions for the 2020 school year. The sizeable investment in marketing is at the centre of the reinvigorated program and is pivotal This was an outstanding result for one of the bigger states in terms of school participation. A full year could to raising the programs profile and broadening potentially see over 10,000 school children playing Fully Loaded Softball in interschool sports. It would be the the softball audience by targeting those who do first state-wide competition culminating in a state final using the new rules. not currently play softball. The investment includes website Search Engine Optimisation, and a new Resource development ‘Pop-Up’ feature to capture relevant personal Many supporting resources have been developed to support the Fully Loaded Softball program for schools and information. are available under the ‘Schools’ section on the website, including videos on the Introduction to Fully Loaded Softball, Fully Loaded Softball Junior School Playing rules and Facilitating a game and scoring. Incentivizing the program has also been a priority: a Starter Kit containing a branded backpack, foam Social 7s ball and foam bat for participants and an State Programs Registrations Events Participants Total equipment voucher to the value of $100 for ACT 2 73 73 associations and clubs that run Softball Batter Up programs. NSW 0 0 1 90 90 NT 0 0 0 The starter kit will add value to the program for QLD 3 119 119 participants and create a unique proposition that SA 0 0 0 encourages them to choose softball over other TAS 2 95 95 sports. VIC 5 189 2 395 584 Online coaching courses have also been updated with a limited number of free Coaching Induction courses to entice WA 2 81 1 80 161 new parents or beginner coaches to take an active role at their clubs. The course educates coaches on basic coaching Total 14 557 4 565 1,122 fundamentals and guides them to resources that will help them to deliver a quality softball experience for participants. Fully Loaded Softball There were 14 programs with 557 registrations through the website and of those registrations 64% only played Off the back of the Summer Slam, the Fully Loaded Softball pilot for schools achieved some great milestones. Social 7s (355) and 36% were existing softball members registered on the database as well (202).

Early in the year, promoting the new format was the focus with meeting and contacting every school network that would This demonstrates clubs and associations who conduct Social 7s events attract a high percentage of people who host a meeting to discuss it. Conversations were held in a few states, but the biggest traction was in Victoria. are new to the sport or can only commit to the shorter more flexible format. There were a further four events conducted with a total of 565 participants where no personal information was captured. Rather than these A pilot was held with the support of local Sport Coordinators and PE teachers through the Knox District. With the support competitors being considered registered members they are classified as participants. Events that captured of Softball Victoria, School Sport Victoria, and local Associations – Knox and Waverley – the pilot competitions achieved participants include funded programs and hosted corporate events tremendous success and received great feedback.

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Membership and participation (cont’d)

Sporting Schools Homeplate Ladder Program Homeplate Ladder is Softball Australia’s Club and Association recognition program established to recognise clubs and associations for implementing best practice governance and management as well as membership growth and retention through successful recruitment and retention strategies. The fourth year of the Homeplate Ladder program had an even bigger focus on increasing membership and participation this year, with clubs and associations receiving a points boost from 10 to 25 points for every National Participation Program delivered. Although COVID-19 stopped many winter competitions and other programs and activities from commencing affecting the participation, growth, and retention of players for many clubs and associations, 9 clubs and associations still managed to achieve Homeplate status in 2019/20. A further 13 clubs and associations reached ‘Going for Home’ and 47 clubs and associations made it to ‘On Base’.

Bookings and participation by School Term Geelong Softball Association achieved the recognition of Homeplate Status, finishing on top of the Homeplate Ladder for Associations nationally with 130 points. The Maitland City Softball Club in NSW triumphed In terms 1 and 2, programs were affected as restrictions handed down by government to stop the spread of COVID-19, on top of the Homeplate Ladder for clubs nationally with 164 points. caused cancellations or delay of many programs. Key highlights Of the nine clubs and associations that achieved the ultimate recognition of Homeplate Status in 2019/20, the Term Bookings Total Participants following outcomes have been determined: 2019 149 16,818 Term 3 62 6,453 • 88% had significant growth in membership demonstrating successful recruitment strategies Term 4 87 10,365 • 77% of the clubs and associations completed a National Affiliation Standards Checklist and demonstrated 2020 84 10,059 they are meeting the minimum operating standards expected of a softball affiliate. • 77% completed a Sport Australia Club Health Check in the past three years identifying areas of their Term 1 73 8,713 operations that they can improve Term 2 11 1,346 • 66% have a strategic or operational plan in place that they are working towards achieving their goals and Total 233 26,877 objectives • 100% are registered to Softball Australia’s dedicated online club development resource ‘Homeplate’, While Term 1 programs were less impacted, a significant drop was seen in Term 2. Sporting Schools had reported that accessing resources, tools and templates to help them with running and growing their club or association applications for funding prior to Term 2 had been the “highest ever recorded”. This meant we were expecting to see a • 66% had members complete an accredited course in coaching, scoring or officiating, thus ensuring their spike in participants to record levels. volunteers had appropriate qualifications • 100% had their volunteers complete training courses to gain knowledge and skills required to effectively Unfortunately, the impact of COVID-19 meant the outcome was perform their roles and responsibilities worst term since the program’s inception with only 11 programs recorded. Of those programs only ‘Teacher Delivery’ or ‘Equipment Only’ model was allowed. No coaches could attend 2019/20 Top 20 Ladder for Associations and Clubs schools at that point. HOMEPLATE LADDER 2019/2020: TOP 20 ASSOCIATIONS HOMEPLATE LADDER 2019/2020: TOP 20 CLUBS Of the 233 programs conducted in total: Rank Association State Points Rank Club Association State Total HOMPELATE STATUS HOMPELATE STATUS • 1 GEELONG VIC 130 1 MAITLAND CITY NEWCASTLE NSW 164 136 were coach delivered with an average of 85 participants 2 NEWCASTLE NSW 120 2 SAINTS NORTHERN TAS TAS 133 3 SUNBURY VIC 110 3 HAWKS FASTPITCH WERRIBEE VIC 130 per program 4 NORTHERN TAS TAS 102 4 CASTLE HILL CUMBERLAND NW 119 • 97 were teacher delivered with an average of 156 GOING FOR HOME 5 STRIKERS NEWCASTLE NSW 110 5 WERRIBEE VIC 70 GOING FOR HOME participants per program 6 NOOSA QLD 65 6 CRAIGIEBURN SUNBURY VIC 65 7 DANDENONG VIC 65 7 COCKBURN COUGARS ROCKINGHAM WA 64 8 KEILOR PARK VIC 60 8 CARDINALS ORANGE NSW 55 9 ALBURY WODONGA VIC 55 9 ST CHRISTOPHERS GEORGES RIVER NSW 55 10 CUMBERLAND NEPEAN NSW 55 10 WOLVES NEWCASTLE NSW 55 ON BASE 11 ROCKY ORA ROCKINGHAM WA 55 11 DUBBO NSW 45 12 BRANDON HEIGHTS WAVERLEY VIC 52 Ben Utting 12 ORANGE NSW 45 ON BASE Sport Development Manager 13 CASEY VIC 45 13 HALLAM COBRAS CASEY VIC 50 14 FRANKSTON VIC 40 14 HORNETS PENRITH CITY NSW 45 15 NORTHERN AREA SA 40 15 BLUE THUNDER CENTRAL COAST NSW 45 16 HERVEY BAY QLD 40 16 MONKEYS SUTHERLAND NSW 45 17 CAMPBELLTOWN NSW 40 17 WARATAHS CUMBERLAND NSW 45 18 NORTHERN DISTRICT VIC 40 18 KOTAHI SPORTS CLUB WA 40 19 ILLAWARRA NSW 35 19 STORM ACT FASTPITCH ACT 40 20 GEORGES RIVER NSW 35 20 BEARS ALBURY VIC 40 * Equal points separated by membership growth % * Equal points separated by membership growth %

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Membership and participation (cont’d)

Inclusion Softball for all Softball Australia continues to demonstrate its commitment to ensure that softball is a safe, welcoming, inclusive and Throughout October, November and December an Introduction to Softball Program was developed in partnership with accessible sport for people of all ages, cultures, race, religion, gender, abilities, sexual preferences, orientation and identity Chisholm TAFE, Softball Victoria, Casey Softball Association, Frankston Softball Association and Dandenong Softball at all levels through Australia. Association. The program engaged 300 Adult Migrant English Language students from the Berwick, Cranbourne Dandenong, Springvale and Frankston Campuses. Each campus was introduced to softball through a 4-week introductory Strike Out Barriers to sport through softball program delivered by local club coaches, learning the basic skills of softball. The program then culminated in the Dandenong and Springvale campus competing in a fun Social 7s Round Robin tournament in Dandenong and the Berwick, Cranbourne and Frankston campuses competed in a fun Social 7s Round Robin tournament hosted by Casey Softball Association.

Wheelchair Softball continues to grow After Softball Australia launched the inaugural Wheelchair Softball Competition in March last year demonstrating the sport’s commitment to providing an inclusive sport for people of all ages, culture, gender and ability throughout the country, the initiative paved the way for the development of similar programs throughout Australia.

The Victorian Government funded, ‘Strike Out Barriers to Sport through Softball’ Project continued to make significant A third season of the Social Wheelchair Softball Competition in partnership with Casey Stadium, City of Casey, Disability progression from the first two years. Sport and Recreation Victoria, AAA Play, Softball Victoria and Casey Softball Association was held in Victoria with 42 new and existing participants enjoying another memorable season, with the D-Squad defeating the reigning premiers the The main objective of year 3 was to utilise learnings from years 1 and 2 and replicate successful elements in two new Cranny Cats 45-37. locations and introduce a new cohort of migrant and refugee communities to softball. An exciting initiative was developed and trailed by Casey Softball Association in conjunction with Wheelchair Softball This involved establishing partnerships with two other associations and developing new partnerships with community advocate and Social wheelchair Softball participant Roy Davie, holding a number of Come and Try days, with the aim of organisations with significant links to local Migrant and Refugee communities. developing an outdoor Wheelchair Softball Competition paving the way for a pathway to International Competition.

The two new locations chosen were Casey and Frankston and partnerships were established with Casey Softball Geelong Softball Association in Victoria and Cumberland Nepean Softball Association in NSW also held three Wheelchair Association, Frankston Softball Association, City of Casey, Chisholm TAFE and Le Mana Pasifika Youth Project (CMY). Softball Come and Try Days with approximately 20 participants involved at each session.

The main learnings taken from the first two years was that the best way to introduce new participants to the sport was These initiatives continue to inspire similar initiatives in other States with more programs planned in the future. to provide opportunities for them as well as their family and friends to try the sport through playing social formats and learn the skills through a 4-6 week introductory program.

This model worked successfully in previous years in partnership with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and this year we developed a similar model with our new partners and community groups.

Overall a total of seven new programs and events were delivered involving over 390 new migrant and refugee participants.

One of the new initiatives, an ‘Introduction to Softball Program’ for women was developed in conjunction with the City of Casey and Casey Softball Association for women and their children of all cultures and abilities. The program was held at Casey Central Park, the women their learnt the basics of softball through a range of skills, drills and fun modified games of softball, run by coaches Sarah Papadimitriou and Kylie Whitecunas. The program was a resounding success, achieving the aim of encouraging women and their children of all cultures and abilities within the City of Casey to get active through a fun and inclusive physical activity and providing an opportunity to connect with other women in the local community.

Another new initiative was developed in partnership with the Le Mana Pasifika Youth Project CMY and Casey Softball Association targeting Pasifika young people aged 12-25 of all abilities. A Fully Loaded Softball day was hosted by Casey Softball Association and affiliated clubs with many Pasifika islander members Chiefs United and Falcons. Over 50 Pasifika young people participated in a skills and drills session delivered by Casey coaches Lance Wharewaka and Tony Black and a Fully Loaded Round Robin tournament. Many young people expressed interest in joining the club and discount memberships were provided.

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Membership and participation (cont’d)

Indigenous Softball Program The Indigenous Softball Program uses softball as a vehicle to improve health and well-being outcomes in targeted Indigenous communities. It provides opportunities for Indigenous people of all ages and abilities to become involved in sport and recreation through softball, increasing the social connections within communities and allowing them to develop the skills required to organise and manage sustainable softball programs.

A number of significant initiatives were undertaken with a major highlight being a representative team from the Far North West Sports League from the APY Lands in South Australia, organised by the SANFL, participating in their first ever tournament outside their Communities and finishing in third place, at the NT Softball Championships, in Alice Springs. This experience has helped develop the young women involved into role models and future leaders, inspiring many within their community to strive towards achieving similar goals.

Softball Australia also celebrated NAIDOC Week at the U23 National Championships and International Friendship Series in Redlands, Qld, with a Welcome to Country Ceremony, with a Welcome to Country ceremony, performed by the internationally acclaimed Nunukul Yuggera Dance Troupe.

Tim Hatzi Club and Community Development Coordinator

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Technical – umpiring

The National Umpiring Program has continued to develop and deliver some outstanding results, particularly servicing national Communications and international events. Engaging with our umpiring community via our integrated communications strategy continues to play a vital role in celebrating umpiring success, promoting growth and retention and supporting the implementation Umpires continue to provide committed dedication to our national program with covering an outstanding 356 games, 1,271 of initiatives consistently across all states. appointments by a total of 67 on field umpires and five dedicated off field umpires across 28 playing days in January 2020. Integrating and streamlining our communication channels has seen the National Umpiring Committee Our umpires were appropriately recognised both nationally and internationally: achieve increased online engagement, particularly on social media with new and innovative approaches. We 2018 WBSC Umpir of the Year Kyira Cox (NSW) acknowledge the diversity of our membership and the need to engage in a variety of ways, and we express gratitude to the State Directors of Umpiring for their support in promoting the National Program. ‘Blues Order of Australia Medal (OAM) Debbie Keogh (Vic), John Larter (Vic), Andrew Rindfleish (NSW) News’ has been a cornerstone of our communications since 2001 and it continued to evolve, connecting Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Debbie Grove (Vic) with an ever-increasing readership across Australia and internationally.

Vivienne Triplett Umpire of the Year Trevor Murphy (Vic) Development All participant and presenter manuals for each of the Australian Umpire Development Squad for 2019-23 current accreditation levels we review and updated. The 2019-2023 development squad is being equipped through theory and practical session in preparation for the next WBSC Programs to assist in developing grass roots umpires, clinic. Those successful at the conclusion of the WBSC clinic become the next group of umpires for international tournaments: the Australian umpire development squad and the Claire Austring (NSW), Michael Bendall (SA) Andrew Birks (NSW), Nicole Findlay (Qld), Joel Grimes (NSW), Janelle Hicks (Qld), WBSC squad members have also been updated or Talia McDonald (Vic), Shane McIntosh (NSW), Darryl Pearce (WA), Jessica Rooke (NSW), Stuart Tyler (Vic), Alan Walsh (Qld) developed.

2020 saw the release of the Community Umpire Program. Schools, Association and Clubs will benefit for this program as a starting point for those interested in umpiring or officiating a game. Umpiring made easy cards that assist the learner at the community umpiring level were made available for purchase.

The year with the addition of a Level 5/6 Manual, umpires will be developed further through the pathway with theory-based learning in addition to practical.

National Accreditation Level 5: Shane McIntosh (NSW), Joel Grimes (NSW), Nicole Findlay (Qld), Michael Bendall (SA)

Level 6 Andrew Birks (NSW)

Level 7 Jesse Smith (NSW)

2019-2020 National Leadership Groups

Due to the success in previous years, development squad members now present and facilitate mini clinics and short learning sessions to National championship crews as a strategy to increase umpire development opportunities. In 2019-2020 the sessions presented were based on the top 10 most incorrect umpiring mechanics, positioning on the diamond, or a subject selected by the Tournament Chief Umpire.

The planned learning outcomes and opportunities were to improve the umpire’s ability to deliver sessions to an audience (either with planning time or impromptu), decrease participant anxiety when pushed out of their comfort zone, and to reduce the facilitating load on the management crew at a championship.

Review process At the completion of all national events, umpire feedback reports are received. Where an umpire receives a ‘does not meet expectations’, an email is sent to review comments, a development plan is created, and a plan developed to prepare the umpire for future National Championships. The umpire then follows up with their mentor/s to make further improvements to their umpiring for future events.

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Technical – umpiring (cont’d)

Electronic Rules Assessment The National Umpiring Committee again delivered the Playing Rules Knowledge Assessment online with an average pass mark of 87.3% across all levels; 93% for levels 4-8 (an increase of 3% on last year) and 47 umpires scoring 95% or more. Even more pleasing was a score of 100% achieved by five umpires.

Softball Australia encourage players, coaches, parents, representative teams, team management and umpires applying for level 1 and 2 accreditations to sit the National Basic Rules Assessment. This year, the average pass mark was 83% (a 2% increase on last year), and 28 candidates achieved more than 95%.

A total of 434 people sat the assessment across both forms – Open and Basic – an increase of 61 on the previous year.

The National Umpiring Committee acknowledge and thank our staff members: Richard Barrow (Vic), Jason Carter (Vic) Darrell Shephard (NSW), Ron Houison (NSW), Daryl Pearce (WA), Jess Rooke (NSW), Kristina Travers (NSW), Stuart Tyler (Vic) and Softball Australia’s Technical Projects Coordinator, Brooke Wilkins for providing support, feedback and their time to the National Umpiring Program.

National Umpiring Committee

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Technical – scoring

The National Scoring Program continues to develop and deliver outstanding programs producing results both nationally and internationally. Scorers continue to provide an outstanding level of commitment and dedication to our national program.

Additional highlights • WBSC International Scoring 84% of traffic originated from Australia, with the next most prominent countries being USA, New Zealand, Italy, Japan and Canada In February, Softball Australia with the support of WBSC, Jennie Moloney (WBSC scoring commission member) conducted a • 51% of traffic is referred from the main Softball Australia website scoring clinic for six Australian Softball scorers Jim Giles (Vic), Sean Francis (Qld), Rowena Whittle (NSW), Chris Trengove (Vic), • 21% of traffic comes via social media, almost all of which is from Facebook Leanne Harvey (Qld) and Chris Bailey (Qld). Participants completed two full days of theory, two days of part theory, part • 78% of traffic is from mobile users practical in conjunction with the Australia Pacific Cup. At the conclusion of the clinic, Jennie was able to recommend three • Total page access was 663,523, an increase of 5.7% from last year participants to the WBSC scoring commission for future international appointments. • 26% of the pages accessed were from the game reports themselves. Of these, the split was: line-ups (12%), box scores (53%), and play-by-plays (35%) Annual Meeting The National Scoring Committee opted to move away from the traditional annual forum which is usually attended by each The National Scoring Committee would like to acknowledge the support of the State Directors of Scoring, state’s director of scoring, instead having a meeting of only the National Committee and staff. This change was necessary National committee staff Chris Bailey (Qld), Rowena Whittle (NSW), Jim Giles (Vic), National and International due to the numerous outstanding matters that required decisions to be made in a limited timeframe. event statisticians and Softball Australia’s Technical Projects Coordinator, Brooke Wilkins for providing support, feedback and their time to the National Scoring Program. One of the major achievements of the past 12 months is the completion of the National Scoring Re-accreditation guidelines and logbook, providing scorers with clear guidelines on the requirements needed to renew their accreditation. This change was deemed imperative to ensure scorers are keeping up to date with scoring or regular games as opposed to more theory- National Scoring Committee based activities such as sitting rules exams, attending clinics etc.

Tournament reporting The tournament reporting website hosted 20 events: 12 for the national championships, as well as eight international events. Full play-by-play, box score and line-up information were provided for a total of 415 games, with an additional 205 games reporting results information only.

The reporting website was visited by 32,258 users, which was an increase of 5.8% over the previous year. A ‘user’ is defined as a unique combination of device and browser (so one person might appear as several users if they use multiple devices).

The busiest period of the year is undoubtedly summer, taking in the national championships, plus the Australia Pacific Cup and the Summer Slam. The chart shows the daily traffic over the period from December to February. It accounted for 78.5% of the yearly traffic.

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Technical – coaching

Softball Australia’s Coaching Education and Training program has undergone significant changes and is now transitioning Coaching accreditation from the old Level 1 – 6 coach accreditation to the pathway of Foundation to Master Coach with online learning modules and face-to-face courses targeting club to high performance-level coaches. ACT NSW NT QLD SA TAS VIC WA TOTAL 42 888 1 473 85 29 333 182 2,033 Foundation (Existing levels) outli For Softball Batter Up coaches, teachers, parents and the beginner coach. Three online coach education courses ning the introductory to coaching and the development of understanding basic softball skills are currently available online through the Softball Batter Up website, with Training and Practice still under development. Coaching accreditation by category • Softball Batter Up Coaching Induction • Fundamental Skills of Softball ACT NSW NT QLD SA TAS VIC WA TOTAL • Training and Practice New (first time 31 551 1 272 57 21 205 130 1,269 • Managing Games accreditation) Upgrade (next 6 190 0 86 13 6 66 40 409 Performance level) Level 4 Train to Win and Level 5 Advance Performance sit within the Performance area. Courses are designed to educate the Reaccreditation 5 147 0 115 15 2 62 12 356 on-diamond coach and battery coach exploring the directions in which coaches need to move to achieve coaching success. (renewed at existing level) Talent – Level 4 Train to Win provides coaches with the knowledge and skills to assist state level players position-specific skills Total 42 888 1 473 85 29 333 182 2,033 and technique. The course is designed to optimise all aspects of preparation, physical, mental, technical, tactical, nutritional and recovery.

Elite – Level 5 Advance Performance assists coaches to develop the competencies necessary to work with state level and States by levels junior national (U18) players. Coaches develop expertise in program, resource and people management. ACT NSW NT QLD SA TAS VIC WA TOTAL Master Level 1 31 484 0 229 35 19 171 106 1,075 The Level 6 High Performance program is designed to assist coaches in developing the competencies necessary to work with Level 2 1 130 0 152 26 5 70 40 424 national senior teams competing in international competition. Coaches complete a tertiary graduate Degree or Diploma of Level 3 7 216 1 73 17 4 73 33 424 elite sports coaching. The program aims to produce coaches who are successful at coaching the highest level of softball and Level 4 1 50 0 18 4 1 9 2 85 who will be competent to act as leaders in the field of high-performance coaching. Level 5 2 7 0 0 3 0 9 1 22 Coach education Level 6 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 Several Foundation modules were available free for one month to help clubs and associations upskill their coaches during Total 42 888 1 473 85 29 333 182 2,033

COVID lockdown.

COURSE COMPLETED SBU Coaching Induction 83 Softball Fundamental Skills 57 Softball Managing Games 71 Total 211

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Appointments – WBSC and Softball Australia

WBSC appointments 2020 U18 Women’s National Championship Technical Delegate: Susan Rindfleish | Tournament Convenor: Cathy Kerr Official scorer Kirsty Andrews Tournament Chief Umpire: Neville Lawrance | Assessors: Jay Gibson, Kyira Cox 2019 Asia Oceania Olympic Qualifier, Shanghai, China Umpire crew: Andrew Compton, Leanne Gearside, Ian Gray, Talia McDonald, Anthony Moncaster, Jessica Rooke, Chris Official scorer Kirsty Andrews Trengove, Stuart Tyler, Stephen Wallace-Yarrow, Alan Walsh 2020 U18 Men’s World Cup, Palmerston North, New Zealand Tournament Chief Statistician: Kaye Greggs | Deputy: Rowena Whittle

Umpires Kyira Cox 2020 U16 Boys’ & Girls’ National Championship 2020 Olympic Games, Tokyo, Japan (postponed to 2021) Technical Delegate: Angela Broadbent Kyira Cox, Amanda Houison, Scott Rindfleish Tournament Convenor: Cheryl Waye 2020 Asia Oceania Olympic Qualifier, Chongming, China Tournament Chief Umpire: Scott Rindfleish | Assessors: Neville Lawrance, Darrell Shephard, Jesse Smith Umpire crew: David Addlem, Michael Bendall, Richard Dodds, Nicole Findlay, Joel Grimes, Corey Hall, James Harries, Lucy Damien McCauley, Scott Rindfleish James, Debbie Keogh, Shane McIntosh, Leith Roberts, Norelle Thomas, Alex Turnbull, Daryl Vercoe, Joshua Wilde, Kieren XVI Men’s World Championship Prague, Czech Republic Wright Jesse Smith Tournament Chief Statisticians: Allison Pendlebury, Kerryn Bell U19 Women’s World Cup, Irvine, USA 2019 U23 Men’s & Women’s National Championships Kyira Cox Technical Delegate: Shane Cantelmi (Softball Australia) | Tournament Convenor: Wayne Molander U18 Men’s World Cup, Palmerston North, New Zealand Tournament Chief Umpire: Debbie Grove | Assessors: Richard Barrow, Amanda Houison Umpire crew: David Addlem, David Casey, Richard Dodds, Kerry Franklin, Jamie Harries, Janelle Hicks, Dale Kaimoana, James English Neville Lawrance, Talia McDonald, Jesse Smith, Kristina Travers, Stuart Tyler, Steve Wallace-Yarrow, Alan Walsh U12 Mixed World Cup, Tainan City, Chinese Taipei Tournament Chief Statistician: Jason Collins | Deputy: Sean Francis Deputy Tournament Chief Umpire Leigh Evans 2019 Friendship Series 2020 European Olympic Qualifier, Utrecht, Netherlands Technical Delegate: Shane Cantelmi (Softball Australia) | Tournament Convenor: Wayne Molander Umpire crew: Danielle Bellchambers, Angela Broadbent, Mindy Dobson, Rohan Doherty, Steven Durrington, Nicole Findlay, Ian Gray, Glenn McManus, Darryl Pearce, Jayne Pleysier, Gregory Rusack, Tobias Sadler, Norelle Thomas, Jason Softball Australia appointments Turner, Daryl Vercoe, Cliff Warner, Kieren Wright, Nikki Wong Tournament Chief Statistician: Deputy: 2020 Open Men’s National Championship Jason Collins | Sean Francis Technical Delegate: Shane Cantelmi, Andy Dodshon | Tournament Convenor: Cathy Kerr U14 Boys’ National Championship Tournament Chief Umpire: Richard Barrow Technical Delegate: Shane Cantelmi (Softball Australia), Andy Dodshon | Tournament Convenor: Cathy Kerr Assessors: Debbie Grove, Leigh Evans Tournament Chief Umpire: Kevin Tannebring | Assessor: Ron Houison Umpire crew: Claire Austring, David Casey, Jason Carter, Damien McCauley, Trevor Murphy, Robbie Sadgrove, Jens Umpire crew: Kylie Diaz (P/T), Steven Durrington, Amanda Houison (P/T), Jason Irvine, Robert Lapsley, Jayne Pleysier, Jakobsen Angela Post (Tas), Jennie McKennie (P/T), Tony Moncaster (P/T), Tobias Sadler, Jason Turner, Nikki Wong, Kieren Wright Tournament Chief Statistician: Sandra Palmer Tournament Chief Statisticians: Sandra Palmer, Maree Hardwicke

2020 Open Women’s National Championship U14 Girls’ Championship Technical Delegate: Mike Titheradge | Tournament Convenor: Jill Green Technical Delegate: Mike Titheradge | Tournament Convenor: Jill Green Tournament Chief Umpire: Debbie Grove | Assessors: Kyira Cox, Amanda Houison Tournament Chief Umpire: Kevin Tannebring | Assessor: Stuart Tyler Umpire Crew: Andrew Birks, James English, Kerry Franklin, Mark Gallagher, Janelle Hicks, Darry Pearce, Stephen Wallace- Umpire crew: Melinda Dobson, Steven Durrington, Jason Irvine, Mervyn Jecks, Glenn McManus, Jayne Pleysier, Kian Yarrow, Alan Walsh, Jamie McLean Privitera, Tobias Sadler, Jason Turner, Cliff Warner, Paul Wilkie, Nikki Wong, Virginia Yiu Tournament Chief Statistician: Chris Trengove | Deputy: Cathy Bertolini Tournament Chief Statistician: Chris Trengove | Deputy: Cathy Bertolini

2020 U18 Men’s National Championship Australia Pacific Cup Technical Delegate: Andy Dodshon | Tournament Convenor: Cathy Kerr Technical Delegate: Chet Gray (Softball Australia) | Tournament Convenor: Cathy Kerr Tournament Chief Umpire: Leigh Evans | Assessors: Debbie Grove, David Casey Tournament Chief Umpire: Andrew Rindfleish Umpire crew: Claire Austring, Richard Dodds, Trevor Murphy, Darryl Pearce, Jessica Rooke Umpire crew: Claire Austring, Lance Brown, David Casey, Andrew Compton, Kyira Cox, Richard Dodds, James English, Tournament Chief Statistician: Kaye Greggs | Deputy: Rowena Whittle Leigh Evans, Leanne Gearside, Amanda Houison, Trevor Murphy, Scott Rindfleish, Jessica Rooke, Kristina Travers, Steve Wallace-Yarrow

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Events and results – international

AUSTRALIAN U18 WOMEN’S TEAM Pool Games AUSTRALIAN OPEN WOMEN’S TEAM JUNIOR SPIRIT 11 Aug Japan 8 d Australia 1 TRAVELODGE AUSSIE SPIRIT 12 Aug Australia 11 d South Africa 0 th 13 WBSC Junior Women’s Softball World Cup 12 Aug Australia 3 d Italy 0 Asia/Oceania Olympic Qualifier Irvine, California, USA Chongming Island, Shanghai, China 10-17 August 2019 Super Round 24-28 September 2019 The World Cup was a 16-team competition, with teams split 13 Aug Australia 4 d China 2 Travelodge Aussie Spirit Games Results into four pools of four. 14 Aug Mexico 5 d Australia 1 Pool Games 15 Aug Australia 6 d Puerto Rico 2 24 Sep Australia 5 d Chinese Taipei 1 The Junior Spirit won two of their three round games, including 15 Aug Canada 7 d Australia 0 25 Sep Australia 8 d Indonesia 0 a closely fought 3-0 victory over Italy, to advance to the super 16 Aug Australia 12 d Chinese Taipei 3 26 Sep Australia 8 d Hong Kong 0 round. 16 Aug USA 9 d Australia 0 Super Round In the Super Round, the Junior Spirit had several come-from- 27 Sep Australia 7 d Philippines 0 behind victories. Bronze Medal Game 17 Aug Canada 5 d Australia 4 28 Sep Australia 9 d China 3 Against China, they trailed 2-1 going into the seventh innings, against Puerto Rico they were behind 2-1 early and against Final Placings Final Placings Chinese Taipei they again trailed going into the last inning. 1 USA 1 Australia However, in each of those games, they were able to show great 2 Japan 2 Chinese Taipei fight to get the win. 3 Canada 3 China 4 Philippines The victory against Chinese Taipei, where the Junior Spirit 4 Australia 5 New Zealand scored a massive 11 runs in the seventh inning, saw the team 5 Chinese Taipei 6 Hong Kong qualify for the bronze medal game against Canada. 6 Puerto Rico 7 Mexico 7 Korea Although they were narrowly defeated by Canada in the final 8 China 8 Indonesia game of the tournament, it was a brave and committed 9 New Zealand performance that bodes well for the future of the Open 10 Czech Republic Women’s program. 11 Italy Player highlights 12 Brazil • Brooke Stewart – led the team in batting average hitting 13 Netherlands .381 with 4 RBIs 14 Ireland • Mya Geros – finished second in batting average, .333, 15 South Africa whilst leading the team in ABs (27) 16 Botswana • Georgia Hood – led the pitchers in (34.1), ERA (2.04) and K2s (23)

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Events and results – international

AUSTRALIAN U18 MEN’S TEAM The Junior Steelers finished the World Cup with a

JUNIOR STEELERS silver medal, a result they and everyone in the Australian softball community can be extremely th 13 WBSC Junior Men’s Softball World Cup proud of. Palmerston North, New Zealand 22 February – 1 March 2020 At the end of the tournament, four of Australia’s players were recognised for their outstanding The Junior Steelers went to the WBSC Junior Men’s Softball performances, with selection in the All-Tournament World Cup aiming to defend the title they had won two years team. Riley James (3B), Jeremy Garland (SS), Josh earlier at the 2018 edition in Whitehorse, Canada. Banks (LF) and Josh Routledge (CF) were announced The team began their World Cup tour with a four-day camp in in the team at the Closing Ceremony. , before travelling to New Zealand to play a

series of lead-up games. The World Cup was a 12-team Pool Games competition, with the teams split into two pools of six. 22 Feb Australia 4 d Czech Republic 3 The Junior Steelers won their five pool games, including close 23 Feb Australia 6 d Argentina 4 hard-fought victories against Czech Republic and Argentina. 24 Feb Australia 11 d Singapore 0 25 Feb Australia 14 d Canada 3 This saw the Junior Steelers advance to the super round as one 26 Feb Australia 21 d South Africa 1 of the top six teams. They also started with a 2-0 record in this round, the results of their games against Czech Republic and Super Round Argentina carrying through. 27 Feb Australia 13 d Guatemala 0 The Junior Steelers won their first super round game but lost their 28 Feb Japan 5 d Australia 2 next game to Japan 5-2. 29 Feb Australia 2 d New Zealand 0

However, a series of other results following this meant that the Gold Medal Game Junior Steelers were guaranteed a place in the gold medal game, 1 March Japan 9 d Australia 2 a rematch with Japan on the final day.

In the gold medal game, the Junior Steelers made a fantastic Final Placings start, scoring the first two runs of the game. Hayden Shaw’s 1 Japan 7 Canada single in the first inning scored Jeremy Garland, before Caleb 2 Australia 8 Mexico Vandegriendt’s solo home run in the second doubled the 3 Czech Republic 9 Singapore advantage. However, Japan’s bats fired shortly after, scoring a 4 Argentina 10 USA run in the bottom of the second, before adding another three in 5 New Zealand 11 South Africa the third and five in the fourth, to claim the World Cup with a 9- 6 Guatemala 12 Denmark 2 win.

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Events and results – national

rd th 73 OPEN WOMEN’S NATIONAL SOFTBALL Grand Final Result 37 OPEN MEN’S NATIONAL SOFTBALL Evan Byrne gave the 89ers the lead with a solo th CHAMPIONSHIP R H E CHAMPIONSHIP home run in the bottom of the 6 inning, and NSW Firestars 2 5 2 Adam Folkard was able to shut NSW out in the Gilley’s Shield John Reid Shield SA Stars 1 4 0 top of the seventh to give ACT the title. Mirrabooka, WA Blacktown, NSW 4-10 January 2020 12-18 January 2020 Final Placings Grand Final Result The 2020 edition of the Gilley’s Shield will forever be 1 NSW Firestars Originally scheduled to be played at Hawker in the ACT, R H E smoke and poor air quality from nearby bushfires forced remembered for the lights going out at Mirrabooka during the 2 SA Starz Act 89ers 4 5 0 the tournament to be relocated to Blacktown, just six grand final. 3 Queensland Heat New South Wales 3 6 1 4 Western Flames days out from the start date. With the NSW Firestars and the SA Starz tied at 1-1 in the top of 5 Victoria Titans the 7th innings, a power outage in the area caused the game to Games during the rounds were generally close, often with Final Placings be suspended for over two hours. lead changes throughout. 1 ACT 89ers Award Winners 2 New South Wales Midge Nelson Medal Heading towards the backend of the round games, all six When the grand final finally resumed, the NSW Firestars claimed 3 Queensland Patriots th Most Valuable Player teams were still in contention to make the playoffs. the title with a 2-1 win in the 9 innings. 4 Victoria Yui Sakamoto, Western Flames For the entire week, the competition was closely fought and However, rain on Days 5 and 6 meant a number of games 5 South Australia Lorraine Woolley Medal played at a very high standard, the perfect level of competition were unable to be played, which saw the standings for 6 Western Blaze Best Pitcher in an (at the time) Olympic year. Of the 32 games played, 18 of the finals revert to the ladder at the end of the first round. Jailyn Ford, SA Starz Award Winners them were decided by two runs or less. In the qualifying final, ACT 89ers defeated Queensland Sybil Turner Medal Most Valuable Player Patriots to advance to the grand final. The grand final was no different, beginning as a pitcher’s duel Best Batter Jarryd Farrell (SA) between Kaia Parnaby and Jailyn Ford. Chelsea Forkin, Qld Heat NSW defeated Victoria in the elimination final and then Best Pitcher Both teams were only able to score one run each through the Rosemary Adey Medal overcame Queensland Patriots in the preliminary final, to Harrison Peters (NSW) first six innings, though the SA Starz had the chance to take in Rookie of the Year set up a 2019 grand final rematch with the ACT 89ers. Best Batter Charisma Kerr, Qld Heat the lead in the top of the sixth. With a runner on third base, an NSW got the jump on the 89ers in the grand final, scoring Jarryd Farrell (SA) outstanding catch in leftfield by robbed the Starz Player of the Grand Final three runs in the top of the second inning, including Rosemary Adey Medal of the go-ahead run. Rachel Lack, NSW Firestars back-to-back home runs to Lachlan Hay and Mitchell Rookie of the Year Ellen Roberts replaced Kaia Parnaby in the top of the 7th innings Brownlow. Bradley Kilpatrick (NSW) Player of the Grand Final and didn’t give up a single hit in her three innings of work. In the However, Andrew Kirkpatrick’s home run in the fourth th bottom of the 9 innings, with Rachel Lack on third base, a Stacey inning and Josh McGovern’s two RBIs in the 5th inning saw Evan Byrne (ACT 89ers) Porter sacrifice fly to rightfield allowed Lack to score the winning the 89ers tie the score at 3-3. run and give the NSW Firestars their fourth consecutive Gilley’s Shield title.

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Events and results – national

10th U23 WOMEN’S NATIONAL SOFTBALL Grand Final Result 10th U23 MEN’S NATIONAL SOFTBALL The victory saw Queensland claim their fourth overall Laing Harrow Shield title, the CHAMPIONSHIP R H E CHAMPIONSHIP Queensland 3 most in the history of the championship, Joyce Lester Shield New South Wales 1 Laing Harrow Shield ahead of ACT with three, NSW with two and Redlands, Qld Redlands, Qld the Australian U19 Men’s team winning in 7-13 July 2019 Final Placings 7-13 July 2019 2005. 1 Queensland Queensland dominated the 2019 U23 Women’s National Held in conjunction with the U23 Women’s National Softball 2 New South Wales Softball Championship, remaining undefeated throughout the Championship, Queensland’s U23 Men’s team gave their 3 South Australia Grand Final Result tournament to claim their second Joyce Lester Shield and first local supporters plenty to cheer about when they finished as 4 Victoria R H E on home soil. national champions. 5 Australian Capital Territory Queensland 5 8 1 After 10 round games, they had scored 93 runs and allowed 6 Western Australia Playing in a six-team tournament that included the Australian New South Wales 0 4 2 just 14 against. U17 Boys’ team who were playing in preparation for the Award Winners WBSC Junior Men’s World Cup, the Queensland team Final Placings Their closest competition during the week came from New Most Valuable Player finished with an 8-2 win-loss record at the end of the rounds. 1 Queensland South Wales and South Australia, who both finished with a 7- Charisma Kerr (Qld) 2 New South Wales 3 record at the end of the rounds. That saw the hosts finish on top of the ladder, with NSW, WA Best Pitcher and the Aussie boys joining them in the playoffs. 3 Western Australia In the finals, Queensland were pushed by NSW in the Kendra Lamb (NSW) 4 Australia U17 qualifying final, but came out 3-2 victors to advance to the Queensland cruised into the grand final with a 9-2 win over Best Batter 5 Australian Capital Territory grand final. NSW in the qualifying final, whilst WA kept their title hopes Rhiannon Kemp (SA) 6 Victoria alive with a 5-3 win in the elimination final over the Australian South Australia accounted for Victoria 7-0 in the elimination Player of the Grand Final U17 team. Award Winners final, and in their preliminary final against NSW scored the first Rebecca McEachern (Qld) Most Valuable Player run of the game. However, NSW proved too strong, winning On the final morning, NSW were too strong for WA, winning Izack Rossi (NSW) 5-1 to move to the grand final. 5-2 to advance to the grand final against Queensland. Best Pitcher In the grand final, Queensland did the damage early, scoring The grand final pitted Laura Coulter (Qld) against Kandra Matthew Beach (NSW) Lamb (NSW). runs in the first, second and third inning to take an early 5-0 Best Batter lead, with a two-run home run to Jourdyn Hollands the Ethan Field (Aus U17) highlight. Player of the Grand Final Joshua Harding shut the NSW bats down, allowing just four Jourdyn Hollands (Qld) hits in seven innings, to guide Queensland to their third consecutive Laing Harrow Shield with a 5-0 win.

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Events and results – national

th nd 47 U18 WOMEN’S NATIONAL SOFTBALL The momentum couldn’t continue for WA in 32 U18 MEN’S NATIONAL SOFTBALL NSW got runners on in the bottom of the CHAMPIONSHIP the grand final, with NSW far too classy, CHAMPIONSHIP seventh and had the tying run at the plate, but recording a 7-0 win. NSW put pressure on Lincoln Walk shut them out to give Queensland Elinor McKenzie Shield Nox Bailey Shield early, scoring three runs in the first inning, their fourth consecutive Nox Bailey Shield with Blacktown, NSW Blacktown, NSW before finishing it off with three runs in the fifth a 3-0 win. 19-25 January 2020 8-14 December 2019 and one in the sixth. The win saw them claim

After hosting the Open Men’s and U14 Boys’ Championships at back-to-back Elinor McKenzie Shield titles. Given the WBSC Junior Men’s Softball World Cup was Grand Final Result short notice, Softball NSW backed it up by hosting the U18 scheduled to be held in New Zealand in February 2020, the R H E Women’s National Softball Championship the following week. dates for the U18 Men’s National Softball Championship Grand Final Result Queensland 3 8 3 were brought forward to December 2019. The championship With six teams entered, a double round was played over the first R H E New South Wales 0 1 1 would then be used as a final selection event for the Junior five days of the championship. New South Wales 7 12 0 Steelers team for the World Cup. Final Placings NSW were the dominant team, going unbeaten with a 10-0 Western Australia 0 1 1 The tournament saw a high number of runs scored during 1 Queensland record, whilst Queensland and South Australia looked like the Final Placings the round games, with 468 runs scored in the 30 games 2 New South Wales only teams that could challenge, each with a 7-3 win-loss 1 New South Wales played, at an average of over 15 runs per game. 3 Australian Capital Territory record. 2 Western Australia 4 Western Australia Given it was a five-team tournament, the top ranked team at Western Australia struggled into fourth place with a 3-7 win- 3 Queensland 5 Victoria the end of the rounds automatically went into the grand final. loss record. However, finals are a different ball game, as the 4 South Australia NSW earned that right with a 12-0 win-loss record during black and gold team would show. 5 Australian Capital Territory Award Winners round robin play. Most Valuable Player In the qualifying final, NSW and Queensland played a belter, 6 Victoria Queensland finished second and ACT finished third, with the Caleb Vandegriendt (Qld) with NSW claiming a 2-1 win in extra innings. Award Winners two teams playing on the last day in the preliminary final. Best Pitcher Western Australia pulled off an upset in the elimination final, Most Valuable Player Queensland had a comfortable 7-2 win over ACT, to advance Lincoln Walk (Qld) with a 6-1 win over South Australia. Ryleigh Arnott (NSW) to the grand final against NSW. Best Batter On the final day, Queensland and Western Australia played in Best Pitcher Jeremy Garland (NSW) The grand final was a cracker, with Lincoln Walk (Qld) and one of the most exciting preliminary finals ever seen. Charli Orsini (NSW) Player of the Grand Final Blake Hunter (NSW) shutting down the bats, with a 0-0 Best Batter Kynan Molander (Qld) WA led 3-0 early, but Queensland hit back, leading 7-4 going scoreline after four innings. Jessica Rohde (Qld) into the seventh innings. WA responded with three runs of their Player of the Grand Final Queensland got on the board in the 5th inning, Brandon own, taking the game into extra innings. Both teams scored two Caitlin Wilde (NSW) Bristowe scoring on a Max Spencer double. runs in the eighth inning, before a four-run onslaught from WA in the ninth innings was enough to secure a 13-9 win and The scores remained at 1-0 going into the seventh, before a catapult them into the grand final. Kynan Molander two-run home run gave Queensland a 3-0 lead.

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Events and results – national

st th The grand final was a tight affair for the most 51 U16 GIRLS’ NATIONAL SOFTBALL Queensland’s victory was their first Esther 30 U16 BOYS’ NATIONAL SOFTBALL part, with the scores tied at 2-2 after five CHAMPIONSHIP Deason Shield title since 2013 and was just the CHAMPIONSHIP innings. However, Queensland blew the third time since 2003 that NSW hadn’t won the Esther Deason Shield Arthur Allsopp Shield game open in the sixth innings, with home event. Waverley, Victoria Waverley, Victoria runs to Ashton Tauariki, Haydan Dobe and

4-10 January 2020 4-10 January 2020 Nickolas Gehrmann helping them score Grand Final Result eight runs and take out the title with a 10-2 The Waverley Softball Association in Victoria played host to a The Waverley Softball Association hosted the U16 Boys’ R H E win. National Championship for the first time in many years, and the National Softball Championship as a combined event with Queensland 7 10 2 tournament didn’t fail to deliver. the U16 Girls’. It was Queensland’s second consecutive New South Wales 0 4 2 Arthur Allsopp Shield victory. New South Wales were chasing their seventh consecutive Esther During the round games, three teams stood out from the Deason Shield, but it was Queensland who finished on top of Final Placings pack – Queensland finishing on top with a 9-1 win-loss the ladder at the end of the rounds, with an 8-2 win-loss record. 1 Queensland record, followed by New South Wales (8-2) and home team Grand Final Result 2 New South Wales Victoria (7-3). Western Australia rounded out the top four R H E Joining them in the finals were South Australia (8-2), New South 3 South Australia with a 4-6 record. Wales (7-3) and home team Victoria (5-5). Queensland 10 10 2 4 Victoria Queensland showed they were the team to beat when they Victoria 2 2 2 Queensland advanced to the grand final with a strong 7-0 5 Western Australia won the qualifying final with a convincing 11-3 victory over qualifying final win over South Australia, whilst the local’s 6 Australian Capital Territory NSW. Victoria kept their hopes alive with a tight fought 2-0 Final Placings chances of a title were dashed when New South Wales won 4-0 elimination final win over WA. 1 Queensland over Victoria in the elimination final. Award Winners 2 Victoria Most Valuable Player The preliminary final between NSW and Victoria was a NSW and SA met in the preliminary final, with the game a close 3 New South Wales Neve Adams (SA) classic. NSW led 4-1 after three innings, before Victoria affair through the first five innings. However, NSW scored three 4 Western Australia Best Pitcher added five runs in the top of the fourth. Trailing 6-4 going runs in the top of the sixth, running out 5-0 winners, to set up a 5 Australian Capital Territory into the bottom of the 7th inning, NSW scored two runs to tie grand final showdown with Queensland. Georgia Burr (SA) 6 South Australia Best Batter the game and take it into extra innings. Victoria scored three The grand final start time was brought forward to a 9.30am start runs in the top of the 8th inning and NSW were unable to Emilee Solomon (Qld) Award Winners time, with heavy showers forecast for the afternoon. Player of the Grand Final respond, giving the home team their first grand final berth in Most Valuable Player this championship for a number of years. This didn’t faze Queensland at all, who scored runs in the third, Chelsea Zunker (Qld) Ashton Tauariki (Qld) fourth and sixth innings to claim a 7-0 victory in six innings. The grand final start time was brought forward due to a Best Pitcher Chelsea Zunker pitched a great game for Queensland, holding forecast of heavy showers in the afternoon, but that didn’t Dante Machiavello (NSW) the NSW bats to just four hits. keep a large crowd from coming out to support the home Best Batter team. Cameron Taylor (NSW) Player of the Grand Final Ethan Munro (Qld)

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Events and results – national

U14 GIRLS’ REGIONAL SOFTBALL NSW Metro Orange led 3-1 after two innings and U14 BOYS’ REGIONAL SOFTBALL NSW Metro Orange defeated Western CHAMPIONSHIP still held a one run lead after five innings. However, CHAMPIONSHIP Australia 10-7 in the first semi-final, whilst NSW Metro Green were able to add single runs in Victoria held out NSW Metro Green 8-6, with Blacktown, NSW and Camden, NSW Mirrabooka, WA the 6th and 7th innings, to come away with a 5-4 the two winners setting up a grand final 12-18 January 2020 4-10 January 2020 victory and claim the regional title. clash. The Fully Loaded Softball format was trialled for the first time As per the Open Men’s National Softball Championship, The Victorian team dominated the final, the U14 Boys’ Regional Softball Championship was at a national junior tournament, on the first two days of the Fully Loaded softball Grand Final Result winning 12-1 in four innings to claim their first originally scheduled to be played at Hawker in the ACT, U14 Girls’ Regional Softball Championship. R Regional title. however smoke and poor air quality from nearby bushfires The participants enjoyed the opportunity to play Softball NSW Metro Orange 16 forced the tournament to be relocated to Blacktown, just Australia’s new version of the game, noting that it had more Queensland Fire 11 six days out from the start date. Fully Loaded Softball Grand Final Result action, fun and excitement and that everyone was more R Regional Championship Grand Final Result And as per the U14 Girls, the Fully Loaded Softball format involved. Western Australia 12 R H E was trialled on the first two days of the U14 Boys’ Regional The 10 teams were split into two pools, with each team playing NSW Metro Orange 11 NSW Metro Green 5 8 2 Softball Championship. four games, before the top team from each pool played in a NSW Metro Orange 4 6 7 grand final. The eight teams were split into two pools, playing three Regional Championship Grand Final Result round games, with the top two from each pool playing in R This saw the NSW Metro Orange and Queensland Fire playing Regional Championship Final Placings crossover semi-finals. Victoria 12 off, with NSW Metro Orange taking the inaugural Fully Loaded 1 NSW Metro Green NSW Metro Green 1 title with a 16-11 victory. 2 NSW Metro Orange The grand final was a matchup between Western Australia 3 Queensland Flames and NSW Metro Orange, with WA coming from behind to The Regional Championship was played over the following five Regional Championship Final Placings 4 Queensland Fire score four runs in the last inning to claim the title with a 12- days, with teams again split into two pools, playing four round 1 Victoria 5 Victoria 11 victory. games each. The top three teams from each pool then 2 NSW Metro Orange 6 NSW Country advanced to the championship round to play in a double The final five days of the event saw the teams competing 3 NSW Metro Green 7 SA Red elimination finals format. for the Regional Championship. 4 Western Australia 8 WA Gold 5 South Australia NSW Metro Orange were the first team to reach the grand With heavy rain falling at Blacktown on the third last day, 9 SA Blue 6 NSW Country final, with a close fought 5-4 victory over NSW Metro Green. the decision was made to relocate the U14 Boys’ games to 10 WA White 7 Queensland Thunder Camden, to be hosted by the Macarthur Softball NSW Metro Green earned their opportunity for a rematch with 8 Queensland Storm Association. their Orange counterparts, scoring a 5-1 victory over Queensland Flames in the preliminary final. The top four teams at the end of the rounds were NSW Metro Orange, Victoria, NSW Metro Green and Western The grand final was a fantastic match noted for how the players Australia, qualifying for the finals. played above their age grade

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Events and results – national

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP SERIES Grand Final Result INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP SERIES Grand Final Result R H E FEMALE COMPETITION R H E MALE COMPETITION New Zealand 6 4 2 GO United 5 6 3 Redlands, Qld Redlands, Qld Queensland 3 4 3 8-12 July 2019 New Zealand 4 2 1 8-12 July 2019 Final Placings The age group for the International Friendship Series Final Placings The Redlands Softball Association had a busy week, hosting 1 New Zealand changed from U19 to U18, with the Australian U15 Girls’ Squad 1 GO United (NSW) this event in conjunction with the girls’ International 2 Queensland participating in the event, split into Green and Gold teams. 2 New Zealand Friendship Series and the two U23 National 3 Southside Stingers (Qld) 3 Australia Gold Championships. Six other teams, from Queensland, New South Wales, 4 Kilcoy Hammers (Qld) 4 SEMSA (WA) As per the girls’ competition, the International Friendship Victoria, Western Australia and New Zealand joined them to 5 Australia Gold 5 Queensland compete for the title. Series for the boys changed from U19 to U18, with the 6 Australia Green 6 Australia Green Australian U15 Boys’ Squad participating in the event, split The competition turned out to be the closest in the history of 7 Pandas (Vic) into Green and Gold teams. the event, with four of the 28 round games resulting in draws, Award Winners 8 Southside Stingers (Qld) and the team that finished in eighth place on the ladder after Joining the two Australian teams were the New Zealand Most Valuable Player Fletcher Due (NZ) the round games (Pandas from Victoria) defeating the team Award Winners U15 Boys’ team, the Queensland development team and Best Pitcher that finished on top (GO United from NSW). Most Valuable Player the Southside Stingers and Kilcoy Hammers, both locally based teams. Hunter Simpson (NZ) The top four teams qualified for the finals, joining GO United Tallulah Lewis (Australia Gold) Best Batter were the New Zealand U15 Girls’ team, Australia Gold and Best Pitcher The six teams played a single round robin, followed by a Matthew Lowe (NZ) SEMSA (from WA). Chelsea Bennett (Australia Green) double elimination finals series. Player of the Grand Final Best Batter GO United advanced to the grand final with a 6-5 qualifying The Queensland team were the first to reach the grand Jacob Laban (NZ) final win over New Zealand, whilst Australia Gold had a Monica Pettitt (Australia Gold) final, with a 10-2 finals win over Southside Stingers. Player of the Grand Final comfortable 7-0 win over SEMSA in the elimination final. Erin Partridge (GO United) New Zealand joined them in the decider, also accounting New Zealand earned their chance at a rematch with GO for Southside Stingers with a 10-1 victory on the final United, beating Australia Gold 4-2 in the preliminary final. morning of the event. The grand final saw a number of lead changes, with New Queensland were on top early in the grand final and led 2- Zealand ahead 3-2 after two innings, before GO United 0 going into the final inning. However, New Zealand staged added two runs in the bottom of the third. New Zealand a late rally, scoring six runs in the top of the inning and then scored in the final inning to tie the game up but GO United held Queensland to just one run in the bottom, to take out were able to add a run in the bottom of the dig, a Breanna the title with a 6-3 victory. Feeney single to rightfield scoring Keira Trim to give them the title.

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Events and results – national

AUSTRALIA PACIFIC CUP The grand final saw Japan open up an early lead, THE SUMMER SLAM The grand final was, surprisingly, a low Blacktown, NSW scoring two runs in the second inning. They scoring game, with pitchers Justine th FULLY LOADED SOFTBALL 30 January – 2 February 2020 added another in the 5 inning and then blew Smethurst (Panthers) and Tarni Stepto the game apart in the sixth, scoring four runs, Blacktown, NSW (Bandits) keeping the bats relatively quiet. With four of the six countries who had qualified for the Tokyo including a Minori Naito double that scored 30 January – 2 February 2020 The three runs scored by the Panthers in the Olympic Games competing in the 2020 Australia Pacific Cup, three. The Travelodge Aussie Spirit couldn’t score The Summer Slam – Fully Loaded Softball, Softball bottom of the first was all the offence they this tournament was billed as a preview to the big event, and it in the bottom, Yamato Fujita’s excellent pitching Australia’s newest version of softball, returned for its needed, winning the title with a 3-2 victory. didn’t fail to deliver. again shutting out their bats, giving Japan the second year and once again brought plenty of colour and

Joining the Travelodge Aussie Spirit were Olympic qualified title with a 7-0 win. fun to the diamonds of Blacktown International Sportspark. Grand Final Result nations Japan, Italy and Mexico, in addition to Chinese Taipei, The three-innings games, starting with loaded bases each R H E New Zealand and Australia A. The teams played a single round Grand Final Result inning, brought plenty of excitement and high scoring Panthers 3 0 0 robin, followed by finals on the last day. R H E games to a tightly fought competition. Bandits 2 0 1 The seven-team tournament went as expected during the Japan 7 5 0 The Bandits, led again by Carmelle Sorensen, repeated round games, with the four Olympic qualified teams finishing Travelodge Aussie Spirit 0 3 1 Final Placings their performance of the inaugural competition, remaining in the top four to advance to the finals. 1 Panthers undefeated during the round games to finish on top of the Final Placings 2 Bandits Top placed team Japan played against fourth placed Italy in the ladder. 1 Japan 3 Fury first semi-final. Japan led 3-0 early, before Italy staged a late 2 Travelodge Aussie Spirit The Panthers, led by Stacey Porter, were keen to make 4 Lighting comeback with two runs of their own, but Japan held on to 3 Mexico amends, after missing the finals of the inaugural 5 Emeralds reach the grand final. 4 Italy competition. And that they did, finishing second after the 6 Riots The other semi-final saw the Travelodge Aussie Spirit take on 5 Australia A rounds. Mexico. Mexico scored the first two runs of the game in the 6 Chinese Taipei Award Winners They were joined in the finals by the inaugural champions, second inning, but the Aussies hit back with two of their own 7 New Zealand Most Valuable Player Kaia Parnaby’s Fury team and the led in the third. Neither team were able to add to their tally and Stacey Porter (Panthers) Lightning. the game went into extra innings. A double play in the top of Award Winners Best Pitcher the 8th innings saw Mexico held scoreless. In the bottom, pinch Most Valuable Player The Bandits went one step further than the previous year Kaia Parnaby (Fury) runner Shannon Keevers advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt, Stacey Porter (Travelodge Aussie Spirit) when they defeated the Lightning 9-2 in the first semi-final, Best Batter before diving home to beat the tag on a sacrifice fly from Leigh Best Pitcher to reach the grand final. Janice Blackman (Bandits) Godfrey, the run sending them into the grand final. Kaia Parnaby (Travelodge Aussie Spirit) The Fury and Panthers played in the other semi-final, the Player of the Grand Final Best Batter Fury unable to defend their title, with the Panthers scoring (Panthers) Hitomi Kawabata (Japan) five runs in the bottom of the third to win the game 9-8. Player of the Grand Final Yamato Fujita (Japan)

53 |SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA | ANNUAL REPORT 54 |SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA | ANNUAL REPORT

Teams and squads

Australian Open Women’s Squad Aussie Diamonds Janice Blackman (Qld), Michelle Cox (NSW), Chelsea Forkin (Qld), Leigh Godfrey (WA), Rachel Lack (NSW), Stacey McManus (NSW), Tahli (2020 tours cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic) Moore (NSW), Kaia Parnaby (NSW), Leah Parry (WA), Gabrielle Plain (NSW), Stacey Porter (NSW), Ellen Roberts (NSW), Justine Smethurst U14 Boys: Easter Classic, Auckland, NZ | 3-10 April 2020 (Qld), Carmelle Sorensen (Qld), Tarni Stepto (NSW), Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW), Jade Wall (Qld), (ACT), (SA), Tour Coordinator: Kerryn Bell Tamieka Whitefield (Qld) Green Team Aussie Peppers Squad (National Pro-Fastpitch League) Joel Byrne (NSW), Matt Bedwell (Vic), Tipene Harkness (Qld), Archie King (SA), Zach Dunkley (Vic), Ethan Milligan (NSW), (additional 11 players added to the 2020 Australian Open Women’s Squad) Crawford Wadley (NSW), Joshua Wilson (Qld), Devontay Fasavalu (NSW), Nathan Murray (Qld), James Jorgensen (SA), Seth Georgia Blair (Qld), Madeline Cameron (SA), Amelia Cudicio (NSW), Shannon Keevers (NSW), Jordan Lambert (SA), Verity Long-Droppert Johns (SA), Callum Lilliman (NSW) (WA), Chelsea Robinson (SA), Brooke Spence (Qld), Jessica Torpey (Qld), Stephanie Trzcinski (SA), Taylah Welch (Qld) Head Coach: Belinda Ainslie; Assistant Coach: Jack Rauhihi; Manager: Geoff Shaw

Travelodge Aussie Spirit (Asia/Oceania Olympic Qualifier) Gold Team Michelle Cox (NSW), Chelsea Forkin (Qld), Leigh Godfrey (WA), Rachel Lack (NSW), Stacey McManus (NSW), Kaia Parnaby (NSW), Leah Nathan Duvall (Vic), Cooper Rauhihi (NSW), Darian Perkins (WA), Nicholas Falcon-Green (Qld), Cooper Collins (NSW), Flynn Parry (WA), Gabrielle Plain (NSW), Stacey Porter (NSW) (C), Carmelle Sorensen (Qld), Tarni Stepto (NSW), Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW), Day (NSW), ZinZam Aumoe (NSW), Alex Duncalfe (Qld), Hayden Johns (SA), Te Haupaaroa Nikora (WA), Kai Cailotto (Qld), Evan Clare Warwick (ACT), Belinda White (SA), Jade Wall (Qld) Hooper (SA), Troy Hotere-Moana (Vic) Head Coach: Chris Holliday; Assistant Coach: Maurice Paraha; Manager: Andrea Mansfield Head Coach: Laing Harrow; Assistant Coaches: Nathan Jones, Andrew Kirkpatrick; Physiotherapist: Kathy Mitchell; Strength & Conditioning: Jason Howell; Team Manager: Simone Wearne; Performance Support: Deidre Anderson; Video Analyst: Tony Mackie; U14 Girls Auckland Easter Classic (April), Los Angeles / Mankato, USA (June/July 2020) Statistician: Chris Trengove Tour Coordinator: Brooke Wilkins

Travelodge Aussie Spirit (Australia Pacific Cup) Green Team Janice Blackman (Qld), Michelle Cox (NSW), Chelsea Forkin (Qld), Leigh Godfrey (WA), Shannon Keevers (NSW), Stacey McManus (NSW), Jayda Lorigan (NSW), Indy Munro (Qld), Charlotte Dobroszczyk (SA), Charlotte Gaddes (Qld), Jacynta Eisermann (NSW), Charley Tahli Moore (NSW), Kaia Parnaby (NSW), Stacey Porter (NSW) (C), Ellen Roberts (NSW), Brooke Spence (Qld), Tarni Stepto (NSW), Bell (Qld), Bianca Markham (Qld), Ruby Ballard (SA), Ashlee Hake (WA), Charlotte Creek (WA), Maya Gillies (NSW), Tahuna Stephanie Trzcinski (SA), Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW), Jade Wall (Qld), Belinda White (SA) Rhind-Luke (Vic) Head Coach: Alisha Bell; Assistant Coach: Kerrie Sheehan Coaches: Nathan Jones, Kym Tollenaere, Andrew Kirkpatrick Gold Team Travelodge Aussie Spirit (Australia A) Rachel Miller (Vic), Isabella Trevena (NSW), Deija Perkinson (Qld), Kendall Henderson (NSW), Haylee Nelson (WA), Lianna Doyle Madeline Cameron (SA), Amelia Cudicio (NSW), Mya Geros (NSW), Georgia Hood (SA), Charisma Kerr (Qld), Rachel Lack (NSW), Jordan (Qld), Emily Clarke (Qld), Caitlyn Hosking (Qld), Angelique Iredale (NSW), Eva O’Loughlin (WA), Jocelyn Mortimer (WA), Riley Lambert (SA), Verity Long-Droppert (WA), Gabrielle Plain (NSW), Chelsea Robinson (SA), Justine Smethurst (Qld), Carmelle Sorensen Cherry (NSW), Olivia Mairos (Vic), Brooke Thomas (NSW), Sophie Coster (Qld) (Qld), Jessica Torpey (Qld), Brianna Trim (Vic), Tamieka Whitefield (Qld), Sasha Willems (NSW) Head Coach: Drew Herrington; Assistant Coach: Alexandra Mackay; Manager: Andrea Mansfield

Coaches: Chantelle James, Mark Rigg, Andrew Kirkpatrick; Staff: Laing Harrow, Jason Howell, Kathy Mitchell, Deidre Anderson U17 Women’s Futures, Canada Cup, Surrey, Canada, July 2020 Tour Coordinator: Brooke Wilkins Australian Men’s Squad Callum Beashel (NSW), Mathew Beckett (WA), Joshua Bond (NSW), Jarrod Bradbury (ACT), Mitchell Brownlow (NSW), Jack Burt (WA), Madi Baker (NSW), Indigo Bec De Silva (SA), Alyssa Charter-Smith (NSW), Jayde Jensen (NSW), Teoni Lamb (NSW), Sophie Joshua Del Simone (Qld), Jarryd Farrell (SA), Adam Folkard (ACT), Matthew Harrow (ACT), Lachlan Hay (NSW), Julian Jemmott (Qld), Lawrence (Qld), Isabella Lorenzo (NSW), Amy Mann (NSW), Alyssa Mighell (NSW), Bridie Murphy (NSW), Mackenzie Peebles Bradley Kilpatrick (NSW), Ryan King (NSW), Marshall Kronk (Qld), Michael Ludkin (Qld), Hayden Mathews (NSW), Harry May (SA), Joshua (Qld), Grace Peters (Vic), Paige Smith (WA), Zali Summers (Qld), Willow Swinbourne (WA), Mackenzie Walker (NSW), Caitlin McGovern (ACT), Nick Norton (ACT), Bolton Nussbaum (ACT), Brendon O’Byrne (WA), Kieran O’Leary (NSW), Scott Patterson (WA), Wilde (NSW) Harrison Peters (NSW), Layton Reid (Qld), Nick Shailes (O/S), Adam Talarico (Vic), James Todhunter (NSW), Peter Wards (NSW), Joshua Head Coaches: Troy Baverstock, Andrew Scott; Manager: Kerryn Bell White (ACT), Matthew Wickham (ACT) Softball Australia International Friendship Series, Redlands, Qld | 3-10 July 2020 Junior Steelers Tour Coordinators: Chantel James, Adam Rindfleish Josh Banks (NSW), Jack Besgrove (NSW), Ethan Field (NSW), Jeremy Garland (NSW), Blake Hunter (NSW), Riley James (Qld) (C); Tyler Boys’ Squad Kelly (NSW), Boston Lowe (NSW), Kynan Molander (Qld), Nicholas Murphy (Qld), Pierce Nugent-Moss (Qld), Joshua Routledge (Qld), Oscar Atkins (NSW), Ayden Champneys (Qld), Ryan Cockburn (Vic), Haydan Dobe (Qld), David Dunstan (Vic), Cooper Easthorpe Sam Seach (Vic), Hayden Shaw (NSW), Caleb Vandegriendt (Qld), Lincoln Walk (Qld) (NSW), Nickolas Gerhmann (Qld), Timonthy Gleeson (NSW), Zander Goodwin (WA), Jack Hotere-Moana (Vic), Ky Hurst (NSW), Head Coach: Adam Rindfleish; Assistant Coaches: David Metekingi, Matt Chapman; Team Manager: Lesley Darby; Physiotherapist: Bernie Hunter Kelly (Vic), Geoffrey Kerr (WA), Brennan Kovacs (ACT), Dante Machiavello (NSW), Cameron McCutcheon (Vic), Jayden Simai; Video Analyst: John Crampton; Statistician: Jim Giles McDonald (NSW), Ethan Munro (Qld), Nicholas Noonan (Qld), Zavier Paki (Qld), Connor Pashley (Qld), Jye Robinson (Vic), Ben Slater (ACT), Riley Sutcliffe (NSW), Cameron Taylor (NSW), Mayke Telfer (NSW), Axel Western Schapel (SA), Evan Wull;f (NSW) Junior Spirit Head Coaches: Matt Chapman, David Metekingi; Assistant Coaches: Jayke Reynolds, Tony Jackson, Peter Rainer, David Pippa Adkins (SA), Jorja Barrett (NSW), Bree-Anna Butler (Qld), Mya Geros (NSW), Shinai Gibbins (Qld), Madisun Graham (Qld), Kayla Sheppard; Managers: Nikki Love, Tarryn Richardson; Hancox (Qld), Isabelle Hanna (NSW), Georgia Hood (SA), Ellie Marks (NSW), Emily Peters (NSW), Sophie Roberts (SA), Madison Scott (SA), Monique Smith (Qld)* Brooke Stewart (Qld), Shaylan Whatman (NSW), Sasha Willems (NSW) Girls’ Squad *withdrew due to injury; replaced by Sophie Roberts (SA) Georgia Ballard (SA), Harper Bridley (SA), Abbygail Bushby (WA), Taylor Chillingworth (SA), Emilia Dolphin (SA), Sharnee Haereroa (WA), Soraya Hamson (Qld), Abbey Hart (NSW), Porsha Hawe-De Thierry (NSW), Keeana Henare (Qld), Amber Head Coach: Kerrie Porter; Assistant Coaches: Chantelle James, Neridah Wearne; Team Manager: Janell Behrendt; Physiotherapist: Hinchliffe (WA), Jorja Hooper (SA), Annalise Kemp (NSW), Arielle Lee (Vic), Teina Leung (NSW), Caitlin McCreedy (ACT, Rachel Rebecca Yip; Statistician: Sean Francis McKinnon (ACT), Sophie O’Connor (NSW), Erin Partridge (NSW), Monica Pettitt (NSW), Grace Prior (NSW), Karrie Pritchard (Vic), Tabitha Rewell (WA), Kiara Rhind-Luke (Vic), Ellie Saxby (Qld), Bronte Sheppard (NSW), Kasey Smith (Vic), Chelsea Zunker (Qld) Head Coaches: Nikki Bacon, Mark Armstrong; Assistant Coaches: Kathryn Stuart, Kylie MacFadzean, Sally Diener, Nicole Morley, Manager: Sandie Bassett

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Awards and honours

LIFE MEMBERS SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME (cont’d) WBSC HALL OF FAME

2018: Debbie Grove (Vic), Ngaire Huston (Qld) 1994: Pat Rawlings OAM* (NSW) 1990: Janne Stevens (SA) 2017: Melanie Roche (NSW), Natalie Ward (NSW)

2015: Michael Hannelly (NSW) 1993: Margo Koskelainen OAM (Vic) 1989: Lorraine Brown (SA), Josephine Loton (Vic) 2015: Mike Harrow (ACT), Marissa Warburton

2013: Harvey Milson (NSW), Tricia Sibraa (Qld), 1989: Rosemary Adey OAM* (SA) 1988: Janine (Jan) Allsopp (Vic), Carol Selem (NSW), (Qld), Neville Lawrance (SA)

Mike McDermid* (ACT) 1980: Pat Shearwood (ACT) Vivienne Triplett* (Vic) 2013: Bob Crudgington (Qld), Brooke Wilkins

2010: Darryl Clout (NSW), Bob Harrow (ACT) 1969: Edna Nash* (NSW) 1987: Esther Deason MBE* (Vic), Marjorie Dwyer* (Qld), Haylea Petrie (Qld) 2006: Bill Gobbart* (Vic) 1968: Pat Young* (NSW) (Vic), Merilyn Middlin (Vic), Joanne Paez (Vic), 2011: Bob Harrow (ACT), Paul Maisey (Vic), Peta Edebone (Vic) 2004: Ken Culpit t (ACT 1967: Audrey McLaughlin AM (Qld) Judy Phelps OAM (NSW), Chris Roughley 2002: Alan McAuliffe (SA) 1966: Esther Deason MBE* (Vic), Merle Short* (Vic), (NSW), Sybil Turner (NSW) 2009: Peter Clout (NSW), John McAuliffe (SA), 2000: Shirley Schneider (WA) Marjorie Dwyer* (Vic) 1986: Rhonda Boyd (Vic), Denise Hutchinson (Vic) Sally McCreedy OAM (ACT)

1985: 1965 Australian Open Women’s Team and ISF 2005: Norma Allsopp (Vic), Joanne Brown (ACT), World Champions Ken Culpitt (Qld), Kerry Dienelt (NT), Denise Norma Allsopp (Vic), Margaret Dodds* (Qld), Hutchinson (Vic), Shane King (Qld)

Bess Dornan (Vic), Myrtle Edwards (Vic), Rita 2003: Laing Harrow (ACT), Margo Koskelainen SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME Gherardin (Vic), Elinor McKenzie* (Vic), Audrey OAM (Vic), Alan McAuliffe (SA)

McLaughlin (Qld), Helena Meehan (Vic), Nina 2001: Jenny Holliday AM (Vic), Joyce Lester 2019: Darren Sibraa (Qld), Michael Tanner (ACT) 2008: Geoffrey Coultas (WA), Brian Flint (WA), Darryl Menner (WA), Midge Nelson BEM (Vic), Gladys (OAM (Qld) 2018: (Qld, Neal Delpero (WA), Jeff Rector (WA), Robert Richardson (NSW), Bill Phillips* (C) (Vic), Judy Pizaro* (Vic), Marjorie 1999: Audrey McLaughlin (AM) Goolagong (ACT) Downing (WA), Russell Taylor (WA), Josh Davison Scott (Vic), Merle Short* (Vic), Sandra 1997 Rosemary Adey OAM* (SA) 2017: Adam Humble (WA), Nathan Jones (WA), Kris Kiefel (NSW), Dave McKenzie (WA), Peter Clout (NSW), Somerville (Qld), Margaret Swann (Vic), Nancy 1993: Janine (Jan) Allsopp (Vic), Vivienne (Vic) Sally McCreedy OAM (ACT), Peta Edebone (Vic), Whittingham (SA), Lorraine Woolley Triplett* (Vic), Sybil Turner (NSW) 2016: Helen Edwards (Vic), Danielle Stewart (Bouman) (Qld) Brooke Wilkins (NSW), Kathy Mitchell (Qld) 1991: Rhonda Boyd (Vic), Chris Roughley (NSW) 2015: Leigh Evans (Vic), Michael Titheradge (WA) 2007: John McAuliffe (SA) 1989: Margaret Swann (Vic) 2014: Tracey Mosley (Vic), Kylie Cronk (Qld), Danica 2006: Bob Crudgington (Qld), Matt Gowty (Qld) 1987: Myrtle Edwards* (Vic), Merle Short* (Vic) Howlett (NSW) 2005: Troy Baverstock (NSW), Kylie Herbert (NSW), Alan 1981: Marjorie (Midge) Nelson BEM (Vic), Esther 2013: Diane Waller (Vic), Barry Blanchard (NSW), McAuliffe (SA), Carol Peel (NSW), Haylea Petrie Deason* MBE Terry Downes (Qld), Debbie Grove (Vic), Kelly (Qld)

Hardie (Qld), Mike Harrow (ACT), Ngaire Huston 2004: Kim Cooper (Qld), Shane King (Qld), Kerry (Qld), Neville Lawrance (SA), Simmone Morrow Dienelt (NT), Lindsey Carroll (ACT), Kellie (SA), Andrew Rindfleish (NSW), Sue Tomlinson (SA), Loughman (Vic), Kerrie Maddern (Vic), Nicole Kerry Wyborn (NSW) Richardson (Vic), Margo Koskelainen OAM (Vic), Joanne Brown (ACT), Francine McRae (Qld) 2012: Wendy Braybo n* (Vic), Carolyn Buttsworth (NSW), Tanya Harding (Qld), Sandra Lewis (Qld, Melanie 2003: Lindsay Anderson* (WA), Anthony Bull (WA)

Roche (NSW), Natalie Titcume (Vic), Natalie Ward 2002: Laing Harrow (ACT), Rhonda Wills (Vic), Jenny (NSW) Holliday AM (Vic) 2000: Joyce Lester OAM (Qld) 2010: Fiona Crawford (NSW), Paul Maisey (Vic), Marissa Warburton (Qld) 1997: Leanne Evans (Vic), Gaye Ledingham (NSW) 2009: Ken Culpitt (ACT), 2009 Australian Open Men’s 1995: Pat Shearwood (ACT), Sandra Troyahn (Vic) Team Aussie Steelers and ISF World Champions 1992: Arthur Allsopp* (Vic) 1991: Rosemary Adey OAM* (SA), Pat Rawlings OAM* (NSW)

*denotes deceased