2015 annual report
To grow softball, for all, for life, together
Contents
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT ...... 1
CEO REPORT ...... 5
MESSAGE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION ...... 8
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE ...... 9
OUR COMMITTEES ...... 10
MEMBER RECOGNITION...... 11
RETIREMENTS ...... 14
MEMBERSHIP ...... 15
MARKETING ...... 18
HIGH PERFORMANCE AND NATIONAL TEAMS ...... 21
MYSOFTBALL COMMUNITY ...... 24
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ...... 25
SOFTBALL BATTER UP ...... 27
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION ...... 29
SCORING ...... 34
UMPIRING ...... 36
COACHING ...... 40
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA LIFE MEMBERS ...... 42
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ...... 43
ISF HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ...... 46
INTERNATIONAL RESULTS ...... 47
AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS ...... 55
OTHER RESULTS ...... 65
SPONSORS AND PROVIDERS ...... 69
To grow softball, for all, for life, together
VISION
By 2017, to be a thriving, innovative and inclusive sport with at least 5% annual growth. MISSION
To grow softball, for all, for life, together.
VALUES
We are inclusive, innovative, collaborative, professional and act with integrity.
Level 1, Suite 2, 273 Wellington Street, Collingwood VIC 3066 T 03 9417 0022 www.softball.org.au
Softball Australia Ltd ACN 092 181 318
Cover image courtesy Epsom Road Photography
To grow softball, for all, for life, together
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
It is with a great degree of pride that I pen my first annual Chairman’s report after a year that may well prove pivotal for the future of Australian softball.
In October 2014, we adopted a Whole of Softball Strategic Plan, which was the outcome of a process where all states collaborated and agreed upon what was required as a collective to grow and sustain the sport of softball in Australia for the next three years and beyond.
What does a Whole of Softball Strategic Plan mean to softball at the grassroots level? It means we have a shared vision and a shared target to grow our sport by a minimum 5% per annum. To that end, the following key strategies have been developed, funded and commenced collaboratively by Softball Australia, Member States, associations and clubs.
GROWING PARTICIPATION
Grow our traditional base and introduce new products
SOCIAL 7S
In direct response to consumer demand for a more social, short, fun game, Social 7s was developed. This new format of the game can be easily adopted by the wider community, and offers mixed gender teams, simplified rules and is high-scoring - all of which make it a very attractive social version of our game. It is an easy “add-on” for our existing clubs and presents an alternative entry- level product with significant additional income opportunities.
SPORTING SCHOOLS
The day the Federal Government and Australian Sports Commission (ASC) launched the Sporting Schools Program, we made a decision, as a sport, to be a leader in this exciting new initiative. Sporting Schools presents a wonderful opportunity for us to engage directly with our school-based recruiting ground and forge stronger ties between primary schools and clubs. We are dedicated to ensuring maximum coverage for schools wishing to deploy an active softball program and to that end, our nationally branded junior participation program, Softball Batter Up, will be delivered by qualified coaches through Sporting Schools.
LITTLE LEAGUE
On the back of very successful adoption of, and increased participation in the Western Australian Little League, we are working to offer Little League as an option nationwide. It will provide a more structured junior pathway, and leverage the exceptional branding associated with Little League.
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HIGH PERFORMANCE
In June 2014, we were advised by the ASC that softball had been reclassified as High Performance “based on an assessment of the performance profile of the women’s program and the possibility of its inclusion on the 2020 Olympic program”.
As a result, a 2020 Sub-Committee was established to quickly identify any organisational impacts/changes required, for example:
o examine best practice high performance models o identify short and long term implications (ie actions required now, and actions required if the situation changes) o assess any mandatory requirements of being aligned with baseball as “Diamond Sports” for 2020 o opportunities to collaborate with baseball on high performance for 2020.
The prospect of returning to the Olympics is exciting and should this occur, we must ensure it will be in the best interests of the sport across all levels.
DEVELOP CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Strengthen the recruitment and retention capability of clubs and associations
CLUB AND ASSOCIATION DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORS
One of the most critical strategies that we have progressed is the establishment of state-based roles solely to assist clubs and associations with the fundamentals of effectively operating, and ultimately growing the sport. These roles are jointly funded (ie state and national) and underline the increasing collaboration across all levels.
HOMEPLATE WEBSITE
As a direct outcome of our business plan, Homeplate website was developed and released to affiliated clubs and associations, providing resources on all aspects required to run a successful softball club or association.
HEALTH CHECKS AND ACTION PLANS
In parallel with the previous two strategies, we are encouraging clubs and associations to take the ASC Health Check and develop and implement action plans to identify areas for improvement within their organisations to support future sustainability.
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ORGANISATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY
Build enduring organisations, grow non-government revenue
BUSINESS OF SOFTBALL
We welcomed Community Training Initiatives (CTI) as our National Women’s Team sponsor and we are very appreciative of their support. We continue to work with CTI and other businesses to establish a formal state-based business network to encourage connections between our clubs and their business community. In turn, this will present opportunities to identify business skills and potential financial support from businesses.
MEDIA
Our social media coverage and metrics have grown significantly as part of a concerted strategy to utilise social media as our primary channel. In addition, we have delivered Pay TV coverage for key events and are looking to increase exposure in mainstream media.
STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT
We have significantly increased our stakeholder engagement activities under a structured communications plan. Priorities include: o establishing stronger links with baseball, affording a win-win for both diamond sports o strengthening ties with government and the ASC o increasing our profile with the business community and, most importantly o improving our communications with our participants and members. On this point, mySoftball Community (national database, competitions and website) will be implemented by the end of 2015, enabling all clubs and associations to maximise participant engagement and connectivity.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Congratulations to our Hall of Fame inductees: Tracey Mosley, Kylie Cronk, Danica Howlett and Diane Waller; Vivienne Triplett Umpire of the Year Award recipient, Richard Barrow and Service Award winners from Softball NSW and Softball Qld.
I would also like to acknowledge the magnificent honour bestowed upon our world champion 1965 Women’s Softball Team, presented with the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Team Sport Australia Award.
I’d like to acknowledge the leadership of Chet Gray who, as CEO, has been at the forefront of a significant cultural change and has been central in bringing the sport together under a single strategic umbrella. I also acknowledge the State Presidents and their Boards for the passion, energy and camaraderie at a challenging time when those attributes are essential to making softball flourish in Australia.
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To the Softball Australia staff, I say thank you for your dedication and hard work; to our volunteers, thank you for the countless hours you contribute to our sport.
Thank you to my fellow national directors. We have worked very hard to ensure we have the appropriate mix of skill and expertise on the national Board and those skills are clearly aligned with our direction as a sport.
We have a very exciting year ahead of us and we should all feel extremely positive about our solid foundation and the opportunity to grow this great sport and ensure it has a sustainable future in Australia.
John Hollingsworth Chairman
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CEO REPORT
At the 2014 Softball Australia Annual General Meeting, Member State Presidents and SEOs signed off on the Whole of Softball Strategic Plan 2014-2017.
The plan outlines a collaborative approach for the future and lays the foundation for the sport to grow.
The following strategic priorities were identified:
o Growing Participation: Focusing on products, promotion, participation, marketing, communication, pathways, and events.
o Developing Clubs and Associations: Focusing on the sustainability and health of local clubs/associations through building capacity and management of our facilities and skills of volunteers.
o Organisational Sustainability: Focusing on financial sustainability, people management, leadership and governance.
GROWING PARTICIPATION
Social 7s, our new form of the game that is fast, fun and easy to play, was launched. National Social 7s Day, on Saturday 29 August 2015, will provide an opportunity for associations around Australia to showcase this great new product.
The ASC launched the new Sporting Schools program designed to engage more children in sport, drive their passion for sport and link schools with local club-based sport. Softball Australia’s national program, Softball Batter Up, will be delivered as part of the program. Pilot programs were conducted in Term 2 with the formal program to be rolled out in Terms 3 and 4.
CHAMPIONSHIPS
January was dominated by the National Championships, with NSW taking out four of the five titles: Open Women, U19 Men and Women, U17 Boys and Girls. Congratulations to everyone involved.
One of the upsets of the Championships was South Australia winning the Elinor McKenzie Shield (U19 Women), their first since 2006. Ranked fourth in the playoff round, the South Australian's overcame last year's champions, Queensland in a hard fought extra-inning victory on home soil.
At the U15 Girls' Softball Regional Championship, NSW Metro Orange defeated NSW Metro Green and at the U15 Boys' Softball Regional Championship, Qld Thunder defeated Qld Storm.
In February, the inaugural Down Under Series took place at Blacktown. The three-day tournament was the first time in 15 years that Softball Australia had hosted an international/domestic tournament. The Toyota Japan Red Terriers took on CTI Open Women, CTI Aussie Pride and a NSW Invitational Team, providing an exciting opportunity for Softball Australia to promote softball at a national level through a number of new media opportunities and with the support of our sponsors.
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A highlight of the Down Under Series was the celebration of the 1965 Australia Women's Team winning the inaugural Women’s World Softball Championship in Melbourne. Fifty years to the day, the softball community honoured the team at a luncheon in Sydney to acknowledge their achievement and share memories.
The month of March began with the 32nd Men’s Softball Championship at Redlands, Qld. ACT defeated NSW, a fifth consecutive title for ACT.
April saw the reintroduction of the Australian U23 Men’s and Women's Softball Championships with five teams competing. As an invitational competition, teams from New Zealand and Papua New Guinea took part. NSW defeated Queensland, 4-2 to take home the Joyce Lester Shield. The Men’s Championship was a three-game series between Queensland and New South Wales, with Queensland taking out the Laing Harrow Shield for the first time. We are committed to retaining the U23 competition and will work with Member States to ensure maximum participation in this event. We would particularly like to thank Softball NSW, Softball Queensland and Softball Victoria for their ongoing support.
In June, the Australian Open Men’s Team, Aussie Steelers, competed at the XIV WBSC Men’s Softball World Championship in Saskatoon, Canada. The Steelers began their campaign well, winning five of the seven rounds games, however the playoffs proved more difficult with losses to eventual winners Canada, and third-placed Venezuela.
DEVELOPMENT CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS
In collaboration with the ASC, Softball Australia has adopted the Club Health Check survey. This online self-assessment tool addresses a number of factors that are crucial to the success of a well- run club/association. The STARCLUB online assessment tool developed by the Office for Recreation and Sport South Australia is the club assessment tool being used by softball clubs and associations in South Australia.
Over 134 softball clubs and associations completed the ASC Club Health Check, and of those, almost 60% have identified and addressed key areas for improvement and progressed to implement those changes. Member State and Association Coordinators have contributed to this success, and Softball Australia has implemented a Club Development Internship Program in partnership with Deakin University, which resulted in the recruitment of two interns to provide additional support.
A dedicated club development website, Homeplate, was released to support affiliates in starting, running or growing their club or association. By the end of June, 160 registrations had been achieved on the Homeplate website, benefiting from the multitude of resources available.
Softball Australia is committed to investing in people - on the ground in every state - to provide affiliates with tailored support to become more effective, efficient and sustainable. Club/Association Coordinators have been appointed in Queensland and Victoria, with Softball ACT, Softball NT and Softball WA having executed collaboration agreements.
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MYSOFTBALL COMMUNITY
An important part of the Whole of Softball initiative has been the introduction of mySoftball Community. The National Membership Database, Website and Competition Module training commenced in June and will continue over several months. This suite of technology will provide great benefits to everyone, including online registration, secure online payment option, communication, real-time information, payment splitting, and permit and clearance management.
ORGANISATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY
MARKETING AND MEDIA
Our biggest sponsorship agreement was announced, joining forces with Community Training Initiatives (CTI). CTI will provide education opportunities for Victorian softball members.
Softball hit the airwaves with four events televised on Fox Sports and watched by more than 116,000: Open Women's and Open Men's finals, Open Men's regional qualification and the Down Under Series. Our social media platforms continue to be an effective tool to reach our members and the softball community. Reporting on al national championships was available on multiple platforms, resulting in more than 14,500 new followers. We will continue to use live streaming to promote the sport and engage with new and existing members.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Softball Australia inducted four new faces into the Hall of Fame in 2014. Former national team players Tracey Mosley Kylie Cronk, Danica Howlett and umpire Diane Waller.
We welcomed a number of new staff. Jim Dorash, Marketing Manager, Matthew Horne, mySoftball Community Manager and Ben Utting, Sport Development Manager. We also embarked on a successful internship program, which has seen six interns assisting with mySoftball Community, Club Health Checks, and marketing. We also welcomed our new Board member, Ron Gauci, appointed in May.
These achievements would not be possible without the dedication, hard work and support of the thousands of volunteers involved week in, week out at our clubs, associations and states, without whom we could not provide opportunities for the community to participate in our sport.
To our Member State Presidents, State Executive Officers and staff who contribute enormously to the ongoing growth and success in our sport at state and territory level, I would like to offer Softball Australia’s thanks and appreciation.
I would also like to acknowledge the Board, and staff of Softball Australia, who are all committed to the continual growth of the sport and work tirelessly to ensure it continues to prosper and provide opportunities to participate.
Chet Gray CEO
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MESSAGE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION
The past year has seen considerable success and progress for Australian sport on the world stage, for the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and our elite sport partners and athletes.
The Government’s 2014–15 investment of nearly $120 million continues to be refined to ensure funding is aligned to sports with the greatest potential to contribute to Australia’s Winning Edge 2012–2022 targets and maximise our chances at success.
Since Winning Edge was launched, the AIS re-allocated $20 million of high performance funding among sports and boosted direct athlete funding (dAIS) by $3.6 million or 40 per cent.
The Sports Tally 2015 — the annual report card for Australian sports — revealed promising signs as we gear up for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, while highlighting some of the challenges presented by our performance at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
In March the Commission launched Play.Sport.Australia. — our plan to help NSOs build participation in sport and make sure all Australians enjoy its benefits. Sports have the opportunity to attract more than 4.5 million Australians into their communities. It’s important that we work together to ensure that more Australians, particularly young Australians, participate in sport more often and that we have strong organisations that deliver the products and opportunities Australians want.
Some highlights in 2014-15 included:
o Personal excellence — The most significant athlete wellbeing program in AIS history, incorporating myAISPlaybook — a new high performance athlete learning and development platform. o AIS Sports Draft — Athletes selected in this fast-tracked development came together at the AIS to share their journeys as they transition to Olympic or Commonwealth Games sports. o AIS Centre for Performance Coaching and Leadership — More than 45 coaches graduated from the centre, providing development and mentoring for our brightest coaches and administrators.
As our attention starts to focus on Rio and the major events leading up to the Games, I look forward to the ASC teaming up with your organisation to help put our athletes in the best possible position and enhance our chances of success.
John Wylie AM Chair Australian Sports Commission
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ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John Hollingsworth (Chairman) (elected October 2014) Dennis Cullen Annette Fidge Ron Gauci (app May 2015) Peter Jon Hartshorne Christine Heron Helen Langenberg Michelle Nancarrow
STAFF
Chet Gray Chief Executive Officer Ben Utting (com 2015) Sport Development Manager Jim Dorash (com Dec 2014) Marketing Manager Matthew Horne (com Dec 2014) mySoftball Community Manager Tony Milligan National Teams’ Operations Manager Helen Davis Office Manager Shane Cantelmi Product Development Coordinator Kere Johanson Australian Women’s Head Coach Tim Hatzi Club Development Coordinator Joanne Paez Participation Coordinator Hari Prasad Finance Coordinator Rafael Martins ICT Coordinator Brooke Wilkins Technical Project Coordinator Richard Costantino Teams’ and Events Administrator Margo Koskelainen OAM Honorary Softball Australia Historian Geoff Rietschel (dept 2015) Membership & Participation Manager Justin Nelson (dept 2014) Marketing Manager Kylie Bloodworth (dept 2014) Technical Event Operations Coordinator
STATE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Paul Grogan (ACT) Cathy Kerr (NSW) Nicky Baldwin (NT) Sue Nisbet (Qld) James Harris (SA) John Milbourne (Tas) Joanne Phillips (Vic) Vince del Prete (WA) (Acting)
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OUR COMMITTEES
FINANCE COMMITTEE NATIONAL SCORING COMMITTEE
Annette Fidge, Committee Chair Ngaire Huston (Qld) – Chief Statistician Dennis Cullen Michael Hannelly (NSW) Chet Gray Lindy Rattigan (SA) Hari Prasad Kirsty Andrews (Qld) John Hollingsworth Sandra Palmer (NSW) Chris Trengove (Vic)
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE NATIONAL UMPIRING COMMITTEE Christine Heron, Committee Chair Patricia Sibraa (Qld) National UIC/UIC Operations Michelle Nancarrow Leigh Evans (Vic) UIC – Technical Chet Gray Debbie Grove (Vic) UIC – Development Helen Langenberg Amanda Houison (NSW) UIC – Communication John Hollingsworth Bridget Cameron (Qld) Communications Kyira Cox (NSW) Communications Yvonne Kahler (Qld) Development Darren Sibraa (Qld) Technical
AWARDS & RECOGNITION COMMITTEE PRESIDENTS’ COMMISSION Jo Paez (Softball Australia) John Hollingsworth Margo Koskelainen OAM (Vic) Peter Jon Hartshorne Mark Jeppesen (Qld) Phillip Powell (ACT) Neville Lawrance (SA) Andrew Dodshon (NSW) Audrey McLaughlin AM (Qld) Cathie Allen (NT) Kylie Bloodworth Mark Jeppesen (Qld) Steve Trzcinski (SA) Sheryl Burnie (Tas) Jenny Holliday (Vic) Gary Butler (WA)
FUNDRAISING & MARKETING PRODUCTS COMMITTEE John Hollingsworth (Director) Annette Fidge (Director) Peter Jon Hartshorne (Director) Christine Heron (Director) Chet Gray (Softball Australia) Jim Dorash (Softball Australia) Jim Dorash (Softball Australia) Joanne Paez (Softball Australia) Roger Maddern (Vic) Shane Cantelmi (Softball Australia) Jason Greenhalgh (Qld) Jody Neilsen (NSW) Donna Carbis (Vic) Erin Sandford (Qld)
INSURANCE STEERING COMMITTEE NATIONAL EVENTS COMMITTEE Geoff Rietschel (Softball Australia) Tony Milligan (Softball Australia) John Allan (NSW) Brooke Wilkins (Softball Australia) Steve Wagner (Qld) Justin Nelson (Softball Australia) Joanne Phillips (Vic) Kere Johanson (Softball Australia) Patricia Sibraa (Qld) Ngaire Houston (Qld) Cathy Kerr (NSW) Sue Nisbet (Qld) Kim McGovern (ACT) Sheryl Burnie (Tas)
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MEMBER RECOGNITION
2014 SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Tracey Mosley, Kylie Cronk, Danica Howlett, Diane Waller
2014 VIVIENNE TRIPLETT UMPIRE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Richard Barrow
2014 SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA SERVICE AWARDS
The Softball Australia Service Award recognises significant contributions by any member (player or non- player) who has given at least 10 years noteworthy service to softball in Australia.
New South Wales Joanne Corrigan, Maryke Gyzen, Donna Post, Katrina Smith, Stephen Smith, Phil Wardley, Fred Williams, Rhonda Williams
Queensland Nichole Bullock, Mike Embrey, Margaret Gorman, Jamie Harries, Janelle Hicks, Valerie Horne, Ian Johnson, Kenneth McIntyre, Damien Maahs, Wendy Mathieson, Robert Murphy, Tracey Murphy, Tina Thorburn, Michael Underhill
TEAM SPORT AUSTRALIA AWARD
In the 50th year of celebrations for the world champion 1965 Australian Women’s Softball team, members were invited to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame 2015 Golden Moments dinner where they were presented with the Team Sport Australia Award for their significant contribution to Australia's sporting history. The Australian team were represented by eight players and one of the coaching staff at the dinner.
Recognition by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame is considered to be the highest national sporting honour that can be bestowed. Our 1965 softball greats are in the top echelon of Australian sport and share that recognition with, amongst others, The Invincibles (1948 Ashes Tour), Hockeyroos and Kookaburras (Hockey), successful Davis Cup teams (Tennis), relay teams (Swimming).
The International Softball Federation staged the World Championship series in Melbourne and although the USA team was clear favourite, the Australians overcame the Americans 1-0 in the final.
Midge Nelson, 1985 Sport Australia Hall of Fame inductee, accepted the Award on the team's behalf.
1965 Australian Women’s Team
*Gladys Phillips (Captain) *Elinor McKenzie Marjorie Watkins (nee Scott) Nancy Whittingham (Vice Captain) Helena Coughlan (nee Meehan) Sandra Somerville Norma Woods (nee Allsopp) Nina Menner Margaret Swann Margaret Dodds Midge Nelson Lorraine Woolley Rita Guy (nee Gherardin) *Judy Pizaro
Team staff
*Myrtle Edwards (Coach) *Bess Dornan (Scorer) Merle Short (Manageress) Audrey McLaughlin (Assistant Coach)
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50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
At the inaugural Down Under Series in February at Blacktown International Sportspark, members of the 1965 Australian Open Women’s team celebrated the anniversary of their historic win, marking exactly 50 years to the day when the team claimed the inaugural 1965 World Championship in Melbourne.
Members of CTI Aussie Spirit and CTI Aussie Pride attended the celebration luncheon hosted by Fiona Crawford who introduced each team member to a standing ovation. These amazing women provided a great insight into what made them such a successful team. The support and respect they had for each other was clearly evident 50 years on.
Recognised on the diamond prior to the game between CTI Open Women and Toyota Red Terriers, each team member was introduced and led out by junior members of the Sutherland Shire Storm Club dressed in their green Softball Batter Up tee-shirts and caps, who were then presented with a bat, signed by each team member, and a backpack.
Members of CTI Open Women presented each of the 1965 team members with their Australian cap and player number.
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME RECIPIENTS
TRACEY MOSLEY
Tracey Mosley was selected as the 163rd player to represent the Australian women’s team, Aussie Spirit. A dual Olympian and four time World Championship player, Tracey's international softball career spanned 20 years.
Tracey's first international competition was the 1991 ISF World Junior Softball Championship in Adelaide. It wasn't long before Tracey made her debut on the Australian Open Women's team tour to China in 1992.
Tracey was a regular in the team until 1996 when she took a break from the game. She returned refreshed and stronger to force her way back into the team selected to compete in the 2002 ISF World Championship.
Tracey then went on to compete at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, and the 2006 and 2010 ISF Open Women's World Championships.
During her playing career, Tracey accumulated 288 international playing caps, placing her in the Top 20 Aussie Spirit Player List. She has two bronze Women's World Championship medals (1994, 2006) and a silver and bronze Olympic medal (2004, 2008).
During her career Tracey twice won the Midge Nelson Batting Award (2002 and 2007) and the 2009 Most Valuable Player at the Edebone/Weber Cup.
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KYLIE CRONK
In 2005, Kylie debuted in the Australian Women’s Softball Team, Aussie Spirit in a series against New Zealand in Blacktown, Sydney. From there, she continued her representative career in the Aussie Spirit team, attending such tournaments as the Canada Cup, US World Cup, Japan, Cup, China Cup and international tours of New Zealand and Europe. She made her first ISF Women's World Championship team in 2006 where the team secured a bronze medal.
In 2008, Kylie was part of the bronze medal winning team at the Beijing Olympic Games. Kylie participated in her second ISF Women's World Championship in 2010 in Caracas, Venezuela. She represented her state, Queensland, at U16, U19, U23 and open level.
DANICA HOWLETT
Danica became involved in softball at the age of 4 playing t-ball.
Danica represented her State, New South Wales, at U16 (1993-94) and U19 (1995-97). In 1998, Danica was named Vice Captain of the U19 Women’s team. She represented Australia from 2001-2008.
In 2001, Danica made her debut for Australia at the Hawaii Cup and became a member of the Australian Institute of Sport softball squad.
Danica played college softball for the University of Arkansas from 1998-2002.
DIANE WALLER
Diane played softball for 13 years, and with husband Phil was involved in the committee for Oakwood Park Softball Club in Dandenong, Victoria.
As a club coach of the U14 and B Reserve teams, Diane wanted to improve her knowledge of the rules to help her become a better coach. In 1988 she started to take on the club's umpire duties each week and, as they say, the rest is history. Diane attended a Level 1 umpiring course in 1989 conducted by Lyn Bishop from the Victorian Umpiring Committee, and this is where the umpiring journey commenced. A member of the Victorian Umpiring Committee for a number of years, undertaking many roles such as the Allocations Manager, Diane was also a member on the Examinations Sub- Committee.
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6 in 2001, and then gained her International Softball Federation certificate in 2004. Diane was the State Director of Umpiring for Victoria from July 2007 until July 2008.
Nationally, Diane has been a Tournament Chief Umpire or Deputy/Examiner since 2002, and umpired her first Grand Final at the 2003 U19 Women's National Championship in Canberra, while her first plate at open women's was at the Gilley's Shield in 2007. Between 1997 and 2010 Diane has umpired up to three National Championships each year.
Diane's service to Softball Australia has spanned 27 years and included more than 33 national events and over 200 international games, including multiple World Championships and the 2008 Olympics.
Diane announced her retirement in 2014.
RETIREMENTS
PHIL WALLER
Phil’s service to Softball Victoria started in 1992 as a coach and in 1989 as an umpire. From 1996, he umpired at every Victorian State Championship and acted in varying roles (Assessor, Deputy Tournament Chief Umpire and Tournament Chief Umpire. Phil travelled to Canberra and umpired at the Canberra Skins for four years to develop his on- diamond skills.
Phil umpired more than 30 national championships, including:
o 2013 ISF X Junior Women’s World Championship o 2012 Australian vs Japan Test Series o 2010 SAL Men’s International Test Series o 2010 Australian U19 Women’s Test Series o 2009 Trans-Tasman Umpire Exchange o 2005 Plate on his first Australian Championship Grand Final (U23 Women, Brisbane)
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MEMBERSHIP
The overwhelming response from Members States at the 2014 AGM to implement a flat fee membership model led to a review of our membership categories, which now reflect age-based, as opposed to product-based categories. Our model now provides great incentive for states to grow and allows Softball Australia to consolidate financially.
MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS BY STATE
The following table shows membership numbers for this reporting period.
State Winter Summer Total per state ACT - 1,142 1,142 NSW 940 8,958 9,898 NT 306 - 306 QLD 2,291 3,352 5,643 SA - 2,419 2,419 TAS - 477 477 VIC 145 2,552 2,697 WA 975 2,239 3,214 Total 4,657 21,139 25,796
ASSOCIATION COORDINATORS
A commitment to our Member States has seen Softball Australia invest in the appointment of Association Coordinators to assist each state’s ability to provide support to their affiliates. The Coordinators will support our affiliates to build capacity in their clubs, nurture sustainability and fuel participation growth. It’s a big win for club development.
SOCIAL 7S
Social 7s, Softball Australia’s new slowpitch version of the game, has been well received in the community. The social, fast and fun game, combined with its smaller team numbers and lower initial skill requirement, removes some of the barriers to participating in our sport. Social 7s provides opportunities to a new breed of social softballers and aims to increase our overall participation numbers.
SPORTING SCHOOLS
Sporting Schools is the $100 million investment by the Australian Government that aims to get schools kids more active, more often. It offers funding to schools to engage sporting organisations to run sporting programs before, during or after school.
Softball Australia has received more than 200 program requests in the first phase of the Sporting Schools Programs indicating there is strong demand for softball. With over 5,000 schools likely to be involved, we can expect that number to climb significantly over the next three years. Our ability to recruit coaches is the biggest challenge we face, but we must provide qualified and registered coaches to conduct programs to realise any benefits in terms of recruitment. If Softball Australia is successful in meeting the initial demand
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we will reach more than 10,000 children in Terms 3 and 4. The Softball Batter Up program is being delivered in Sporting Schools and continues to evolve as a great tool for recruitment.
LITTLE LEAGUE
The Little League pilot program in WA has generated a lot of interest and more states are looking at ways that this program could be successful for them. As the biggest sporting organisation in the world (over 2.6 million players worldwide) it offers a fantastic pathway opportunity. It is the ultimate goal to have a fully- fledged national competition with the winner of the Australian Little League Softball Championship receiving direct entry to the Little League World Series in the USA.
INSURANCE
JLT Sport, national brokers of the insurance and risk management program, has provided savings and improved benefits to the seven states who have come on board. Our goal is to have a fully-participated program, which will benefit all our members, and achieve the most effective and efficient administration of our sport.
THE FUTURE
Our 2014-17 Strategic Plan has provided clear direction and focus resulting in more streamlined operations, both internally and collectively. We will continue to take positive steps towards achieving more clearly defined outcomes under the guidance of our Strategic Plan, and we are making commitments to stakeholders that will increase capacity.
In this highly competitive market, we are faced with a great challenge to grow our sport, we will remain vigilant and achieve the best outcomes for our members.
Ben Utting Sport Development Manager
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MARKETING
The marketing department is responsible for the business and communications for Softball Australia and the interaction between the softball community, sponsors, media and other key stakeholders.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Softball Australia ramped up its usage of key social media channels, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, to get the word out about our players and teams competing around the globe. Facebook is the ‘medium of choice’ to spread the news and Twitter has also seen significant growth. Fans have been able to watch national championships on our YouTube Channel through game highlights and full replays of the Open Women’s Championship (Gilley’s Shield), Open Men’s Championship (John Reid Shield) and the Softball Australia Down Under Series.
We continue to communicate with our members through our monthly e-newsletter, Pitch the News and in May, the inaugural Homeplate News, dedicated to clubs and associations, was launched. This newsletter compliments the Homeplate website designed to provide all clubs and associations with the information and support they need to operate and work towards financial viability.
The inaugural Softball Australia Down Under Series, played at Blacktown International Sportspark in February, saw live streaming of softball games for the first time. Match-ups featuring the touring Japan Toyota Red Terriers of the Japan Women’s Softball League up against CTI Aussie Pride, CTI Open Women and a NSW Invitational teams can be viewed on Softball Australia’s YouTube channel. The Down Under Series also featured the first ever online ticket sales for a tournament. The process was flawless and will be utilised during the 2016 Down Under Series and men’s and women’s championships commencing in January 2016.
MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
We continue to work tirelessly to develop relationships with the media to spread the word about softball throughout the community. Chris Coleman of ABC Grandstand Sports has been a great supporter of softball and we are looking to add Flourish PR to assist in developing activities and opening doors to sport and lifestyle media as well as creating opportunities to promote softball and maximise our fundraising and work with Indigenous communities.
In 2014-15, Fox Sports broadcast four games to over 116,000 viewers. The games included the men’s Oceanic Qualifier in New Zealand for the 2015 Men’s World Softball Championship along with the Women’s Gilley Shield Final, the Men’s National Championship and a Down Under Series game featuring CTI Open Women and Toyota Japan Red Terriers. ESPN stepped up to the plate in May and broadcast games from the 2015 US College Softball Women’s World Series played in the USA. Games were broadcast live and featured Aussie girls Georgia Casey and Steph Trzcinski. ESPN are looking to expand their coverage of softball in 2015-16.
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SPONSORSHIP AND SALES
Sponsorship and sales are vital as we seek financial viability and become less reliant on government funding. In September 2014, naming rights to the women’s national teams, Aussie Spirit and Aussie Pride, were sold to Community Training Initiative (CTI), an online education provider with strong ties to the Melbourne Victory (A-League) and Melbourne United (NBL). CTI will provide education opportunities for Victorian softball members.
The ASC remains our key partner with the most significant financial contribution to the organisation’s operations. Other businesses to partner with Softball Australia include:
o Greatrex Australia Sports Apparel - official apparel provider of national team jerseys and travel garments o Stage and Screen - new travel management provider o Virgin Australia - providing special discounts to state and national team players o Sportslink International - assists family, friends and fans of our national team traveling overseas o Aussie Sparks - providing international development tours for U15 boys to New Zealand and U15 girls to California o Addlon Easton - official equipment provider to our national teams
Heading into 2015-16, we will transfer all Corporate Club sponsors to the newly created Softball Australia Business Network (SABN). The SABN will host network breakfasts throughout Australia providing businesses with softball connections an opportunity to meet likeminded people and create partnerships at all levels of softball - national, state, association and club. The SABN will also be a sponsorship category, providing members an opportunity to promote their product/service to all members of softball in Australia.
EVENTS
Softball Australia runs several national tournaments across Australia. The first national competition each year is for the Gilley’s Shield, Women’s National Softball Championship. In 2015, the Gilley’s Shield was hosted by Softball WA at Mirrabooka with NSW defeating Qld in an extra inning to win the Shield in dramatic fashion for the second consecutive year. The Championship was taped for a delayed broadcast on Fox Sports. The Men’s National Softball Championship was played at Redlands, Queensland in March. The ACT 89ers, behind the pitching of the world’s best pitcher Adam Folkard, won their ninth Championship in the past 10 years. Folkard’s outstanding pitching performance was captured by Fox Sports and televised to over 20,000 viewers. It was the first time in several years that the men’s final was televised nationally.
Softball Australia launched a key international initiative in 2015 with the Down Under Series taking place at the Blacktown International Sportspark in February.
The Toyota Women's Professional Softball Team was formed in 1948, and is one of Japan’s most successful franchises, having won the Japan Women's Softball League Championship eight times, including recent wins in 2010-12 and 2014. The club features two All-American imports: pitcher, Monica Abbott, and position player, Natasha Watley, together with 11 current or former Japanese national team members.
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INTERNS
I have a special thank you to three interns who assisted with communications: Leigh Buglass, a PR student from RMIT, together with Tayla Robertson and Tali Eades from Deakin University’s Sport Management Program all contributed over 100 hours during their internship with Softball Australia.
Jim Dorash Marketing Manager
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HIGH PERFORMANCE AND NATIONAL TEAMS
World Championships were a feature on the high performance calendar with the Open Women (CTI Aussie Spirit), U19 Men (Aussie Colts) and Open Men (Aussie Steelers) leaving our shores to take on the best in the world.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN WOMEN’S TEAM – AUSSIE SPIRIT
In preparation for the 14th ISF Women’s World Softball Championship in Haarlem Holland, CTI Aussie Spirit departed on a 30-day campaign on 27 July, participating in lead-up games and tournaments in Japan and Italy. Stage one of the team’s campaign, in Nagoya, Japan, included games against Japan club teams before taking on China and Japan in a double round robin tournament.
The team travelled to Haarlem on 11 August and participated in a warm-up game against New Zealand in preparation for the opening game of the Championship against Chinese Taipei. Listed in Pool B against Chinese Taipei, Italy, Great Britain, Netherlands, USA, Botswana and the Dominican Republic, the Spirit recorded six wins and one loss to the USA to finish second in their pool. Spirit lost their first game of the playoffs to Japan, 4-0 but came back strongly with a convincing 8-0 win over the Netherlands, and a 7-3 win over Canada, setting up a game against the USA with the winner progressing to the final against Japan.
Despite giving their all, the USA proved too strong for the Australians, winning 8-1, resulting in a bronze medal for CTI Aussie Spirit.
The Down Under Series took place at Blacktown International Sportspark and provided an opportunity for Spirit coaches to introduce newly selected players into the fold and look at playing options for the August 2015 Japan Cup and the 2016 15th ISF Women’s World Softball Championship. Spirit had wins over Pride, 3- 0 and 13-1, and NSW Invitational, 6-0 and 11-0, while conceding two loses to the Toyota Red Terriers, 0-5 and 0-10.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN MEN’S TEAM – AUSSIE STEELERS
Our Open Men’s team, Aussie Steelers, travelled to Auckland, New Zealand, to compete in the International Softball Federation Oceania Qualifier for a place in the 14th Men’s Softball World Championship in Saskatoon, Canada from 11-20 July. Competing teams were Australia, New Zealand and Samoa, with the top two teams gaining entry to the World Championship. In a tightly contested final, world-class pitchers Andrew Kirkpatrick and Adam Folkard shut-out the powerful Black Sox to secure a 1-0 victory.
The trip across the Tasman provided an opportunity for five rookies to test their skills and themselves against the best in the world: Joel Goodall (Vic), Marshall Kronk (Qld), Ryan Tranter (NSW), Ryan Sinclair (Vic) and Peter Wards (NSW).
The team left Australian shores on 11 June 2015 as part of a 26-day campaign to podium finish at the 14th Men’s ISF World Softball Championship in Saskatoon, Canada.
Phase one of the campaign was a 13-day preparation based in Milverton, Canada where the team was billeted by the local community in what has become the Steelers home away from home. Playing a number of local games, the team participated in the Tavistock tournament as a final hit out. The team’s record in Milverton was six wins and two losses and at the Tavistock tournament the team won three of their five matches, although some players were released to other tournament teams to increase the playing opportunities in preparation for the World Championship.
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The team arrived in Saskatoon on 23 June to complete final preparations for the 26 June – 5 July World Championship. In the two-pool round robin phase, the Steelers won five of their seven games to finish second in their pool, collecting wins against Japan, USA, Denmark, Netherlands and Venezuela. The team’s two loses were against the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
The first game of the pool cross over playoffs was against Canada and resulted in a win to Canada 8-3. This meant all remaining games were a must win and any losses would see the team exit the playoffs. Game two of the playoffs was against Japan and the Steelers found form with the bat to record a 3-0 win, setting up a game against Venezuela, the winner of this game continuing on and the loser exiting the competition in fourth place. Unfortunately the team struggled to get things going offensively and ended up losing to Venezuela 4 - 0. The Steelers finished fourth at the World Championship.
AUSTRALIAN U19 WOMEN’S TEAM, CTI AUSSIE PRIDE
The Toyota Red Terriers from the Japanese Pro-Softball League travelled to Australia for their training camp and a series of games against CTI Aussie Spirit, CTI Aussie Pride and a NSW Invitational Team.
Playing against the NSW Women’s All Star Team and the CTI Aussie Spirit was an extremely difficult assignment, however, it was also an amazing learning experience and a chance for the coaches to try things and have their first look at the players in a team environment. Overall, CTI Aussie Pride performed exceptionally well, winning one of their six games against quality opposition.
AUSTRALIAN U19 MEN’S TEAM - AUSSIE COLTS
On 27 June, Aussie Colts embarked on a 23-day campaign to compete at the 10th ISF Junior Men’s World Softball Championship in Whitehorse, Canada. The team arrived in Vancouver, playing a series of warm-up games over three days, as part of an eight-day build up to the Championship, where they played 15 games, winning eight and losing seven.
On 7 July the team travelled to Whitehorse for final preparations before playing New Zealand in their opening game of the Championship. During the round robin, the Colts played nine games, winning six to finish fourth on the competition ladder.
NATIONAL BATTERY PROGRAM
A major high performance initiative is the National Battery Program. Feedback from National Head Coaches and National Team performance has demonstrated that greater depth and improved performance is a critical element of sustained success at international level. National and state Battery Coaches (Facilitators) have been appointed, funding approved and clinics and training sessions have commenced. Multiple clinics, battery player assessment and ongoing training will soon be in full swing.
Tony Milligan National Teams’ & Events Manager
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MYSOFTBALL COMMUNITY
In September 2014, with the assistance of Softball Victoria, the new Fox Sports Pulse system was piloted for the 2014/15 summer season. The pilot was successful in displaying aspects of the system that worked well, and those that required refinement.
In December, Matthew Horne was appointed CRM Implementation Manager, responsible for reviewing, testing and implementing the new system throughout Australia. Early 2015 saw Matthew working closely with Fox Sports Pulse to resolve issues identified during the pilot stage prior to progressing to the user acceptance testing stage. In addition, Matthew presented the system and its benefits to all state leadership teams.
In February, the project was rebranded mySoftball Community, as in Matthew’s words, “the project is more than just CRM technology. It is about knowing ALL the great people who have some involvement in our game. It is not just software, it is changing our mindset away from just being aware of our players, to seeing and recognising all the administrators, officials, coaches, volunteers and the staff who all put in long hours to make softball a success”.
In June, training commenced with super-users in key centres, followed by webinars and face-to-face training in all states. Daily training will continue through to September 2015 with Matthew achieving some great statistics along the way:
60 hours of webinars
180 hours of face-to-face training
10 flights
5,400kms of driving
30 different locations
Training will take place in Far North Queensland and the Northern Territory towards the end of 2015 at the request of the respective State/Territory.
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PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
The importance of introducing new, and reinforcing existing products to achieve Softball Australia’s goal of at least 5% annual growth over a three-year period has been reflected in the 2014-17 Strategic Plan and signed off by all Member States.
Four key areas were identified and a Products Committee established to drive each of these areas:
o Social o Little League o Masters o National Junior Recruitment Program (Softball Batter Up)
SOCIAL
In 2013, Softball Australia identified the need to offer alternative forms of the game to meet the changing expectations of the Australian population and how they prefer to access recreation opportunities.
Social 7s was established as Softball Australia’s preferred social softball product, offering gameplay that is fast, fun and easy to play with a finance and registration model that offers significant revenue opportunities for competition providers.
The gameplay was trialled in competition format for the first time at the 2014 Victorian Teachers’ Games, held in September. Played by a predominantly non-softball audience, participant feedback was extremely positive, giving confidence to expand its rollout.
The Social 7s product provides an offering that is attractive to previously untapped markets, such as corporates and universities.
Early in 2015, Softball Australia ran Social 7s competitions in Melbourne and Sydney for alcohol beverage company, Bacardi Lion. Delivered again to a predominantly non-softball audience, these opportunities allowed Softball Australia to capture new members and at the same time generate revenue, a model that Softball Australia will look to further utilise.
Softball Australia worked closely with one of its key stakeholders, Australian University Sport (AUS), to help deliver a Social 7s competition in May at Unibattle, AUS’s new event for alternative sports. The gameplay was well received by students and Softball Australia will look to establish the product in universities across the country.
Social 7s also offers a great additional product offering for affiliates, to attract new members and revenue.
The Southern Tasmanian Softball Association ran a Social 7s competition for five teams from April to June, attracting 30 new members and generating income through game fees and bar and kiosk sales.
A website for Social 7s is being developed, intended to:
o provide Social 7s information and resources o allow competition providers to register and manage their competition online o allow teams and individuals to register to competitions
The intended URL for the website is www.social7s.com.au.
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LITTLE LEAGUE
Little League softball is a US-based program for U13 girls, available worldwide. The most exciting element of Little League softball is the pathway opportunity for all players through tournament play, culminating in a ‘World Series’ held annually in the US and televised by ESPN.
In Australia, Little League softball has been played exclusively in WA for the past two seasons, leading to significant growth for Softball WA in their junior girls’ numbers. Prior to the introduction of Little League,
WA had six teams at U13 girls’ level. This has now grown to 24 teams, a 400% increase.
Softball WA ran their 2015 Little League State Championship with the Southern Sensations crowned champions and gaining entry to the 2015 Asia-Pacific Qualifier. The Qualifier was held in the Philippines, with the Illam Central Little League defeating the Southern Sensations to advance to the Little League Softball World Series in Portland, Oregon, in August.
Softball Australia intends on making Little League available nationally, including a fully-fledged national competition with the winner of the Australian Little League Softball Championship receiving direct entry to the Little League World Series in the USA.
MASTERS
The popularity of Masters softball in Australia continues to grow, with participant numbers at multisport and softball-specific events at record numbers. At the 2014 Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games, there were over 1,800 softball participants and there is an expectation that close to 1,000 participants will take part in the 2015 Australian Masters Games in Adelaide in October.
State run Masters events/competitions also continue to grow. Softball Queensland’s Masters event has increased in numbers over the past two years, from 88 teams in 2013, to 96 teams in 2014 and jumping again to 106 teams in 2015. Softball Victoria had 35 teams at their Masters event in 2013, climbing to 44 teams in 2014 and holding steady with 45 teams at their 2015 event.
Shane Cantelmi Product Development Coordinator
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SOFTBALL BATTER UP
Prior to the start of the summer season, every club and association received a Softball Batter Up (SBU) Welcome Pack CD containing all the necessary resources to conduct a successful program, including:
o Participant registration forms o SBU participant certificates o SBU Coaches Manual o SBU Operations Manual o Kids Zone Operation Manual o SBU letterhead o SBU logos o Media releases and advertisements o Posters and flyers
In May 2014, a Product Project Team was established to identify, develop, evaluate and deliver a range of products that would effectively and efficiently contribute to increased membership growth of at least 5% annually for three years.
The Team’s first task was to conduct a SWOT analysis, collecting information on the current national junior recruitment program, and providing recommendations, endorsed by the Member States, directed at delivering a truly national program.
Recommendations included:
o online registration on the SBU website that would directly populate the national database o full payment to be made at the time of registration with the gateway enabling the registration fee to be split between Softball Australia and the SBU provider o establishing a nationally standardised participant welcome pack which Member States would be required to pre-order leading up to the 2015-16 summer season o development of an online induction program o SBU programs to be of a defined duration (4 to 10 sessions) o SBU to be provided by Member States for participants aged 4-12 years o shorter programs to be provided for Sporting Schools (pending introduction in 2015)
Softball NSW affiliates conducted SBU Tee ball, Softball Tasmania and Softball ACT conducted school holiday programs, and Softball Northern Territory continued to deliver to remote Indigenous communities. Clubs and associations are delivering modified forms of games at junior entry levels including Blast Ball, Diamond Ball, Coach Pitch, and Tee Ball. These modified games are elements that form part of the SBU program. Clubs and associations are encouraged to use the SBU brand when promoting entry level competition and modified games.
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COACHES FOR SPORTING SCHOOLS
The ASC’s preference is for schools to run national programs through Sporting Schools. Softball Australia’s national program is Softball Batter Up.
Coaches must be endorsed by their National Sporting Organisation (NSO) to deliver SBU in schools. To receive endorsement, coaches must have completed Softball Community Coaching Program or hold a National Coaching Accreditation Scheme Level 1, or above.
SOFTBALL COMMUNITY COACHING PROGRAM ONLINE INDUCTION PROGRAM
The challenge to meet current and future requests for softball is to build a suitably qualified coaching workforce. To assist with this demand, Softball Australia has developed the Softball Community Coaching Program Online Induction Program using SCCP resources. Participants can register as an SBU provider and be eligible to deliver the program at their club, association and in the Sporting Schools program.
SCHOOL SOFTBALL COMPETITIONS
School participation continues to grow with 2,490 primary and 1,261 secondary school teams participating in school softball competitions around the country, a total of 45,012 participants, compared to 33,816 participants in 2013-14.
Joanne Paez Participation Coordinator
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COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Softball Australia is one year into its three-year Club and Association Development plan, which is a key strategy in achieving overall growth and sustainability. Supporting our affiliates in improving the way they operate, building their capacity to grow and ensuring their sustainability, will contribute significantly to achieving Softball Australia’s strategic objective of at least 5% annual growth of registered members by 2017. The following strategies and initiatives have taken place over the past financial year.
CLUB DEVELOPMENT
INVESTMENT IN FACE-TO-FACE AFFILIATE SUPPORT
Face-to-face support is a proven strategy in helping affiliates improve how they operate and assisting them to address their needs. Softball Australia is committed to investing in people – on the ground in every state – to provide affiliates with tailored support to become more effective, efficient and sustainable. To date, Softball Australia has contributed to the implementation of Association Coordinators in Queensland and Victoria and signed Collaboration Agreements with Softball ACT, Softball NT and Softball SA, realising a financial contribution by Softball Australia of more than $210,000 towards funding seven Association Coordinator positions.
HOMEPLATE - ONLINE DEDICATED CLUB DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE FOR AFFILIATES
Softball Australia has released a dedicated online club development resource, Homeplate, designed to support affiliates in starting, running or growing their club or association.
Homeplate is a one-stop shop of tools, templates, resources and best practice examples designed to complement the ASC’s Club Health Check aimed at helping clubs and associations identify how they are operating. Addressing the key areas identified by the Health Check is crucial to the success of a well-run club or association and can ultimately lead to building capacity to grow, as well as ensuring ongoing sustainability. As at 30 June 2015, a total of 53 affiliated clubs and associations have registered, and are benefiting from the resources available.
The inaugural Homeplate News, a monthly newsletter to clubs and associations, was launched in June. The newsletter will keep affiliates up-to-date with what’s happening in the world of softball. Each month it features a club success story as well as information relevant to best practice including governance, planning, volunteer management and more.
ASC CLUB HEALTH CHECK
Since 2013, 170 softball clubs and associations have completed the Club Health Check, with 50% having put in place relevant actions to address key areas identified for improvement, and have made significant developments in doing so. The work of each of our Member States and their Association Coordinators has contributed to this success.
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NATIONAL CLUB DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
On 20 May, representatives from all states and Softball Australia gathered at Keilor Park Softball Association, Victoria to discuss key initiatives, both current and under development, to support affiliates in starting, running and growing their club or association. The workshop demonstrates the sport’s commitment to club development as a major strategy in building the capacity of clubs and associations to grow participation and ensure ongoing sustainability.
Topics discussed included Homeplate website, mySoftball Community, National Affiliation Standards, revenue generating ideas and Sporting Schools. Presenters included Softball Australia staff: Club and Community Development Coordinator, Tim Hatzi, mySoftball Community Manager, Matthew Horne, Sport Development Manager, Ben Utting, Marketing Manager, Jim Dorash, and Softball Victoria Association Coordinator, Kerrie Laverick. Kerrie provided insight into key issues facing clubs and associations in Victoria, the importance of good governance and a case study on Waverley Softball Association and the strategies they are implementing to grow participation.
Softball Australia would like to thank all attendees and presenters for their positive and valuable contribution to the success of the day:
Softball ACT Paul Grogan, CEO Phillip Powell, President Rebecca Powell, Office Manager Softball NSW Jody Neilsen, Project Coordinator Softball Qld Karen Robe, Association Coordinator Softball SA James Harris, Executive Officer Softball Tas Ev Seabourne, Development Officer Softball Vic Kerrie Laverick, Association Coordinator Softball WA Vince Del Prete, Acting CEO
CLUB DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
In March, Softball Australia, in partnership with Deakin University, implemented a Club Development Internship Program resulting in the recruitment of two interns to assist with club development to provide support and advice to associations and clubs. This Program has been highly successful and we will continue our partnership with Deakin University in the next financial year.
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LEAGUE LADDER
A number of clubs have experienced impressive growth in membership. To better identify where that growth is reflected, a League Ladder - showing the top 20 clubs and associations (with a membership base of greater than 50) - has been established from data provided by Member States for the past three years. All 20 clubs have achieved a minimum 5% membership growth over that time and are to be congratulated.
CLUB NAME ASSOCIATION STATE >5% GROWTH OVER 3 YEARS
1 Craigieburn Softball Club Sunbury Softball Association Vic 950% 2 Multiple clubs* Saturday Afternoon Competition ACT 184% 3 Jackson Panthers Softball Club Sunbury Softball Association Vic 164% 4 Sunbury Softball Association Sunbury Softball Association Vic 141% 5 F Troop Softball Club Redcliffe Softball Association Qld 128% 6 Maitland Softball Club Newcastle Softball Association NSW 115% 7 Echunga Softball Club Hills Softball Association Inc SA 102% 8 Saints Softball Club Wagga Wagga Softball Association NSW 97% 9 Sherwood Knights Softball Club Sunbury Softball Association Vic 72% 10 Hawks Softball Club Mackay Softball Association Qld 61% 11 Comets Softball Club Caboolture Softball Association Qld 59% 12 United Softball Club (CDSA) Central Districts Softball Association SA 48% 13 Sparx Softball Club Maryborough Softball Association Qld 44% 14 Tamworth Softball Club Tamworth Softball Association NSW 42% 15 Bluebirds Softball Club Knox Softball Association Vic 36% 16 Cougars Softball Club Redcliffe Softball Association Qld 36% 17 Fremantle Rebels Softball Club South East Metropolitan Softball WA 27% Association 18 Bosco Softball Club Sutherland Shire Softball Association NSW 11% 19 Redsox Softball Club Brisbane Softball Association Qld 11% 20 Wahroonga Softball Club North Shore Softball Association NSW 11%
* Denotes not individual clubs
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INDIGENOUS SOFTBALL PROGRAM
The Indigenous Softball Program continued to build capacity for Indigenous communities throughout Australia to organise and manage the delivery of softball programs and competitions.
Softball Australia’s aim is to provide opportunities for Indigenous people of all ages and abilities to become involved in sport and recreation through softball, increasing the social connectedness within communities and allowing them to develop the skills required to organise and manage sustainable softball programs.
In collaboration with Member States, program partners and participating urban, rural, and remote communities, the following outcomes were achieved:
o 5,819 Indigenous participants involved in softball activities o 244 Indigenous participants involved in the management of softball programs and competitions o 130 softball activities delivered to Indigenous participants o 212 Indigenous participants successfully attained coaching and officiating accreditation o 110 Indigenous participants with a disability involved in softball activities
In March, Softball Australia secured funding of $70,000 from the Australian Government under the new Government Funding Program – The Indigenous Advancement Strategy. In collaboration with our Member States, this funding enables Softball Australia to continue its involvement with targeted communities to provide opportunities for Indigenous communities to participate in softball activities to improve their health and physical wellbeing and provide increased social benefits.
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SOFTBALL FOR ALL
Softball Australia is committed to ensuring that softball is an inclusive and accessible sport for people of all ages, cultures, gender and abilities at all levels.
Since its membership with the National Sport Inclusion Alliance (NSIA) in 2014, Softball Australia has developed a database of 34 clubs and associations that actively promote and cater for people with a disability and other disadvantaged groups to identify the sport’s level of accessibility. Softball Australia is looking to grow this database to more than 100 clubs in FY15/16. In addition, it will reinforce its commitment to inclusion at all levels of the sport, develop strategies to minimise or eliminate any gaps or barriers in service or accessibility and by the third year of Softball Australia’s Strategic Plan and partnership with the NSIA, see a significant increase in non-traditional groups accessing and participating in the sport.
Tim Hatzi Club and Community Development Coordinator
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SCORING
The National Scoring Committee (Committee) met regularly to map current trends in scoring, and develop a framework for future development of reference materials.
Key topics included:
o reviewing national tournaments for the 2014/2015 season o discussion regarding staffing for the 2016 National Championships o reviewing the Level 2 Manual o developing a process to keep scorers’ accreditation valid and up-to-date o rolling-out of various iScore modules to complement the current structure o ongoing quality assurance review of games scored at national tournaments o marking Level 4 and re-accreditation game
We witnessed continued support of the national championships, with statisticians providing results, web reporting and official statistics for Softball Australia, national selectors and teams. The Committee has also supported the states with reference material for ongoing training.
INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
o Chris Trengove 2014 ISF 14th Women’s World Championship, Haarlem, Netherlands o Jim Giles 2014 ISF 10th Junior Men’s World Championship, Whitehorse, Canada o Helen Edwards 2015 ISF 14th Men’s World Championship, Saskatoon, Canada
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Committee thanks the statisticians and Tournament Chief Statisticians for their dedication and commitment. It is refreshing to see new faces scoring at events, helping to ensure the ongoing success of the program. Again, the double-championship format in Canberra brought about challenges.
We acknowledge the support of the following Tournament Chief Statisticians: Chris Trengove (Vic), Lynne Eltoft (WA), Kaye Greggs (NSW), Sandra Palmer (NSW), Lindy Rattigan (SA), Kirsty Andrews (Qld), Matt Denkel (Qld).
A special thanks to the following statisticians who volunteered their time to travel interstate to support national events: Sandra Palmer (NSW), Lynne Townsend (NSW), James Townsend (NSW), Lis Hannelly (NSW), Mike Hannelly (NSW), Rowena Whittle (NSW) Lindy Rattigan (SA), Jim Giles (Vic), Ngaire Huston (Qld), Sean Francis (Qld), Mary Walkinshaw (Vic), Angela Forgan (Vic), Kerryn Bell (Vic), Allison Pendelbury (Vic), Lorraine Davies (Vic), Dinah Oakes (NSW), Helen Edwards (Vic)
NATIONAL QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM
The Committee has an active Quality Assurance program to ensure that statisticians are of the highest standard possible. The Committee conducted quality assurance assessments of 91 scorers from 238 games played across the national championships.
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ACCREDITATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The total number of statisticians as at 30 June 2015 was 854.
Total ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA Level 1 547 13 328 1 20 52 25 55 53 Level 2 142 2 77 2 26 1 24 10 Level 3 74 2 42 12 1 1 14 2 Level 4 91 3 33 23 2 3 17 10 854 20 480 1 57 81 30 110 75
RE-ACCREDITATION
The drop off in accredited scorers of all levels is very noticeable to the extent that some states are no longer able to host national championships. It is imperative that states continue to encourage their statisticians to maintain their accreditation.
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
o Scoring accreditation resources on the Softball Australia website continue to be updated o The 2015 rules scoring exam has been developed with the assistance of the National Umpiring Committee o The Level 4 practical exam has been reviewed, updated and distributed
FUTURE PLANS
o Continue developing iScore beginner and advanced courses o Re-accreditation of National Officiating Accreditation Scheme courses o Recommend that Member States review the number of Level 4 accredited scorers within their state, and provide training to better support this vital resource at national championships o Continue plans to work with the Softball New Zealand Scoring Committee to formalise a joint Scoring Manual, with a view to ISF accreditation for statisticians
The Committee expresses its gratitude to Chris Trengove for the work that he has done with the database and iScore, which provides significant timesaving at national events. Thanks also to Mike Hannelly who works tirelessly adding the state team lists to the database for these tournaments.
I wish to extend my thanks to the National Scoring Committee for their continued support and hard work during the year. I also wish to thank the State Directors of Scoring for their willingness to promote the program. Without their commitment and support it would be a difficult task. The Committee brings a varied range of skill-sets, which allows the program to flourish. I appreciate the input from everyone, be it updating the web and National Officiating Accreditation Scheme, programming, preparing for national events, conducting examinations and general day-to-day tasks. Also deserving of thanks are the statisticians who attend national championships; their dedication and professionalism are greatly appreciated.
Ngaire Huston Chief Statistician
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UMPIRING
RECOGNITION
Patricia Sibraa (Qld), Leigh Evans (Vic) and Darren Sibraa (Qld) worked with the International Softball Federation (ISF) Standards Sub Committee to review and help in the technical presentation of rules. Tricia was appointed a section leader for the new ISF rulebook to develop a simplified layout in a new revised international document.
Congratulations to Richard Barrow (Vic), Vivienne Triplett Umpire of the Year Award recipient.
Level 7 umpire recognition was awarded for service to umpiring: Kevin Broomhall (Vic), Jason Carter (Vic), Amanda Houison (NSW), Helen Strauss (Qld), and Phil Waller (Vic).
ACCREDITATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
MANUALS
Level 3/4 Participants Manual has been completed. The Participants and Presenters Manuals are available from State Directors or State Training Coordinators. Work continues on the Community Umpire Manual, Candidates Manual, and Umpire Pathway, and the Assessors Manual was updated.
ASSESSORS COURSE
At the completion of the Australian Championships, an assessor’s course was held at the ACT Australia Day weekend tournament. Assessments were made on how feedback was delivered to umpires, and on their marking procedures. Presenters were Debbie Grove and Darren Sibraa.
NOAS ACCREDITATION
All states have been uploading their level 1 and 2 umpires to the NOAS database. All Level 3 and above umpires can now be uploaded to the NOAS.
There has been some hold up with the re-accreditation of our Level 2 course. The ASC is in the process of changing how re-accreditation works.
NATIONAL ACCREDITATION
The following umpires attained Level 5 accreditation at the combined Australian U17 Girls’ and Boys’ Championships: Andrew Compton (NSW), Dale Kaimoana (Qld), Graeme Love (Qld), Kristina Travers (NSW) and Alan Walsh (Qld).
RETIREMENTS
Softball Australia Umpire Committee retirement: Amanda Houison. International competition retirements: Diane Waller (Vic), Phil Waller (Vic); Australian Championship retirements: Kevin Offer (Vic) and Mark Toft (Qld).
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UMPIRING APPOINTMENTS
INTERNATIONAL
The National Umpiring Program continues to be held in high regard on the international scene with umpires appointed to ISF World Championships and major overseas competitions during the year, including:
10th ISF Junior Men’s World Championship Jason Carter (Vic) Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada 14th ISF Women’s World Championship Leigh Evans (Vic) Haarlem, Netherlands Oceania Men’s World Championship Qualifier Darren Sibraa (Qld), Debbie Grove (Vic), Trevor North Harbour, New Zealand Murphy (Vic) 14th ISF Men’s World Championship Darren Sibraa (Qld) Saskatoon, Canada
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NATIONAL
The following umpires were appointed to Australian Championships.
Neville Lawrance (SA) TCU, David Addlem (Vic), Kyira Cox (NSW), Warren AUSTRALIAN OPEN WOMEN’S Duff (SA), Leanne Gearside (NSW), Janelle Hicks (Qld), Amanda Houison CHAMPIONSHIP (NSW) Yvonne Kahler (Qld), Trevor Murphy (Vic), Mathew Smith (WA), Stuart Tyler (Vic), Steven Suckling (WA) Haydyn Wood (SA)
Darren Sibraa (Qld) TCU, David Addlem (Vic), Brett Atkinson (ACT), Claire AUSTRALIAN U17 GIRLS’ AND Austring (Canada), Kyira Cox (NSW), Andrew Dickson (ACT), Mark Gallagher BOYS’ CHAMPIONSHIP (ACT), Debbie Grove (Vic), Janelle Hicks (Qld), Sarah Houston (ACT), Dale Kaimoana (Qld), Diana Kropp (ACT), Graeme Love (Qld), Robert McIntosh (NSW), Dylan Murdoch (NSW), Leigh Roberts (ACT), Kristina Travers (NSW), Chris Trengove (Vic), Alan Walsh (Qld)
U19 Women: Neville Lawrance (SA) TCU, Leanne Gearside (NSW), Amanda AUSTRALIAN U19 WOMEN’S Houison (NSW), Mark Gallagher (ACT), Stephen Gutteridge (Qld), Jamie CHAMPIONSHIP REGIONAL Harries (Qld), Yvonne Kahler (Qld), George Norrish (NSW), Kevin Offer (Vic), AND U15 GIRLS’ Norelle Thomas (Qld), Steve Wallace-Yarrow (SA), Haydyn Wood (SA) CHAMPIONSHIP
U15 Girls: Kevin Tannebring (SA) TCU, Paul Brooking (SA), Jacqui Crafter (SA), Glenn Harrison (SA), Georgia Keil (NSW), Breanna O’Connor (Qld), Andrew Ray (ACT)Connie Rowe (SA), Peter Samuels(Vic), Kiri Scott (Qld), James Townsend (NSW), Joanne Voltz (Qld), Lindy White (NSW)
U19 Men: Leigh Evans (Vic) TCU, Richard Barrow (Vic), Andrew Compton AUSTRALIAN U19 MEN’S (NSW), Richard Dodds (Vic), Debbie Grove (Vic), Jamie Harries (Qld), Jay CHAMPIONSHIP AND U15 Gibson (NSW), Robert McIntosh (NSW), Jesse Smith (NSW), Kristina Travers BOYS’ REGIONAL (NSW), Haydyn Wood (SA) CHAMPIONSHIP
U15 Boys – Ron Houison (NSW) TCU, Claire Austring (Canada), Rod Bailey (NSW), Andy Birks (NSW), Callum Crase (Qld), Andrew Dickson (ACT), Maryke Gyzen (NSW), Georgia Hill (NSW), Claire Lack (Qld), Darren O’Neill (NSW), Mac Reith-Snare (NSW), Adrian Rampoldi (NSW), Tom Ryan (NSW), Thomas Sutomo (NSW), Jennifer Wormsley (NSW)
Tricia Sibraa (Qld) TCU, Richard Barrow (Vic), David Casey (Qld), Lou Davis AUSTRALIAN OPEN MEN’S (Canada), Leigh Evans (Vic), Graeme Love (Qld), Trevor Murphy (Vic), Andrew CHAMPIONSHIP Rindfleish (NSW), Darren Sibraa (Qld), Chris Trengove (Vic), Stuart Tyler (Vic), Haydyn Wood (SA)
Tricia Sibraa (Qld) TCU, Jason Carter (Vic), David Crowe (NSW), Jay Gibson AUSTRALIAN U23 WOMEN’S (NSW), Janelle Hicks (Qld), Yvonne Kahler (Qld), Robert McIntosh (NSW), AND MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP Darren Sibraa (Qld), Kevin Tannebring (SA), Norelle Thomas (Qld)
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The Softball Australia International Friendship Series was staffed by 27 umpires ranging from Level 1 to international standard. Throughout the tournament, umpires covered 77 games with three umpire rotations.
TECHNICAL PROGRAM
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES
The 2014-2017 Softball Australia Official Playing Rules and Points of Emphasis and Case Book were finalised. The Committee acknowledges Alan McAuliffe for his support in delivering this publication.
ELECTRONIC RULES EXAM
The Committee worked with Bob Crudgington and Sue Dickens (University of Queensland) to secure Blackboard Learn, a free online course management system.
Alan McAuliffe, Jason Carter, Richard Barrow, Darrell Shepherd and Darren Sibraa all contributed to electronic rules exam, with Tricia and Darren instrumental with release of the Australian Rules and Basic Exams online. This was through an invitational process where all participants are required to register.
I would like to acknowledge the help of Darren Sibraa with providing support and feedback on the technical program and also Tricia Sibraa, Alan McAuliffe, Darrell Shephard, Jason Carter and Richard Barrow for help and support in delivering the exam for the National Umpiring Program.
NATIONAL EXAM
In total 289 umpires sat the exam in May, marking an overall 5% decrease from 2014.
o ACT 13 umpires sat the exam, no change o NSW 90 umpires sat the exam, a 10% increase o NT 0 umpires sat the exam, no change o Qld 64 umpires sat the exam, a 5% increase o SA 38 umpires sat the exam, a 12% decrease o Tas 14 umpires sat the exam, 13% decrease o Vic 43 umpires sat the exam, a 19% decrease o WA 27 umpires sat the exam, a 27% decrease
BASIC EXAM
The National Basic Exam provides greater flexibility and an easier pathway for umpire development. The exam is now available through an on-line portal. Sixty-five people have undertaken the exam and it will remain open until May 2016. ISF Development umpires set the Basic Rules Exam, providing a positive development impact. Darren Sibraa supervised this process and was assisted by Haydyn Wood (SA) and Janelle Hicks (Qld).
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COACHING
TRAINING TO COMPETE (LEVEL 3) ONLINE
Softball Australia, in conjunction with Bob Crudgington (Manic Multimedia), have developed and released the online Training to Compete (Level 3) Coach Accreditation Program.
Bob currently lectures in Sports Coaching at the University of Queensland and was formerly Head Coach and High Performance Manager of Softball Australia’s women’s program. He is recognised as an expert in education resource planning and production.
Offering Level 3 online provides coaches with more flexibility to work their way through the coach accreditation pathway and is ideal for coaches living in remote areas. As participants work their way through the program, a learning journal is produced which is assessed at the completion of the course. To finalise their accreditation, participants are required to submit a three to four minute video of themselves teaching a skill, which is assessed and feedback provided.
TRAINING TO WIN (LEVEL 4)
Work continues on the Training to Win (Level 4) Coach Accreditation Program, which should be ready for release in early 2016.
Training to Win (Level 4) has been designed to give the softball coach many of the tools required to coach elite athletes and improve their performance. It is divided into two main sections: Softball Specific and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Intermediate Coaching General Principles. The seven softball-specific modules will allow participants to specialise in key areas.
Softball Specific (four elective and two compulsory modules must be completed)
o Advanced pitching online (elective)
o Advanced catching online (elective)
o Advanced defensive strategies (elective)
o Advanced offensive strategies (elective)
o Advanced batting (elective)
o Advanced baserunning (elective)
o Advanced bunting (elective)
o Game preparation and coaching (compulsory)
o Leadership and human resource management (compulsory)
ASC Intermediate General Principles (seven compulsory modules)
o The essence of coaching
o Introduction to physiology
o Basic anatomy and biomechanics
o Development and maturation
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o Nutrition for sport
o Skill acquisition
o Anti-doping in sport
Assessment and delivery will be a combination of online, practical assessment and home study.
ACCREDITATION
Total accreditations recorded in the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme totals 1,851:
ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA
21 928 7 282 309 14 206 84
SOFTBALL COMMUNITY COACHING PROGRAM
The Softball Community Coaching Program (SCCP) is a face-to-face program designed for the volunteer coach to deliver the best possible experience for new participants to our sport.
The program helps clubs and associations to maximise their recruitment and retention strategies. The trained SCCP coach can deliver fun, engaging and safe activities based on the Game Sense and CHANGE IT principles, such as:
o Softball Batter Up (SBU) o Sporting Schools o Indigenous Softball Programs o programs for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities o softball for all abilities o club and association fun days o Come ‘n Try Days
More than 500 individuals completed the program, compared to 242 in 2013-14:
o ACT 8 participants (one program) o NSW 55 participants (three programs) o NT 5 participants (one program) o Qld 59 participants (six programs) o SA 311 participants (one program) o Vic 79 participants (five programs)
The SCCP program was delivered in the Northern Territory; a combined SCCP and NCAS /Level 1 program was delivered at Flinders University and in the ACT, where participants developed their skills and learnt how to run a fun, inclusive program that implements the Game Sense and CHANGE IT principle.
Joanne Paez Participation Coordinator
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SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA LIFE MEMBERS
Life Members are recognised for their exceptional and devoted service to softball Australia.
NAME YEAR STATE Harvey Milson 2013 NSW Tricia Sibraa 2013 Qld Mike McDermid 2013 ACT Darryl Clout 2010 NSW Bob Harrow 2010 ACT Bill Gobbart* 2006 Vic Ken Culpitt 2004 ACT Alan McAuliffe 2002 SA Shirley Schneider 2000 WA Pat Rawlings OAM* 1994 NSW Margo Koskelainen OAM 1993 Vic Rosemary Adey OAM* 1989 SA Pat Shearwood 1980 ACT Edna Nash* 1969 NSW Pat Young* 1968 NSW Audrey McLaughlin AM 1967 Qld Esther Deason MBE* 1966 Vic Merle Short* 1966 Vic Marjorie Dwyer* 1966 Vic
*denotes deceased
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SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
The Hall of Fame recognises Australian players and non-players who have made an outstanding contribution to the sport of softball at the international level.
NAME YEAR STATE Tracey Mosley 2014 Vic Kylie Cronk 2014 Qld Danica Howlett 2014 NSW Diane Waller 2013 Vic Barry Blanchard 2013 NSW Terry Downes 2013 Qld Debbie Grove 2013 Vic Kelly Hardie 2013 Qld Mike Harrow 2013 ACT Ngaire Huston 2013 Qld Neville Lawrance 2013 SA Simmone Morrow 2013 SA Andrew Rindfleish 2013 NSW Sue Tomlinson 2013 SA Kerry Wyborn 2013 NSW Wendy Braybon 2012 Vic Carolyn Buttsworth 2012 NSW Tanya Harding 2012 Qld Sandra Lewis 2012 Qld Melanie Roche 2012 NSW Natalie Titcume 2012 Vic Natalie Ward 2012 NSW Fiona Crawford 2010 NSW Paul Maisey 2010 Vic Marissa Warburton 2010 Qld Ken Culpitt 2009 ACT 2009 Australian Open Men’s Team Aussie Steelers and ISF 2009 World Champions Geoffrey Coultas 2008 WA Brian Flint 2008 WA Darryl Rector 2008 WA Robert Richardson 2008 NSW
Bill Downing 2008 WA
Russell Taylor 2008 WA Josh Davison 2008 NSW Dave McKenzie 2008 WA
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NAME YEAR STATE Peter Clout 2008 NSW Sally McCreedy OAM 2008 ACT Peta Edebone 2008 Vic Brooke Wilkins 2008 NSW Kathy Mitchell 2008 Qld John McAuliffe 2007 SA Bob Crudgington 2006 Qld Matt Gowty 2006 Qld Troy Baverstock 2005 NSW Kylie Herbert 2005 NSW Alan McAuliffe 2005 SA Carol Peel 2005 NSW Haylea Petrie 2005 Qld Kim Cooper 2004 Qld Shane King 2004 Qld Kerry Dienelt 2004 NT Lindsey Carroll 2004 ACT Kellie Loughman 2004 Vic Kerrie Maddern 2004 Vic Nicole Richardson 2004 Vic Margo Koskelainen OAM 2004 Vic Joanne Brown 2004 ACT Francine McRae 2004 Qld Lindsay Anderson* 2003 WA Anthony Bull 2003 WA Laing Harrow 2002 ACT Rhonda Wills 2002 Vic Jenny Holliday 2002 Vic Joyce Lester OAM 2000 Qld Leanne Evans 1997 Vic Gaye Ledingham 1997 NSW Pat Shearwood 1995 ACT Sandra Troyahn 1995 Vic Arthur Allsopp* 1992 Vic Rosemary Adey OAM 1991 SA Pat Rawlings OAM* 1991 NSW Janne Stevens 1990 SA Lorraine Brown 1989 SA Josephine Loton 1989 Vic Janine (Jan) Allsopp 1988 Vic Carol Selem 1988 NSW 2015 Annual ReportFINAL.docx 44 | P a g e
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NAME YEAR STATE Vivienne Triplett* 1988 Vic Esther Deason MBE* 1987 Vic Marjorie Dwyer* 1987 Vic Merilyn Middlin 1987 Vic Joanne Paez 1987 Vic Judy Phelps OAM 1987 NSW Chris Roughley 1987 NSW Sybil Turner 1987 NSW Rhonda Boyd 1986 Vic Denise Hutchinson 1986 Vic 1965 Australian Open Women’s Team and ISF World 1985 Champions Norma Allsopp Vic Margaret Dodds Qld Bess Dornan Vic Myrtle Edwards Vic Rita Gherardin Vic Elinor McKenzie* Vic Audrey McLaughlin Qld Helena Meehan Vic Nina Menner WA Midge Nelson BEM Vic Gladys Phillips* (C) Vic Judy Pizaro* Vic Marjorie Scott Vic Merle Short* Vic Sandra Somerville Qld Margaret Swann Vic Nancy Whittingham SA Lorraine Woolley Qld *denotes deceased
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ISF HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
NAME YEAR STATE
Bob Crudgington 2013 Qld Brooke Wilkins 2013 Qld Haylea Petrie 2013 Qld Bob Harrow 2011 ACT Paul Maisey 2011 Vic Peta Edebone 2011 Vic Peter Clout 2009 NSW John McAuliffe 2009 SA Sally McCreedy OAM 2009 ACT Norma Allsopp 2005 Vic Joanne Brown 2005 ACT Ken Culpitt 2005 Qld Kerry Dienelt 2005 NT Denise Hutchinson 2005 Vic Shane King 2005 Qld Laing Harrow 2003 ACT Margo Koskelainen OAM 2003 Vic Alan McAuliffe 2003 SA Jenny Holliday 2001 Vic Joyce Lester OAM 2001 Qld Audrey McLaughlin AM 1999 Qld Rosemary Adey OAM* 1997 SA Janine (Jan) Allsopp 1993 Vic Vivienne Triplett* 1993 Vic Sybil Turner 1993 NSW Rhonda Boyd 1991 Vic Chris Roughley 1991 NSW Margaret Swann 1989 Vic Myrtle Edwards* 1987 Vic Merle Short* 1987 Vic Marjorie (Midge) Nelson BEM 1981 Vic Esther Deason* MBE 1981 Vic
*denotes deceased
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INTERNATIONAL RESULTS
2014 AUSTRALIAN OPEN WOMEN’S SOFTBALL TEAM
TEAM
Jodie Bowering, Brenda De Blaes, Chelsea Forkin, Leigh Godfrey, Rachel Lack, Jocelyn McCallum, Stacey McManus, Kaia Parnaby, Stacey Porter, Ellen Roberts, Vanessa Stokes, Erin Thras, Taylah Tsitsikronis, Jade Wall, Clare Warwick, Melinda Weaver, Belinda White
RESERVES
Jess Bahn, Simone Freeman, Sandra Holden, Verity Long-Droppert, Kate Sternes
TEAM OFFICIALS
Kere Johanson (Coach), Kerrie Porter (Assistant Coach), Kelly Hardie (Assistant Coach), Alan Moore (Assistant Coach), Christine Clough (Team Manager), Michael Oostryck (Physiotherapist), Chris Trengove (Statistician), Leigh Evans (Umpire)
14TH ISF WOMEN’S SOFTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 15 – 24 AUGUST 2014, HAARLEM, NETHERLANDS
LEAD UP GAMES, JAPAN LEAD UP GAMES, ITALY 29 JULY – 3 AUGUST 7 – 10 AUGUST
CTI Aussie Spirit 0 def by Toyota Motor 2 CTI Aussie Spirit 3 def by USA 7 CTI Aussie Spirit 1 def by Toyota Motor 2 CTI Aussie Spirit 6 def Italy 0 CTI Aussie Spirit 3 def SG Holdings 0 CTI Aussie Spirit 3 def USA 2 CTI Aussie Spirit 2 def by Denso 3 CTI Aussie Spirit 7 def Italy 0 CTI Aussie Spirit 1 def by Ogaki Minamo 3 CTI Aussie Spirit 3 def Italy 2 CTI Aussie Spirit 4 def Toyota Shokki 3 CTI Aussie Spirit 2 def by USA 6 CTI Aussie Spirit 4 def by China 5 CTI Aussie Spirit 4 def by Japan 5 CTI Aussie Spirit 2 def China 0 CTI Aussie Spirit 2 def by Japan 5
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RESULTS PLAY OFFS FINAL PLACINGS
CTI Aussie Spirit 2 def Chinese Taipei 1 CTI Aussie Spirit 0 def by Japan 4 1 Japan CTI Aussie Spirit 10 def Italy 0 CTI Aussie Spirit 8 def 2 USA Netherlands 0 CTI Aussie Spirit 9 def Great Britain 0 CTI Aussie Spirit 7 def Canada 3 3 Australia CTI Aussie Spirit 4 def Netherlands 0 CTI Aussie Spirit 1 def by USA 8 4 Canada CTI Aussie Spirit 2 def by USA 4 5 Chinese Taipei CTI Aussie Spirit 17 def Botswana 0 6 Netherlands CTI Aussie Spirit 7 def Dominican 7 China Republic 0 8 New Zealand 9 Italy 10 Cuba 11 Czech Republic 12 Dominican Republic 13 Russia 14 Botswana 15 Puerto Rico 16 Great Britain
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2015 DOWN UNDER SERIES
BLACKTOWN INTERNATIONAL SPORTSPARK, NSW 20-22 FEBRUARY 2015
OPEN WOMEN’S TEAM – CTI AUSSIE SPIRIT
Chelsea Forkin, Stacey McManus, Ellen Roberts, Vanessa Stokes, Taylah Tsitsikronis, Clare Warwick, Belinda White, Brie McGovern, Samantha Poole, Janice Blackman, Justine Smethurst, Katherine Tye, Simone Freeman, Jemma Freegard
TEAM OFFICIALS
Kere Johanson (Head Coach), Lindsey Carroll (Assistant Coach), Alan Moore (Assistant Coach) Kym Tollenaere (Assistant Coach), Christine Clough (Team Manager)
U19 WOMEN’S TEAM – CTI AUSSIE PRIDE
Allanah Alvarado, Georgia Blair, Rebecca McEachern, Amelia Cudicio, Alicia Forte, Mikayla Gregory, Emma Iuliano, Chantelle Ladner, Gabrielle Plain, Alisha Prybyszczuk, Emily Read, Chelsea Robinson, Kalina Stepto, Dorinda Stone, Lauren Tapp
TEAM OFFICIALS
Shane Hughes (Head Coach), Nathan Jones (Assistant Coach), Chantelle James (Assistant Coach), Annette Fidge (Assistant Coach), Janell Behrendt (Team Manager)
RESULTS – CTI OPEN WOMEN
CTI Aussie Spirit 6 def NSW Invitation 0 CTI Aussie Spirit 3 def CTI Aussie Pride 0 CTI Aussie Spirit 11 def NSW Invitation 0 CTI Aussie Spirit 0 def by Japan Toyota 5 CTI Aussie Spirit 0 def by Japan Toyota 10 CTI Aussie Spirit 13 def CTI Aussie Pride 1
RESULTS – CTI U19 WOMEN
CTI Aussie Pride 2 def by Japan Toyota 9 CTI Aussie Pride 2 def by Japan Toyota 7 CTI Aussie Pride 3 def NSW Invitation 2 CTI Aussie Pride 1 def by CTI Aussie Spirit 13 CTI Aussie Pride 2 def by NSW Invitation 4 CTI Aussie Pride 0 def by CTI Aussie Spirit 3
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2014 AUSTRALIAN U19 MEN’S SOFTBALL TEAM
TEAM
Callum Beashel, Alexander Cleary, Joshua Hartwig, Anthony Henderson, Benjamin Jager, Jayden Lach, Hayden Mathews, David McCaskie, Joshua McGovern, Kieran O’Leary, Luke Ollerenshaw, Stuart Perry, Tyrell Priestley, Dylan Rakich, Mason Rossi, Jerremyah Selu, Matthew Wickham
RESERVES
Jarrod Bradbury, Colton Brockhurst, Brad Gillies, Aydan Gough, Sam Spooner, Luke Thomas
TEAM OFFICIALS
Wayne Saunders (Head Coach), Fabian Barlow (Assistant Coach), Wess Frances (Assistant Coach), Rowena Toppenberg (Physiotherapist), James Giles (Statistician), Sue Tomlinson (Team Manager), Jason Carter (Umpire), Jim Giles (Statistician)
10TH ISF JUNIOR MEN’S SOFTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
WHITEHORSE, YK, CANADA 11–20 JULY 2014
LEAD UP GAMES, VANCOUVER, CANADA LEAD UP GAMES, CHALLENGE CUP 28 JUNE–3 JULY 2014 4–6 JULY 2014
Aussie Colts 12 def Canadians 5 Aussie Colts 0 lost to Giants 5 Aussie Colts 8 def Mariners 5 Aussie Colts 3 lost to Westbank 4 Aussie Colts 7 def Cat and Fiddle 0 Aussie Colts 4 def Fleetwood 3 Aussie Colts 9 def Dukes 0 Aussie Colts 1 lost to Giants 8 Aussie Colts 9 def Angels 8 Whitehorse, Canada 8 July 2014 Aussie Colts 4 def Steelers 0 Aussie Colts 24 def Denmark 0 Aussie Colts 2 lost to Meralomas 4 Aussie Colts 3 drew with Fleetwood 3 Aussie Colts 8 lost to Cardinals 9 Aussie Colts 6 lost to Cardinals 9
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RESULTS PLAY OFFS FINAL PLACINGS
Aussie Colts 1 def by New Zealand 5 Aussie Colts 3 def by Japan 12 1 Argentina Aussie Colts 1 def by Japan 2 2 New Zealand Aussie Colts 9 def Singapore 2 3 Japan Aussie Colts 13 def Denmark 1 4 Australia Aussie Colts 0 def by Argentina 3 5 USA Aussie Colts 5 def Canada 0 6 Mexico Aussie Colts 5 def Mexico 3 7 Canada Aussie Colts 4 def Czech Republic 2 8 Czech Republic Aussie Colts 8 def USA 0 9 Denmark
10 Singapore
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ISF MEN’S SOFTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OCEANIA QUALIFIER
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND 12–14 DECEMBER 2014
TEAM
William Bailey, Cameron Bint, Adam Folkard, Shaun Goffer, Joel Goodall, Mark Harris, Andrew Havercroft, Andrew Kirkpatrick, Marshall Kronk, Nicholas Norton, Harrison Peters, Ryan Sinclair, Joel Southam, James Todhunter, Ryan Tranter
RESERVES
Neal Delpero, Nathan Dickinson, Jarryd Farrell, Julian Jemmott, Sam Kassianou, Ryan Merriman, Brendan O’Byrne, Scott Patterson, Adam Pearce, Jay Rakich, Jesse Taws, Peter Wards, Lewis Weldon, Zenon Winters
TEAM OFFICIALS
Laing Harrow (Co-Head Coach), Bob Harrow (Co-Head Coach), Kere Johanson (Assistant Coach), Darrin Hebditch (Assistant Coach), Michael Titheradge (Team Manager), Darren Sibraa (Umpire), Debbie Grove (Umpire), Trevor Murphy (Umpire)
FINAL
Aussie Steelers 1 def New Zealand 0
RESULTS FINAL PLACINGS
Aussie Steelers 7 def Samoa 0 1 Australia Aussie Steelers 0 lost to New Zealand 6 2 New Zealand Aussie Steelers 5 lost to New Zealand 9 3 Samoa Aussie Steelers 7 def Samoa 0
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2014 AUSTRALIAN OPEN MEN’S TEAM
TEAM
James Brownlow, Aaron Cockman, Adam Folkard, Shaun Goffer, Mark Harris, Andrew Havercroft,, Julian Jemmott, Andrew Kirkpatrick, Marshall Kronk, Nick Norton, Kieran O'Leary, Harrison Peters, Nick Shailes, Ryan Sinclair, James Todhunter, Peter Wards, Zenon Winters
RESERVES
Cameron Bint, Joel Goodall, Joshua McGovern
TEAM OFFICIALS
Laing Harrow (Co-Head Coach), Bob Harrow (Co-Head Co Coach), Darrin Hebditch (Assistant Coach), Michael Titheradge (Manager), Bernie Simai (Physiotherapist), Helen Edwards (Statistician), Darren Sibraa (Umpire)
14TH ISF MEN’S SOFTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
SASKATOON, CANADA 26 JUNE–5 JULY 2015
LEAD UP GAMES, MILVERTON LEAD UP GAMES, TAVISTOCK 13-18 JUNE 2015 TOURNAMENT 18–20 JUNE 2015
Aussie Steelers 2 def by Hills United Chiefs 4 Aussie Steelers 5 def Kitchener Cubs 0 Aussie Steelers 0 def by Hills United Chiefs 7 Aussie Steelers 0 def by A1 Bombers 2 Aussie Steelers 13 def Sebringville Sting 0 Aussie Steelers 5 def Gators 0 Aussie Steelers 9 def Shakespeare Falcons 0 Aussie Steelers 10 def Kanata Storm 5 Aussie Steelers 5 def Elmira Express 4 Aussie Steelers 0 def by Kitchener Twins 5 Aussie Steelers 9 def KPL Allstars 0 Aussie Steelers 12 def Brussels 0 Aussie Steelers 6 def Brussels 1 Aussie Steelers 4 def Saskatoon Diamondbacks 1 Aussie Steelers 5 def Saskatoon Diamondbacks 1
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RESULTS PLAYOFFS FINAL PLACINGS
Aussie Steelers 1 def Japan 0 Aussie Steelers 3 def by Canada 8 1 Canada Aussie Steelers 8 def Netherlands 0 Aussie Steelers 3 def Japan 0 2 New Zealand Aussie Steelers 5 def Venezuela 1 Aussie Steelers 0 def by Venezuela 3 Venezuela 4 Aussie Steelers 3 def by Dominican 4 Australia Republic 5 Aussie Steelers 8 def Denmark 2 5 Dominican Republic Aussie Steelers 8 def USA 0 6 Japan Aussie Steelers 3 def by Mexico 10 7 Czech Republic 8 Argentina 9 USA 10 Mexico 11 Great Britain 12 Guatemala 13 Denmark 14 Philippines 15 Netherlands
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AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
AUSTRALIAN OPEN WOMEN’S SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYING FOR THE GILLEY’S SHIELD
MIRRABOOKA, WA 4-10 JANUARY 2015
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Tony Milligan Umpire-in-Chief Neville Lawrance Tournament Chief Statistician Chris Trengove Tournament Convenor Mike Titheradge
GRAND FINAL RESULT
NSW Firestars 5 v Qld Heat 3
FINAL PLACINGS AWARDS
1 NSW Firestars Midge Nelson Medal - Most Valuable Player – Jade Wall (Qld) 2 Qld Heat Lorraine Woolley Medal - Best Pitcher – Monica Perry (SA) 3 WA Flames Sybil Turner Medal Best Batter – Stacey Porter (NSW) 4 SA Starz Rosemary Adey Medal - Rookie of the Year – Ashleigh Polzin (Qld) 5 Vic Titans Newcrest Mining Best Indigenous Player – Stacey Porter (NSW) 6 ACT Diamonds Player of the Grand Final – Ellen Roberts (NSW) 7 NT Fury
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Pitcher Monica Perry (SA) Catcher Jodie Bowering (Qld) 1st Base Jasmine Lee (SA) 2nd Base Melinda Weaver (Qld) 3rd Base Chelsea Forkin (WA) Shortstop Brenda De Blaes (Qld) Outfield Jade Wall (Qld) Leigh Godfrey (WA) Kara Murphy (NSW) Designated Player Stacey Porter (NSW)
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AUSTRALIAN OPEN MEN’S SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYING FOR THE JOHN REID SHIELD
REDLANDS, QLD 3-7 MARCH 2015
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Tony Milligan Umpire-in Chief Tricia Sibraa Tournament Chief Statistician Kirsty Andrews Tournament Convenor Sue Nisbet
GRAND FINAL RESULT
ACT 9 v NSW 0
FINAL PLACINGS AWARDS
1 ACT 89ers Most Valuable Player – Aaron Cockman (WA) 2 NSW Best Pitcher – Marshall Kronk (Qld) 3 Qld Patriots Best Batter – James Todhunter (NSW) 4 WA Blaze Rosemary Adey Medal – Rookie of the Year – Kieran O’Leary (NSW) 5 Victoria Player of the Grand Final – Adam Folkard (ACT) 6 South Australia
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Pitcher Marshall Kronk (Qld) Catcher Ryan Tranter (NSW) 1st Base Aaron Cockman (WA) 2nd Base Ty Sebastian (ACT) 3rd Base Peter Wards (NSW) Shortstop James Todhunter (NSW) Outfield Mark Harris (WA) Aaron Boccardo (WA) Mitchell Brownlow (NSW) Designated Player James Harris (SA)
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AUSTRALIAN U19 WOMEN’S SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYING FOR THE ELINOR MCKENZIE SHIELD
WEST BEACH, SA 11-17 JANUARY 2015
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Kere Johanson Umpire-in Chief Neville Lawrance Tournament Chief Statistician Lindy Rattigan Tournament Convenor Kelsey Knuckey
GRAND FINAL RESULT
SA 2 v Qld 1
FINAL PLACINGS AWARDS
1 South Australia Most Valuable Player – Emily Read (NSW) 2 Queensland Best Pitcher – Chantelle Ladner (NSW) 3 New South Wales Best Batter – Kalina Stepto (NSW) 4 Western Australia Player of the Grand Final – Stephanie Trzcinski (SA) 5 ACT 6 Victoria
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Pitcher Chantelle Ladner (NSW) Catcher Allanah Alvarado (WA) 1st Base Kalina Stepto (NSW) 2nd Base Dorinda Stone (Qld) 3rd Base Rebecca McEachern (Qld) Shortstop Chelsea Robinson (SA) Outfield Mikayla Gregory (Qld) Emily Read (NSW) Lauren Tapp (NSW)
Designated Player Alisha Prybyszczuk (Qld)
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AUSTRALIAN U19 MEN’S SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYING FOR THE NOX BAILEY SHIELD
BLACKTOWN, NSW 6-10 JANUARY 2015
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Harvey Milson Umpire-in Chief Leigh Evans Tournament Chief Statistician Kaye Greggs Tournament Convenor Cathy Kerr
GRAND FINAL RESULT
New South Wales 8 v ACT 0
FINAL PLACINGS AWARDS
1 New South Wales Most Valuable Player – Josh White (ACT) 2 ACT Best Pitcher – Luke Ollerenshaw (NSW) 3 Queensland Best Batter – Nicholas Moore (Qld) 4 Victoria Player of the Grand Final – Callum Beashel (NSW) 5 Tasmania
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Pitcher Luke Ollerenshaw (NSW) Catcher Samuel Beales (Vic) 1st Base Josh White (ACT) 2nd Base Izack Rossi (NSW) 3rd Base Nicholas Moore (Qld) Shortstop Dean Leskie (Vic) Outfield Steven Garoni (Qld) Joshua Hartwig (Qld) Jarrod Nilsson (Qld) Designated Player Isaac McDonald (NSW)
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AUSTRALIAN U17 GIRLS’ SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYING FOR THE ESTHER DEASON SHIELD
HAWKER, ACT 17-23 JANUARY 2015
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Tony Milligan Umpire-in Chief Darren Sibraa Tournament Chief Statistician Sandra Palmer Tournament Convenor Rod King
GRAND FINAL RESULT
New South Wales 8 v Queensland 1
FINAL PLACINGS AWARDS
1 New South Wales Most Valuable Player – Gabrielle Plain (NSW) 2 Queensland Best Pitcher – Gabrielle Plain (NSW) 3 South Australia Best Batter – Montana Kearns (NSW) 4 Victoria Player of the Grand Final – Gabrielle Plain (NSW) 5 ACT 6 Western Australia 7 Tasmania
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Pitcher Gabrielle Plain (NSW) Catcher Natasha Holt (Vic) 1st Base Emily Hopkins (SA) 2nd Base Jamie Mead (SA) 3rd Base Brianna Trim (NSW) Shortstop Tamieka Whitefield (Qld) Outfield Tiffany Zuch (Qld) Maddy Beard (NSW) Tia Waters (Qld) Designated Player Montana Kearnes (NSW)
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AUSTRALIAN U17 BOYS’ SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYING FOR THE ARTHUR ALLSOPP SHIELD
HAWKER, ACT 19-23 JANUARY 2015
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Tony Milligan Umpire-in Chief Darren Sibraa Tournament Chief Statistician Sandra Palmer Tournament Convenor Rod King
GRAND FINAL RESULT
New South Wales 8 v Western Australia 5
FINAL PLACINGS AWARDS
1 New South Wales Most Valuable Player – Shaun Lanaghan (NSW) 2 Western Australia Best Pitcher – Chris Gilles (NSW) 3 Queensland Best Batter – Logan Campbell (NSW) 4 Victoria Player of the Grand Final – Chris Gilles (NSW)
5 ACT
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Pitcher Chris Gilles (NSW) Catcher Logan Campbell (NSW) 1st Base Shaun Lanaghan (NSW) 2nd Base Mitchell Woodworth (Qld) 3rd Base Noah Afu (Vic) Shortstop Dawson Summers (WA) Outfield Nixon Kim (WA) Joshua Bedgood (Qld) Brennan Dempsey (Qld) Designated Player Jett Wright (WA)
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AUSTRALIAN U15 GIRLS’ REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WEST BEACH, SA
11-17 JANUARY 2015
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Kere Johanson Umpire-in Chief Neville Lawrance Tournament Chief Statistician Lindy Rattigan Tournament Convenor Bob Nicholson
GRAND FINAL RESULT
NSW Metro Orange 5 v NSW Metro Green 2
FINAL PLACINGS
1 NSW Metro Orange 2 NSW Metro Green 3 Qld Fire 4 SA Red 5 SA Blue 6 Victoria 7 Qld Flames 8 ACT 9 NSW Country Gold 10 WA
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AUSTRALIAN U15 BOYS’ REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BLACKTOWN, NSW
6-10 JANUARY 2015
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Harvey Milson Umpire-in Chief Ron Houison Tournament Chief Statistician Kaye Greggs Tournament Convenor Cathy Kerr
GRAND FINAL RESULT
Qld Thunder 7 v Qld Storm 4
FINAL PLACINGS
1 Qld Thunder 2 Qld Storm 3 NSW Metro Green 4 NSW Mero Orange 5 ACT 6 SA 7 NSW Country Gold
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AUSTRALIAN U23 MEN’S SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYING FOR THE LAING HARROW SHIELD
REDLANDS, QLD 24-27 APRIL 2015
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Kylie Bloodworth Umpire-in Chief Tricia Sibraa Tournament Chief Statistician Matt Denkel Tournament Convenor Sue Nisbet
GRAND FINAL RESULT
Queensland 8 v New South Wales 1
COMPETING TEAMS
Qld and NSW U23 teams, Qld Patriots, Papua New Guinea Open Men, Canterbury Red Sox (NZ) and Te Arohanui (NZ)
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AUSTRALIAN U23 WOMEN’S SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYING FOR THE JOYCE LESTER SHIELD
REDLANDS, QLD 24-27 APRIL 2015
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Kylie Bloodworth Umpire-in Chief Tricia Sibraa Tournament Chief Statistician Val Cross Tournament Convenor Sue Nisbet
GRAND FINAL RESULT
New South Wales 4 v Queensland 2
COMPETING TEAMS
New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, New Zealand Development and Papua New Guinea Open Women
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OTHER RESULTS
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP SERIES BLACKTOWN INTERNATIONAL SPORTSPARK, NSW
30 JUNE – 3 JULY 2014
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Shane Cantelmi Umpire-in Chief Leanne Gearside Tournament Chief Statistician Kaye Greggs Tournament Convenor Cathy Kerr
WOMEN’S COMPETITION - GRAND FINAL RESULT
Australia Green 6 v Australia Gold 0
FINAL PLACINGS AWARDS
1 Australia Green Most Valuable Player – Kelsey Griffen (Australia Gold) 2 Australia Gold Best Pitcher – Chantelle Ladner (Australia Gold) 3 NSW Invitational Red Best Batter – Kelsey Griffen (Australia Gold) 4 Queensland Development Player of the Grand Final – Kylie Robson (Australia Green) 5 NZ Development 6 NSW Invitiational Gold 7 ISA NZ 8 Springwood 9 Waverley
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ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Pitcher Chantelle Ladner (Australia Gold) Catcher Chelsea Robinson (Australia Gold) 1st Base Rachel Kraak (Qld Development) 2nd Base Sara Caterson (Qld Development) 3rd Base Eva Carless (Qld Development) Shortstop Janice Blackman (Qld Development) Outfield Mikayla Gregory (Australia Gold) Emma Iuliano (Australia Gold) Ocearna Conaty-Boxall (Qld Development) Designated Player Kelsey Griffen (Australia Gold)
2014 AUSTRALIAN U19 WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT TEAMS
AUSSIE GOLD TEAM
Georgia Blair, Alicia Forte, Mikayla Gregory, Kelsey Griffen, Sarah Greenwood, Natasha Holt, Shannon Keevers, Chantelle Ladner, Rebecca McEachern, Jamie Mead, Emily Read, Chelsea Robinson, Maddie Schofield, Kalina Stepto, Dorinda Stone
GOLD TEAM OFFICIALS
Janell Behrendt (Head Coach), Ashley Castles (Development Coach), Bill Holland (Development Coach), Jacqui Dunn (Team Manager), Mary Magarey (Physiotherapist)
AUSSIE GREEN TEAM
Tayla Bolland, Laura Coulter, Sarah Hoger, Emma Iuliano, Georgia Medcalf, Jessica Micallef, Gabrielle Mifsud, Laura Passfield, Gabrielle Plain, Alisha Prubyczszuk, Kylie Robson, Sarah Scopelliti, Mihikura Tuialii, Ashleigh Wright, Tiffany Zuch
GREEN TEAM OFFICIALS
Nathan Jones (Head Coach), Vicki Bingley (Development Coach), Rob Cook (Development Coach), Nicky Baldwin (Team Manager), Khushnum Pastakia (Physiotherapist)
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MEN’S COMPETITION - GRAND FINAL RESULT
NZ Development 12 v Australia Gold 2
FINAL PLACINGS AWARDS
1 NZ Development Most Valuable Player – Mitchell Woodworth (Qld Development) 2 Australia Gold Best Pitcher – Dylan Sheehan (Australia Green) 3 ISA NZ Best Batter – Mitchell Woodworth (Qld Development) 4 ACT Player of the Grand Final – Kalin-Lee Felise (NZ Development)
5 Australia Green
6 Queensland Development
7 Royals
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Pitcher Dylan Sheehan (Australia Green) Catcher Jarome McKenzie (NZ Development) 1st Base Callum Bishop (NZ Development) 2nd Base Simon McMillan (ISA NZ) 3rd Base Blake Bell (Australia Gold) Shortstop Mitchell Woodworth (Qld Development) Outfield Reilly Makea (NZ Development) Bailey Hamilton (NZ Dev) Mitchell Noonan (Qld Dev) Designated Player James Groth (Aussie Gold)
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2014 AUSTRALIAN U17 MEN’S DEVELOPMENT TEAMS
AUSSIE GOLD TEAM
Jayden Bamford, Blake Bell, Joseph Bryan, Jacob Cassar, Brennan Dempsey, Bradley Dunn, Chris Gillies, James Groth, Michael Ludkin, Zac Mackell, Jack Noble, Jacob O’Brien, Izack Rossi, Joshua San Juan, Nicholas Sheedy
GOLD TEAM OFFICIALS
Phillip Powell (Head Coach), Richard Wickliffe (Development Coach), Bernie McDonald (Trainee Coach), Rod King (Team Manager), Samuel Baida (Physiotherapist)
AUSSIE GREEN TEAM
Alex Chapman, Brad Davis, Nicholas Davis, Jacob Garland, Shannon Goffer, Brendon Housden, Kyle Johnson, Aiden Kennedy, Shaun Lanaghan, Ryan Mayer, Nicholas Moore, Matthew Roberts-Osborne, Andrew Seabrook, Dylan Sheehan, Luke Thomas
GREEN TEAM OFFICIALS
Adam Rindfleish (Head Coach), Shane Goodall (Development Coach), Peter Byrne (Trainee Coach), Julie Rippon (Team Manager), Toby Moen (Physiotherapist)
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SPONSORS AND PROVIDERS
PRINCIPAL PARTNER INDIGENOUS SOFTBALL PROGRAM PARTNER
CORPORATE CLUB
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SOFTBALL ACT t: 02 6278 3000 f: 02 6278 3111 e: [email protected] w: www.act.softball.org.au
SOFTBALL NSW t: 02 9677 4000 f: 02 9677 4040 e: [email protected] w: www.softball.net.au
SOFTBALL NT t: 08 8927 3333 f: 08 8927 9999 e: [email protected] w: www.nt.softball.org.au
SOFTBALL QUEENSLAND INC t: 07 3391 2447 f: 07 3391 4734 e: [email protected] w: www.qld.softball.org.au
SOFTBALL SA t: 08 8353 6766 f: 08 8353 2480 e: [email protected] w: www.sa.softball.org.au
SOFTBALL TASMANIA t: 0409 383 960 f: 03 6249 3589 e: [email protected] w: www.tas.softball.org.au
SOFTBALL VICTORIA t: 03 9415 1745 f: 03 8678 3018 e: [email protected] w: www.victoria.softball.org.au
SOFTBALL WA t: 08 9349 9911 f: 08 9345 3553 e: [email protected] w: www.wa.softball.org.au
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