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UMPIRE IN CHIEF TECHNICAL Technical Jason Carter (VIC) Leigh Evans (VIC) Darrell Shephard (NSW)

State Director’s of Umpiring

Australian Capital Territory Mark Gallagher

New South Wales Scott Rindfleish

Queensland Darren Sibraa

South Australia Neville Lawrance

Tasmania Wayne Clarke

Victoria Trevor Murphy

Western Australia Roy Cox

Contents Calendar of Events Softball Australia – Umpire of the Year

International Q&A with Travelling Australian International Umpires

National Softball Australia Annual Conference and National Umpires Meeting

State Australian Capital Territory New South Wales Queensland Victoria Western Australia

Calendar of Events 02 Dec 2016 – 04 Dec 2016 Canberra Skins 02 Jan 2017 - 08 Jan 2017 U17 Girls’ National Softball Championship, Blacktown, NSW 02 Jan 2017 - 08 Jan 2017 Open Women’s National Softball Championship, Blacktown, NSW 02 Jan 2017 - 07 Jan 2017 U17 Boys’ National Softball Championship, Hawker, ACT 09 Jan 2017 - 14 Jan 2017 Open Men’s National Softball Championship, Hawker, ACT 15 Jan 2017 - 21 Jan 2017 U15 Girls’ Regional Softball Championship, Mirrabooka, WA 15 Jan 2017 - 21 Jan 2017 U19 Women’s National Softball Championship, Mirrabooka, WA 15 Jan 2017 - 21 Jan 2017 U15 Boys’ Regional Softball Championship, Redlands, Qld 15 Jan 2017 - 21 Jan 2017 U19 Men’s National Softball Championship, Redlands, Qld 19 Jul 2017 - 22 Jul 2017 U23 Men’s National Softball Championship, Redlands, Qld

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Celebrating Excellence UMPIRE OF THE YEAR – KYIRA COX

Kyira Cox, a former softball player She has also worked within the who turned her hand to umpiring, National Umpiring Committee as has been named the 2016 winner a Staff Member of the of the Vivienne Triplett Award. Communications team, taking on the lead role when the position Cox’s umpiring career reached an became vacant and assisted handing over to the newly elite level in recent years, culminating in her appointment at appointed UIC. Kyira then took on the 2016 Open Women’s World a staff member position within the Umpire Development Stream. Championship in Canada, in which she umpired in the gold medal game. Cox has been active at National Championships, where she has Last year she also umpired in the worked as both umpire and assessor, striving to assist gold medal game of the Junior Girls’ World Championship in developing umpires to improve Oklahoma City. their performances.

The Vivienne Triplett Award was She continues to be active within NSW where she assists at clinics introduced in 1995 to recognise outstanding contributions to and academy sessions as a umpiring. This Award was trainer. She has also held positions on the NSW Umpires incorporated into the Softball Australia Awards of Excellence Committee as the public relations, communications and umpire when they were introduced in 2002. development member. Having been a high-level player before turning to umpiring, Cox Cox is also heavily involved at draws on her playing experience NSW State Championships, filling numerous roles as TCU, Deputy and the relationship she has with players and coaches. TCU and assessor at many events. She continues to give freely of her time to assist in the She has a strong focus on all fitness and physical activity and the culture it development of umpires at local, develops in all its areas from family activities, to recreational fitness and state and national level where competitive sport at all levels. she shares her experiences and talents to further develop the Cox is keen to explore all initiatives both on and off the field, as well as standard of umpiring in NSW and giving of her time and experiences to assist umpires around her to further in her new home in Canberra. develop their umpiring skills.

KYIRA COX - UMPIRE - MAJOR EVENTS

COX TAKES OUT NATIONAL AWARD

NSW UMPIRES ASSOCIATION - NEWS ARTICLE

NSW umpire Kyira Cox has been named the Softball “I’ve particularly loved mentoring junior umpires and Australia 2016 ‘Vivienne Triplett’ Umpire of the Year. working with the national committee on development and communication projects; something I hope to This award recognises Cox’s outstanding efforts on continue in the future.” and off the diamond in recent times, which include two World Championship appointments, the XI World Cup Scott Rindfleish, the NSW State Director of Umpiring and various off-diamond roles. and a former recipient of the award, congratulated Cox on her outstanding achievement. “I’ve been lucky enough to be appointed to two WBSC World Championships in recent years. To be “Kyira has achieved remarkable success on and off the appointed to the Gold Medal games at both diamond in 2015/2016. She has also contributed championships was a real honour and something I’ll significantly to Softball NSW events. Kyira served as never forget,” Cox said. Tournament Chief Umpire at the Over 35s State Championships and as Deputy Tournament Chief “I really loved every part of my tours overseas. Meeting Umpire at the Open Women’s State Championship umpires and working with different crews and teams and U17 State Championships. She was appointed from across the world has been a real highlight of my Plate Umpire of the Championship Game at the Open umpiring career to date.” Women’s and U19 Women’s State Championships.”

Off the diamond Cox has also been just as busy, “Off the diamond, Kira’s contributions to the Softball fulfilling various development, communication and NSW Umpires’ Association and the National Umpiring other administrative roles at the local, state and Committee have been exemplary. Her base in national levels. Canberra has not prevented her from donating her many skills and talents to the umpiring programme at the state and national levels,” Rindfleish said. “Softball has given me so much over the years and I’ve always been willing to give back in any way I can. My roles on the Softball Australia National Umpiring Cox now joins the company of Australia’s most Committee and state-based executives have always esteemed umpires who have been honoured with been a way I’ve been able help the umpiring the Vivienne Triplett Umpire of the Year Award. programme.”

Left: Kyira Cox in action at the World Cup. Right: World Cup XI Gold Medal Game Umpiring Crew

INTERNATIONAL Q&A WITH OUR TRAVELLING UMPIRES

The National Umpiring Committee is proud and excited to celebrate the successful umpiring travels of seven Australian umpires in 2016. With a BNOL first, we present a Q&A session with all our travelling umpires.

Readers can hear from umpires first hand about their experiences on and off the diamond as well as cultural and travel highlights. It is interesting to read about the similarities and differences between seven events hosted across three continents.

Congratulations to all umpires and thank you for sharing your experiences with our BNOL readers.

Richard David Kyira Warren Leanne Amanda Trevor Barrow Casey Cox Duff Gearside Houison Murphy

Richard Barrow WBSC Junior Men’s World Championship

David Casey European Super Cup Men

Kyira Cox World Cup of Softball XI WBSC Open Women’s World Championships

Warren Duff Japan Cup

Leanne Gearside European Premiere Cup Women

Trevor Murphy European Championship Men

Amanda Houison World Cup of Softball XI WBSC Open Women’s World Championships

RICHARD BARROW What were some of the highlights? Highlight #1: being appointed to officiate at 3B on the (Victoria) gold medal game.

Highlight #2: working the plate on a playoff game between USA and Canada.

Highlight #3: spending time with the Aussie players, coaches and team management pre-tournament in Milverton Ontario Canada, seeing the detailed level of their preparation and getting to know the guys.

Away from the ball park, what memorable things did you get up to? Spending time with my billet hosts in Milverton and teaching their granddaughters some Aussie lingo. Tell our readers a bit about the international Getting myself in and out of a fairly rough area of softball event. suburban Detroit. Negotiating four pieces of luggage WBSC 2016 XI Junior Men’s World Championships. through multiple airports and other modes of transport. First held in 1981, Australia won four consecutive world titles at this tournament in 1997, 2001, 2005 and How things were similar to softball as played in 2008. The tournament was held at Blacktown in 2001, Australia? where the Australian team went undefeated on their The strike zone is the same, the language of the game way to securing the Gold medal. is the same, and umpires operate in the same fashion.

Where was the event hosted? How was the softball different to in Australia? Held in Midland, Michigan USA at historic Currie Using the 20-second pitch clock was new, and having Stadium within Emerson Park; the park is a beautiful in-game commentary at the stadium is rare in green oasis beside the Tittabawassee River. Midland Australia. is the home of the Dow Chemical Corporation, and this area of Michigan, a few hours north of Detroit, is still a What was the best lesson learnt during your trip? hub of automotive industries, so we saw many classic Self-belief, the need to give yourself an internal cars. reminder that you are here because you are good enough to be here, so now go and do your thing. Tell us about the Umpiring Crew, the UIC and Umpire Management Crew. What do you think will be the life-long lasting UIC: Bob Stanton (Canada), DUIC’s: Kevin Ryan memory from your trip? (USA) and Vincent Maoeng (South Africa). The really strong bonds of friendship made with some of the other umps that have continued after the Umpires: Richard Barrow (Australia), Abel Mataboge tournament. (Botswana), Darren Gerrior (Canada), Mike Morrisey (Canada), Jiri Dostal (Czech Republic), Florian Finally, how will you use this experience to help Lautenschlaeger (Germany), Brian Aron (Israel), other umpires here at home? Toyomatsu Tabinuki (Japan), Abel Chapa (Mexico), Instilling confidence that lofty goals can be achieved, Dave Fortin (NZ), Tony Kaiaruna (NZ), Luis Ocasio they take time and hard work, and there might be Arroyo (Peurto Rico), James Connors (USA), Jerry setbacks along the way that require a reset, but the Norris (USA), Kevin Wallace (USA), Sean Wells goals are attainable. (USA). Liaisons: Rick Havercroft, Mike Clark.

I had previously worked twice with Dave and Tony at New Zealand tournaments and with Sean at the Canadian International last year. The majority of the crew were working their first WBSC World Championship. In the Aussie tradition I managed to quickly get everyone using nicknames, and we had lots of laughs using Translator apps on our phones to communicate with Tabi.

DAVID CASEY Away from the ball park, what memorable things did you get up to? (Queensland) This tournament provided an opportunity to meet umpires from Europe. It was great to talk about the game and umpiring with people from different cultures. (It is amazing that no matter where you are from, the culture of the game and officiating is still primarily the same).

I was also able to spend some time in Venice as a tourist before and after the tournament.

How were things similar to softball as played in Australia? Umpiring in Europe is very similar to that in Australia.

Whilst umpires did not go out on fly balls when using Tell our readers a bit about the international the 3 umpire system, the rotations were the same. softball event. From the first game, it was very easy to fit into their 2016 European Super Cup Men’s – The tournament umpiring systems. was conducted from 29 August to 3 September. It is the premier men’s club competition in Europe, with How was the softball different to in Australia? each team supplemented with a number of The obvious difference being that for the majority of international players. the participants, English isn’t the primary language. Therefore it was important to remember this when Where was the event hosted? communicating with participants. The tournament was held in Azzano Decimo. Azzano Decimo is a small township in the northeast of Italy Also as mentioned previously, when using a 3 umpire and is about 1 hour out of Venice. It has a population system umpires do not go out for fly balls of about 14,000. The unique aspect of this tournament was that 1 softball diamond was located at Azzano, What was the best lesson learnt during your trip? with games also being conducted in other towns in It was great to discuss softball with people from northeast Italy, including Staranzano, Castions della different countries and cultures. Mura and Cervignano. These towns were each about an hour’s drive out from Azzano. What do you think will be the life-long lasting memory from your trip? Tell us about the Umpiring Crew, the UIC and Making friendships with umpires from different Umpire Management Crew. countries. The tournament was staffed by 18 umpires. For most days, the crew was split up and travelled to the various Finally, how will you use this experience to help venues. So you would start umpiring with your 3 man other umpires here at home? group, and just rotate within that group. Most days we I would be able to discuss how umpiring is very similar were umpiring 3 games a day. regardless where you are from. It shows, by example, opportunities that are available as part of the umpiring The head umpire in chief was Pavel Prachar and program and that opportunities are virtually limitless for deputy umpire in chief being Joeri Tobback. umpires at home. Umpires were from all over Europe.

What were some of the highlights? It was great to officiate games involving people from different countries. The opportunity to umpire elite softball involving players from throughout the world was wonderful.

It was also fun to catch up with other umpires from throughout Europe. There is definitely only 1 degree of separation within the umpiring fraternity. I think everyone that whenever I talked to someone at the tournament we had shared friends.

World Championship KYIRA COX Management Crew – Bob Stanton (TCU – Canada), Christina Drumm (ATCU – USA), Marlies Stryve (New South Wales) (ATCU – Netherlands) Largest crew to be appointed to a World Championship with 30 on diamond umpires being appointed. The gender split was nearly 50-50 which was great. Raoul Machalet (Germany) announced his retirement from international softball umpiring

What were some of the highlights? Tell our readers a bit about the international At the World Cup we were able to umpire our own softball events. country in an international tournament on both plate XI World Cup of Softball and bases. XV Softball Women’s World Championship 29 teams competed in the largest Women’s World Championship Where were the events hosted? XI World Cup of Softball – Softball City, Oklahoma Away from the ball park, what memorable things City, Oklahoma, USA – these grounds are the home of did you get up to? softball. Something significant about these diamonds is As part of our pre-championship requirements the that they all have a concrete / brick wall behind the crew was split into 5 teams and we had to create a home plate and all have diamond tarps stored on the story. The story was to be created one sentence at a diamond. Diamond 1 has a tornado bunker built time with each team member needing to contribute to underneath the grandstand that is accessible through the story. Each team had the same opening sentence each team dugouts. – “There was a field… an empty field…” we were required to submit our progressive story to Marlies on XV Softball Women’s World Championship – a regular bases just to keep us all moving. It wasn’t Surrey, Vancouver, BC, Canada – these diamonds we until we arrived at the World Championship that we completely ripped up and rebuilt for this were told we needed to present our stories to the Championship. Also these diamonds are about 20- entire crew. We could deliver our story in any way we 30km from the USA/Canada boarder felt – reading or acting. Three (3) out of the five (5) teams took the reading option until “Bad Dream” was Tell us about the Umpiring Crews, the UIC and presented on the second night. The extraordinary Umpire Management Crew. acting of Gianluca (Italy) playing a young boy umpiring World Cup for his first time and the numerous costume changes Management Crew – Kevin Ryan (TCU), Christina by Nacho (Spain) had the entire crew in stitches of Drumm (Assistant TCU), Jim – all from USA laughter. It was fair to say “Bad Dream” won the story Mindy Vella (USA), Erin Petterson (USA), Sandy Allan telling. (Canada) were umpiring their first international tournament after obtaining their WBSC Certification. How were things similar to softball as played in Five umpires that attended the World Cup backed up Australia? to umpire at the World Championship – Kyira Cox The passion about our sport is the same around the (AUS), Amanda Houison (AUS), Don Alexander world. Each team was taking to the diamond with pride (USA), Steve McCowan (USA) and Christina Drumm and determination to do their best for their team mates (USA – ATCU). and country.

Putting 2 Americans, 1 Aussie, 1 Canadian, 2 How was the softball different to in Australia? Japanese and 1 Mexican together for dinner is always 20 second clock and the off diamond umpire were both going to make ordering dinner interesting. Thank you used to keep all games moving without major delays. to google translate and the King’s English we were Relinquishing control of the line-up cards was able to order the food – ordering drinks was a lot something all plate umpires had to adjust to. easier – believe Budweiser was the drink of choice by our non-English speaking crew members 

What was the best lesson learnt during your trip? Each umpire comes to a Championship with various WARREN DUFF experiences but the hard work that we do each week at home with our mentors refining our game provides (Western Australia) us with a very solid platform when put under pressure on the world stage.

What do you think will be the life-long lasting memory from your trip? That I was one of the 30 umpires that made history by umpiring the largest Women’s World Championship in history.

Finally, how will you use this experience to help other umpires here at home? I will use my new experience to provide fellow umpires Tell our readers a bit about the international with on and off diamond support, provide them with a softball event. different perspective on their own development and Japan Cup 2016 – an open women’s competition. 4 empower them to self-evaluate so changes can be Teams being Japan, USA, Australian and Chinese made immediately. Every game we umpire or watch is Taipei. This was my second time attending the Japan an opportunity to learn – no game should be a missed Cup, the first having been in 2009. First time since opportunity. the 2016 Women’s World’s that Japan and USA were to play against each other and since the Olympic reinstatement being announced.

Where was the event hosted? This was the first time hosted in Takasaka, which is positioning itself as a commuter city as it is only 1 hour by bullet train from Toyko. Takasaka is also home to two Japan Pro League teams – Bic Camera and Taiyou Yuden, which the Australian team played exhibition games against. The exhibition games were played at their home diamonds, which were on the sponsor’s land. Was different to see a fully scheme softball diamond at the back of a factory, complete with training facilities.

For the Japan Cup itself, the diamond was a baseball diamond which has been converted into a softball diamond, using temporary nets and a homerun fence – it was a diamond within in a diamond. The infield was fully skinned with grass outfield. It had full stadium seating for over 1,000 people.

Tell us about the Umpiring Crew, the UIC and Umpire Management Crew. The crew was consisted of: Umpire in Chief: Mr Sei Takashasi Crew Umpires: Mr Lin Yuy Sung (Chinese Taipei) Ms Kyoko Fukuda (Japan) Mr Kazuhiko Otomo (Japan) Mr Warren Duff (Australia) Mr Fukunori Iriguchi (Japan) Ms Saeko Suda (Japan) Ms Brenda Terpstra (USA) Mr Massao Ota (Japan)

The messenger and time clock umpires were staffed by local Japanese umpires.

A highlight was to get to ride on a Japanese bullet train There was limited English across the crew but this – one of the most comfortable experiences didn’t stop communication – rather we all reverted to using diagrams, sign language and other very basic How were things similar to softball as played in forms of communication. The atmosphere in the Australia? change rooms was extremely positive – that may have The games were very similar to our national been due to the abundance of food in the change competition. No major differences. room. It was great to have so much experience in the room with many umpires having attended various How was the softball different to in Australia? world championships and other international events. The pre and post-game activities were scripted right down to the minute. We were fed extremely well – lunch was provided every day, as was bottled water and sports drinks. The crowds were amazing for local games – the The local Takasaka umpires would also bring in stands were full of spectators whenever Japan played. Japanese sweets and local fruit. The pear was in Their knowledge and passion for the game was season and was just amazingly sweet. outstanding. All games, even local games, are covered by 4 umpire Also really useful was the air conditioning in the systems. For the exhibition games, umpires were change room. With hot and humid weather, especially provided with time off by their employer. coming from a Perth winter, the change room was the perfect place to escape. Also unusual, was the daily tech meeting and ground inspection. It was somewhat unusual to have to take your shoes off to enter the change room and to get ready without What was the best lesson learnt during your trip? your shoes! To take the time to enjoy the entire experience by going into the trip with no expectations and focus on What were some of the highlights? what you have been doing. Being fortunate to umpire the two Japan versus America games on the plate – including the gold medal What do you think will be the life-long lasting game. Both games were telecast live across on memory from your trip? Japanese TV. The extreme buzz of the stadium when local hero, Seeing some of the umpires I first umpired with back in Ueno Yukiko took the mound during the final. The 2009 coming to watch the games – so nice to see home crowd all rose to their feet and cheered perhaps them again. the loudest I have ever been involved in.

The passion and knowledge that the Japanese public Finally, how will you use this experience to help has for softball, especially in the lead up to the other umpires here at home? Olympics. The buzz of the stadium was amazing. That the training our program provides, is a great platform for working international competitions. Away from the ball park, what memorable things did you get up to? It was a short tour with not a lot of spare time. Prior to leaving, my son asked me to take one of his super hero stuffed toys with me, to take photos of Spiderman in Japan. I would upload the photos and then video call to watch him flick through them of a morning. Spiderman also became somewhat of a mascot for my tour, with most of photos including him in some way or another.

It was great to be immersed into the Japanese culture again. Especially with Takasaka being outside of a known tourist spot. The food was an experience, with the local umpires playing host and ordering food on our behalf. We tried the most amazingly fresh sashimi , chicken liver and heart (something I don’t normally eat) as well as many other dishes I don’t recall.

Away from the ball park, what memorable things did you get up to? LEANNE GEARSIDE Prior to the tournament I did a little bit of touring the country which in its self was a good experience as (New South Wales) realsising the traditions and history of a country is meaningful to all people I met.

How were things similar to softball as played in Australia? Teams competitive and performed with the passion and the spirit of the game as do all softball players.

How was the softball different to in Australia? During Tournament inside three umpires rotation was used with no outfield coverage by base umpires.

Tell our readers a bit about the international What was the best lesson learnt during your trip? softball event. I am proud of my on diamond performance and I was 39th European Premiere Womens Cup held at Ronchi rewarded with good appointments de Legionari, Italy - August 15-20 2016. the experience I will never forget and I am grateful for Softball Australia allowing me the opportunity to participate. Where was the event hosted? Two separate venues were used for the tournament Ronchi and Cervignono which was about 15 - What do you think will be the life-long lasting 20 mintues apart with all night games being held at memory from your trip? Ronchi under lights. Highlight for me was umpiring the Semi final game between Bussolengo and Joudrs which very close

hard fought game with the winning run being scored in Tell us about the Umpiring Crew, the UIC and the sixth inning with a very close play at home plate Umpire Management Crew. with the runner sliding into the plate before being UIC Caroline Stradhouders UIC Pavel Vychodsky tagged by the catcher with Forli winning and advancing to the finals Score 1 – 0.

Umpiring Crew ten members, Great Britain, France, Italy, Czech Denmark, Netherlands, Spain with some Finally, how will you use this experience to help of the umpires just having officiated in the Worlds and other umpires here at home? others having travelled to other countries to umpire. The experience during this tournament can tell stories of my experience which will inspire other umpires to What were some of the highlights? dream their ultimate goal, achieve a suitable standard 12 Teams from Europe participate including to achieve the goal and I can assist in coaching and Bussolengo & Forli (Italy) mentoring others to do as I have. Les Comanches (France) Joudrs (Czech) Sparks (Netherlands) Eagles (Sweden) Vermins (Germany) Skovde (Switzerland) Hoboken (Belgium)

It was a great experience umpiring other countries trying to understand and learn different languages. Where most of the European umpires speak more than one language.

were shuttled to and from the ground, had plenty of AMANDA HOUISON snacks available and were well looked after. Brian led an amazing level of fundraising for this event, and an (New South Wales) infinite number of “thank yous” will never do this justice.

What were some of the highlights? A highlight from the World Cup was the announcement that Ron (my husband) and I had made ASA/USA Softball history, by being the first husband and wife to

have umpired at the World Cup (Ron umpired at the Tell our readers a bit about the international 2012 VII World Cup). Getting to call balls and strikes softball events. on the diamonds where Ron has previously umpired – Aussie Spirit World Championship tour – the warm up both in Oklahoma and Surrey! – is a very surreal event was the XI World Cup of Softball, followed by the feeling, as you “know” the diamonds, but haven’t WBSC XV Women’s World Championships. This actually “worked” them. Having Ron working the 20- year’s World Championship was significant, as it was second clocks on my plate games was also incredibly the first time it was an “open”, that is, no qualifying special, and I felt supported throughout the needed, event. 31 teams were scheduled to attend; Championship. unfortunately Pakistan didn’t make it to Vancouver, but having 30 teams in attendance was an unbelievable From the World Championship, it was an absolute atmosphere. highlight to call the balls and strikes on both USA and Japan games throughout the week. Both of these Where were the events hosted? highly experienced teams will work you hard, see how The World Cup was held at the ASA Hall of Fame much “extra” they can get (if you’ll let them!) and play Stadium, and the World Championship was held at the game the way softball should be played. I enjoy the Softball City, Surrey, Vancouver, British Columbia. I’ve challenge of working with the Japanese team, and been lucky enough to visit both venues previously, but giving as much explanation as I can in Japanese. But this was my first time on-diamond at both… these aside from calling the big teams of world softball, it venues are spectacular as a spectator, but to actually was also an absolute privilege to work with teams at call games on the diamonds at both of these venues is their first World Championship, like Israel (who only amazing. have 50 women playing softball in the country), Uganda (where a great deal of effort is being put into Tell us about the Umpiring Crews, the UIC and developing sport) and Ireland (mostly slow pitch Umpire Management Crew. players!). Seeing these teams score their first run, or To list the entire crews from both Championships record an out that ends an inning, and the subsequent would take up way too much space! The World Cup excitement that ensues leaves you with goosebumps! was under the supervision of UIC Kevin Ryan, and deputies Jim Cairns (for the first few days) and Chris Away from the ball park, what memorable things Drumm (all from ASA/USA Softball), possibly three of did you get up to? the most experienced umpires I’ve been lucky enough Oklahoma = Boot Barn!!! Okay, I have an addiction to to work with. The World Championship was lead by boots, and was able to pick up another pair… Bob Stanton (Canada), the WBSC UIC, with Chris Following the World Championship, Ron and I had a Drumm and Marlies Struyve (The Netherlands). I’ve brief holiday, travelling to Seattle, where we visited the previously worked with Bob and Marlies in 2013. Boeing Factory and Pike Place Markets, and then went on to Los Angeles, to catch a Dodgers game and be Many of the umpires working the World Cup were at general tourists, wandering the streets of LA and their first international event, however, the crew at the eating some awesome American food. World Championship had a great deal of experience and depth. It’s a great feeling to be at an international It’s really easy to tack a holiday on to the end of a event and catch up and call games with people you’ve softball tour – if you ever have the opportunity to travel previously worked with – that sense of enjoyment is no with an Australian team, and can afford the time, different to catching up with your umpiring buddies at consider doing it. your local Association, it just takes a bit more travel time to work with these friends again! How were things similar to softball as played in Australia? The liaison support at the World Championship was Like any championship, there were some super-close out of this world. Lead by Brian van Os (ex-Canadian games and tie-breakers… and then there were the UIC), the umpiring crew was left wanting nothing. We games that were finished in three innings with a Run

Ahead Rule. And then there were the games that were close, but had massive scores. Some games were TREVOR MURPHY error-free, and other times, balls got away from players, or the best play wasn’t the option taken. (Victoria) Softball is softball the world over!

How was the softball different to in Australia? Obviously, there’s language challenges! Aside from that, softball is becoming a very dynamic game globally. There is a lot more bunting and slap hitting in both the North and South American teams, along with the Asian teams. Plays are no longer “routine” – runners are looking to push for an extra base, fielders are willing to take a chance on a throw. This level of play really pushes you as an umpire to be on your toes and have a full awareness of the field. Tell our readers a bit about the international What was the best lesson learnt during your trip? softball event. EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP MEN – This was the Just because you set goals doesn’t mean you’ll get the th opportunity to meet them – there will be unforeseen 13 time this event has been held. The event is roadblocks and times where you just don’t do what you generally held biennially. It was first held in 1993 and know you can. How you refocus from not meeting after 2007 it was contested again in 2008 and then goals, and then plan to reset these goals is what biennially since. Ten countries were represented: umpiring at this level is all about. This international tour Belgium; Croatia; Czech Republic; Denmark; was a stepping-stone for me to keep developing and Germany; Great Britain; Netherlands; Israel; Italy; and become a better umpire – and I’ve already got my Sweden. This was the most teams entered since goals set for the next opportunity. inception.

What do you think will be the life-long lasting Where was the event hosted? memory from your trip? MONTEGRANARO is a community in the Province of Calling the bronze medal plate at the World Cup – a Fermo in the Italian region of Marche, located about 45 complete surprise, given the Aussie Spirit team were km south of Ancona and about 45 km north of Ascoli playing! Piceno. It is one of the main centres for shoe production in Italy. It is approximately 300k north east The allocations at the World Cup are not concerned of Rome, 40k inland from the east coast off the Adriatic with which country you are from, rather, it’s about the Sea. umpire you are. Kevin Ryan promotes – from the umpires’ meeting – that you WILL call your own The games were played at two venues within the country’s games, but it’s still a surprise when your first region at Montegranaro and Sant’ Elpidio a Mare and game of the Championship is calling a plate on an about 30K apart. The diamonds at both venues shared Australian game! the outfield with that of an adjacent Baseball field and The bronze medal game was a real nail-biter, with the had temporary fences. Aussie Spirit and USA Elite swapping the lead four or five times throughout the game. With the score tied at Tell us about the Umpiring Crew, the UIC and 3-all in the bottom of the 7th, 2 out and loaded bases Umpire Management Crew. for Australia, Taylah Tsitsikronis worked the count to Ami Baran (Israel) was the ESFV Executive full. After a couple of fouls, the USA Elite pitcher Commissioner; Mike Jennings (Great Britain) was the pitched the ball wild, and Australia won on a walk-off Chief Technical Commissioner; Andrea Marcon (Italy) walk. The pressure was really on to keep my zone was the Head Umpire in Chief. Maurizio Ronchi was strong! the Scorer in Chief. Umpire attending were Benny Van Nuffel (Belgium); Pavel Kaspercik, Vladimir Liss Finally, how will you use this experience to help (Czech Republic); Jonas Kristensen (Denmark); other umpires here at home? Harald Schmidt (Austria/Germany); Thomas Lohnert There was a range of tips and techniques given to (Germany); Patrick Reus (Netherlands); Howie Litz refine small aspects of my game – I hope to be able to (Israel); Clinton Harvey (Canada exchange) & Trevor integrate these into the training that I offer developing Murphy (me- Australia exchange). umpires. I also hope that retelling my experiences to umpires who ask will inspire them to set goals and see What were some of the highlights? just how far umpiring can take them. After 36 hours of travel to reach my unknown destination, it was a highlight to find the hotel and

someone that could understand my Italian dialect and for a great tussle. Netherland won their way to the could direct me to a small café for a long awaited playoffs with 2 – 1 result. snack and a long drink to wash it down. After four days of eating pasta and pizza, getting How was the softball different to in Australia? chicken and chips for dinner. Fundamentally, the game was no different. Umpiring This is likely no surprise to many, but after four days of was somewhat different, the 3-umpire rotation used in high temperatures and extreme humidity we were Australia was not used in these games. My rained out for a day and the game schedule had to be understanding is that they rarely use the system we reworked. are accustomed. In most championships utilising 3- umpires, all umpires remain in the infield and the plate Away from the ball park, what memorable things umpire calls all fly catches. Having never umpired in did you get up to? that manner, both myself and the Canadian umpire Apart from the game schedule taking up most of our were challenged on our first game (which we did waking late into the evening, we were accommodated together). We quickly became accustomed to the in a small community high up in the hills off the coast rotations. with very little after hours activities available to us. We stuck together each evening at the ball park for our What was the best lesson learnt during your trip? evening meal and then at the hotel for a night cap and Be prepared to be patient and understanding of the a chat. varied levels of competence and ready to share your One night we all adventured downtown to a highly knowledge and experience. praised gelato shop and had a desert and more community chatter. What do you think will be the life-long lasting memory from your trip? How were things similar to softball as played in The long hours of travel and the Adriatic Beaches with Australia? the many holiday makers and sun umbrellas perched On the last day of the tournament I was dispatched to along kilometres of beach front. the Sant’ Elpidio facility for the big game between Great Britain (Australia’s James Darby pitching) and Finally, how will you use this experience to help Netherlands. Plenty of tension between teams made other umpires here at home? Sharing the experience and telling the various stories .

The National Umpiring Committee and the BNOL Team would like to thank our International Umpires for sharing your insights and favourite moments from your 2016 softball travels.

It is really interesting to see the similarities and differences between the events played all over the globe.

Congratulations on your appointment and we wish you well for future events, in Australia and overseas.

Softball Australia Annual Conference National Umpiring Meeting

The Softball Australia 2016 Annual Conference was Looking Ahead: held over the weekend of 8-9 October. The National Umpiring Committee and State Directors of Umpiring  The Softball Australia website will remain a core came together in Melbourne to reflect on a successful umpiring online communications medium. previous 12 months and to plan and discuss initiatives for the future.  BNOL will be published four time per year with state contributions and national and international 2016 has been a great year for softball in Australia for news. many reasons, most notably an overall membership increase for the first time in 20 years. In a similar  The NUC Facebook Page is going strong and will successful vein the umpiring program is also recording continue as a method to engage with members great progress in a variety of areas of our program. around Australia and the world.

During the umpiring meetings, the four Softball  Facebook groups will be set up for all National Australia UIC's: Tricia Sibraa, Leigh Evans, Debbie Umpire Crews to share pre, during and post Grove and Scott Rindfleish presented reports and information. made presentations to the umpiring forum for each of their respective areas of Operations, Technical,  New Merchandise items are being considered - Development and Communications & Membership keep an eye out. Engagement.  The 2017 Rules Exam will continue in the online The State Director's participated in open forums, group format as utilised this year. discussions, activities and presented information about the current performance of the umpiring program in  Umpire Development Manuals are being refreshed each state. and updated.

It Is optimistic to note that there are strong  New development manuals are underway. performances and great ideas are being implemented across all states, and this forum provided the  The WBSC Certification Clinic is in preparation, opportunity for states to share ideas and initiatives with with current members of the Development Squad a core purpose to promote umpiring and to advance working hard on projects that will be released to the program in each state, and nationally. The the wider umpiring community in the near future. weekend presented the perfect opportunity to also discuss challenges and ideas on how things can be  Coloured Shirt Program. improved or how to overcome barriers. Watch this space, soon to be available to purchase the Flip Cards as a Mobile App The National Umpiring Committee acknowledges and thanks all State Director's for the open and collaborative approach to each of the sessions.

Australian Capital Territory 2016/17 is the summer of trainees for the ACT

The lead up to the 2016/17 season has Southside schools competitions, the seen an unprecedented number of trainee Saturday Fastpitch League women’s and umpires sign up with SUAACT to learn junior competition, and the Fastpitch how to become level 1 umpires. We’ve Softball League men’s competition. seen 22 new umpires sign up so far this season which, for a state the size of a Trainee recruitment kicked off on 8 large association, is very exciting! The October with the annual basic clinic. The sheer number of trainees have triggered clinic saw 19 attendees, many of them ACT to finally introduce a coloured shirt interested trainees, plus a few parents programme, which will be rolled out over and coaches who just wanted to learn a the first weeks of the season. bit more about how the game works. The clinic was ably run by local senior umpires ACT’s trainees will work regularly across Andrew Dickson, Di Kropp, and Kieren the ACT’s four major leagues: North and Wright.

Andrew Dickson and Di Kropp teaching Out Signal

Andrew Dickson explains Good Pelvic Alignment.

Phil Leahey demonstrates the slot

New South Wales

Umpires in Lismore for Women’s State

The October long weekend saw a crew of scores locked at 1-1 after eight innings. In 10 headed north to Lismore for the October the 9th inning, Manly sealed the deal and weekend as the 2016 SNSW Open put a run across the plate. Women’s State Championship was hosted by Far North Coast Softball Association. “Some of the teams were quite evenly

matched so the umpires enjoyed their time The two-day competition saw some close on the diamond.” games played under perfectly sunny North Coast skies. “We also enjoyed the opportunity to share “It was a great trip to Lismore for all of us a meal together on the Saturday night at a on the crew,” TCU Scott Rindfleish said. local Mexican restaurant. It’s important we enjoy our time on and off the diamond and “Lismore-based umpires Jay Gibson and that’s exactly what the weekend in Lismore Jesse Smith have been travelling to provided,” Rindfleish concluded. Sydney for representative competitions for many, many years so we always enjoy the opportunity to head north and share a Congratulations to the umpires appointed weekend of softball with them.” to the Grand Final: Manly Warringah [2] def. Penrith City [1] in The grand final between Manly Warringah 9 innings. and Penrith City was a nail-biter, with

Left: Vicki Lansley [Right-Field], Kyira Co [1st Base], Jay Gibson [Plate], James English [3rd Base], Krissi Travers [Left-Field]. Right: Lismore local Jay Gibson called the Championship Final.

NSW News in Short Blue Blaze The Blue Blaze series saw 42 umpires, under the leadership of David Crowe, covered 92 games over three full days in the July school holidays. Congratulations to our Grand Final crews:

Above: Under 13s: Tom Green, Zac Roberts, Matt Beach Top Right: Under 15s: Shane McIntosh, Georgia Kiel, Jennie McKenny. Bottom Right: Under 17s: Joe Myers, Kim Green, Josh Wilde.

Jim Long SNSW Service Award Congratulations Jim Long who was awarded a Softball NSW Service Award at the 2016 SNSW Annual Awards Dinner. Jim pictured below with Director of Umpiring, Scott Rindfleish. Thank you, Jim, for all your hard work over the years.

Queensland U15 Boy’s State Championship – Rockhampton by Aaron Robertson

This year’s U15 Boys State Championship (below centre). Day two saw the teams and was held in Rockhampton with fine weather the umpires getting into their grooves and for the entirety of the tournament. starting to lift their game the extra 10%. Day three marked the beginning of the finals with Day one started off with the usual pre- the State Championship and the President’s tournament meetings and introductions of Cup concluding the day and the tournament. both the management crew being David During the early part of the day everyone Casey as the TCU with Graeme Love, Steven receiving their evaluations and their final Gutteridge and Neville Baggow assisting as day’s allocations. the Assessors. The rest of the crew consisted of Jamie Harris, Aaron Robertson, The President’s Cup crew included Jeff Biffin Lochliann Martin, Tamara Muller, Jeff Biffin, behind the plate and Jamie Harris at 1st base Darcy Dowsett, Erin Blackmore, Will (below left). The game was rather one sided Brennan, Dale Kaimoana, Cayden Love, with Toowoomba taking home the trophy. Bailey Steinberg, Kira Abell and Leila Higgins

Meanwhile the State Championship was being played between Redlands (last year’s winners) and Gladstone. The game ended in a 10-0 score line in favour of Gladstone. The crew consisted of Neville Baggow behind the Plate, Aaron Robertson on first and Tamara Muller on third (Above Right).

Throughout the tournament there were 5 candidates all of which were successful in gaining their levels. The candidates were Will Brennan, Cayden Love, Lochliann Martin, Darcy Dowsett, Bailey Steinberg. A big thanks has to be said to David Casey, Graeme Love, Steven Guteridge and Neville Baggow for the quality feedback given throughout the tournament.

L-R: Will Brennan, Cayden Love, Lochliann Martin, Darcy Dowsett, Bailey Steinberg.

QLD U17 Boy’s State Championship – Mackay

Crew: Neville Baggow, Mick Gorman, Sue Lamb, Jeffrey Biffin, Sarah Buckley, Darcy Dowsett, Josh Jansen, Tamara Muller, Tate Clark, Leila Higgings

Graeme Love, taking on his first appointment as State TCU, handled things like he had been doing this role for years. Assisting him in proceedings were Steve Gutteridge, Jamie Harries and Dale Kaimoana.

A massive thank you to all the crew and their unfailing willingness to get in and do the job; it was much appreciated. Our visiting New Zealand team added a bit of spice to the tournament. The classy Logan team ran out State Champions.

Congratulations to Tamara Muller on attaining her Level 3 Accreditation at the Championship. Pictured right.

Grand Final Crews:

State Championship: Plate - Neville Baggow 1st Base – Dale Kaimoana 3rd Base – Tamara Muller

President Cup: Plate – Mick Gorman 1st Base – Jeffrey Biffin 3rd Base – Sue Lamb

QLD U19 Men’s and Women’s State Championship – Redcliffe

The tournaments were held concurrently at Redcliffe Softball Association at Kippa-Ring.

The TCU – Patricia Sibraa was supported by Helen Strauss, Alan Walsh and Dale Kaimoana.

Highlights: Helen Strauss makes a return; Laughter and music coming from the umpire’s room; Another umpire (Reg Merino) makes his State Championship debut in Australia from across the ditch; and Macerena and Nutbush got a workout!

Congratulations to Steve Bickerton [right] on attaining his Level 4 Accreditation at this Championship.

Grand Finals:

Redlands and Far North Qld [Noosa-Mackay] met in the Grand Final for the Women. Redlands took control in the 4th, notching up three runs to win the game 4-2.

U19 Women’s Final Crew:

L-R: Norelle Thomas [3rd Base], Janelle Hicks [Plate], Steve Gutteridge [1st Base], Jamie Harries [2nd Base]

Meanwhile the Men’s Final was played out between Redlands and the home side from Redcliffe. Redcliffe tried to fight back but Redlands held on to win the match 8-6.

U19 Men’s Finals Crew:

L-R: Dale Kaimoana [1st Base], David Casey [Plate], Alan Walsh [2nd Base], Graeme Love [3rd Base]

QLD Open Women’s State Championship – Redlands

With Patricia Sibraa (TCU) accompanied by Redlands Green and Brisbane Red were out Janelle Hicks and Yvonne Kahler to claim top prize in the Queensland Cup that (Assessors), we all knew we had to be on our had the crowd on the edge of their seats. best behaviour. Brisbane Red was leading 3 runs to 0 until Seven candidates were being examined; Redlands Green put on a late charge to tie there was a certain expectation that the the game at 3 all. games were going to be of a very high standard. The umpiring crew didn’t fail. In the end Redlands Green took out the match with a 6-4 win to claim the Mack Gilley With many highlights in this tournament I’ve Memorial Trophy. narrowed it down to the Grand Final as my pick.

QLD Cup Grand Final Crew QLD Open Cup QLD President’s Cup

Plate - Janelle Hicks Plate – Kylie Knight Plate – Alan Walsh 1st Base – Dale Kaimoana 1st Base – Claire Lack 1st Base – Brian MacPherson 3rd Base – Jamie Harries 3rd Base – Aaron Robertson 3rd Base – Coady Ramsey

7 Successful Candidates at Queensland Open Women’s

Level 3

Lailani Shepard Tony Turner

Level 4

Claire Lack Aaron Robertson Coady Ramsey

Danielle Bellchambers Maria Caterson

QLD Open Men’s State Championship – Toowoomba

This was the last State Championship of Let’s face it, we have a group of people so 2016 and the expectation for the best players different in so many ways and the only in our state to show their skills was about to common thing is we all umpire. be unleashed. There was lots of laughter, past stories The umpiring crew was assembled with a few shared, food, checking each other’s gear out, first timers. Amongst the first timers were high fives, music, dancing etc. The younger umpires and they were about to atmosphere is alive and so positive. This is experience a faster more aggressive pace what it is like in all the State Championships and style of this game. Their attitude was I’ve been to this year. “bring it on.” At the Open Men’s it was no exception, with Leading the way for us was Patricia Sibraa the wonderful atmosphere in the room it (TCU) and Assessor’s Darren Sibraa and broke down barriers and created new and David Casey. long lasting friendships. We felt relaxed and happy to go out and do the games. The In the last 6 months or so I’ve been observing young umpires were made to feel like family a few things that make or break an umpire in and they knew when we left the room we had terms of wanting to come back and do it all each other’s back. Many of the umpires at the again. One of those areas I feel is very tournament would agree that we definitely important is the Umpire’s Room. Here I have something special in our Umpire’s believe is the heart and soul of a tournament. Room.

Queensland Cup Grand Final Crew:

L-R: David Casey [1st Base], Darren Sibraa [3rd Base], Dale Kaimoana [Plate], Alan Walsh [2nd Base]

State Championship Grand Final Crew:

L-R: Kylie Knight [1st Base], Norelle Thomas [Plate], Michael Leach [3rd Base]

QLD News from Caboolture by Bill Buckley and Ron Yardley

The CSSA (Caboolture Sports Softball Association) decided that we should start an Umpire’s Association.

At the start of the 2016 season a decision was made by a Sub Committee to umpire in new on diamond shirts.

A new and improved umpire’s room, capable of accommodating 30 umpires, has also been created at Caboolture.

Caboolture umpires in their new on-diamond shirts.

33 Years of Service to the Sport of Softball Ted Gross Retires

A message from Ted Gross, who recently retired from umpiring after 33 years on the diamond:

I haven’t given softball away yet – I’m scoring for a Masters team at the Pan Pacific Masters in November 2016. This will be my 21st Pan Pacific Masters.

Getting my Level 5 – that was an achievement. I wasn’t a young person when I started – I was probably 50 something years old, so it was an achievement to progress to that level.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role as an umpire is seeing junior umpires that I have trained, who have gone on to higher levels.

On behalf of everyone who knows Ted, we wish him every success in his new adventures and he will be sorely missed on the diamond.

Victoria

2016 Werribee Memorial Shield – By Bob Dykstra President’s Park, Wyndham Vale, Victoria September 17-18 2016

We know that the summer season is The number of senior umpires attending almost upon us when the Werribee and their willingness to engage and share Memorial Shield tournament comes around their knowledge and experience was again. It was remarkable that the respected and appreciated. tournament was able to be held, given the rain of biblical proportions that Melbourne Thanks to Kevin, Stan and Angela for copped in the week prior. All credit to the assisting to provide good rooms for all the organising committee, ground staff and umpires and provision of refreshments and other helpers that enabled the diamonds to snacks (even Tim Tams) throughout the be fit for play. two days. I’m sure no one went without.

Despite a fairly gloomy forecast, Saturday The weather gods did not continue in our turned out to be a fine day with a sunny favour on the Sunday, but despite the afternoon. A northerly breeze made batting forecast, the light rain did not arrive until the long ball difficult, but Sunday saw the the 3:30 pm finals. For those umpires who breeze shift southerly resulting in a number were selected to officiate in a final, of home runs across the diamonds. Over congratulations to you. The fact that most the weekend we had a number of our umpires remained through to the umpires registered as candidates, seeking presentations, supporting your peers progression to the next level, which saw through the finals, is a real credit to all. them attending classroom style learning as well as being assessed on the diamonds, I overheard a conversation between a both at plate and at base. We wish all 14yr-old novice umpire who had only those candidates good luck with their umpired four bases and one plate in her progression. career (that started in June) and the TCU: “How did your game go?” (2nd ever plate) The Memorial Shield saw a total of 45 “Great I loved it.” teams entered across a variety of grades “So you felt ok on the plate?” for both men’s and women’s competitions, “Yep, I thought it was great!” with a broad age band of participants. This “I am glad; the pitching was a little bit better too was reflective of our umpiring pool with and quicker than you are used to.” a number of young green shirts taking up “It was awesome; you just don't appreciate the challenge. Three novices, five green my capabilities!!” shirts, one level 1 aspirant, five level 3 aspirants, five level 4 aspirants, three Overall a great weekend and a real warm- trainers for a total of 51 in the blue crew. up for the summer season ahead.

Above: Leigh Evans on the plate with Talia McDonald at first base.

Above: Helena Hapeta on the plate with Peter Samuels at first base.

Western Australia

North West Women’s Softball Championships 2016 by Ian Helliwell

This year saw the Championships being Josh Denney (10) as trainees also gained played in Port Hedland and hosted by the some very valuable time umpiring with all Port Hedland T-Ball Association. After last the umpires participating in the year’s 40th anniversary year, this year Championships. All umpires had the saw a reduced amount of teams attend opportunity to do a rules and diamond the championship weekend. With the rotation workshop with Ian Helliwell, reduction of teams this meant the Jamie MacLean, Steve Gunter and Peter pressure for the supply of Metro umpire Baker Training and Development umpires was not as pronounced but we still from Perth. After the training umpires needed to have 6 experienced umpires could then spend time on the diamonds to travel to Port Hedland from Perth. put the new knowledge into practice. At the conclusion of the championship all Once again I had the pleasure of umpires were provided with written assisting to get a crew of highly feedback from the tournaments umpiring committed and passionate umpires from Assessor Peter Baker. All umpires found the Metropolitan area to help out for the this feedback very good. weekend. The umpires that made up the group were, Stewart Baker, Steven The weekend provides an opportunity for Gunter, Jamie McLean, Peter Baker, Bart all umpires to discuss with other umpires Lethlean, Paul Kopellis and Ian Helliwell. that have volunteered from the North As well as Umpires that travelled up from West and Metropolitan area to share their Perth we had 2 scorers Evelyn Harvey, knowledge and experience with others. Michelle Gunter and statistician Vanessa The 4 young trainee umpires were a Cooke. Within this group of umpires and pleasure to work with during the weekend scorers we had a large range of and all have very bright futures in experience levels which also include umpiring. On the diamond training was umpiring Assessor Peter Baker scoring amazing to watch with these kid doing a examiner Evelyn Harvey. The normal out signal and call to having the championship weekend provides a great confidence to do a big punch out call with opportunity for umpires and scorers to be a shout of Out to go with the punch. This assessed for their next umpiring and also gave all the senior umpires a lift to scoring level. Due to the amount of watch these kids grow in front of us. The games being played and different levels championship concluded with the grand of playing stands from all the teams it’s final between Karratha and Port Hedland. the ideal tournament for Levels 1 to 3 This game was umpired using a 4 man umpire assessments. umpiring system. Stewart Baker (Plate), Ian Helliwell (First Base), Bart Lethlean Over the weekend we had a number of (Second Base) and Jamie McLean (Third umpires reach the standard required to Base). Karratha ran out 3 – 2 winners in a obtain their next umpiring levels. Umpires 7 innings game that was completed in 63 Stewart Baker and Bart Lethlean received minutes. It was a great game to complete their level 3, young local kids from Port the weekend. Hedland Alex Britcliffe (14), Declan Rahman (13), Kade Denney (12) and

This year also coincided with the North With the dedicated work that the North West Softball Umpires Association AGM. West Umpiring Co-ordinator Barrie With the group of local and metropolitan Sargent has done over many years has umpire in attendance it was a great made the North West Softball opportunity to discuss a wide range of Championships a very valuable and issues from umpiring rules changes, necessary competition for the training and online exams, online registrations, developing of softball umpires in the bringing new umpires into the system and North West. Without this competition in fund raising for future championships. A the WA softball calendar it would take couple of the issues that were addressed away a major opportunity for the training was to try and encourage new umpires and development of the North West into the system for next year and the umpires. issue of umpires being asked to get permits to umpire in the North West when we are all part of the Softball Australia System.

Grand Final Crew North West Women’s Softball Championships L-R: Ian Helliwell (First Base), Stewart Baker (Plate), Jamie McLean (Third Base) and Bart Lethlean (Second Base)