Annual Report 2013-14

ANNUAL REPORT 2013-14

affiliated with

ALBANY CREEK &

PK Pride Softball Club (logo not supplied) Acknowledgements The BSA would like to thank all contributors to this Annual Report. Photographs have been obtained from various public sources including Facebook and Club websites. Although not all photographers are known so we can't acknowledge everyone , we did use photos taken by Kim North and Christine Jacka - thank you for your great shots. Editor Jeff Wood

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Contents Office Bearers...... 4 Life Members ...... 5 Women's Season Awards ...... 6 Women's Individual Grade Season Awards ...... 6 Men's Season Awards ...... 7 Men's Individual Grade Season Awards ...... 7 President's Report ...... 9 Portfolio Reports ...... 14 Finance ...... 14 Governance ...... 15 Competition and Fixtures ...... 17 Facilities...... 20 Marketing ...... 22 Sport Development ...... 25 Men's ...... 27 Other Reports...... 28 Canteen and Bar ...... 28 Registrar ...... 30 Representative Coordinator ...... 31 State and National Representative Honours ...... 33 Brisbane Representative Honours ...... 34 Brisbane Softball Umpire's Association ...... 39 Scoring ...... 40

BSA is proudly supported by McDonalds Northside Support those that support us!

BSA would also like to acknowledge the generous support from Thirsty Camel and Height 4 Hire

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Office Bearers Patron Audrey McLaughlin AM

Board of Management Executive President Leigh Martyn Vice-President Tyson Howard Secretary Tanya Neish Treasurer Dave Trotman

Board of Management Portfolios Governance. Constitution, By-Laws, risk management, policies, blue card. Jeff Wood

Finance. Maintenance of Association’s books of account, financial planning, Dave Trotman insurances, banking and accounts payable. Reporting Sub-Committees: Canteen and Bar. Competition and Fixtures. Fixtures and competition management, including Alana Cutmore amendments to Summer season draws and draws for major championship events hosted by the Association. Reporting Sub-Committee: Grading and Fixtures. Facilities. Management and maintenance of building assets and grounds. Dave Waller Reporting Sub-Committees: Grounds Marketing. Association promotion, special events, sponsorship programs. Jeff Wood Reporting Sub-Committees: Gala Night. Sport Development. Association growth and development planning and Leigh Martyn programs, Association Academy e.g.: coaches, officials and players. Reporting Sub-Committees: Academy, Junior Development. Men’s Competition. Winter fixtures and competition management including Tyson Howard amendments to draws and hosting major winter championship events. Reporting Sub-Committee: Men’s Competition. Auditor Karen King

Sub-Committees Fixtures and Grading Jenny Covill, Tanya Neish Men's Richard Devey Sports Development Kim Cooper, Michelle Waller, Kim North

Brisbane Softball Umpires' Association Chair Yvonne Kahler

Officials Senior Registrar Alana Cutmore Junior Registrar Bern Dwyer Representative Coordinator Kim North Blue Card Officer Jeff Wood Scoring Coordinator Chris Bailey Coaching Coordinator Michelle Waller U15 Academy Head Coach Tony Nolan SQI Council Delegate Leigh Martyn Appointments Grounds Summer Brenda de Blaes Sports Medic Summer John Thomas Grounds Winter Tyson Howard (Honorary) Sports Medic Winter Rebecca James Canteen and Bar Scott and Bonita Klose (Lenklo)

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Life Members

June Spice BSA Management 15 years

Eric Trewin Vice-President 1968-78

Audrey McLaughlin AM President 1965-72

Betty Paxton OAM Treasurer 1972-74

Hazel Montgomery President 1978-84 Treasurer 1974-76

Fay Smallwood Treasurer 1976-81

Lyn McAndrew Secretary 1974-78

Margaret Reynolds Australian Coach

Cheryl Featherstone Secretary 1981

Daphne Hass OAM President 1984-2000

Bob Crudgington Australian Coach 1995-2000

Binny Willis President 2000-05

Dave Trotman Treasurer 1998-current

"Life membership may be conferred upon any person who has rendered distinguished and meritorious service, in a voluntary capacity, to the Association over a period of not less than ten (10) consecutive years." BSA Constitution

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Women's Season Awards

Club Championship Trophy Redsox

Barry Downing Memorial Trophy Redsox

Junior Championship Ann Struck Trophy Redsox (6) U15A

Premiership Teams and Runners Up A1 Redsox 1 Saints 1 A2 Bears 2 Saints 3 A3 Redsox 3 Saints 4 B1 Stealers 1 Samford 1 B2 Devils 1 Ligers 1 C1 Saints 7 Panthers 6 C2 Samford 2 Ramblers 1 U17A Redsox 4 Springwood 1 U15 Redsox 6 Springwood 2 U13A Saints 10 Springwood 3 U13B Wilston Grange 3 Panthers 7

Women's Individual Grade Season Awards A1 June Spice Medal

Aimee Murch (Redsox) C2 Binny Willis Trophy A2 Daphne Hass OAM Trophy Tracey Steinrucken Jessica Tranter (Ramblers) (Panthers) U15A Dave Trotman Trophy A3 Fay Smallwood Trophy Kayla Hancox Toni Connolly (Springwood) (Panthers) U13A Leigh Muller Trophy B1 Audrey McLaughlin AM Trophy Bronita Dunn Kellie Chester (Saints) (Jaguars) U13 A Jannita Dunn Memorial Sprit Award B2 Eric Trewin Trophy Piper Uzelac Clair Lack (Saints) (Waratahs) U13 B Carol Vellnagel Trophy U17 BSUA Trophy Abbey Wilson Shanniah Brennan (Wilston Grange) (Springwood) U13B Affordable Trophies Spirit Award C1 Hazel Montgomery Trophy Charlotte Olsen Rhegan Rohweder (Waratahs) (Panthers)

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Men's Season Awards

Premiership Teams and Runners Up A Grade Bruins 1 Bruins 2 B Grade PK 1 Bruins 3 C Grade PK 2 Royals 1

Men's Individual Grade Season Awards

C Grade C Grade All Stars

MVP Nominees Ben Earley (PK 2) Glen Cunningham (Devils), Shane Lyons (Falcons), Jacob O’Brien (PK 2) Chris Edwards (Redsox 2), John Tyler (Royals), Lawry Corcoran (PK 2) Ben Earley (PK 2), Paul Harris (Wilston Grange) Danny Rogers (PK 2) John Tyler (Royals) The Alana Cutmore MVP Trophy John McGill (Royals) Chris Edwards Shane Lyons (Falcons) (Redsox 2) Paul Anderson (Falcons) Paul Harris (Wilston Grange) Player’s Player Chris Edwards (Redsox 2) Peter Collie Glen Cunningham (Devils) (Wilston Grange)

B Grade B Grade All Stars

MVP Nominees Tyson Howard (Bruins 3) Tyson Howard (Bruins 3), Michael Rigby (Dodgers), Geoff Michel (Bruins 3) Vaughan Whitworth (PK 1), Brandon Goffer (Redsox 1) Andrew Pollard (Bruins 3) Troy Hall (Bruins 3) The Barry Jacka MPV Trophy Vaughan Whitworth (PK 1) Michael Rigby Andy McColl (PK 1) (Dodgers) Rob Caterson (PK 1) Michael Rigby (Dodgers) Player’s Player Grant Hobday (Dodgers) Geoff Michel Brandon Goffer (Redsox 1) (Bruins)

A Grade A Grade All Stars

MVP Nominees Richard Devey (Bruins 1) Richard Devey (Bruins 1), Kevin Ray (Bruins 2) Grant Marshall (Bruins 1) Blair Murphy (Bruins 1) The John Bleakley MPV Trophy Brayden Reynolds (Bruins 1) Richard Devey Peter Strauss (Bruins 1) (Bruins 1) Kevin Ray (Bruins 2) Mitch Howard (Bruins 2) Player’s Player Corey Angove (Bruins 2) Richard Devey & Anthony Gover Nathan Dale (Bruins 2) (Bruins 1) (Bruins 1)

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Men's Umpire of the Year Helen Strauss

Christine Jacka U16 Boys MVP Award Nicholas Ulloa (Wilston Grange)

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President's Report

Done and dusted, another Men’s Winter (2013) season and Women’s season (2013/14) over and at this time of reporting, Men’s 2014 Winter season underway (see, it never ends!).

It was not without our challenges, this past year, and without going into the minor details, I am happy to report that BSA has come out stronger than ever!

That’s in part because of our board! With one new addition this year, Dave Waller, AKA Wally, for the first time since I started in 2011 we have had a reliably stable board. That was for the most part however there will be changes come AGM.

I want to use this chance to say thank you to Tyson who was my VP for the past 3 seasons. Tyson stepped down in March, but I hope it isn’t the last we see of him. Tyson’s passion for softball is second to none.

To Tanya, who stepped into the secretary role, when the position was vacated mid-season in my first term, thank you so much for all you have done. It’s a big gig the secretary role, and whilst you are stepping down from that role, I am very happy that you are staying on the board. Your calm, measured approach in working with all of us, is always welcome.

The board is really working hard at ensuring we do the right things by all, and with that said, this year we collaborated with the BSA folk who play in our Men’s season. Fresh faces were injected into the Men’s subcommittee, so welcome to Chris Goffer (Men’s chair), Bern Dwyer (Men’s secretary), Christine Jacka, Mick Barnes and, overseeing them all, and BOM stalwart, Alana Cutmore! By all accounts, things are running smoothly over at Zillmere, with the subcommittee knowing the BOM is just a phone call away!

Last but certainly not least, to Dave Trotman (Trotty) and Jeff Wood, the amount of work you guys do, well it’s hard to explain, but I know you know you are appreciated! Thank you!

Despite all the challenges thrown at us, perhaps this has been the best season yet! Although the men had horrible luck with the rain, the women got through with only one wet weekend, which we easily caught up! Fixtures and Grading, they always make this possible and I am so proud of them. Not many DA’s manage to get a full season draw out, however BSA is the biggest DA in Qld with the most grades and teams, so getting a draw out is no mean feat! Well done Jenny Covill, Alana and Tanya!

I have been lucky enough to recruit some fine softball folk to step into roles that require an enormous amount of work. People who aren’t generally recognised because they aren’t board members, and they aren’t portfolio managers. They simply are the ones that do the actual work, so to Kim Cooper, Michelle Waller, Kim North and those that help you, thank you from the bottom of my heart! I know the things we are doing for softball at BSA is a winner, not only for our members, but for softball in general.

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McDonalds Northside—Proud sponsor of the Brisbane Softball Association. If you feel hungry when on the road or want to enjoy some of the great coffee in the McCafe, visit one of these stores. Supports those who support us. Albion Nudgee Toombul Windsor

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President's Highlights

1. The introduction of Swing into Softball. A huge change to traditional softball! We took out rookie ball and t-ball and worked with coaches and players to introduce game sense. It doesn’t always have to be about winning and we want the kids to learn in a fun environment. Having said that the purpose of SIS is to introduce softball skills to the young ones and I am really pleased to advise that of the 83 that signed up, we were able to promote 36 kids to play in the U13B competition. This was the first year so we also did a survey for the parents and coaches to help us to improve this experience. Next summer season should be that much better! 2. Our first ever Under 15 Boy’s rep team! A lot of effort went into getting this team up and running and you know what, they didn’t win one game but the boys had the best time in their short softball representative careers. They can only improve and now we work towards introducing boys to our summer season in the U15 age group 3. Inaugural BSA Rep Night – with all of BSA’s success it’s hard to believe we have never had a night recognising all of our BSA representatives, so this year we set about rectifying this and our night was a great success. We had a local councillor Vicki Howard, and State MP, Robert Cavallucci attend along with over 120 of BSA’s finest! 4. Inaugural Junior Presentation night. Although the U15’s had been included in our June Spice and BSA Awards night we thought it high time they had their own night, along with our U13 grades. Over 100 kids and parents attended where we handed out some new awards (see awards section). Great night and can’t wait for the next night! 5. Yellow Socks Softball Challenge - The event, now in its 4th year, again provide a hit. Over $7000 was raised for charity Play for a Cure Foundation and junior softball development. Lots of articles in the paper, promoting softball, and on the Broncos website. To read more about the day, visit this link: http://www.playforacure.com.au/news/and-the-winners-are/ 6. Deb McColm Shield – the brainchild of our former President Deb now in our 3rd year! This is a great concept and a real hit with those attend. It was also very exciting in that we had 2 Diamond development teams and they looked so smart! And had the best fun, so I am told! Congratulations to all involved in making the day a success (and special thanks to Brooke who comes up from Sydney for the day) 7. Australian Defence Softball Association. You have never, ever, seen a bunch of people who love their softball as much as these guys! I swear if I could bottle their enthusiasm and support for each other, I would! Every year the ADSA play their annual tournament and the last one was held here at BSA over 5 days They go from state to state on a yearly basis, but ADSA loved BSA so much they have voted to come back to us year in, year out. Not only did the ADSA hold their tournament, we also held the inaugural ADSA v BSA games. They were both close game and I am a little proud to say BSA won in the Women’s and Men’s games. It would be remiss of me not to thank Jeff at this time. He was there every day for the 5 days. I am considering taking some annual leave this year so I can attend because it was just so much fun! 8. This list could be endless, there is so much going on at BSA at all times, all to try and make our members have the best experience possible, so I will simply list some of the things we have done, or are still doing!  QGSSSA (hosting schoolgirls softball weekly)  ANZAC day annual test between NZ and Australia  Schoolgirls 19 and under state championships  Talent Identification Athlete Support Programme  6 week Battery Clinic run by 2 x Olympic Coach

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 Brisbane Metropolitan Regional Academy (7 athletes selected)  Strategic Review and planning (inclusive of clubs)  Board training (inclusive of clubs)  June Spice Awards Night  Grand Final Day  Special Olympics come and Try Days  Softball Batter Up In all instances, every event we hold is either placed on our website www.brisbane.softball.org.au or our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/softballbrisbane. We believe it is absolutely vital to keep our members informed of what we are doing. Between emails to club secretaries, our website and Facebook, I believe we are achieving that. Be sure to visit Facebook, especially to check out all the photos from all of our wonderful events! Again, I am very happy to report that our overall numbers increased again, albeit small but an increase nevertheless. We are doing lots of work behind the scenes because we believe retention is our biggest issue that we need to address. All well and good to recruit, but if you don’t make the experience for those playing with BSA, a good experience, we are doing something wrong. With that in mind, we again put out an end of season summer survey and held player forums – 3 forums in fact, one for A grade, one for B/C grade and one for the juniors – so we can understand what the members want! Some great ideas came out of these forums and it was really heartening to see so much passion for our game.

Our volunteers really stepped up this year, our working bees were well attended, and many people put their hands up to help run our initiatives that we put in place – you all know who you are – so thank you  BUT we could always do with more…...

We continue to work with BWHA and Council to try and obtain a field in the Cabbage Patch to enable a 2nd skin diamond. This is a slow and ongoing process and something I hope to wrap up in the near future. We all believe a 2nd skin diamond for BSA enables us to be able to host many more tournaments, ensuring more revenue, meaning we can pour that money back into the grounds and our infrastructure.

At time of writing this, our representative teams (men and women) are preparing for their respective State Titles. If you can spare the time, I know our teams would appreciate your support. Be sure to visit our BSA calendar at www.brisbane.softball.org.au/BSAcalendar where all the events we hold, or attend are listed. Also check out our representative section to see how our teams fared in last year’s events.

In wrapping up, I want to also thank Scott and Bonita, our new canteen convenors. I think you will all agree we had a new found professionalism in our canteens and everybody benefitted! I hope to continue in my role as President of this proud and strong Association. I look forward to working with the team we currently have together – strong, passionate people who volunteer their spare time for our association – all because they love this great game

Leigh Martyn President

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS COME TO DOWNEY PARK The Under 19 State Championships will be held at Downey Park from 5 - 9 October 2014! As usual, the BSA will try to showcase our facility to offer the best experience we can for all the participants, officials and supporters. The organising sub-committee is already meeting but we will need lots of help to get everything ready. Please put your hand up to help when you see the call.

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Portfolio Reports

Finance

The Treasurer presented the Finance Report at the AGM. Full Annual Report has been distributed to and is available to member clubs.

The BSA acknowledges to support of the Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government for grants received. Without the support of the local and state governments, we would not be able to deliver the as many programs, provide as much equipment and provide training programs for club committees, coaches and players. THANK YOU

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Governance Governance is the system by which the association is controlled. It is about how our association manages its resources to good effect for both members and stakeholders. Good governance is about:  Planning - Developing strategic goals and objectives, and determining how these can be achieved.  Performance - Monitoring the performance of the association against performance targets to ensure the goals and objectives are achieved.  Leadership - Ensuring the association is governed responsibly with the best interests of members and stakeholders at the core of decision making.

To ensure we all enjoy Softball at Downey Park there is a whole host of rules and policies in place. I’m sure everyone knows that there is a set of game rules and most would also know there are Ground Rules. Above that there is the BSA By-Laws and the BSA Constitution—not the most interesting read for many I know, but none-the-less they are there and come in really handy when the Board or a club want to do things in a way that is firstly legal, but also in a way that has the best outcome for all members of our softball community in mind.

Over the last two years the BSA Board has reviewed all of the existing policies and procedures and began a process to update them where necessary, replace them where required and write new ones if there was a gap. To date we have:  written and adopted a new BSA Board Handbook  reviewed and drafted a new Constitution  reviewed and drafted new By-Laws  reviewed and drafted new Summer Ground Rules  reviewed and drafted new Winter Ground Rules  written and adopted a new Sponsorship Policy  reviewed and redrafted a Representative Selection Policy  reviewed and redrafted a Representative Officials Handbook  reviewed and redrafted a Representative Player and Parent Handbook

This is in addition to existing policies supplied by Softball Queensland and Australian Softball  Codes of Ethics for Players; Administrator's; Coach's; Umpires; Parent/Guardian; and Spectators  SQI Zero Tolerance Policy  SQI Social Media Policy  Privacy Policy  Member Protection Policy  Privacy Policy  Pregnancy Policy

One of the most significant projects has been writing an Operations Manual for everything we do, how we run the competitions, the canteens, all the financial procedures, and the list goes on. This is a huge undertaking and will take several seasons to complete.

Fortunately, we were successful in winning a grant from the Brisbane City Council to undertake a BSA strategic planning process and training for the BSA Board and all the club committees. We understand that it is not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ but strategic planning is important. The BSA wants to increase membership, raise funds, attract and retain volunteers, develop coaches and officials and maintain good financial and governance management practices. Strategic planning is a process of mapping out how the association can successfully achieve these goals. The plan is now complete and on the BSA website for anyone to download.

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Part of the BSA Strategic Plan

As we all know, how each club and the association committee runs can have an enormous impact on everything that happens during the season. A stable, knowledgeable and well-functioning committee is the key to an effective organisation. The BSA workshops on governance provided committee members with the latest information to assist them in their role. Topics included committee member induction, strategic leadership, legal compliance, financial monitoring, recruitment, and evaluating and improving management.

Why are we doing all of this – a good question… The answer is simple. To make sure the Brisbane Softball experience is the best it can be, so that there is a consistent and well considered approach to managing the competition. So that the way things are run is open and transparent for everyone to see and so the rules are the result of a considered process with the involvement of all clubs.

You may never see or need most of these documents but they help you very time you are at the diamond. They are available for you to look at, most are on line now and all are under review constantly.

On a final and very positive note, following the revamp of our Constitution, the BSA took over responsibility of all disciplinary matters from SQI. A Tribunal was set up but, as it turned out, has not been needed so far (fingers crossed) but thank you to all panelists for putting your hand up - it is very, very pleasing to note this outstanding achievement - may it continue!

Jeff Wood Governance Portfolio Manager

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Competition and Fixtures

Bucking recent trends, BSA managed to slightly increase registrations overall (for the third year in a row) and especially in our Women’s summer competition but are gradually losing players in the Men’s winter season. The part-time player policy continues to be a success keeping players in the game. The challenge for us all, moving forward, is not only to attract new players to the game but also to retain more of the players we have invested time in, and attract players back into the game who have, for a number of reasons, taken a break from playing.

Note the figures here represent BSA Registered Players Only 37 Senior Women’s Teams  5 x A1 Grade with a total of 26 players  4 x A2 Grade with a total of 28 players  4 x A3 Grade with a total of 42 players  4 x B1 Grade with a total of 22 players  4 x B2 Grade with a total of 36 players  6 x C1 Grade with a total of 61 players  5 x C2 Grade with a total of 51 players  5 x U17 with a total of 37 players

23 Junior Teams  5 x U15 with a total of 34  5 x U13A with a total of 67 players  5 x U13B with a total of 55 players  6 clubs with Swing Into Softball teams with a total of 86 participants

563 BSA registered Women and Girl players 647 players in total including permit players

11 Men’s Teams  2 x A Grade with a total of 16 players  3 x B Grade with a total of 24 players  6 x C Grade with a total of 69 players

109 registered Men’s players 131 players in total including permit players

The strategic planning process threw up a few ideas for the future but I am sure there a plenty of players who have ideas that have not had the chance to say so. To give these players a voice, the BSA will hold player forums across the grades leading up to the new women's season and after the men's season - I hope everyone takes the chance to have your say.

Alana Cutmore Fixtures and Grading Portfolio Manager

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Affiliated Organisations

Albany Creek & Samford District Bears Softball Club Bruins Softball Club Devils Softball Club Falcons Jaguars Softball Club Ligers Panthers Softball Club PK Pride Softball Club Ramblers Softball Club Redsox Softball Club Royals Softball Club Saints Softball Club Stealers Softball Club Waratahs Softball Club Wilston Grange Softball Club

Winter 2013

Club Total played BSA Registered 2012 2013 2012 2013 Bruins 32 30 26 25 Devils 12 11 12 11 Falcons 12 16 10 15 PK Pride 40 21 19 19 Royals 13 11 13 11 Wilston Grange 12 12 11 12 Dodgers 11 9 0 0 Redsox 11 21 9 16 Totals 143 131 100 109

Summer2013-14

Club Total played BSA Registered 2012-13 2013-14 2012-13 2013-14 Bears 76 84 72 80 Devils 25 14 22 12 Jaguars 12 24 10 19 Ligers 0 9 0 9 Panthers 60 79 55 69 Ramblers 17 10 9 4 Redsox 108 113 87 90 Saints 139 146 114 112 Samford 31 32 23 26 Stealers 32 19 9 6 Wilston Grange 60 49 58 48 Waratahs 31 34 31 34 Springwood 20 34 3 15 Totals 611 647 493 524

Umpires' Association

Total BSA Registered 2012-13 2013-14 2012-13 2013-14 9 10 9 10

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Summer Competition Total Players (Note: 2007 includes men's)

Winter Competition Total Players

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Facilities The Facilities Portfolio is the largest portfolio at BSA - it has the biggest budget and the most workload by far. We continue to operate 18 diamonds at Downey Park which include the following:  1 International diamond under lights  1 Senior grassed diamond under lights  9 Senior diamonds  7 Junior diamonds  4 pitching bull pens

Other facilities include:  Canteen, BBQ, Bar and pig pen area  Bumble Bee food cart (servicing our outer diamonds)  Grandstand  Umpire’s Room  Queensland Heat Gym and Administration room  Hall for hire with built in AV  BSA Administration area and Board Room  Representative Team Administration Room  Events Administration area  Equipment Container, Equipment Cage

We also offer a high quality batting cage facility to Clubs, teams and individuals on a for hire basis. The on-site Leading Edge Pro Shop continues to prove successful, providing softball equipment and clothing services to players and officials.

BSA also now operates the venue at O’Callaghan Park, Zillmere.  1 skinned diamond  I partially skinned diamond  2 grassed diamonds

Other facilities include  Umpire’s Room  Canteen / Bar  Storeroom  Equipment Container

The biggest challenge for the BSA is to maintain our grounds so that they are safe and are of a high standard to match the needs of the competition. Brenda de Blaes continued this year as the grounds person and with the help of other volunteer Board members, I think the fields improved. Thanks to the sprinklers on the Noble Street side, the diamonds there are the best grassed diamonds we have. Diamond 2 was an issue during the summer season and will continue to be until a permanent solution can be found. The short turn around between the Hockey and Softball seasons mean that the surface doesn't get a chance to recover and gets worse every year. Over the last season we had to close the field several times, especially leading up to the Grand Finals to make sure it was playable. The result was terrific but maintaining it during the season to keep it that way is impossible. Options to resolve the situation are continually being explored and we hope that the Brisbane City Council and Brisbane Hockey will help us all get a positive outcome.

Some other diamonds needed extensive work - batting boxes repaired, base anchors replaced and uneven 'mounds' removed. Thankfully, much of this has been completed and although not perfect, I think players will find them much

20 Brisbane Softball Association Annual Report 2013-14 better this season. As the remedial work on the Green Terrace side of the park is still planned, all of these repairs are temporary until this major excavation is completed. We believe the work will be carried out during the 2015/16 financial year. Other improvements over the season included:  painting the block work on diamond 1  installing a pop up sprinkler behind the pitcher's plate on diamond 1  repairing all the bullpen mats and surfaces on diamond 1 including fixing the water leak at third base nets  replacing eight lights on diamonds 1 and 2  installing hose brackets behind diamond 1 first base dugout  fixing all the holes in the back nets on diamonds 3 - 18  cleaning out the machinery cage and other storage areas of broken and equipment no longer needed  removing the rusted bus shelters behind diamond 4 used previously as dugouts  replacing broken chairs in the grandstand  replacing broken benches used for teams to sit on at diamonds 4 - 9  replacing or repairing the pop-up tents used as shade around the park (though many have since broken again!)  permanently removing weeds in front of the grandstand  repairs to the batting cages  helping clubs to build their storage areas  storage shelving in the canteen  storage shelving in the representative equipment room  setting up a representative administration room

The ride on mower continues to be overworked and had its share of costly breakdowns. We are trying to win a grant to get a more suitable machine but so far no luck. We have been fortunate though to get our second buggy going again thanks to sponsorship from Thirsty Camel - thanks Rob! The other machines went reasonably well though the McDonald's Buggy is showing its age and the old roller continues to be a challenge. The roller was only available for the second half of the season Dave Trotman was there every Friday afternoon from February rolling diamond 1 to make it safe for the weekend's competition.

In 2013 -14 we took over the maintenance of Zillmere as well and thanks to the continued wet weather, it proved a very difficult job. Tyson Howard did the best he could under trying circumstances but in spite of his efforts a number of games were cancelled, postponed or transferred to Downey Park. There is plenty of potential down there but we don't have the resources at present to make many inroads. Again, without an influx of new players and/or putting up fees drastically, grants, donations and sponsorships are our only avenues at present.

I would like to thank all of the volunteers at the working bees this year. The set up was a struggle as we were a little short of numbers but the clubs well and truly made up for it with over 70 people for the first pull down in March. Thanks to the cooperation of Brisbane Hockey, we were able to keep four diamonds operating to run the 19 Years and Under Schoolgirls State Championships which meant a smaller pull down at the end of the Championships as well.

We were luckier this year than last with no damage from storms or floods and we even fixed the leaky roof thanks to Kim North's partner Sam. It's great when we can get this sort of help from our members.

I would like to also thank my wife Michelle and my children who were also there nearly every Friday well into the evening as all 18 fields were marked and prepared - this is a long and tiring job and without their help the job would have been much more difficult.

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Our small equipment, whipper snippers, sprayers, hand mowers and the like are also showing their age and will need replacing over the coming 12 to 24 months and the costs of petrol and services continue to rise alarmingly. Unlike some other sports, raising fees is our last resort and can be avoided or at least kept to a minimum if we get more help like the generous support of some of our members who provided their trade skills free of charge or at cost and from some of our corporate supporters like NETA and Height 4 Hire who donated equipment or provided equipment at no charge. We just can't get enough of this type of support and thank them enormously.

Dave Waller Facilities Portfolio Manager

Marketing Generally speaking, the Marketing Portfolio is responsible for Association promotion, special events and sponsorship. Promoting Softball is difficult in our current environment. Apart from some good coverage in the local paper, promotion in print or on television is rare. The best promotion we have at present is our website, Facebook and word- of-mouth.

The coverage by the Quest newspapers was quite good (see examples at the end of this Marketing Report) and this is mainly due to the work of some enterprising club folk. The BSA hopes to leverage off what has happened over the last 12 months and feed regular stories to the paper, however, the Board needs help.

Last year we started an electronic newsletter during the Summer Season. We know that some clubs have their own but the purpose is to provide another way to get BSA news and events out there. Feedback to date has been positive and we will do them again. Copies are forwarded to each club secretary but, if for some reason you don’t get them, you can download copies from the website and even subscribe on the site to make sure you don’t miss out.

We have an excellent Facebook site, that has all of the latest news as it happens and the website does a great job too within the limitations of the platform provided by Softball Australia and Softball Queensland.

Facebook Website

The Facebook is best used for immediate information what has happened, is happening or about to happen where the website, although has some currency, is the repository of all our corporate material - rules, policies, procedures, forms, fixtures / results and our very important calender of events. If you haven't 'liked' our facebook page you certainly should but, at the least check our web page often.

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Of course, it is our events that create most of our opportunities to promote softball and this year we had more than usual. We had: • Winter Brisbane Bash Slow Pitch Competition • Season Opening • President's Cup • Inaugural Representative Awards Night • Australian Defence Force National Championships • Deb McColm Challenge • Australia Day Commemoration • Play 4 a Cure Yellow Socks Slow Pitch • Play 4 a Cure Yellow Socks Softball Challenge • Junior Awards Night • Senior Awards (June Spice) Night • Grand Final Celebrations • 19 Years and Under School Girls State Championships • ANZAC Day games

Successful events can be exciting and benefit a wide variety of people, including our bottom line. So thank you to all those that helped plan them, helped run them and just supported them by being there. Some event highlights can be seen in the photos throughout this report.

The Brisbane Bash was just great. Cold yes, but good fun and everyone wants to play again. Thanks to Tyson Howard and Tanya Neish for their great work in organising this event. The Play 4 a Cure Yellow Socks events were again really successful getting some excellent and rare newspaper and TV coverage. We had a live rendition of the National Anthem on our Australia Day celebrations but the two innovations - the Rep Night and the Junior Awards stand out.

As Leigh says in her President's Report, it is a wonder that we haven't done this before and all of the players and officials deserve an event to celebrate the representative season. It was really good to see the Men, Women and girls in the same room celebrating all things good about our game. It was also important to recognize our Umpires and the BSUA was well represented. We were able to fit everyone into Downey Park (just) and hope to do so again but we may be a casualty of our own success as the numbers coming this year will probably mean a rethink of venue and/or format.

In a similar vein, the Junior Awards was also a big night for the younger players, team officials and their parents. Again, we just fitted everyone in and it may yet again need a rethink if the popularity of the event grows - maybe a third story or an extension - we wish! Alana Cutmore was the driving force behind this night and we all thank her for her efforts.

Of course the event of the year is always the BSA Senior Awards night also known as the June Spice Night. Dressed to the hilt, players, officials and supporters kicked up their heels at the Broncos Leagues Club. It was quite a spectacle. Suffice to say the old adage of ‘what happens on tour stays on tour’ comes into play yet again but it was clear the many folk took the opportunity to let their hair down after what was a hectic season. Thank you to Alana again, Leigh Martyn, Caitlin Wood and Steph Harm for helping to set up and prepare for the night.

Sponsorships are becoming more and more difficult to find. Potential sponsors are bombarded with requests and with the dwindling sponsorship budgets it is just so hard, which is why this year we were very fortunate to again be sponsored by McDonalds Northside. As our major sponsor, in return for signage and logo rights on various publications, McDonalds Northside provided a number of large water containers and a sum of cash to offset the rising costs of running the competitions. We also received sponsorship from Thirsty Camel to get our second buggy up and running. Our little green buggy was used extensively in the second half of the season allowing two to be available on our games days for first aid and to transport equipment and our volunteer ground staff around to maintain the diamonds. 23 Brisbane Softball Association Annual Report 2013-14

Other really useful sponsorships were in the form of in-kind donations. Height 4 Hire provided expensive equipment needed to repair and replace a number of lights on diamonds 1 and 2 and NETA donated a high quality heavy duty hose trolley complete with 100m of hose. We are always on the lookout for sponsors and it doesn't have to be about cash. Sponsorship can be in the form of a tradie offering a number of hours work or a company providing a product.

We would like to thank our sponsors for this generous funding and/or donations of equipment, so support those who support us. If you feel hungry when on the road or want to enjoy some of the great coffee in the McCafe, visit one of their stores at: Albion; Nudgee; Toombul; and Windsor. If you need supplies for a special events or just a quiet drink at home, Thirsty Camel should be your first port of call. Need lifting equipment, contact Height 4 Hire and all your gardening equipment needs are best found at NETA. Finally, all your softball needs can be met at Leading Edge - your one stop shop for all things softball.

THANK YOU

Our Major Sponsor

Sponsor of the green buggy In-Kind sponsor of equipment to help replace blown lights on diamonds 1 and 2

donation of heavy duty garden trolley with 100 m of hose donation of raffle prizes and equipment

Examples of local press coverage

Jeff Wood Marketing Portfolio Manager

24 Brisbane Softball Association Annual Report 2013-14

Sport Development Brisbane Softball Association has had a formal structure in place for its development portfolio for some time. In September 2013 this structure was energized in an attempt to realize its full potential by appointing volunteers to the existing position descriptions within the portfolio. As such the Portfolio membership and structure will continue to evolve to meet its objectives. The main objective of the Development Portfolio is to build well defined pathways for members to participate and enjoy their involvement in softball for life. This includes but is not limited to developing a structured player development process which is evidence based and supported by sufficient resources to ensure quality, age appropriate programs are delivered; and providing ongoing and timely professional development opportunities to build the capacity of volunteers to support this delivery. Underpinning this delivery and building on BSA traditions the Portfolio aim to build a positive culture to meet the needs of all participants so that increased membership is realised for the Association and member clubs in the future. The Development Portfolio Manager (Leigh Martyn) is a Board member and is responsible for liaising with the following group to deliver the activities of the portfolio and reports to the Board. 1. Development Portfolio Coordinator (Kim Cooper) – oversees the programs by liaising closely with the Coaching Coordinator and Representative Coordinator to support the development, implementation and review of programs. They report to the Development Portfolio Manager on the activities of the portfolio. 2. Coaching Coordinator (Michelle Waller) – assists in maintaining the quantity and quality of team officials to meet Association requirements by providing timely and professional personal development opportunities to build capacity of members. 3. Representative Coordinator (Kim North) – manages the BSA representative softball program to ensure all relevant administrative and operational activities are completed as per the Associations Policies and procedures. The Portfolio membership and structure will continue to evolve in the future to meet the needs of BSA members and to attract new membership by responding to the wider social environment in which softball operates. The Portfolio Highlights this year included:  Implemented and evaluated the Swing Into Softball Program;  Developed, implemented and evaluated the Diamond Development Program;  Reviewed and enhanced the trials structure for the U15, U17 and U19 Brisbane Representative Teams;  Inducted all 2014 Brisbane representative support staff;  Identified and engaged specialist coaches for the benefit of player and coach development during the Under 15 Brisbane and Academy Programs;  Mentored coaches at the U15 State Championships in Toowoomba;  Distributed and reported on player/parent survey on the U15 Brisbane Program:  Conducted a 6-week Battery Clinic targeting coaches;  Audited equipment needs and expended a percentage of grant monies to fill gaps. The following provides a more detailed summary of some of the key programs delivered during 2013/14 season.

Swing into Softball In 2013/14 the Swing into Softball Program (SIS) was delivered for the first time. SIS is a Queensland based branded program to assist Associations and Clubs attract and retain junior players within club softball. The program targets 6- 12 year old children and provides an introduction or entry level to the sport. The delivery of the program occurs in season. Eight weeks of delivery prior to Christmas and 6 weeks post-Christmas. The program is not primarily focussed on winning or technique but on maximising involvement, participation and increasing the FUN factor of the game.

25 Brisbane Softball Association Annual Report 2013-14

In the 2013/14 season 86 children participated in the program. Feedback from coaches and a survey conducted with players and parents revealed a range of positive and constructive feedback to enhance the program for next season. Developing skills and confidence, having fun, forming new friendships and playing mini-games were key highlights for some parents. The SIS activities were looked upon favourably by coaches and parents during the early stages of the program, however it was reported that more softball game play would have been welcomed earlier in the season and especially for the more skilled participants. Integrating the more advanced players into the U13B competition after Christmas was especially valued, with consideration to do this earlier next year where players were ready. Some minor re-working with the registration process and ensuring clear and consistent communication lines with parents was recommended. Ongoing coach development through the conduct of clinics covering the basic fundamentals of the Level 1 course would also be welcomed by coaches. On the whole the SIS program was successful in increasing junior participation and with the suggested enhancements looks set to do the same in the 2014/15 season.

Diamond Development (incorporating the Deb McColm Shield) The Diamond Development Program aims to improve fundamental softball skills of players aged 10-14 years through a 5 week intensive development program. Players that miss selection to the Under 15 Brisbane representative team and eligible club players who nominate, participate in the program. Guest specialist coaches attended during the program and worked closely with the players and coaches on key aspects of the game including hitting, base running, fielding and throwing. The program culminated in the Deb McColm Shield where players showcased their new and developed skills under game conditions against other Associations. In 2014 22 players participated. Feedback from a survey conducted with players and parents was overwhelmingly supportive. Improved skills, fun factor and forming friendships were key highlights of the program. As one player reported “I loved the whole program – I did not want it to end because it was so much fun”. The use of specialist coaches, the involvement of representative players and the Deb McColm Shield also rated highly. The Diamond Development Program has again successfully provided an alternative pathway for players to develop their skills and confidence and in doing so sustained their participation in softball. This group will also embrace their club participation for the new season and provide a feeder for the representative programs next year.

Team: Olivia Wilson; Lily Hobl; Gabby Wade; Cadence Mallet; Amelia Thomas-Laizans; Stephanie Blackman; Sara Pennisi; Imogen Howie; Tayla Dunn; Leah Moores; Meg Sands; Katie O'Donnell; Phoebe Marsh; Tiffany Partridge; Jayne Conn-Tylor; Samantha Stone; Sydney Waller; Isabella Newell; Cooper Punch; Corey Punch

26 Brisbane Softball Association Annual Report 2013-14

Officials: Nicola Moores, Ash-Lee Rantanen, Kim North, Michelle Newell, Brittney Finlayson, Lindsay Mallet and Wendy Harries Battery Coaching Clinic During May/June 2014 BSA conducted a Battery Coaching Clinic. The clinic aimed to provide coaches and players with a 6 week clinic focussing on the coaching methodology of pitching and catching in order to improve the quality of performance and training practice methods. The clinic was completed by 12 coaches who attended with a pitcher and catcher to implement their learnings during the sessions. Dual Olympic Bronze Medalist Bob Crudgington developed and facilitated the clinic, with the support of BSA Coaching Coordinator Michelle Waller. The clinic was over-subscribed and unfortunately many missed out however as a result BSA will work towards conducting a similar clinic in the future.

Development Sub-Committee (Kim Cooper, Michelle Waller and Kim North) and Leigh Martyn Development Portfolio Manager

Men's BSA have run a Men’s competition at the grounds at Zillmere now for four years. In previous years BSA have sub-leased the grounds of the Devils Softball Club. With BSA becoming the holder of the Lease for Zillmere this provided many challenges for our small committee.

With the constant down pour of rain at start our season, the grounds at Zillmere did not drain well at all. This meant that the first two rounds of the season had to be rescheduled. To keep the season on track, Downey Park was used a total of eight times during the season, but this included our ANZAC day games and Grand Final day (so lights could be used). Moving canteen and bar stock from Zillmere to Downey Park proved to be quite a nightmare with decisions to play at Downey Park having to be made at the last minute as the sub-committee tried to give the northern grounds every chance to recover. Unfortunately, the changes were not always forwarded in time which resulted in the players going to the wrong venue or turning up at the wrong time.

The feedback to the BSA Men’s Sub-Committee has been robust. The BSA Men’s Sub-Committee understood the club’s frustration in not being able to play at the same grounds every week. Most clubs did think it better to be playing at different grounds on the Saturday instead of re-scheduling those games for another day. The Men’s Sub-Committee appreciates positive and constructive feedback and it is even more helpful when an issue is accompanied by a suggested solution. The opposite is not as helpful.

The BSA Men’s Sub-Committee did receive positive feedback from their initiative to introduce tables in the bar area, these tables were then sold to the clubs for duration of the season. This more than covered to the cost of the tables. Clubs could then paint the tables in their club colours. Initiatives like this are great and we hope to undertake more in future.

The most significant feedback concerned the governance of the men's competition. The BSA has reviewed the policies and procedures for both men's and women's ensuring any disparities are rectified. A more inclusive structure including each club having a position on the BSA Men’s Sub-Committee through the season was suggested and this has since

27 Brisbane Softball Association Annual Report 2013-14 been implemented. Selection procedures and policies are now in place and being followed. There is a lot more than can be done and, with all clubs assisting, a lot more can be done.

Highlights:  preseason junior boys development activities - thank you to all those who pushed for this to happen and helped deliver, especially Cristian Ulloa.  games against the Australian Defence Force  promotion game at the Women's Grand Finals - thank you to Alana Cutmore who promoted this concept and ensured players were available on the day.  ANZAC Day games  Under 15 Boys representative team - this is a fantastic development and hopefully will lead to increased numbers of boys and young men playing our game. Thank you to all committee members, volunteers, officials, umpires and supporters.

Tyson Howard Men's Portfolio Manager

Other Reports

Canteen and Bar This year, positive steps were taken to improve the BSA’s canteen and bar services with a view to increasing the contribution to the BSA’s net financial position, improving the services and game day experiences available to our members and guests and appropriately separating the different operational and governance functions of the BSA Board. At the outset, core changes to the ongoing operations were identified to require several key elements:  Contract - establishing a contractual agreement between the BSA and a service provider for the provision of financially viable food and bar services;

 Service Provider - engaging an autonomous service provider to provide the contracted services on a commercial, fee-for-service basis. Although representative of the BSA, the service provider would be independent of the BSA with responsibility for the day-to-day operations and reporting back to the BSA Board as required;

 Service Provision – seamless integration of friendly, fresh, clean and hygienic food and bar services taking responsibility for all relevant operational aspects from product sourcing and ordering, purchasing, stock control, game day services, as well as operational accounting & reporting;

 Sales Accounting & Reporting – allowing an ability for the Board to easily review the summary sales results and net financial outcomes and, when necessary, gain a greater understanding of the sales operations with an ability to assess detailed sales results beyond just a summary data level. Following an Expression of Interest process, LenKlo Distribution Pty Ltd (LenKlo) were initially engaged on a contractual basis to provide integrated food and bar services for the Men’s 2013 Winter Softball Season at O’Callaghan Park,

28 Brisbane Softball Association Annual Report 2013-14

Zillmere. LenKlo were subsequently engaged on a separate fixed-fee contract to provide integrated food and bar services for the Women’s 2013/14 Summer Softball Season at Downey Park, Windsor.

Some of the primary changes introduced by LenKlo across the two seasons included:  A focus on a clean and hygienic food services area including mandatory use of food handling gloves and hair nets when preparing fresh food with no cross-contamination with money handling;

 An increased range of food and drinks on offer – more hot foods, significantly increased range of fresh sandwiches, rolls and wraps, and a wider and enhanced variety of drinks, chips, chocolates, ice-creams and confectionary;

 Introduction of fully programmed sales registers in the canteen and bar so all product sales could be recorded and categorised at the time of sale;

 Promotion of the availability of EFTPOS for both canteen and bar services; and

 Regular reporting of weekly results to the BSA Board – summary and detailed reports of each week’s sales with a breakdown of results at various levels of product category or by individual product.

During the year, LenKlo worked to establish a database which would more accurately determine the actual cost of every item sold, or even the stock on hand. This database essentially captures the input unit cost of every product purchased which can then be used to calculate the unit cost of every product sold (which may be a sum of multiple input costs). When the product unit cost is offset against that product’s sale price, a sales margin (‘profit’) can then be determined. Amongst other things, this information is essential for:  Determining the possible levels of pricing and, therefore margins, for each product;  Indicating what products are the most viable to sell and which should be promoted for greater sales and greater returns;  Understanding the impact of input cost changes and monitoring suppliers’ prices which influences the sourcing, timing and quantity of product purchases in order to minimise costs and maximise net revenues; and  Calculating cost/revenue arrangements for charitable or special events where the net proceeds after costs are shared between the BSA and a third party (e.g. Broncos Play for a Cure Softball Challenge).

A program of continual improvement of this cost database is ongoing with regular updates and integration of new data.

Despite the impact of several weekends of rain cancellations, the results for the Zillmere canteen operations during the Men’s 2013 Winter Season were positive. Revenue from canteen sales totalled $21,366.70 for the season. After accounting for LenKlo’s service charges ($6,266.98) and reimbursement of LenKlo’s purchasing costs ($9,014.37), the total winter canteen contract costs payable by the BSA amounted to $11,281.35 and the BSA’s net revenue from these operations amounted to $6,085.36.

The canteen, bar and cart operations at Downey Park for the Women’s Summer Season operate on a significantly greater scale. This is due to the greater number of competing teams during the regular season and a number of additional special events catered for across the season. Revenue from canteen sales totalled $91,704.40 for the season. After accounting for LenKlo’s service charges ($15,908.75) and reimbursement of LenKlo’s purchasing costs ($48,992.74), LenKlo’s total canteen contract costs payable by the BSA amounted to $64,901.49 and the BSA’s total net revenue from these operations amounted to $26,802.91.

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Scott Klose Canteen and Bar Manager

Registrar Registrations Senior Registrar: Most of the Clubs' paperwork was in on time, however the way it was presented by some clubs was not to expected standard. A couple of the clubs did not have all the information in the data base, mostly left out was the date of forms, such as QSA and Permits, this resulted in me having to input dates it also caused some confusion when trying to reconcile forms to the data base.

Junior Registrar: The SIS registrations were a bit haphazard. The attendance lists were different every week so it made it hard to know who actually played. There were a couple of players that periodically attended that weren’t in the database and the list didn’t say what club, so it was hard to follow-up on (they probably got a free season). I wasn’t always aware of where players had formally been upgraded or moved teams. The game history team numbers didn’t always match the player profile team numbers, but that’s a system issue

Recommendations  Maintain stricter time line for team registrations.  Return any paperwork that has not been completed properly.  SIS – Clubs to ensure that all SIS players are registered.  Develop SIS attendance sheet that contains more information including date, name, club this sheet to be used by all clubs.

Forms – Permit/ Clearances, QSA Most forms where in on time including permits however as stated above the forms where submitted but not in the data base.

Recommendations  Clubs to ensure the date for all forms are in the data base.  All permits to be sent directly to Brisbane Secretary who will forward them onto the Registrar.  Clubs to make sure that players complete the appropriate form

Awards Votes Senior Registrar: B, C and Junior grades adopted the Men’s voting system and after some initial problems appeared to work well and seemed fairer with most teams awarding votes to the same players. The U13 competition had a Spirit award added to their voting system; this seemed to be a welcomed inclusion. A grade voting worked well again this season however there were more instances of ineligible players receiving votes in this grade than others. U17A adopted the A grade system of voting this season, even though there was some teething problems in the beginning all teams ended up getting it right.

Junior Registrar: Had to chase up a few of these most weeks, initially some weren’t provided at all. That’s probably relates to the change in voting structure.

Recommendations  Clubs to ensure pick up and play up players’ grades/club appears on the card.

Score cards Senior Registrar: Score Cards where disappointing this season, mostly incomplete, Date, Diamonds and strangely enough the opposition was missing. We ran out of cards this season, I counted the number of cards each club would need for the season there should have been enough.

30 Brisbane Softball Association Annual Report 2013-14

Junior Registrar: There were a few that I had to chase up but they were handed in eventually. One club didn’t bother to hand in their finals game cards even though they lost. Some people didn’t fill in the team name/numbers in, especially the opposition names. I managed to pair them up.

Recommendations  Clubs ensure that all coaches/scorers know how to complete the scorecard.  A SIS attendance sheet to be developed to be used by all clubs.  Registrar may have to personally deliver cards to individual teams instead of relying on club secretaries to give them out.

I would like to thank Bern Dwyer for all her hard work as Junior Registrar. She did a great job and I hope she will do it again next season. Thanks to Club registrars for their efforts especially at the beginning of the season, well done.

Alana Cutmore Senior Registrar

Representative Coordinator The Brisbane Softball Association (BSA) representative pathway provides an ideal platform for players and officials to acquire new and enhance existing skills and represent their Association at a State Championship event. The representative experience aims to improve sporting performances by providing high quality-practice and training. Carefully planned programs, tailor made to the individual’s growth and development, delivered within a supportive learning environment underpin this. Trained and accredited support staff, sufficient physical resources and support from family all play significant roles in this development.

In 2013/14 BSA has strived to enhance the delivery of the representative program for its members in line with the above. The appointment of a Representative Co-ordinator, working in conjunction with the Development Portfolio, provided the foundation on which this work is being achieved. A review of existing selection processes, program planning, resource availability and program evaluation will be an ongoing task to achieve best practice. The following provides a summary of the work to date:

Selection Process  Increased marketing to communicate nomination timeframes and age specific program information;  Appointment of selection panels for every grade to observe player performances in Club games and trial sessions;  Conduct of a structured selection trial session for U15, U17, U19 programs;  Implementation of selection policies.

Team Appointments  Streamlined communication processes with all stakeholders about appointments.

Support Staff Training  Induction workshop held with support staff across all programs;  Planning sessions held with Team Managers;  Program planning sessions to build connections between programs and best utilise available resources;  Recruitment of specialist coaches to support program delivery;  Mentoring coaches at State Championships and provision of performance feedback;  Rep coaches workshop to review fundamentals to ensure delivery of content is consistent between programs.

Review Process  Improved reporting through implementation of individual and team reports;  Rep Coach de-brief sessions conducted;  Development of individual player profiles to track development and pass on to future coaches;

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 Survey distributed to players/parents about their program experiences and report completed.

BSA will strive to provide well-defined pathways for those members who want to participate in softball. This includes access to representative opportunities. Developing a structured player development process, supported by sufficient resources will ensure quality, age appropriate representative programs are delivered. Continual professional development must be forthcoming for support staff to achieve this. Improving the overall experience of players and support staff can lead to increased participation at the representative level, extend the time players and support staff stay within the sport and improve State Championship rankings.

The BSA representative pathway provides an ideal platform for players and officials to acquire new and enhance existing skills and represent their Association at a State Championship event. The representative experience aims to improve sporting performances by providing high quality-practice and training. Carefully planned programs, tailor made to the individual’s growth and development, delivered within a supportive learning environment underpin this. Trained and accredited support staff, sufficient physical resources and support from family all play significant roles in this development.

Selection Process  Increased marketing to communicate nomination timeframes and age specific program information;  Appointment of panels for every grade to observe player performances in club games and trial sessions;  Conduct of a structured selection trial session for U15, U17, U19 programs;  Implementation of selection policies.

Team Appointments  Streamlined communication processes with all stakeholders about appointments.

32 Brisbane Softball Association Annual Report 2013-14

State and National Representative Honours A significant number of our players and officials went on to be named in State and National squads/teams. Not only do we produce quality players, but our umpires continue to excel by participating in State, National and International tournaments. QUEENSLAND TEAMS U15 SQI Regional Academy Squad QLD Heat Team Kanani Aiga Jodie Bowering Jacqui Brockett Brenda DeBlaes Madisun Graham Melinda Weaver Jessica Morrison Brooke McNamara Gemma Punch Jocelyn McCallum Kayla Waller Kate Sternes Chelsea White Carmel Sorenson

U17 Girls QLD Heat Squad Phoebe Collins Stephanie Harm Georgia Prestwidge Janice Blackman Brittney Finlayson U17 Girls Officials Mikayla Gregory Kevin Jenkins (Head Coach) Rachel Higgins Vaughn Whitworth (Assistant Coach) Qld Heat Officials U17 Boys Officials Kim Cooper (Assistant Coach) Tyson Howard (Assistant Coach) Chris Bailey (Statistician) Jenni O’Neil (Massage Therapist) U19 Women (National Champions) Janice Blackman Queensland 12 Years and Under Schoolgirls Eva Carless Amelia van der Maat Brittney Finlayson Jacqui Brockett Mikayla Gregory Sarah Hoger Queensland 17 Years and Under Schoolgirls Jayme Reddacliff Georgia Prestwidge Caitlin Wood U19 Girls Officials Phoebe Collins Anne Vogler (Head Coach) Lauren McDonnell Ray Bartorillo (Assistant Coach) Brooke Wilkins (Assistant Coach) Leigh Martyn (Manager) AUSTRALIAN TEAMS U19 Women’s Squad Aussie Spirit Team Mikayla Gregory Jodie Bowering Melinda Weaver U19 Women’s Reserve Jocelyn McCallum Sarah Hoger Brenda DeBlaes

Aussie Spirit Squad Kate Sternes

33 Brisbane Softball Association Annual Report 2013-14

Brisbane Representative Honours UNDER 15 GIRLS - 5-7 April 2014 - TOOWOOMBA 2014 U15 Brisbane Red Girls

Players Officials Kanani Aiga Michelle Waller - Head Coach Jessica Morrison Andrew Pollard - Assistant Coach Jacqui Brockett Faye Guy - Manager Chelsea White Christine Jacka - Statistician Kayla Waller Jemma Punch Tiahna Aiga Tayla Curtis Nikki Easling Matilda Knight Karson Townsend Madisun Graham Abbey Wilson Jessica Morrison

2014 U15 Brisbane White Girls

Players Officials Sophie Chittendon Rachel Lindsay - Head Coach Tiffany Costello Renee Blackman - Assistant Coach Olivia De Pasquale Brittney Finlayson - Trainee Coach Varsha De Silva Shane Parsons - Manager Bronita Dunn Deb Monoley - Statistician Emily Everett Ali Kerrisk Christine Merrett Makayla Palliaer Jasmine Parsons Ivy Petrie Remi Schroor Emily Shuck

Final Positions: Wynnum, Brisbane Reds, Caboolture, Noosa, Gladstone, Redlands, Redcliffe, Toowoomba, Maryborough, Brisbane White, Cairns, Mackay and Ipswich

The following players for being selected for the 2015 U15 SQI Regional Academy Squads. Kanani Aiga, Jacqui Brockett, Madisun Graham, Jessica Morrison, Gemma Punch, Kayla Waller, Chelsea White.

34 Brisbane Softball Association Annual Report 2013-14

UNDER 15 BOYS - 5-7 April 2014 - REDCLIFFE 2014 Brisbane U15 Boys

Players Officials Peter Abraham Anna Herzog - Head Coach Dylan Hynd Cristian Ulloa - Assistant Coach James McColl Judy Riley - Manager Scott McCulloch Colleen Donaldson - Statistician (Redcliffe) Stephanie Lyons - Trainee Coach Liam McPherson Lachlan Morrison Daniel Morrison Chris Pepene-Davis Brock Preston Zane Street (Mt Isa) Nicholas Ulloa Ryan Woodrow Jordan Waldron

Final Positions: Gladstone, Toowoomba, Redlands, Logan City, Caboolture/Noosa, Maryborough/Hervey Bay, Redcliffe, Bundaberg, Ipswich and Brisbane.

UNDER 17 GIRLS - 21 – 23 September 2013 - REDCLIFFE 2013 Brisbane U17 Girls

Players Officials Madeline Nagel Tony Nolan - Head Coach Georgia Prestwidge Kim Cooper - Assistant Coach Sarah Brockett Kim North - Manager Caitlin Wood Erica Priestley - Statistician Phoebe Collins Andrew Pollard - Trainee Coach Carly Schulz Eva Carless – Trainee Coach Tabitha Dyer Erin St Ledger Lauren McDonnell Lara Neish Morgan Ihle Ash-Lee Rantanen Shianne Selwood Isabelle Starkey

Final Positions:

Redlands, Redcliffe, Brisbane, Bundaberg/Maryborough/Suncoast, Caboolture/Logan City, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton, Cairns/Mount Isa, Wynnum, Toowoomba, Ipswich/Mackay.

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UNDER 19 WOMEN - 5-7 October 2013 - NOOSA 2013 U19 Brisbane Red Women

Players Officials Catherine Anderson Tyson Howard - Coach Eva Carless Richard Devey - Assistant Coach Janice Blackman Tracey Pollock - Manager Sarah Hoger Chris Bailey - Scorer Kate Lothian Mikayla Gregory Georgia Prestwidge Jayme Reddacliff Kody Lang Becky McDonell Olivia Williamson Brittney Finlayson

2013 U19 Brisbane White Women

Players Officials Phoebe Collins Vaughan Whitworth - Coach Katrina Miller Scott Selwood - Assistant Coach Gracie Mansfield Rhegan Rohweder - Manager Lainie King Shirley Millar - Statistician Renae Wilmont Caitlin Wood Courtney Selwood Steph Lyons Ash-Lee Rantanen Jamie Dillon Rebecca Chittendon Morgan Woodruff

Final Positions: Redlands, Brisbane Red, Wynnum, Redcliffe, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, Brisbane White, Caboolture/Logan City

Players Selected to Represent U19 Queensland Team Janice Blackman, Eva Carless, Brittney Finlayson, Mikayla Gregory, Sarah Hoger and Jayme Reddacliff.

BSA provides competition, player development and representative opportunities to men and women of all ages interested in softball. The Association has been a major force in state softball, winning countless State Championships as well as providing over 200 State and Australian players and 13 Olympic representatives. We have hosted various national and State championships as well as providing home and training facilities for the Queensland teams and Queensland Academy of Sport.

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OPEN WOMEN - 6-8 September 2013 - CABOOLTURE 2013 Brisbane Open Red Women

Players Officials Kate Sternes Tyson Howard – Coach Brooke McNamara Richard Devey – Assistant Coach Carmie Sorenson Glen-Marie Carless - Manager Jocelyn McCallum Erica Priestley – Statistician Olivia Mac Ginley Eva Carless Stephanie Curtis Stephanie Harm Rachael Higgins Jodie Bowering Melinda Weaver Amy Pagotto Kody Lang

Final Positions:

Redlands Green, Redcliffe 1, Gold Coast, Cairns, Brisbane Red, Caboolture White, Brisbane White, Wynnum, Redlands Red, Toowoomba, Redcliffe 2, Caboolture Black, Bundaberg.

2013 Brisbane Open White Women

Players Officials Tessa Long Matt Blake – Coach Brittney Finlayson Kym Tollenaere – Assistant Coach Kelly Crowe Leigh Martyn – Manager Renee Binnie Jason Collins - Statistician Jayme Reddacliffe Aimee Sanders Brittney Flint Jess Tranter Sarah Hoger Becky Mc Donnell Cina Kettles Bek Lang Alex Forsyth Janice Blackman

The 2013/14 Queensland Heat Team/Squad is as follows: Team - Jodie Bowering, Brenda De Blaes, Sandra Holden, Jocelyn McCallum, Brooke McNamara, Tara Speakman, Carmelle Sorenson, Kate Sternes, Erin Thras, Jade Wall, Melinda Weaver, Stacey Webber.

Squad - Janice Blackman, Rebecca Chapman, Laura Coulter, Sheridan Darroch, Jessica Donnelly, Brittney Flint, Mikayla Gregory, Stephanie Harm, Rachael Higgins, Danielle Oppermann.

37 Brisbane Softball Association Annual Report 2013-14

OPEN MEN - 18-20 October 2013 - TOOWOOMBA 2013 Brisbane Open Men

Players Officials Travis Bartorillo Christine Jacka – Coach Mitchell Howard Steve Dowell – Assistant Coach Brayden Reynolds Bernadette Dwyer – Manager Regan Manley Colleen Donaldson - Statistician Ryan Britt Steve Dowell Josh Maddick Joel Townsley Peter Strauss Tyron Bartorillo Grant Marshall Luke Sutherland Mick Winlaw Richard Devey

Final Positions: Redlands Green, Ipswich Green, Toowoomba 1, Brisbane, Redcliffe and Redlands Red.

Kim North Representative Coordinator

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Brisbane Softball Umpire's Association Once again another successful year for the Umpires of the BSUA. This year’s Redshirt program was extremely successful with the following people attaining their Level 1s - Steve Bickerton, Emma Comerford, Bernie McNevin, Lauren Jasch and Kylie Bruce. Other new levels have been obtained by the following Umpires  Claire Lack and Morgan Woodruff – Level 2  Bridget Cameron and Jana McCaskill – ISF Certification

BSA Club Competitions – Number of games Umpired 2013 BSA Men’s Winter Comp – 148 games 2013-14 BSA Women’s Summer Comp – 474 games

State Championships QLD Cup - Open Men’s State Championships – Yvonne Kahler, Helen Strauss, Bridget Cameron, Jamie Harries, and Janelle Hicks. Qld Cup – Open Women’s State Championship - Yvonne Kahler, Helen Strauss, Bridget Cameron, Jana McCaskill, Jamie Harries, Ron Yardley, Ian Goodman, Janelle Hicks, Kylie Knight. U19 Women’s / U19 Men’s State Championships – Yvonne Kahler, Helen Strauss (Examiner), Ron Yardley, Jamie Harries, Kylie Knight, Jodie Boustead, Martin Turnbull, Jana McCaskill, Bridget Cameron, Janelle Hicks (Examiner) U17 Girls State Championships – Helen Strauss (Examiner), Ron Yardley (Examiner), Kylie Knight, Jodie Boustead, Ian Goodman, Janelle Hicks. U17 Boys State Championships - Yvonne Kahler, Janelle Hicks (Examiner), Jamie Harries. U15 Girls State Championships – Ian Goodman, Ron Yardley(Examiner), Ron Trow, Claire Lack and Morgan Woodruff U15 Boys State Championships –Jamie Harries (Examiner), Steve Bickerton, Martin Turnbull (Trainee Examiner)

Nationals Representation –  Yvonne Kahler (Gilley’s 2, finals, and U17 Girls),  Helen Strauss (Gilley’s 1, finals and U17 Girls),  Bridget Cameron (Gilley’s 1),  Jamie Harries (U17 Boys),  Janelle Hicks (Gilley’s 2, finals, and U17 Girls)

Martin Turnbull also provided interstate support to SUAACT during the Canberra Skins and Australia Day events as umpire coach and examiner.

International Representation Brisbane Softball Umpires Association was well represented by Jana McCaskill and Bridget Cameron at the February 2014 ISF Clinic in Christchurch, New Zealand, with both these ladies successfully attaining their ISF Certification. Well done to both of them. These ladies have shown real commitment to their umpiring, in that they travelled all the way from Scotland where they are currently working to New Zealand in order to take up the opportunity to attend the clinic and certification.

I was extremely honoured to be selected to travel with the Australian Open Women’s Teams to the US World Cup in Oklahoma City, in July of 2013. This was an amazing experience and along with some amazing high quality games, I had the opportunity to call one of the best pitchers in the world Yukiko Ueno. This was one of the most memorable games of my career. I even got on TV a few times, umpiring at second base on the Grand Final game between the USA and Japan. 39 Brisbane Softball Association Annual Report 2013-14

Club assistance I would like to thank all the club people who assisted by doing games during the season. This is a thankless task and we recognise just how hard it is to get people to meet these commitments. Without the support of these people many games would not be played.

Lastly I would like to acknowledge the support of the Umpires from outside of BSA who provide us with the opportunity to cover more games and occasional work three umpire systems on games other than the A1 comp. Those people are Dave Casey, Norelle Thomas, Kiri Scott, Sam Bent and Adam Reddacliffe. Thanks guys and girls for your support.

Yvonne Kahler President, Brisbane Softball Umpires Association

Scoring QSA Weekend Workshop As I was overseas on long service leave, Wendy Harries attended the QSA weekend workshop in July, 2013 in my place.

Clinics It would seem that the clinics run in 2012-13 met the demand as there was little interest in clinics in 2013-14. Only one Level 1 clinic was conducted in September 2013 with two attendees. There has been a little interest expressed towards the end of the summer season, so the need for more clinics will be assessed again towards the start of next summer season.

Exams Level 2 and 3 examinations were held on the three weekends of BSA finals on A1 games. Two level 3 candidates and three Level 2 candidates participated. All five candidates were successful. Wendy Harries and Deb Moloney are now Level 3 and available for BSA representative duties. Kim North, Julie-Ann Commerford and Peter Collie have achieved Level 2. Congratulations to all five .

Accredited Scorers Keeping track of accredited scorers within BSA continues to be a difficult task as ASF still has a substantial backlog of completed exam results to process and communication between scorers in BSA is somewhat sporadic. However, my best estimate of the list at April 2013 is below. Many of these scorers have yet to receive their NOAS Accreditation cards. We will continue to encourage the BSA scoring fraternity to upgrade their qualifications and accreditation levels to improve the quality of team scoring and to provide a bigger pool for BSA representative duties. This philosophy has worked well, with only one statistician appointed to two BSA representative teams for the 2014 championships. As BSA has elected not to field U17 and U19 White teams, one statistician (Bernie Thorogood) was without a job but he has agreed to act as Recorder for the U19 Women’s Championship which BSA is hosting.

Name NOAS Level Active Bailey, Christopher 4 Y Borchert, Robyn 1 N Borchert, Robert 1 N Collie, Peter 2 Y Comerford, Julie-Ann 2 Y Cooper, Lorraine 1 Y

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Name NOAS Level Active Dawes, Cheryl 6 N Dunn, Shakira 1 Y Dwyer, Bernadette 1 ? Furdek, Tanya 2 Y Goffer, Fiona 4 Y Guy, Faye 1 Y Harries, Jamie 2 Y Harries, Wendy 3 Y Hoger, Kerrilyn 1 Y Hunt, Stephen 1 Y Jacka, Christine 4 Y Jenkins, Carly 4 N Knight, Jodie 2 ? Lack, Warren 1 Y Larsen, Briana 1 Y Leonard, Karen 1 Y Meridith, Margaret 1 Y Millar, Shirley 3 Y Moloney, Deb 3 Y Muir, Stacey 1 Y Neish, Tanya 1 Y North, Kim 1 Y Oliver, Cina 1 Y Pollock, Tracey 1 N Pollyck, Jarryd 1 Y Priestley, Erica 3 Y Sanders, Susan 2 Y Sands, Carolyn 1 N Sternes, Suzanne 2 N Strauss, Helen 1 N Sutherland, Deb 1 Y Thorogood, Bernard 4 Y Townsend, Kerri 1 Y Vellnagel, Carol 2 Y Vorhauer, Marie 1 Y Willingham, Ann 2 N

Newsletters The QSA Scoring Committee newsletter was circulated to as many interested parties as possible by email.

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Representative Scoring I was fortunate enough to be continue as Statistician for the Queensland Heat who competed in the Gilley’s Shield in two rounds played at Auckland, NZ, and Blacktown, NSW over the period December, 2013 to January 2014. The Heat is also expected to compete in the Southern Cross Challenge in Christchurch, NZ in April, 2014.

Official Scoring There has been little opportunity for Level 3 and 4 statisticians to participate in Official Scoring as no major championships were held in SE Queensland during the year.

Support Once again, I would like to acknowledge the support provided to me by Mrs. Joy Leach (Bears). Joy lectured the Level 1 clinic that I organised and continued to provide advice to the BSA scoring fraternity. It would be appropriate for the BSA committee to write to Joy expressing thanks for the effort she puts in to promoting scoring within BSA.

Cheers

Chris Bailey Scoring Coordinator

42 Brisbane Softball Association Annual Report 2013-14