diversity | community | fun | excellence | engagement | teamwork Annual report 2010

2 photos are courtesy of Greg Heron Purpose Softball Australia’s purpose is to: be the dynamic and innovative leader of softball in Australia engage, support and inform all softball stakeholders raise the profile and standing of and participation in softball support and deliver quality competitive and recreational softball opportunities locally, nationally and internationally

Vision We will be the world’s number one softball nation, providing exciting competitive and recreational opportunities to a rapidly expanding and diverse membership and to communities across Australia

Softball Australia | 21 Burwood Road Hawthorn | Victoria 3122 ACN 092 181 318 | 03 9818 6144 | www.softball.org.au Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | Contents

Contents

Highlights 1 Chairman's Report 2 CEO's Report 5 Message from the Australian Sports Commission 8 Looking to the future 9 Softball Australia's Strategic Plan 10 CRM Project 12 Organisational structure 14 Softball Australia Directors 14 Management team 14 Our committees 15 Our members 16 Membership review 17 Membership recognition 18 Retirements 20 High performance 21 Community participation 26 Understanding our market 26 Technical 30 Scoring 32 Umpiring 34 Teams 37 International results 41 National event results 45 Australian Championship results 47 Partners and sponsors 50

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Highlights

World champions On 27 July 2009, the Aussie Steelers Australian Open Men's team, celebrated an historic win at the ISF XII Open Men's World Championship, defeating the New Zealand Black Sox 5-0 in the final. The win ended the domination of New Zealand, which had won the previous three World Championships.

Australian champions On 21 February 2010 at Hawker (ACT), Western Australia achieved an historic double, winning both the Gilley's Shield and John Reid Shield. New South Wales dominated the under-age Australian Championships, winning the U19 Men's and Women's and U16 Boys' and Girls' titles.

Membership review Softball Australia and our eight Member States embarked on a review of our membership structure and strategy. The purpose of the review is to develop and implement a new market driven membership model.

New website The new Softball website was released to our 490 Member States, associations and clubs on 31 May 2010.

Program reviews Major reviews were undertaken of our high performance and participation programs to align them with our Strategic Plan and ASC's funding priorities.

Crawford Report The Softball community welcomed the long awaited release of the Crawford Report in October 2009, followed by the Government's response in March 2010.

Achievements Sally McCreedy, Peter Clout and John McAuliffe were inducted into the ISF Hall of Fame. Ken Culpitt and the Aussie Steelers were inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame.

Umpire Leigh Evans (Vic) was selected to represent Australia at the 2009 ISF XII Open Men's World Championship in Canada. He was also awarded the plate umpiring duties for the final play-off between Canada and the USA and 1st base umpiring duties in the Preliminary Final.

Umpires Darren Sibraa (Qld) and Scott Rindfleish (NSW) were selected to represent Australia at the 2010 ISF XII Open Women's World Championship in Venezuela. Cheryl Dawes (Qld) was appointed as the Aussie Spirit statistician.

Retirements Aussie Steelers Mike Harrow, Jeff Goolagong and Terry Downes joined Aussie Spirit players Natalie Titcume and Melanie Roche in announcing their retirements from international competition.

Darryl Clout and Jenny Cassidy retired from the Softball Australia Board after many years' service.

Vale Australian Softball lost two of its greats – Pat Rawlings OAM and Vivienne Triplett.

Our bottom line Softball Australia achieved a healthy surplus of $32,345 – a great result considering the ISF XII Open Women's World Championship was brought forward into this financial year and was unbudgeted.

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Chairman's Report

On behalf of the Directors of Softball Australia, I advantage in today's crowded sport and am delighted to be presenting the second annual entertainment landscape. We need to continue report of Softball Australia Limited. to review our competition models to ensure we tap into the opportunities this advantage Last year was a watershed for our sport and this presents. year we laid the groundwork for the future growth and success of Softball in Australia. Events

Kicking off the year in grand style, the Aussie Softball ACT hosted a fastpitch extravaganza with Steelers presented the country with its first ISF the combined John Reid Shield and the Gilley's Open World Championship since 1965. No doubt Shield Finals in February. With World Champions the dominant performance of the team has left and Olympic medallists on show and team other countries pondering just what can be done selections on the line, both titles were hotly to change the new world order in men's Softball, contested. Western Australia rose to the not just for the 2013 World Championship but challenge and took out an historic double. With beyond. Congratulations to Bob Harrow, his staff both Shields heading west, it will be an exciting and the athletes who, as a team, were Championship season in 2011. subsequently inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame. The under-age Australian Championships saw the emergence of new talent to fill the shoes of Volunteers retiring Aussie Steelers and Aussie Spirit players.

Volunteers have played a key role in our Thirteen debutants headed to the ISF XII Women's achievements over the last 12 months. Thank you World Championship in Venezuela, where the to all who have contributed to our many young team showed a depth of talent that programs and activities throughout the year. augers well for the next decade. Losing to Canada, the eventual bronze medallists, in the The implementation of the Softball CRM project bottom of the 7th innings relegated the team to 6th would not be possible without our volunteers who position. The move to a two year World contribute long hours and late nights to this huge Championship cycle means there is a good deal task. We have made it through phase one and of work to do prior to Whitehorse, Canada in 2012. look forward to your ongoing support as we role out the next phase of work. The project is the Strategic Plan largest our sport has undertaken in many years and will bring enormous dividends to Softball in Following the release of the Crawford Report, the the short and long term. Government's response in March, Australian Sport; the Pathway to Success, heralded a much Volunteers were also instrumental in the delivery needed boost in funding to sport. For Softball it of the many large tournaments played around was pleasing to see that our Strategic Plan was the country this year. The largest of these events clearly aligned with key initiatives in the Pathway was the World Masters Games, which hosted to Success. Moving forward, we will focus on 196 teams across four venues in Sydney! Softball's increasing the number of Australian's playing ability to host such festivals is a competitive Softball, strengthening development pathways,

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putting our sport on the education agenda, Loss of legends making Softball a more inclusive game, improving the experience for our volunteers and reviewing Our Softball community mourned the loss of two our high performance, coaching and officiating legends of our game – Pat Rawlings and Vivienne strategies. Triplett.

Regardless of the outcome of future funding From 1980-1986, Pat Rawlings held the position of decisions, Softball remains prepared to act on the Australian Women's Team Manager. She was core components of our Strategic Plan, which involved in the constitutional reform which led to were developed with our members and a range the first ASF Board being established in 1984 and of other Softball stakeholders. Delivering this Plan the same year worked with NSW and WA to will take a concerted effort by all – from the organise the inaugural Open Men's National Softball Australia Directors through to our Championship (the John Reid Shield). In 1991, Pat volunteers in clubs across the nation. was inducted into the ASF Hall of Fame in and was awarded the Order of Australia. She became Softball has demonstrated its willingness to make an ASF Life Member in 1994 and was awarded an changes to improve our sport. We are on track to Australian Sports Medal in 2000. deliver on the recommendations from the Too Few Too Much report. Key projects to be tackled Vivienne Triplett was recognised on many levels over the next 12 months include the second for her contribution to Softball in general and phase of the CRM Project and modernising our umpiring in particular. She was inducted into the membership structure to suit current and ISF, Softball Australia and Softball Victoria Halls of prospective customers as well as evolving social Fame, and was a Life Member of Softball Victoria. trends. In 1995, the Vivienne Triplett Award for Excellence in Umpiring was introduced by Softball Australia in We have already made a start on our recognition of Vivienne's outstanding contribution membership restructure, with a forum in May that to umpiring. In 2000, she was also honoured with emphasised the importance of working with the the Australian Sports Medal. education sector to improve our success in transitioning young people from school to clubs. The contribution of both these women is admired Our plans will focus on identifying membership and recognised by all. We are grateful that they categories that best suit our broad range of were part of our sport and made such an participants, which in turn helps us engage with important contribution from which we all continue them more effectively, thereby ensuring Softball to benefit. remains relevant to sport consumers. At the time of finalising my report, I was saddened International Softball Federation to hear of the passing of Myrtle Edwards, a Softball Australia and ISF Hall of Fame Inductee, At the ISF Congress in 2009, Darryl Clout was and a Life Member of Softball Victoria, the elected Oceania Vice President and, following Melbourne Softball Association and the Posties this, was appointed to the ISF Executive Board. Softball Club. Darryl is a highly regarded member of the Softball community in Australia and internationally, and his Awards experience will be invaluable to the ISF as we Along with the Aussie Steelers, Ken Culpitt was navigate a challenging future for world Softball. inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame in At this Congress, players Peter Clout and Sally recognition of his contribution to umpiring. Ken McCreedy and umpire John McAuliffe were started his international umpiring career in 1985, inducted into the ISF Hall of Fame in recognition of going on to umpire more than 200 games. He their contributions to Softball. The induction officiated at two ISF Men's World Championships, ceremonies conducted by Darryl Clout three ISF Junior Women's World Championships, subsequently took place in their respective home one ISF Junior Men's World Championship and states. one Arafura Games. Ken was a presenter at multiple international umpire development clinics and served on the Softball Australia Board from 2001-2009.

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Softball Australia Board

With his ISF appointment, Darryl stepped down Thank you to the Softball Australia Directors and from the Softball Australia Board in November staff, led by Sue Noble, for our many 2009 after 14 years of service, including as achievements throughout the year, for tackling President from 2000-2004. He made a significant some difficult challenges and for driving the contribution to the men's program as the Aussie changes required to secure our future. Steelers' Team Manager (1995-2009), a selector and Head of Delegation. Darryl also represented I would also like to thank the staff in our Member Softball Australia at ISF Congresses from 2001- States and the many volunteers across the 2009. country at club, association and state level. As the face of Softball your contribution to the Jenny Cassidy resigned from the Board in March governance and delivery of our sport is to take on an operational role at Softball invaluable. Australia. Jenny has served Softball in many capacities – as a player, coach, Softball Australia and Softball Victoria Director and now as a staff member.

Softball Australia welcomed two new Directors in February 2010, with Ashley Klein as our second Jenny Holliday Appointed Director and Michelle Nancarrow, who Chairman was appointed by the Board to fill the casual vacancy resulting from Darryl's resignation.

Harry Taylor is 84 years old and is one of many volunteers who assist Softball NSW when they host Australian Championship events.

Harry has volunteered at Blacktown Olympic Park since the Sydney Olympics in 2000, at other Softball NSW events and the World Masters Games in October 2009. Volunteers like Harry and his wife, Ellen assist with a range of important support roles, ranging from operating the scoreboard to working in the canteen and staffing the gate.

Harry is one of Softball's more charismatic volunteers as he enjoys chatting and bantering with players and spectators and revels in 'cheering them up'. Harry was awarded an Order of Australia in 1976 for his army service when stationed in New Guinea from 1943 to 1947 and his subsequent time in the army reserves. After retiring he says he had nothing to do and saw volunteering as a way 'to get out of the house and help someone'. Harry has been involved in volunteer work for about 25 years. He has also worked at events such as Pat Rafter's event at Centennial Park, the Surfboard Championship, the Para- Olympics and Relay for Life. In 2009, Harry's team of four also managed to raise $26,000 collecting for the Cancer Council.

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CEO's Report

Building sustainability

This is my second annual report as CEO of Softball To ensure a sustainable future, it is important that Australia and I am delighted to tell you about our we strengthen Softball's financial base by many noteworthy successes and activities over broadening our revenue streams. Like many other the last 12 months. sports, we possess many valuable commercial assets and have the potential to develop others. With the support of our Member States we set out To this end, in April 2010 we embarked on an ASC to tackle the many challenges and exploit the funded project to assess our commercial opportunities that confront our sport. We started opportunities. A key outcome of this work on most of the key initiatives in our Strategic commercialisation project will be a 3-5 year Plan and have transformed many aspects of our business plan that supports the delivery of our operations as we work to reposition Softball for a Strategic Plan and provides compelling benefits sustainable and successful future. for the Softball community.

We embarked on a number of key projects that Celebrating success will provide a firm foundation for growth. There has been much to celebrate over the last The national CRM Project aims to address a 12 months. The year got off to a great start in July number of the factors identified in the ASC's Too with the Aussie Steelers' comprehensive victory in Few Too Much report that have hindered the long the ISF XII Open Men's World Championship, term growth and sustainability of our sport, defeating the New Zealand Black Sox 5-0 in the including: final.

. The lack of a national membership Western Australia and New South Wales database dominated the Australian championships, with the . Poor communication with members former taking out an historic double in winning the Gilley's Shield and the John Reid Shield. New . Inadequate promotion of the sport South Wales made a clean-sweep of the under- The first stage of this project saw the release of the age championships, winning the U19 Men's and new website on 31 May 2010. This new website Women's and U16 Boys' and Girls' titles. offers up-to-date features and functionality and We applauded the achievements of a number of will help us project a unified, exciting and fresh our members, with the induction of Ken Culpitt image for Softball. and the Aussie Steelers into the Softball Australia Also in May, Softball Australia and our eight Hall of Fame, and Peter Clout, Sally McCreedy Member States commenced a review of our and John McAuliffe into the ISF Hall of Fame. We membership structure and strategy. The purpose also recognised the accomplishments of our of the review is to develop and implement a new foremost players, coaches, officials and market driven membership model that recognises administrators with our Awards of Excellence and the diversity of the Softball community and will Service Awards. position our sport for long-term viable growth.

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Promoting participation

One of Softball's great strengths is that it is a team final. At the Games a team of 16 was selected to sport for players of all ages, genders and abilities. represent Australia at the Special Olympics It has a strong social dimension and attracts Summer World Games being held in Athens from players from all walks of life. Our newly drafted 25 June-4 July 2011. participation strategy aims to exploit this strength and to grow the number and diversity of people Fostering excellence participating in all aspects of our sport. The new The last 12 months has seen a major review of our Softball website supports the strategy by providing high performance strategy in line with our new resources and information about playing, Strategic Plan and the ASC's review of high coaching, officiating, volunteering, social softball, performance funding. The key themes of the new club development and junior membership. high performance program are long term Over the last 12 months we have created, trialled participation and athlete development, first-rate and/or implemented a number of programs national and international competition, coaching designed to promote and increase participation. and officiating excellence, research-based Chief amongst these is Softball Batter Up, our decision making and building the capacity of our national junior recruitment program. It aims to get Member States. children involved in Softball at school or in clubs A review of the elite competition program in early by introducing them to a variety of modified 2010 highlighted the need to change our junior games and activities that focus on fun, skill competition pathway and resulted in the move to development and continued participation. an U17 Championship from U16, and the Softball Batter Up builds on existing junior Softball introduction of the U15 Australian Championship, programs and the ASC's Active After School which will provide further competitive and Community Program (AASCP). More than 450 development opportunities for our future elite schools and Out of School Hours Care Services athletes. and 13,346 children participated in the AASCP This year also saw the introduction of the trans- Softball program. Latrobe and Districts Softball Tasman Edebone-Weber Shield, which coincided Association in Tasmania received national with the entry of the New Zealand White Sox in recognition for their outstanding success in the Gilley's Shield. Named in honour of Aussie Spirit getting primary school children involved in champion Peta Edebone and New Zealand's Softball, while providing a pathway to club Gina Weber, the Shield is played as part of the first membership. three rounds of the Gilley's Shield. The inaugural Softball continues to be very popular in Edebone-Weber Shield was won by the Indigenous communities across Australia. Over NSW Firestars who defeated the WA Flames 7,000 participants from remote communities 5-0. participated in community Softball carnivals and other activities this year. Work is continuing on People power expanding our Indigenous Softball Program in I wish to thank the fantastic team of staff and remote, rural and urban communities with the volunteers at Softball Australia for their support of key partners, including our Member commitment to our sport during this period of States, Red Dust, the National Aboriginal Sporting significant change. Our members continue to Chance Academy's, ARMTour program and provide great support across all aspects of our Addlon Trading (Easton), our program sponsor. operations – from coaching, playing and Softball Australia has signed a Memorandum of officiating, to supporting our national teams, the Understanding with Special Olympics Australia to delivery of our events and national programs, and support their Softball program. In April 2010, the work of our committees. Many thanks to all of 50 athletes from New South Wales, Tasmania, you. Victoria and Western Australia took part in the While a number of staff have moved on to further Softball competition in the Special Olympics their careers elsewhere, we have been fortunate Games held in Adelaide. Western Australia won to attract great new staff. We now have a team the gold medal, defeating Victoria 17-11 in the

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with immense experience, skills and expertise who . Finalising our membership development are excited by the opportunities and challenges plan and re-imagined membership model we face moving forward. . Consolidating our financial future by I especially want to acknowledge the Softball leveraging our commercial assets and Australia Directors, who remain steadfast and securing our grant funding committed to our shared vision for the future of . Acquiring, developing and supporting a Softball in Australia. In particular, special thanks high performing team of great staff and are due to our Chairman Jenny Holliday for her volunteers unwavering passion, support and enthusiasm. It promises to be another busy, exciting year! Developing partnerships

Our partnership with the ASC continues to be an

invaluable and essential component of all our Sue Noble activities. In addition to the significant ongoing Chief Executive Officer grant funding provided by the ASC for our high performance, participation and technical programs, we received additional financial support for the CRM and commercialisation projects. ASC staff also contributed their time and

expertise to a range of activities, from planning workshops to staff recruitment and advice on

technology. Particular thanks must go to our Sport Consultant, Kim Williams, and to Matt Miller, Greg Nance, Andrew Collins, Rob Clement, Phil Borgeaud, Wenda Donaldson, Gene Schembri, Holly French, Jason Pye, Lainie Houston, Dana Assenheim and Peter Topp.

A big thank you to our sponsors, who continue to provide significant financial and in-kind support for many of our programs. A list of all our sponsors is provided on page 50.

Fortifying our future

Over the last 12 months we have laid the groundwork for a sustainable future. Over the next 12 months we will build and shape that future by:

. Commencing the implementation of our new high performance and participation strategies

. Completing the implementation of the CRM Project, with the delivery of the national membership database, as well as sports programs, eCommunications, social networking, finance and eCommerce modules

. Building our marketing and business development capabilities, expertise and activities to provide and grow our sport

and to support the delivery of our Strategic Photo courtesy Greg Heron Plan

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Message from the Australian Sports Commission

It is an honour to serve as the new Chair of the culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Board at this and women's sport development programs. challenging and exciting period for our national sporting system. This is the first time key sport partners, such as state and territory institutes and academies of sport The ASC and national sporting organisations and state and territory departments of sport and (NSOs) have long spoken of a shared ambition to recreation, have collaborated on a strengthen relationships between all system Commonwealth funding decision in the interests partners involved in Australian sport. of Australia's sporting future.

Aligned with this ambition, the Australian This is an exciting time for all of us involved in Government is now encouraging a whole-of- Australian sport. With significant new funding from sport reform agenda, aimed at establishing a the Australian Government, sports will be better more collaborative, efficient and integrated positioned than ever before to lead the drive for sports system. higher participation levels and strong success on the sporting field by promoting the unique nature Through new direction for sport 'Australian Sport: of their sport, creating a legacy and a lasting the Pathway to Success', the ASC will work closely impression for communities across the country. with sport to achieve its main objectives; boost sports participation and strengthen sporting The ASC will continue to work with all NSOs, the pathways while striving for international success. state and territory institutes and academies of sport and state and territory departments of sport The reform agenda seeks for the ASC to assist to and recreation, reinvigorating access to, and provide stability and support for all sporting participation in, sport across the community and organisations in their pursuit of a shared, common driving Australia's continued sporting success. purpose; creating a better sporting pathway for all Australians, from the grassroots up. The Hon. Warwick Smith AM Chairman The ASC will implement the new direction, and Board of the Australian Sports Commission this includes collaboration with all NSOs to allocate a record amount of new sports funding – committing an extra $195 million over the next four years.

This funding is in addition to the current ongoing baseline funding for NSOs. Also, the ASC will assist sporting organisations with access to coaching and officiating programs, governance support, planning and education opportunities and assistance with becoming more inclusive – particularly in the areas of Indigenous sport, sport for people with a disability, sport for people from

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Looking to the future

The Crawford Report: implications for Softball

In October 2009, the Independent Sport Panel, from T-Ball to Softball (ages 10-12); from chaired by David Crawford, brought down its primary to secondary school (ages 12-14); report The Future of Sport in Australia (the out of secondary school (ages 17-18); and Crawford Report), which investigated the reforms early 20s' (to study, marry, have children) required to ensure the Australian sporting system . Softball product portfolio that doesn't meet remains prepared for future challenges at both the needs and expectations of a changing the community and elite levels. market (a one-size-fits-all product not We reviewed the Crawford Report to identify any market driven sport) implications for Softball Australia's Strategic Plan. . Inadequate number of appropriately skilled Overall our Strategic Plan is aligned and high performance and community consistent with the recommendations in the coaches and officials and a lack of an Report and no radical rethink was required, just integrated national coaching and officials' refinement, expansion and some reordering of curriculum and pathway strategic initiatives and priorities. . Poor alignment and integration between Our priorities for the next 12 months remain national and state LTPP and elite unchanged – completing the implementation of development programs the CRM Project, Membership reform, . Limited capacity in Member States, transforming our participation and high associations and clubs to support the performance programs and improving the quality delivery of national initiatives and efficacy of our marketing and business development activities. All these initiatives provide . Patchy engagement with schools, the essential foundations and infrastructure universities and other existing and potential required for future success. system partners Softball Australia's Strategic Plan has been Informed by research developed to address these gaps and weaknesses, and to exploit our strengths and Research and reviews of Softball Australia's opportunities. activities and programs over the last 12 months have identified a need to implement a more

consistent, nationally aligned and coordinated

whole-of-sport approach to convert participants into members, and to sustain their engagement with Softball. Further, the reviews identified a number of critical gaps or weaknesses in our long term participation and elite development pathways, including:

. A narrowly defined membership model that does not embrace all those who do or could participate in Softball

. Failure to convincingly position and sell the Softball 'brand' and demonstrate the value of being a participant or member

. Inadequate recognition of and action taken to address the high risk departure points along the long term participation pathway (LTPP). For example: transition

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Softball Australia's Strategic Plan

Purpose . Demonstrate governance and management leadership, excellence, Softball Australia's purpose is to: accountability and good stewardship

. Be the dynamic and innovative leader of . Deliver marketing and business Softball in Australia development excellence

. Engage, support and inform all Softball . Provide quality people (staff, volunteers, stakeholders players, coaches, officials), facilities, equipment, technology and other non- . Raise the profile and standing of and financial resources participation in Softball . Establish a robust and sustainable financial . Support and deliver quality competitive base that enables us to invest in the future and recreational Softball opportunities of Softball locally, nationally and internationally Strategic objectives Vision By 30 June 2014, we will achieve the following We will be the world's number one Softball nation, strategic objectives: providing exciting competitive and recreational opportunities to a rapidly expanding and diverse . Membership of more than 60,000, with an membership and to communities across Australia. annual growth rate of 10%

. A high level of member awareness, Values engagement and satisfaction with the . Collaborative & cooperative performance of Softball Australia and with their Softball experience . Supportive & responsive . Significant growth in participation and . Inclusive & equitable take-up of Softball Australia and Member . Open & transparent State activities, including competitions, social events, and training and . Innovative & creative accreditation programs . Flexible & dynamic . A high level of positive awareness, . Proactive & enthusiastic recognition, understanding, support and engagement from funding-bodies, the . Professional & respectful media, general public, sponsors, . Accountable & ethical commercial partners and other sporting bodies . Competitive & tenacious . Our people (staff and volunteers) will be Strategic themes highly engaged, motivated, skilled, respected and service-focused Softball Australia will achieve its purpose and vision by focusing on the following strategic . An Australia-wide network of international, themes that will underpin all our objectives and national and community facilities in place initiatives. We will: to enable us to deliver a great Softball experience . Build a vibrant, diverse, satisfied and growing membership, Softball community . A portfolio of successful and viable and other key stakeholders competitions, programs and servicesUp-to- date technology in place to assist with: . Adopt an innovative and integrated 'whole of sport' approach to Softball . Our knowledge and understanding of our stakeholders

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. Efficient development and delivery of . Integrated high performance program for our programs, products and services elite and sub-elite female and male athletes, officials and coaches . Effective communication and the sharing of information . Community and grassroots programs that support: . Efficient management of the business of Softball . Club and association development

. Best practice governance and . Social inclusion, including sports management across all levels of the sport connect and the Indigenous Softball program . Current and relevant policies and regulations . Recruitment and retention of school- aged children . Quality marketing and business development to support the promotion, . Social, recreational and corporate development and delivery of Softball Softball across Australia . Revised competition pathway and . Stable, viable and sustainable finances to technical program (umpiring, scoring, support the continued growth and coaching) to support the delivery of the development of Softball high performance and community and grassroots programs Key initiatives . Improved information and communication The following is a selection of the initiatives that technology to support event will be delivered over the next five years in order management, marketing communications, to achieve our purpose, vision, strategic themes the development of athletes and officials and objectives. and eCommerce

. Governance and management reform at . Membership management program, all levels of the sport including: . Marketing and business development . National membership database activities: . Softball Batter Up junior recruitment . Website redevelopment program . Promotion of major events . Member communication program . Improved communication with . Member benefits packages members . Partnerships with government, universities, . Building the Softball brand schools, commercial partners and other sports . Lobbying and media strategy

. Staff and volunteer management . National sponsorship and programs merchandise programs

. Facilities management program to support . Five year financial plan the development of new and upgrading of More information about the Softball Australia existing facilities Strategic Plan can be found on the Softball Australia website at www.softball.org.au.

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CRM Project

On 31 May 2010, the new Softball website was released to our 8 Member States, and 482 associations and clubs, broken down as follows:

ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA Total States 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8

Associations 6 25 1 22 10 4 18 8 94

Clubs 13 116 4 67 26 16 67 51 360

Other 4 11 9 7 9 9 3 3 28

24 153 6 97 37 21 89 63 490

Implementation challenges

In implementing a project of this magnitude we . Significantly improved web content about faced a number of challenges: Softball and the programs and services we offer . Designing a flexible website that met the requirements of all levels of the sport and Ability to customise websites which can be managed by administrators with diverse web skills The new website allows each state, association or club considerable license to personalise the look . Managing the conversion of websites from and feel of their websites, including: two different platforms: the old Interfuse system (NSW) and Bellevue (all other . The banner and promotional buttons Member States) . Sponsor panels and advertising . Identifying and managing content from . The website colour scheme and fonts 490 organisations . News items and the calendar . Importing more than 120,000 documents and images . Opting to use some or all of the menus and generic Softball content created by . Identifying the association and club Softball Australia website administrators with whom we had to communicate and train . Displaying of member profiles and photo galleries . Creating new high quality content, much of which can be shared across all the . The polling facility and countdown clock Softball websites

Despite the many implementation challenges, the Next phase: new modules new website has already delivered a number of Over the next 12 months, additional modules will benefits, including: be released with a range of features:

. Strengthening the Softball brand National database . Presenting ourselves as a cooperative . Secure, password protected national sporting community database of current, past and prospective . Making it easier for users to navigate members between and within sites and to find the . Ability to automate many processes, such information they want as player clearances and transfers, and report and statistics generation

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. Ability for members to access and manage The design and development of the new website their membership record was overseen by a project team comprising the eight Member State Champions, the Super User Broadcast Group drawn from associations and clubs, and Softball Australia staff. The project team provided . Management of eCommunications, input to the visual design, layout and structure of including newsletters, bulk emails and SMS the website, and will continue to provide support messages and feedback to support the ongoing . Templates for newsletters to targeted development of our website and the subscribers implementation of the new modules.

. Content management capabilities Softball Australia would like to thank our State . Mechanisms to ensure compliance with Champions and Super Users who have been privacy and spam legislation amazingly supportive and positive throughout this project. Community State Champions . Social networking module, which allows groups to post messages to each other Jannette Cass-Dunbar (ACT) and share documents and the calendar Sue Christie and Lynne Townsend (NSW) Teri Cubillo (NT) Sports programs Kim James (Qld) Sam Small (SA) . Management of programs and events, Shannon Ryan (Tas) such as coaching clinics, Come 'n Try days Julie Nemeth (Vic) and Softball Batter Up Ryan Harder (WA)

Finance Super User Group . Management of eCommerce transactions Warren Duff – National Umpiring Committee with a MYOB interface Heather Farrell – Horsham Association (Vic) Dave Trotman – Brisbane Softball Association eCommerce (Qld) . An online store of products and services Andrew Mallison – Hornsby Softball Association with a shopping cart facility (NSW) Trevor Williams – South East Metropolitan Softball . Online credit card payment feature, Association (WA) including the potential for online payment of fees and levies Project leader

Project management The project leader is Softball Australia eCommunications Coordinator, Helen Davis, The development of the CRM system specification whose commitment to quality, attention to detail, and selection of the vendor was managed by the work ethic and good humour during some difficult CRM Project Team, comprising: moments is remarkable. Helen is well supported by Project Consultant Mark Tonner-Joyce, who . Doug Stracey and Andy Dodshon (NSW) has worked tirelessly to keep the project on track. . Sue Nisbet (Qld) Finally, we gratefully acknowledge the . Gene Schembri (ASC) contribution of the ASC, in particular Gene . Sue Noble and Colin Johnson (Softball Schembri and Rob Clement. Without the ASC's Australia) expertise and significant financial support this project would have been more limited in scope . Mark Tonner Joyce and Michael Kratofil and impossible to implement within our ambitious (Consultants) timeframe.

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Organisational structure

September 2010

Softball Australia Directors

Jenny Holliday (Chairman) Jenny Cassidy (resigned 11/03/2010) Darryl Clout (resigned 14/11/2009) Dennis Cullen (Chairman – Governance Committee) Maree Holden Ashley Klein (appointed 08/02/2010) Vicki Lahey Michelle Nancarrow (appointed 08/02/2010) Andrew Seeckts (Chairman – Finance Committee) Selwyn Williams

Management team

Chief Executive Officer Sue Noble General Manager Operations & Technical Chet Gray Manager High Performance Bob Crudgington (resigned 26 February 2010) Manager High Performance Pathways Julie Anderson (appointed 17 May 2010) Community & Grassroots Manager Shannon Ryan eMarketing Manager Sarah Ritchie (resigned 26 September 2009) National Events Coordinator Shane Cantelmi (resigned 11 September 2009) Finance Coordinator Deion Moore National Elite Development Coordinator Kylie Bloodworth (resigned 24 February 2010) eCommunications Coordinator Helen Davis (appointed 30 June 2010) Community & Grassroots Coordinator Jenelle Morton Administration & Events Assistant Heather Towers Community & Grassroots Assistants Jenny Cassidy & Raelene Jeffrey Softball Australia Historian (Honorary) Margo Koskelainen

AIS/Australian Open Women's Head Coach Fabian Barlow AIS Softball Program Coordinator Bernie Dench

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Our committees

High Performance Committee National Events Committee

Sue Noble (Softball Australia staff) Chet Gray (Softball Australia staff) Julie Anderson (Softball Australia staff) Julie Anderson (Softball Australia staff) Chet Gray (Softball Australia staff) Heather Towers (Softball Australia staff) Jenny Cassidy (Softball Australia staff) Jenny Cassidy (Softball Australia staff) Selwyn Williams (Softball Australia Director) Maree Holden (Softball Australia Director) Michelle Nancarrow (Softball Australia Director) Tricia Sibraa (Qld) Sue Nisbet (Qld) Mike Hannelly (NSW) Bob Harrow (ACT) Cathy Kerr (NSW) Paula McGovern (Vic) Shirley Schneider (WA) John Neilsen (NSW) Sheryl Burnie (Tas) Fabian Barlow (Qld) Kylie Bloodworth (Vic) Jodie Bowering (Qld) Community & Grassroots Committee Technical Committee Sue Noble (Softball Australia staff) Shannon Ryan (Softball Australia staff) Julie Anderson (Softball Australia staff) Jenelle Morton (Softball Australia staff) Chet Gray (Softball Australia staff) Selwyn Williams (Softball Australia Director) Dennis Cullen (Softball Australia Director) Vicki Lahey (Softball Australia Director) Mike Hannelly (NSW) Raelene Jeffrey (Vic) Ken Culpitt (ACT) Evelyn Seabourne (Tas) Margo Koskelainen (Vic) Andrea Johnstone (Qld) Tricia Sibraa (Qld) Ray Carter (Vic) Marketing & Business Development Committee National Scoring Committee

Sue Noble (Softball Australia staff) Michael Hannelly – Chief Statistician (NSW) Ashley Klein (Softball Australia Director) Lindy Rattigan(SA) Selwyn Williams (Softball Australia Director) Carolyn Buttsworth (NSW) Maree Holden (Softball Australia Director) Mary Walkinshaw (Vic) Warren Duff (WA) Ngaire Huston (Qld) Jen Edmonds (WA) Chris Trengove (Vic) Roger Maddern (Vic) Kelly Gentle (NSW) National Umpiring Committee Tricia Sibraa – National UIC – Operations (Qld) Membership Committee Leigh Evans – UIC – Technical (Vic) Sue Noble (Softball Australia staff) Debbie Grove – UIC – Development(Vic) Dennis Cullen (Softball Australia Director) Mark Toft (Qld) Vicki Lahey (Softball Australia Director) Warren Duff (WA) Roger Maddern (Vic) Darren Sibraa (Qld) Reg Page (WA) Yvonne Kahler (Qld) Susan Rindfleish (NSW) Bruce McCahon (NSW) Mark Jeppesen (Qld) Karen Hockley (SA) History & Recognition Committee Noelene Elvish (NT) Margo Koskelainen (Vic) Ken Culpitt (ACT)

Lorraine Ireland (Vic) Neville Lawrance (SA) Audrey McLaughlin (Qld) Shirley Schneider (WA)

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Our members

Membership profile

The future and the great strength of Softball Australia lies with our members – the 8 Member States, and 482 associations and clubs and 33,000 individuals that make up our sport. It is the passion and commitment of these members that underpins Softball Australia's achievements and will pave the way for future success.

Our individual members represent a range of demographic profiles. They have a diversity of interests, and work and live across Australia. They make valuable contributions to our sport in a wide range of areas, whether as players, coaches, administrators, umpires, scorers, volunteers or supporters.

Players Females Males Total ACT 1,758 1,060 2,818 NSW 7,937 3,200 11,137 Northern Territory 336 91 427 Queensland 4,396 2,239 6,635 South Australia 2,118 458 2,576 Tasmania 436 79 515 Victoria 1,955 879 2,834 Western Australia 2,334 1,407 3,741 Total 21,270 9,413 30,683

Players Females Males Total T-Ball (U10) 3,013 2,034 5,047 Junior (U17 fastpitch) 4,989 2,283 7,272 Senior fastpitch 11,352 4,510 15,862 Slowpitch/masters 1,916 586 2,502 Total 21,270 9,413 30,683

Non-playing Females Males Total ACT 0 0 0 NSW 514 455 959 Northern Territory 4 8 12 Queensland 256 203 459 South Australia 203 124 327 Tasmania 33 18 51 Victoria 125 101 226 Western Australia 3 3 6 Total 1,138 902 2,040

Females Males Total Coaches 350 539 889 Umpires 124 230 354 Total 474 769 1,243

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Membership review

In May 2010, Softball Australia and our 8 Member ▪ Ensuring Softball can compete effectively States embarked on a review of our membership against other options for peoples' leisure structure to position Softball for growth, success time and expenditure and a sustainable financial future. This will be achieved by developing and implementing a . Providing more flexibility, allowing for new market-driven membership model aimed at different levels and intensity of participation retaining existing and acquiring new members by: (i) by each market segment and (ii) over time (whole of life participation) . Embracing and recognising the entire . Recognising the contribution of non- Softball community (players and non- Softballers to the sport eg parents, players) and removing all major barriers of teachers, volunteers entry to membership . Building a higher profile for the sport . Allowing people to remain connected to because more people are aware of, the sport without being actively involved engaged with, or involved in Softball eg alumni, friends, supporters Building a large Softball community will provide a . Better reflecting the changing attitudes, more compelling and attractive reason for: needs and wants of Gen X, Y and others who don't fit the traditional membership . Better government support model . Better media coverage . Supporting the growth of the social aspects of the sport, which demand a more casual, . Greater investment by sponsors and flexible and agile approach commercial partners As the review progresses during 2010 and early . Capturing people with an interest in Softball in order to convert them to 2011, there will be many opportunities for our participants Members to contribute their thoughts and ideas.

. Supporting the introduction of new, diverse programs, activities, products and services for new member categories

Player profile

In 2008, Katina won the Best Batter Award at the U16 Girls' Australian Championship, helping ACT finish 3rd at the tournament (their best result for a number of years). Katina's performance resulted in her selection in the Australian Youth Development Squad and the inaugural Australian Indigenous Team. Katina represented ACT in the U19 Championship and the Gilley's Shield, where she won the Rosemary Adey Medal for the Rookie of the Year in 2009. The same year ,Katina was selected in the Australian U 19 Squad and has added an AIS Scholarship and tours with the Aussie Spirit to her growing list of accomplishments.

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Membership recognition

Life Members

Life Members are recognised for their exceptional and devoted service to Softball Australia.

Name Year State

Bill Gobbart 2006 Vic Ken Culpitt 2004 ACT Alan McAuliffe 2002 SA Shirley Schnieder 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)

Hall of Fame Inductees 2009

Ken Culpitt 2009 Aussie Steelers ISF Open Men's World Champions

Softball Awards of Excellence 2009

Award Winners State

2009 Female Athlete of the Year Justine Smethurst Vic 2009 Male Athlete of the Year Adam Folkard ACT 2009 Junior Female Athlete of the Year Kaia Parnaby NSW 2009 Junior Male Athlete of the Year Tyson Duncan WA 2009 Coach of the Year Bob Harrow ACT 2009 Indigenous Athlete of the Year Jeff Goolagong ACT 2009 Administrator of the Year Helen Baker SA 2009 Local Association of the Year Manly Warringah Softball Association NSW 2009 Statistician of the Year Helen Edwards Vic Kaye Greggs NSW 2009 Spirit Award Mike Harrow ACT 2009 Umpire of the Year Darren Sibraa Qld (Vivienne Triplett Award) Diane Waller Vic

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Softball Australia Service Awards 2009

State Winners

New South Wales Anthony Archer, Trish Claydon, Vic Guillaumier

Queensland Tanya Bakker, Debra Bird, Gerry Bool, Debbie Carey, Robyn Jemmott, Robyn Lamont, Helen Strauss, Michelle Torpey

South Australia Linda Thornton

Tasmania Jane Brooks, Anna Higgins, Annette Phillips, Alyssa Small

Victoria Kevin Broomhall, Leigh Evans, Jo Ingram, Sue James, Julie Nemeth, Patsy Smith, Arch Thompson, Fay Thompson, Colin Watkeys

ISF Hall of Fame Inductees 2009

Winners State

Peter Clout NSW John McAuliffe SA Sally (McDermid) McCreedy ACT

Vale

Pat Rawlings OAM Pat contributed to the development of Softball at both state and national levels. In 1980 she was appointed as the Australian Women's Team Manager, a position she held until 1986. Pat was involved in the constitutional reform which led to the first ASF Board being established in 1984. She worked with NSW and WA to organise the inaugural Open Men's National Championship (the John Reid Shield) in 1984. This was the start of the elite men's pathway for Softball in Australia and has undoubtedly contributed to Australia's current world ranking and championship success. In 1991 Pat was inducted into the ASF Hall of Fame and was awarded the Order of Australia. She became an ASF Life Member in 1994 and was awarded an Australian Sports Medal in 2000.

Vivienne Triplett Vivienne held the position of ASF Vice President for two terms and was both a Softball Australia and ISF Hall of Fame inductee (she was the first Australian umpire inducted into the ISF Hall of Fame). Vivienne was awarded the All Australian Umpire Badge at the Australian Women's Championships in 1968 and went on to umpire at the Australian Women's Championships from 1969-84. From 1973-82 Vivienne umpired at a number of international events, including the ISF's 3rd, 4th and 5th Women's World Championships. In 1995 Softball Australia honoured Vivienne's outstanding contribution to Softball when it named its Award for Excellence in Umpiring in her honour.

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Retirements

Mike Harrow, Aussie Steelers Natalie Titcume, Aussie Spirit (representative player number 21) (representative player number 174) Mike first represented Australia One of Australia's toughest players, against New Zealand in the Tri Natalie played 334 games over 16 Nations Tournament in 1992. years and is Australia's 3rd most Australia's most capped male capped player behind Natalie player, Mike's career spans more Ward and Sally McCreedy. The than 18 years and five World consummate professional who represented her Championships (1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2009). He country with distinction, each time Natalie captained the Australian Open Men's team from stepped out on the diamond she strove to 2001-009, winning bronze in 2004 and gold at the become a better player. A three time Olympian 2009 ISF Open Men's World Championship. Mike (2000, 2004, 2008) and World Championship (1998, represented the ACT in 22 consecutive National 2006) player, Natalie had a career of which she Championships, winning nine. He was awarded can be extremely proud. Most Valuable Player in 1995 & 2008, Best Batter in 2004 and received Softball Australia's Spirit Award Melanie Roche, Aussie Spirit in 2009. Mike continues to contribute to Softball as (representative player number 148) a coach, conducting catchers' clinics for junior Mel first represented Australia in and elite players. In addition to his Softball career, 1988 at the Bicentennial Challenge Mike played ice hockey for Australia from 1997 to Test Series held in Canberra and 2001. enjoyed an international Softball career that spanned 20 years. She Jeff Goolagong, Aussie Steelers played 229 games for Australia which included (representative player number 59) four World Championships (1990, 1994, 1998, 2006) Jeff, a two-time World and four Olympic Games (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008). Championship player from the Mel, along with Tanya Harding and Natalie Ward, ACT, first represented Australia in are the only female athletes in Australia's Olympic 2001 at the Doreen Dalton history to compete at four consecutive Olympic Memorial Tournament in New Games and medal at each of them. Mel will be Zealand. An Indigenous role model visiting remote remembered for her competitive nature, passion communities across Australia, Jeff was named for the sport and her ability to perform on the Softball Australia's 2009 Indigenous Athlete of the international arena against the best Softball Year. The pinnacle of his career was winning the players from around the world. gold medal at the 2009 ISF Open Men's World Championship. Jeff won four consecutive national titles as a member of the ACT Open Men's team from 2006-2009.

Terry Downes, Aussie Steelers (representative player number 39) Terry represented Australia from 1995 to 2009 competing in 4 World Championships (1996, 2000, 2004, 2009) winning bronze in 2004 and gold in 2009. As a member of the Queensland Open Men's team from 1989, he won two Championships, was awarded Most Valuable Player in 2002, Best Batter in 1998, Best Pitcher in 1995 and named Australian Softballer of the Year in 2002. Terry was named on the coaching staff for the Aussie Spirit at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

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High performance

2009-10 saw a major review of Softball Australia's 5-0 in the final. The win ended the domination of high performance strategy in line with the ASC's New Zealand, which had won the previous three review of high performance funding and our World Championships. The rise of the Aussie Strategic Plan. The purpose of the strategy is to: Steelers can be attributed to the:

. Provide national leadership, inspiration and . Leadership of the Australian Men's Head focus Coach Bob Harrow

. Ensure long-term athlete development, . Hard work and determination of the health and well-being, from talent players identification through to elite . Success of the junior men's program, which representation saw the Aussie Colts win four consecutive . Deliver long-term elite development and ISF World Championships in 1997, 2001, participation pathways for female and 2005 and 2008 male athletes, coaches and officials

. Ensure sustainable success in international competition

. Raise participation and the profile and standing of Softball in Australia

The development and delivery of this strategy continues to evolve as we consult with Member States, key system partners, athletes, officials and other stakeholders.

Elite competition

A review of the elite competition program highlighted the need to change our junior competition pathway to U15 and U17 to address skill acquisition deficiencies and accommodate different athlete maturation rates. The new pathway was endorsed by our Members States and the Softball Australia Directors in February 2010 and takes effect from the 2010-11 season.

The U15 Australian Championships will broaden the participation base, provide further competitive and development opportunities for up and coming athletes, and will assist in identifying and selecting our stars of the future.

The U17 Australian Championships will enhance the transition between participation, development and elite competition.

2009 ISF XII Open Men's World Photos courtesy Ric Tanner

Championship

The Aussie Steelers Australian Open Men's team celebrated an historic win at the 2009 ISF XII World Men's Championship 17-26 July 2009 in Saskatoon Canada, defeating the New Zealand Black Sox

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One year on from the Championship, Bob Harrow A significant number of key players retired after has been re-appointed as the Men's Head Coach the Beijing Olympic Games and as a result, and the Aussie Steelers have commenced their Australia finished in 6th place after a very title defence preparation for the XIII ISF Men's dramatic elimination in the quarter finals to World Championship in New Zealand in 2013. The Canada by the narrowest of margins. We look team looks forward to the challenge of retaining forward to regaining our world ranking at the 2012 their title on the home diamond of their great XIII ISF Women's World Championship in Canada, trans-Tasman rival, the Black Sox. building on valuable lessons learnt in Venezuela.

2010 ISF XII Open Women's World Softball Australia would like to acknowledge the support and work Bernie Dench (AIS Softball Championship Program Coordinator), Jeremy Shepherd (Senior The Aussie Spirit Australian Open Women's team Strength and Conditioning Coach) and Dr Mark competed in the XII ISF Open Women's World Young (Athlete Screening and Health) for their Championship in Venezuela 23 June-2 July 2010. services and contribution in the preparation of the In the lead up to this event, the team competed Aussie Spirit team for the 2010 ISF XII Open in a number of national and international events. Women's World Championship.

In February, 17 Aussie Spirit players were selected Australian Championships from an original squad of 24 to compete at the Championships. The team was a blend of youth The Australian Championships are the pinnacle of and experienced players who had competed at Softball's national competition program, where previous World Championships and Olympic athletes, coaches and officials are provided with Games. an opportunity to perform at the highest level.

The underage Championships provide our national coaches and selectors with an opportunity to identify and select talented athletes, coaches and officials for participation in our elite development programs and future international events.

Congratulations to Western Australia for taking out the coveted Gilley's Shield and John Reid Shield double. Not since 2002, when Queensland won both events, has a state won both events. The Western Australian Flames broke through for their first title since 1959, defeating NSW 3-2 in the final of the Gilley's Shield.

The Western Australian men broke the ACT's stranglehold on the John Reid Shield. They defeated the defending champions during the early rounds of the tournament and convincingly

won the final 7-2, picking up 11 hits off ACT's world class pitchers.

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Edebone-Weber Shield International Challenge Series

The 2009-10 championship season saw the The International Challenge Series was established introduction of the Edebone-Weber Shield to the in 2005 to provide aspiring elite players with national event calendar and the inclusion of the exposure to elite coaching and an additional New Zealand White Sox into the Gilley's Shield for high performance training opportunity. The the first time. The Edebone-Weber Shield was run purpose of the series is to develop players, in conjunction with the first three rounds of the enhance their skills and give them a greater Gilley's Shield, with the final being played at the opportunity of stepping up to the senior program end of Round 3 at Redlands Softball Association at state and national level. School Sport Australia (Qld), NSW Firestars defeated the Western includes this event as part of their competition Australian Flames 5-0 to take out the inaugural pathway and enters an Australian Merit team, Edebone-Weber Shield. Tracey Mosley (ACT) won which is selected at their National School Softball the Most Valuable Player Award. Championships in May. The 2009 Series result was Australian Invitational Team 4 – Te Aroha 2. Australia – New Zealand Test Series

At the conclusion of Round 3 of the Gilley's Shield, The Edebone-Weber Shield the Aussie Spirit and New Zealand White Sox played a three test series, with Australia winning The Edebone-Weber Shield recognises two Softball

3-0. The series provides an additional legends, Peta Edebone (Australia) and Gina Weber (New development and selection opportunity for both Zealand) for their outstanding contributions to the game in

teams. their respective countries.

Lauren Daykin, Karina Cannon and Clare Currie In 1992, Peta made her debut in the Australian Open made their debuts for Australia and put in eye- Women's Team at the Challenger Cup in Beijing as the 160th player to represent Australia. Peta played at three ISF catching performances that contributed to their World Championships (1994, 1998, 2002) and at three World Championship selection. Olympic Games (1996, 2000, 2004). She was regarded as one of the world's leading batters and defensive players at International Friendship Series 1st base and in the outfield. At the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000, Peta equalled the then Olympic Record of The 2009 International Friendship Series was held four home runs. In January 2001, Peta was given the at Blacktown Olympic Park (NSW) from 6-10 July. honour of captaining the Australian Open Women's Team, Both the Aussie Pride and Aussie Colts Squads a position she held until her retirement. Peta retired having were split into the Aussie Green and Aussie Gold played a total of 328 international matches for the Aussie teams in their respective competitions and Spirit, at the time making her Australia's second most played against some of best youth players from capped player behind Sally McCreedy (356 caps). Australia and New Zealand. In addition to the competition, the squads received expert 'I was excited to receive the news that the trans-Tasman Series coaching during their week of games. was being re-named the 'Edebone-Weber Shield' in honour of myself and Gina's long involvement in our respective Men's competition country's sport. Australia and New Zealand have endured NSW Metro won the men's competition for the great sporting rivalry in many sports and Softball has been no second consecutive year, with an impressive 5-3 exception. To be recognised in this way is a great honour and I victory over ISA New Zealand in the final. A stand thank Softball Australia for this opportunity' Edebone said. out performance by NSW Metro's Joel Harris saw him pick up three of the individual tournament New Zealand's Gina Weber is probably the best awards. recognised name in New Zealand women's Softball. The 1.90m (6' 3') pitcher's first experience of international Women's competition Softball was in 1982. She was included in the New Zealand team that won the gold medal at the 1st World It was an all Australia final in the women's Championship in Taiwan. Gina went on to play in four competition with Aussie Gold defeating Aussie World Championships and captained the White Sox at the Green 4-0. A strong pitching performance from Sydney Olympics in 2000. Lana Tye helped Aussie Gold to victory and secured her the Pitching Award for the event.

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Daily training environment

The AIS Softball Program was established in 1993 . National Battery Camp, with an emphasis as a non-residential program to provide a high on pitching fundamentals and strategies quality camps-based daily training environment . One-on-one and small group sessions in for the Open Women's program. Several camps players' home states are conducted every year utilising world class sports science and sports medicine services that, High performance leadership along with elite level coaching, provides optimal training opportunities for our elite female athletes. In February 2010, after many years of service to Over the last 18 months the program has widened elite women's Softball, High Performance its focus to include a number of U19 athletes, Manager Bob Crudgington resigned in order to which will assist with their development towards pursue his other interests of academia and digital future open level national representation and media. We thank Bob for his contribution to the preparation for the U19 World Championships. High Performance Program as a coach and in management. The AIS program, which supported the Aussie Spirits' preparation for the ISF World In May 2010, Julie Anderson was appointed as Championship, is being reviewed to ensure it Manager High Performance Pathways and has meets Softball's requirements in an increasingly been instrumental in establishing a clear new competitive international environment. direction for our High Performance Program. Julie is ably supported by the High Performance The contribution of our Member States is essential Committee and our National Head Coaches, to enable our athletes, coaches and officials to who continue to provide inspiring leadership: prepare for elite national and international competition. We are investigating how we might Fabian Barlow AIS/Australian Open provide more direct support to the states, Women's Head Coach especially for elite coaching and officiating. Bob Harrow Australian Open Men's Head Coach One initiative in the pipeline is the development Paula McGovern Australian U19 Women's of a National Softball Coaching Curriculum, which Head Coach will support the expansion of the network of elite John Neilsen Australian U19 Men's Head coaches who work with our high performance Coach athletes on a daily basis. This coach-led and athlete-centred curriculum is based on long-term Our partners athlete, coach and official development principles. Softball Australia acknowledges our key partners whose support is essential for the successful Throughout 2010-11, we will continue to explore delivery of our high performance program: training and competition partnerships and opportunities to enable us to compete . ASC and AIS successfully against those countries currently . Our Member States ahead of us in the international rankings. . ACT Academy of Sport Development and training events . New South Wales Institute of Sport Our national squads participated in a number of . Queensland Academy of Sport development activities conducted over the last 12 months: . Victorian Institute of Sport

. Western Australian Institute of Sport . International Friendship Series

. International Challenge Series

. AIS Camps, focusing on fitness testing, skill acquisition, scrimmages, sports psychology, medicine and science and video analysis

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www.softball.org.au P a g e | 25 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | Community participation

Community participation

Over the past 12 months, Softball Australia has The two major findings were: continued to work with our Member States to promote and strengthen Softball across Australia . Softball is a sport with numerous endearing by increasing community participation and qualities that capture the essence of a member retention and recruitment through high Sport for All philosophy, and that possesses quality Softball programs and services. members who represent a lucrative and attractive market to both public and Understanding our market private organisations . Softball is experiencing a declining National Softball Census 2009 participation rate that must be arrested and reversed if the sport is to survive in the The National Softball Census 2009, conducted by long term Street Ryan, revealed that 109,793 people participated in Softball competitions and The 12 recommendations arising from the report programs. These participants were broken down support the priority initiatives in Softball Australia's into three broad categories: Strategic Plan.

. 28,079 (25% of all participants) in club Softball Batter Up Softball competitions (including summer, Softball Australia's junior recruitment program, winter, fastpitch and slowpitch) Softball Batter Up, introduces children between . 73,102 (67% of all participants) in school the ages of 4 to 12 years to the fundamentals of Softball programs Softball. The program offers participants a variety of modified games and activities, with the focus . 8,612 (8% of all participants) in entry level programs such as modified Softball games on enjoyment, skill development and continued and T-Ball participation.

While Softball is attractive to both genders, there The program is designed to build on existing junior is a greater level of female participation. In 2009, programs delivered by associations, clubs and 74,801 (68%) of Softball participants were female schools, and provides quality resources and compared to 34,992 (32%) male participants. equipment to deliver age and skill appropriate activities. It is estimated that 1.8% of male and 3.4% of female participants were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Softball Australia, with the support of Member Islanders. States, conducted Softball Batter Up pilot programs in 18 associations, delivered to Softball Australia's participation strategy has been 953 individuals over the past 12 months. influenced by significant opportunities identified in Recommendations from these pilots will allow us schools. Other areas the Census highlights for to finalise resources and launch the program in all development include membership reform, game Member States from late 2010. Softball Batter Up development and key partnership strategies. resources will include user friendly administration, promotion, coaching and participant tool kits. Softball Australia Member Survey – January 2010 This online survey of playing members was conducted by Griffith University. A sample of 467 members completed the survey, providing vital information about Softball participants' characteristics and their satisfaction with the management of Softball in Australia.

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Active After School Community Program Online resources

Over the last 12 months, more than 13,346 The introduction of the new Softball website children in 450 schools and Out of School Hours provided the catalyst to create new and Care Services participated in the ASC's Active improved online information and resources to After School Community Softball program. support our community participation programs. National, state and regional sporting bodies delivered 34% of the program with teachers, . Club Development provides information community volunteers and private providers and resources to assist with starting and delivering the remainder. running an association or club

. Playing offers resources to help people start The program provides opportunities to transition playing Softball and to improve their skills children, families and coaches into associations and clubs via the ASC's Play for Life campaign. . Volunteering assists with volunteer management and provides information for A major highlight of the year was the ASC's people who are interested in becoming a recognition of Latrobe and Districts Softball volunteer Association (Tas) for their outstanding success in . Social Softball provides information about getting primary school students participating in Softball Australia's social Softball program, Softball, while providing a pathway to join their OzPitch, and is being updated to include association. Since 2009, Latrobe has provided a additional recreational and corporate fun and safe environment at no cost for primary Softball information school children to take part in Softball and other structured physical activity. Over the last two . Kids' Corner includes a range of resources years the association's junior membership and information for children, parents and numbers have doubled from 50 to 100 children as teachers who are interested in Softball a result of promoting Softball to a new audience.

Federal Member for Braddon, Sid Sidebottom,

recently acknowledged Latrobe's success and praised their ability to demonstrate how they benefited from working with the AASCP.

Photo courtesy Greg Heron

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Special Olympics Australia

Special Olympics Australia In April 2010, 50 athletes took part in the Softball (SOA) is a national not-for- competition at the 2010 Special Olympics profit organisation serving National Games held in Adelaide. The approximately 4,500 competition was tightly contested with teams people with an intellectual from New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria and disability in 250 sports clubs Western Australia participating. The gold medal across Australia. Softball is match was won by Western Australia, who one of 13 sports offered to defeated Victoria 17–11. athletes of varying abilities, from community to At the completion of the Games, a team of 16 international level. athletes was selected to represent Australia at the Special Olympics Summer World Games in Athens Over the past year, Softball Australia has built on (25 June-4 July 2011). Softball Australia its existing relationship with SOA and entered into congratulates the athletes and officials on their a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance selection and wishes them luck in the defence of the development of services and opportunities for their title. people with an intellectual disability.

Photos courtesy WinkiPoP Media

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Indigenous Softball Program

. Participation by Australian team members, Jess Hollett, Emily Smethurst and Rhianne Kerr as Softball Role Models on ARMTour and Red Dust community visits

Easton continues to provide great support for the ISP. Over the last 12 months they generously provided more than $3,000 worth of Softball equipment for various community programs.

Photo courtesy Greg Heron Softball Australia is developing an ISP strategy in consultation with Member States and key The Indigenous Softball Program (ISP) continues to Indigenous stakeholders in order to ensure be a major focus of Softball Australia's Social continued program growth and a great Softball Inclusion Program. We provided resources for experience. Indigenous communities in Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory and South Softball Australia's Jenny Cassidy visited the Australia. ISP highlights include: NASCA facilities in Redfern in early 2010.

. Over 7,000 participants from Indigenous 'The visit was a great opportunity to see the communities involved in Community NASCA's fantastic work first-hand and to identify Carnivals, Come 'n Try days and skill opportunities to further develop our relationship'. development clinics NASCA share offices with the National Centre of . 183 Indigenous people involved in the Indigenous Excellence (NCIE), which showcases management of Softball activities Indigenous sport, art and education. The state of . 308 participants in coaching and the art NCIE sporting facilities include a 25m officiating accreditation courses heated pool, a fully equipped gymnasium and accommodation for up to100 people. Softball . Our continued excellent relationship with Australia and NASCA have identified the ARMTour and Red Dust role model opportunity to use these fantastic facilities to host programs, which complement state-based coaching clinics and school holiday programs. ISP initiatives

Indigenous Softball Program

Softball Australia is proud to continue its relationship with Red Dust and the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy's (NASCA) ARMTour program. Both programs use sport and the profile and influence of positive role models from many walks of life to inspire healthy lifestyle decisions among remote indigenous youth.

'I quickly learnt that Softball is the dominant and preferred sport for ladies in Papunya and even though they don't play by the rules I play by here in Victoria, they were willing to listen to my way as well as teach me theirs. The ladies excitedly told me all about the annual championships that most of the communities attend to play against each other in Softball and the little ones listened when I told them the importance of safety equipment such as helmets. The kids at the school had an amazing time and it was so rewarding to see their big smiles and bright eyes.' Jess Hollett, Role Model – ARMTour Central Desert Remote

'Red Dust was hands down one of the best weeks of my life. The kids doing Softball had so much enthusiasm and energy. For the small size of Gapuwiyak, the amount of children that participated in sport and exercise was high and their appreciation of the new Softball gear was enormous. It was such a rewarding experience in Gapuwiyak and it was really amazing for me to be able to share my love and enthusiasm for the game of Softball with the kids and to watch them enjoy the sport as much as I do.' Rhianne Kerr, Role Model – Red Dust Gapuwiyak Tour

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Technical

Coaching

As part of the Softball Australia CRM project coaching information and resources have been updated and transferred onto the new website for ease of access. Coaches can now find information on the website relating to Coach Accreditation, as well as resources to assist their ongoing professional development.

Coaching appointments

At the 2009 International Friendship Series, the following coaches were appointed to coach the Aussie developmental teams:

Aussie Green Girls Aussie Gold Girls Kevin Jenkins Qld Chantelle James WA Heather McCann NSW Darrin Crisp NSW Vicki Bingley NSW Cheryl Waye Vic

Aussie Green Boys Aussie Gold Boys Gary Butler WA Sandra Evans Vic Robert Cook SA Maurice Paraha Qld Alexis Pearce Qld Tony Jackson NSW Ty Priest Vic

At the 2009 International Challenge Series, the following coaching staff were appointed to coach the the Australian Invitational Team during the series:

Head Coach Paula McGovern Assistant Coach Shane Hughes Assistant Coach Janell Behrendt Assistant Coach Sam Donkin

Accreditation and professional development

Over the last 12 months, significant work has been done to update the existing Level 1 National Coach Accreditation resources, and to complete the development of the Level 3 Softball coaching course. Both of these resources have been submitted to the ASC for approval.

More than 25 coach accreditation courses were conducted across the country. The majority of new coach accreditations were achieved through the online distance learning program, which gives coaches the opportunity to learn at their own pace. The total number of accredited coaches (30 June 2010) is 2,849, and can be broken down as follows:

Coaching ACT NSW NT SA Qld Tas Vic WA

Level 1 16 695 11 46 455 8 273 59

Level 2 27 121 1 1 75 7 99 1

Level 3 15 309 29 22 277 25 99 6

Level 4 3 23 2 79 3 3 4

Level 5 4 18 15 1 2 12

Level 6 2 1

Total 65 1168 41 86 887 45 487 70

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 30 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | Technical – Coaching

International guest instructor Cindy Bristow, Looking forward worked with the coaches during the 2009 Work has commenced on the development of Intenational Friendship Series. Cindy provided the Level 4 and 5 Coach Accreditation course onfield instruction, feedback during training and resources. A National Technical Conference for competition and nightly presentations on the coaches, umpires and scorers is planned for May following topics: 2011 at the AIS. The main objectives of the

. Offensive game situations conference are to provide professional development opportunities, as well as to conduct . What strategy to use, when and why joint sessions on topics that are relevant to both . Pitching plans to expose hitters' weaknesses coaches and officials.

. Steps for calling a game

. Pitching analysis grid

. Training programs for pitchers

. Pitchers' endurance, accuracy and movement training programs

. What to do with pitchers during practice Following the Friendship Series, Cindy conducted coaching clinics in Darwin (NT) and Waverley (Vic).

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 31 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | Technical – Scoring

Scoring

Scoring appointments

International scoring appointments Helen Edwards (Vic) was appointed as the team scorer for the Aussie Steelers at the 2009 ISF XII Open Men's World Championship in Saskatoon, Canada. Cheryl Dawes (Qld) was appointed as the team scorer for the Aussie Spirit at the 2010 ISF XII Open Women's World Championship in Caracas, Venezuela. Mike and Lis Hannelly (NSW) were appointed by the ISF to the Silver Jubilee 10th Asean Games (31 Oct-Nov 2009) in Brunei.

National scoring appointments Gilley's Shield Chris Trengove (Vic) John Reid Shield Kaye Greggs (NSW) Elinor McKenzie Shield Mary Walkinshaw (Vic) and Chris Trengove (Vic) Nox Bailey Shield Lorraine Malcolm (WA) Esther Deason Shield Kaye Greggs (NSW) Arthur Allsopp Shield Kaye Greggs (NSW) International Friendship Series Kaye Greggs (NSW) Japan Test Series Kaye Greggs (NSW)

Accreditation and professional development A major highlight of the year was the 47% increase in accredited scorers through the National Officiating Accreditation Scheme (NOAS). This was primarily due to the significant growth in Level 1 and 2 accreditations of 64% and 71 % respectively, which can in part be attributed to the ASC review and upgrade of the Level 1 and 2 scorers' course. The course now provides greater flexibility in course assessment and delivery.

The total number of accredited scorers is 2,727 (30 June 2010) broken down as follows:

Scoring Aus ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA % increase

Level 1 973 8 640 20 137 45 19 50 54 64%

Level 2 82 5 52 2 14 5 2 9 3 71%

Level 3 197 5 77 70 18 5 14 8 10%

Level 4-6 115 2 41 30 6 4 19 13 5%

Total 1367 20 800 22 251 74 30 92 78

The re-accreditation process for the senior scorers has commenced, with the provision of electronic log books to the State Directors of Scoring.

Member States continue to develop their scorers by running courses at all levels.

Thirty seven course facilitators were trained to deliver the Scoring Accreditation courses.

A grant from the ASC's Women in Sport Funding Assistance Program allowed four scorers in Western Australia to obtain Australian Championship scoring standards during the Nox Bailey Shield U19 Australian Men's Championship in January 2010.

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 32 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | Technical – Scoring

National Quality Assurance Program The National Scoring Committee (NSC) Quality Assurance Officer, Ngaire Huston, conducted quality assurance programs across 273 games, at the 2009-10 Australian Championships.

Arthur Allsopp Shield Australian U16 Boys' Championship 34 games played, 9 scorers reviewed Esther Deason Shield Australian U16 Girls' Championship 46 games played, 11 scorers reviewed Nox Bailey Shield Australian U19 Men's Championship 34 games played, 4 scorers reviewed Elinor McKenzie Shield Australian U19 Women's Championship 46 games played, 8 scorers reviewed John Reid Shield Australian Open Men's Championship 25 games played, 6 scorers reviewed Gilley's Shield Australian Open Women's Championship 88 games played, 28 scorers reviewed

ISF Rule changes Management A Scoring Technical Bulletin was published, The NSC has changed the way it communicates covering rule changes to illegal pitch recording, the and shares information with the State Scoring designated player rule, the catcher speed-up rule, Directors through quarterly teleconferences in recording of conferences and the effect of scoring. place of the traditional weekend conference. This was distributed to the State Scoring Directors in January 2010, and is available in the scoring section Looking forward of the Softball Australia website. The NSC has a busy work program ahead. Their many projects include: Resources As part of Softball Australia's CRM project, . The collection of statistics from the additional online resources have been provided to 2010-11Australian Championships. The CRM assist scorers at all levels. The scoring manuals are project allows game statistics to be imported now free to download from the website. These into the national membership database to resources will be reviewed and updated in the next build real-time event and players' statistics, financial year. which will be displayed on the Softball Australian website

. Developing content and topics for the proposed 2011National Technical Conference

. Reviewing the career pathway for scorers to ensure they have the skills and experience to meet the future requirements of our high performance programs

. Revising the Level 3 and 4 Scorer Accreditation programs

Photo courtesy Greg Heron

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 33 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | Technical – Umpiring

Umpiring

Accreditation and professional development

The process to have the Level 2 Basic Umpire Accreditation course recognised by NOAS commenced in January 2009. The course was approved by the ASC in June 2010. The Level 1 Introduction to Umpiring Accreditation course has been reviewed and updated to meet NOAS requirements.

The total number of accredited umpires is 1,323 (30 June 2010) broken down as follows:

Umpiring ACT NSW NT SA Qld Tas Vic WA

Level 1 22 228 12 65 300 13 239 29

Level 2 8 36 6 21 76 4 39 20

Level 3 9 15 0 13 29 5 15 13

Level 4 1 9 1 5 18 2 6 5

Level 5 2 8 1 1 10 0 6 1

Level 6 1 7 0 4 9 0 10 4

Level 7 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0

Level 8 1 1 0 5 0 0 4 0

Total 45 305 20 93 444 24 320 72

The following umpires attained their Level 5 umpire accreditation at the conclusion of their respective Australian Championships:

Arthur Allsopp Shield Australian U16 Boys' Championship Jana McCaskill (Qld) and Stuart Tyle (Vic) Elinor McKenzie Shield Australian U19 Women's Championship Sarah Houston (ACT), Ryan Thorneycroft (Vic) and Robert Murphy (Vic)

David Casey (Qld) and Vicki Lansley (NSW) successfully gained their Level 6 accreditation at the end of the 3rd Round of the Gilley's Shield.

In May 2010, a total of 376 umpires sat the Softball Australia National Umpires Rules Exam to update their accreditation. The Exam is open to umpires, coaches and statisticians. All Exam questions were derived from a database of over 2,000 questions compiled by Leigh Evans, with the support of Darren Sibraa, Rod Dawson and Alan McAuliffe.

The Softball Australia Basic Rules Exam for Level 1 and 2 umpires was released in May 2010. Umpires can sit the Exam anytime up until 30 April 2011. The Exam provides greater flexibility and an easier pathway for entry level umpires to the umpiring program. All Exam questions were compiled by Darren Sibraa, with the support of Graham Bancroft and Robert Harris.

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 34 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | Technical – Umpiring

ISF Rule changes

The ISF Rule changes for 2010 were circulated . Ready set position through the Umpire Technical Bulletins. Changes . Tags at bases were made to a number of areas, including to: . The count and signals . Appeal play . The Inside Outside theory . Force out Kevin Broomhall, the Victorian State Umpiring . Offence player only Director, worked with the ISF to edit the ISF on- diamond three and four umpiring rotation system, . Flex player which was used at the at the 2010 ISF XII Open . Scoring of runs Women's World Championship.

. Defensive conference for pitching A presentation, which includes a video and . Interference by non-playing team member photographs, has been produced to clarify the interpretation of the new ISF pitching rules and . Interference by runner points of emphasis. Resources Umpiring appointments The Softball Australia Official Playing Rules & Rules The following umpires received their certificate at Case Book for 2010-13, which includes rule changes the Awards of Excellence dinner for their service to for the 2010-11 playing season, has been updated the Australian and International umpiring programs: and will be available in late 2010.

. Neville Lawrance and Damien McCauley The Softball Rules in Pictures booklet, which is a (SA) valuable resource for teachers, parents and players wanting to learn the basics of the rules of the . Leigh Evans, Debbie Grove and Diane Waller game, has been updated by Alan McAuliffe, Leigh (Vic) Evans, Debbie Grove, Patricia Sibraa, and Helen . Darren Sibraa (Qld) Strauss to reflect the new rule changes. . Sue Itsztein and Scott Rindfleish (NSW). Five Umpire Technical Bulletins were published during the year covering: Umpire Leigh Evans (Vic) was selected to represent Australia at the 2009 ISF XII Open Men's World . The ISF points of emphasis pitching Championship in Canada. He was also awarded the plate umpiring duties for the final play-off . The Strike Zone and the 2010 Rule changes between Canada and the USA and 1st base . The Batters' Box markings umpiring duties in the Preliminary Final.

. Clarification of Interference by a Runner Darren Sibraa (Qld) and Scott Rindfleish (NSW) were

. Batted ball speed selected to represent Australia at the 2010 ISF XII Open Women's World Championship in Venezuela. Eleven Umpire Mechanics Bulletins were published Darren and Scott were awarded the plate umpiring covering: responsibilities for the two Elimination finals and both were appointed as outfield umpires for the . Position for calls at first base Bronze medal game. . Outfield movement Kevin Broomhall was appointed to present an . Use of vocals umpiring accreditation course and development . Plate umpire work program on behalf of the ISF in Koror, Palau prior to the Micronesian Games. . Check swing mechanics

. Dropped third strike Jason Carter was appointed to the trans-Tasman Umpire Exchange in North Harbour (NZ). . Trapped balls mechanics

. Infield fly rule mechanics

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 35 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | Technical – Umpiring

Management As an outcome of the Too Few, Too Much report, The Umpires' Operating Code has been updated to the NUC now reports to Softball Australia's General reflect Softball Australia's technical strategy and Manager Operations and Technical. operational objectives. Communication across the umpiring community has improved as a result of the The role of the NUC is to: work of the NUC and the new website.

. Advise on national technical policy and the The Umpire Complaints Handling guidelines have strategic direction of umpiring been updated as a requirement of the NOAS application process. The guidelines provide . Foster, promote and encourage the development of Softball umpiring in Australia information for handling complaints lodged by umpires who have a grievance about their . Achieve uniformity of umpiring to the treatment while carrying out their duties and during standard required by the ISF Director of their training course assessment. Umpiring Looking forward . Select national and international representative umpires Nine umpires have been selected for the 2011 ISF certification clinic to be held in February at the . Manage all umpiring matters nationally John Reid Shield Australian Open Men's . Liaise with the ISF Director of Umpires, the Championship and Gilley's Shield final. The umpires Regional Umpire coordinator and the State selected to participate in the clinic are: Umpiring Directors . Ian Frame, Yvonne Kahler and Helen Strauss The NUC is made up of the four Umpires' in Chief (Qld) (UICs), five national umpire staff and the eight State Umpiring Directors. The UIC's split the following . Amanda Houison, Ron Houison and Howard portfolios: Operations, Development, Membership, Watt (NSW)

and Technical and Communications. The National . Stacey Loveridge, Jason Carter and Phil UIC, who is elected from amongst the four UIC's, is a Waller (Vic) member of the Softball Australia Technical and Events Committees.

Photo courtesy Greg Heron

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 36 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | Teams

Teams

Aussie Steelers Aussie Steelers Squad 2010 2009 ISF XII Open Men's World Champions Tyron Bartorillo (Qld) Tyron Bartorillo (Qld) Cameron Bint (NSW) Aaron Cockman (WA) Andrew Blackshaw (Qld) Josh Davison (Qld) Evan Byrne (ACT) Terry Downes (Qld) Aaron Cockman (WA) Adam Folkard (ACT) Josh Davison (Qld) Michael Gibson (NSW) Tyson Duncan (WA) Jeff Goolagong (ACT) David Edwards (Vic) Mike Harrow (Captain) (ACT) Drew Faulkner (Vic) Adam Humble (WA) Adam Folkard (ACT) Nathan Jones (WA) Shaun Goffer (Qld) Andrew Kirkpatrick (ACT) Andrew Havercroft (WA) David Metekingi (NSW) Adam Humble (WA) Nick Norton (ACT) Nathan Jones (WA) Nick Shailes (NSW) Andrew Kirkpatrick (ACT) Michael Tanner (ACT) Brendan Lamb (WA) Nic Norton (ACT) Head Coach Scott Patterson (WA) Bob Harrow Nick Shailes (NSW) Coaches Jamie Sheehan (NSW) Mick Tanner (ACT) Greg Green – Assistant Coach Ryan Tranter (NSW) Kere Johanson – Assistant Coach Lewis Weldon (Vic) Loran Algar – Assistant Coach Heath Wells (ACT) Murray Rivers – Assistant Coach Zenon Winters (Qld) Support staff Bernie Simai – Physiotherapist Mike Titheradge – Team Manager Geoffrey Tutt – Team Manager

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 37 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | Teams

Aussie Spirit Squad Aussie Spirit Squad September 2009 – February 2010 March – August 2010

Jodie Bowering (Qld) Jess Bahn (Vic) Georgia Casey (NSW) Jodie Bowering (Qld) Michelle Cox (NSW) Karina Cannon (NSW) Kylie Cronk (Qld) Georgia Casey (NSW) Brenda De Blaes (Qld) Kylie Cronk (Qld) Chelsea Forkin (Qld) Clare Currie (ACT) Simone Freeman (NSW) Lauren Daykin (Vic) Leigh Godfrey (WA) Brenda De Blaes (Qld) Verity Long-Droppert (WA) Hannah Deen (NSW) Jocelyn McCallum (Qld) Chelsea Forkin (Qld) Stacey McManus (NSW) Leigh Godfrey (WA) Lena Merzliakov (Qld) Verity Long-Droppert (WA) Aimee Murch (ACT) Tracey Mosley (ACT) Leah Parry (WA) Aimee Murch (ACT) Stacey Porter (Qld) Leah Parry (WA) Katina Robson (ACT) Stacey Porter (Qld) Justine Smethurst (Vic) Katina Robson (ACT) Jodie Stevenson (WA) Justine Smethurst (Vic) Danielle Stewart (Qld) Danielle Stewart (Qld) Tayla Supple (Vic) Tayla Supple (Vic) Erin Thras (Qld) Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW) Kym Turnell (NSW) Katherine Tye (ACT) Lana Tye (NSW) Marina Walker (Vic) Melinda Weaver (Qld) Clare Warwick (ACT)

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 38 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | Teams

Aussie Spirit Aussie Pride Squad 2010 2010 ISF XII Open Women's World Championship Jess Bahn (Vic) Jodie Bowering (Qld) Tori Bolland (WA) Karina Cannon (NSW) Georgia Casey (NSW) Kylie Cronk (Vice Captain) (Qld) Bridget Corver (ACT) Clare Currie (ACT) Karla Davidson (NSW) Lauren Daykin (Vic) Hannah Deen (NSW) Brenda De Blaes (Qld) Nicole Dodd (ACT) Chelsea Forkin (Qld) Annali Dolman (SA) Leigh Godfrey (WA) Jemma Freegard (WA) Verity Long-Doppert (WA) Lora Hanson (Qld) Tracey Mosley (ACT) Stephanie Harm (Qld) Aimee Murch (ACT) Jessica Hollett (Vic) Kaia Parnaby (NSW) Megan Horne (NSW) Leah Parry (WA) Rhianne Kerr (NSW) Stacey Porter (Captain) (Qld) Sophie King (SA) Justine Smethurst (Vic) Melissa Lindsay (Vic) Danielle Stewart (Qld) Olivia MacGinley (Qld) Clare Warwick (ACT) Julia McCann (NSW) Ellen Roberts (NSW) Head of Delegation Katina Robson (ACT) Jenny Holliday Ella Ross (ACT) Head Coach Rachael Sechi (NSW) Linley Somerville (NSW) Fabian Barlow Tara Speakman (Qld) Coaches Tayla Supple (Vic) Wayne Saunders – Assistant Coach Demi Todd (Qld) Sue Tomlinson – Performance Analyst/Battery Stephanie Trzcinski (SA) Coach Tayla Tsitsikronis (NSW) Kayla Turner (Qld) Support Staff Kath Tye (ACT) Brooke Cranney – Physiotherapist Lana Tye (NSW) Jill Ritter – Team Manager Marina Walker (Vic) Cheryl Dawes – Statistician Stacey Webber (Qld)

Head Coach Paula McGovern

Coaches Chantelle James – Specialist Coach (Pitching) Kevin Jenkins – Specialist Coach (Video Analyst) Shane Hughes – Specialist Coach (Hitting)

Support Staff Mary Magarey – Physiotherapist Janell Behrendt – Team Manager

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 39 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | Teams

Aussie Colts Squad 2010 Special Olympics Team

Kurt Barbarich (WA) Christopher Bourke (Vic) Dylan Bucktrout (WA) Garry Burnside (Tas) Nick Casser (Vic) Melissa Eustace (NSW) Lewis Codd (Qld) Peter Forsythe (Vic) Jason Cronan (NSW) Craig Hansen (Tas) Sam Daff (Qld) Harrison Langford (NSW) Mitchell Daly (Qld) Paul McKendry (WA) Nathan Dickinson (NSW) Andrew Mujunen (NSW) Sean Duxbury (WA) Russell Nelligan (WA) Leigh Halpin (NSW) Bronwyn Russell (WA) Matthew Hovi (Qld) Cameron Turner (Vic) Nathan Ireton (WA) Steven White (Vic) Brent James (Vic) Jaydan Williams (WA) Jamee Jones (WA) Kayne Kajan (NSW) Head Coach Sam Kassianou (Vic) Fran Eustace Marshall Kronk (Qld) Coaches Josh McGinnis (WA) Robert Bruin Lyam McKay (Qld) Brooke Galupo Chris McClure (NSW) Ryan Merriman (Qld) Liam O'Leary (NSW) Patrick Schipp (NSW) Ryan Sinclair (Vic) Jesse Tawes (ACT) Josh Wagner (Qld)

Head Coach John Neilsen

Images courtesy WinkiPoP Media

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 40 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | International results

International results

Open Men

2009 ISF XII Open Men's World Championship – Saskatoon, Canada 17 July-26 July 2009

Games Finals Final placings

Australia 7 – Venezuela 0 Quarter finals Australia Australia 10 – Puerto Rico 0 Venezuela 10 – Great Britain 3 New Zealand Australia 9 – Canada 6 Japan 7 – Argentina 6 Canada Australia 11 – South Africa 2 Canada 6 – USA 4 USA Australia 10 – Indonesia 0 Australia 7 – New Zealand 0 Venezuela Australia 5 – Czech Republic 1 Japan Australia 8 – Argentina 9 Semi finals Argentina New Zealand 7 – USA 3 Great Britain New Zealand 10 – Japan 6 Australia 2 – Canada 0 USA 8 – Venezuela 1

Bronze medal game New Zealand 8 – Canada 5

Gold medal game Australia 5 – New Zealand 0

Photo courtesy Ric Tanner

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 41 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | International results

Open Women

Canada Cup – Vancouver 4-12 July 2009

Games Finals Final placings

USA 7 – Australia 0 Winners bracket USA Canada 5 – Australia 2 USA 10 – California Goldrush 0 Canada Venezuela 4 – Australia 3 Australia 4 – California Activities 1 Venezuela Australia 9 – Netherlands 0 Canada 8 – Venezuela 3 Australia USA 7 – Australia 0 Team TFS. 6 – Netherlands 1 Team TFS International Australia 4 – Canada 2 USA 2 – Australia 0 Netherlands Australia 1 – Netherlands 0 Canada 2 – Team TFS 0 California Activities Australia 5 – Venezuela 1 California Goldrush Elimination bracket California Activities 6 – California Goldrush 3 Venezuela 7 – Netherlands 0 Australia 1 – California Activities 0 Venezuela 4 – Team TFS 2 Venezuela 4 – Australia 3 Canada 6 – Venezuela 0

Final USA 3 – Canada 2

The round robin format was made up of 2 pools, international and club teams. Their final round robin placings determined the teams that qualified for the play-offs.

US World Cup – Oklahoma 16-20 July 2009

Games Final Final placings

Australia 5 – Japan 2 USA 3 – Australia 1 USA Australia 6 – Netherlands 1 Australia Canada 3 – Australia 2 Canada USA 8 – Australia 0 Japan Australia 8 – Italy 0 Netherlands Italy

Californian Exhibition Games 24 – 25 July 2009

Games

Australia 5 – USA Storm 1 Australia 4 – USA Storm 3 Australia 6 – LA All Stars 0 Australia 4 – All Stars 1

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 42 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | International results

Japan Cup – Tokyo 31 July-2 August 2009

Games Finals Final placings

USA 11 – Australia 2 Bronze medal game USA Australia 4 – Japan 3 Australia 4 – Chinese Taipei 0 Japan Chinese Taipei 4 – Australia 3 Australia Gold medal game Chinese Taipei USA 2 – Japan 0

Japan Exhibition Games – Yamanashi & Osaka 4-7 August 2009

Games

Yamanashi Gakuin University 4 – Australia 3 Denso 5 – Australia 4 Denso 4 – Australia 0 Yamanashi Gakuin University 4 – Australia 2 Australia 5 – Toda Chuo General Hospital 3 Leopalace 21 8 – Australia 2 Toda Chuo General Hospital 11 – Australia 9 Leopalace 21 5 – Australia 0

Australia v New Zealand Test Series – Redlands, Qld 9-10 January 2010

Games Final placings

Australia 7 – New Zealand 2 Australia won the series 3-0 Australia 14 – New Zealand 0 Australia 6 – New Zealand 0

Japan Test Series – Sydney, NSW 18-20 March 2010 (Japan then played the ACT and NSW teams on 21-22 March

Games Final placings

Australia 3 – Japan 2 Japan won the series 3-2 Japan 2 – Australia 1 Australia 3 – Japan 0 Japan 6 – Australia 1 Japan 6 – Australia 1

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 43 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | International results

California Exhibition Games 12-19 June 2010

Games

Australia 8 – Hurricanes 0 Australia 12 – Misfits 0 Australia 13 – Scorpions 0 Australia 11 – Condors 0 Australia 15 – Pride 0 Australia 10 – Storm Waves 0 Australia 7 – Storm USA 1 Australia 5 – Elite 0 Australia 7 – Storm USA 1 Australia 10 – Storm USA 3 Australia 4 – Shilos 0 Australia 15 – Elite 0

2010 ISF XII Open Women's World Championship – Caracas, Venezuela 23 June–2 July 2010

Games Finals Final placings

Venezuela 4 – Australia 1 Japan 2 – Venezuela 0 USA Australia 2 – China 0 USA 16 – Canada 1 Japan Australia 6 – Czech Republic 0 China 1 – Chinese Taipei 0 Canada Australia 6 – Dominican Republic 0 Australia 3 – Netherlands 2 China USA 10 – Australia 2 China 6 – Venezuela 1 Venezuela Australia 10 – New Zealand 0 Canada 3 – Australia 2 Australia Australia 10 – Botswana 0 USA 4 – Japan 0 Chinese Taipei Canada 1 – China 0 Netherlands

Bronze medal game Japan 12 – Canada 3

Gold medal game USA 7 – Japan 0

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 44 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | National event results

National event results

International Friendship Series – Blacktown, NSW 6-10 July 2009

Men's competition

Final placings Final results

NSW Metro NSW Metro 5 – ISA New Zealand 3 New Zealand ISA Team New Zealand Development Aussie Gold Aussie Green Jet Construction Western Magpies ACT Development NSW Country

Award Award winners

Most Valuable Player Joel Harris (NSW Metro) Batting Award Steven Evic (NSW Metro) Pitching Award Harrison Peters (NSW Metro) Home Run Award Joel Harris (NSW Metro) Stolen Bases Award Jordon Brock (ISA NZ) Runs Batted In Award Joel Harris (NSW Metro)

Women's competition

Final placings Final results

Aussie Gold Aussie Gold 4 - Aussie Green 0 Aussie Green South Australia Development NSW Metro Waverley NZ White NZ Red Sunstate NSW Country

Award Award winners

Most Valuable Player Simone Freeman (NSW Metro) Batting Award Katina Robson (Aussie Gold) Pitching Award Lana Tye (Aussie Gold) Home Run Award Erin Dunstan (Waverley) Stolen Bases Award Carmelle Sorensen (Sunstate) Runs Batted In Award Tara Speakman (Aussie Gold)

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 45 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | National event results

International Challenge Series – Blacktown, NSW 30 July-2 August 2009

Final placings Final results

Te Aroha Australian Invitational Team 4 – Te Aroha 2 Australian Invitational Team NSW Metro Secondary Schools Association Merit Team ACT Combined US Red South Australia Development

Award Award winners

Most Valuable Player Lauren Olsen (Australian Invitational Team) Batting Award Stacey McManus (Australian Invitational Team) Pitching Award Karina Cannon (Australian Invitational Team) Home Run Award Jacquelyn Tufts (US Red) Stolen Bases Award Grace Tosic (Secondary Schools Association Merit Team) Runs Batted In Award Jacquelyn Tufts (US Red)

Edebone Weber Shield Final – Ormiston, Qld 5-9 January 2010

Final placings Final results

NSW Firestars NSW Firestars 5 – WA Flames 0 WA Flames Queensland Heat ACT Diamonds Victoria Titans NZ White Sox South Australia Starz

Award Award winners

Most Valuable Player Tracey Mosley (ACT)

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 46 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | Australian Championship results

Australian Championship results

2010 John Reid Shield Australian Open Men's Championship – Hawker, ACT 17-21 February 2010

Final placings Final results

Western Australia Western Australia 7 – ACT 1 ACT Queensland Victoria New South Wales

Award Award winners

Most Valuable Player Adam Humble (WA) Batting Award Scott Patterson (WA) Pitching Award Adam Folkard (ACT) Rosemary Adey Rookie of the Year Shaun Goffer (Qld Lewis Weldon (Vic)

Gilley's Shield Australian Open Women's Championship Final – Hawker, ACT 19-21 February 2010

Final placings Final results

WA Flames WA Flames 3 – NSW Firestars 2 in the eighth inning NSW Firestars ACT Diamonds Queensland Heat Victoria Titans South Australia Starz

Award Award winners

Midge Nelson Most Valuable Player Stacey Porter (NSW) Lorraine Woolley Best Pitcher Brianna Hassett (WA) Sybil Turner Best Batter Stacey Porter (NSW) Rosemary Adey Rookie of the Year Lauren Daykin (Vic)

McLaughlin Cup Minor Premiers – NSW Firestars

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 47 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | Australian Championship results

Nox Bailey Shield Australian U19 Men's Championship – Mirrabooka, WA 17-23 January 2010

Final placings Final results

New South Wales New South Wales 4 – Western Australia 2 Western Australia Victoria Queensland South Australia

Award Award winners

Batting Award Lachlan Hay (NSW) Pitching Award Joel Harris (NSW) Most Valuable Player Brendan Lamb (WA)

Elinor McKenzie Shield Australian U19 Women's Championship – Altona, Vic 17-23 January 2010

Final placings Final results

New South Wales New South Wales 7 – South Adelaide 0 South Australia Victoria Western Australia Queensland ACT Northern Territory

Award Award winners

Batting Award Michelle Cox (NSW) Pitching Award Simone Freeman (NSW) Most Valuable Player Michelle Cox (NSW)

Arthur Allsopp Shield Australian U16 Boys' Championship – Blacktown, NSW 10-16 January 2010

Final placings Finals result

New South Wales New South Wales 2 – Queensland 0 Queensland Western Australia ACT Victoria

Award Award winners

Batting Award Josh Wagner (Qld) Pitching Award Marshal Kronk (Qld) Most Valuable Player Kayne Kajan (NSW)

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 48 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | Australian Championship results

Esther Deason Shield Australian U16 Girl's Championship – Blacktown, NSW 10-16 January 2010

Final placings Finals result

New South Wales New South Wales 3 – Queensland 0 Queensland South Australia ACT Victoria Western Australia

Award Award winners

Batting Award Karla Davidson (NSW) Pitching Award Julia McCann (NSW) Most Valuable Player Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW)

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 49 Softball Australia Annual Report 2010 | Partners and sponsors

Partners and sponsors

We acknowledge the support of our sponsors and partners. Thank you for your contribution.

Principal Partner

High Performance Partner Official Equipment Supplier

Official Apparel Sponsor Official Retail Sponsor of Website

Sponsors

www.softball.org.au P a g e | 50 Winning PartnershiP

The Australian Sports Commission proudly supports Softball Australia

The Australian Sports Commission Softball Australia is one of many is the Australian Government national sporting organisations agency that develops, supports that has formed a winning and invests in sport at all levels in partnership with the Australian Australia. Softball Australia has Sports Commission to develop its worked closely with the Australian sport in Australia. Sports Commission to develop softball from community participation to high-level performance.

Softball Australia | 21 Burwood Road Hawthorn | Victoria 3122 ACN 092 181 318 | 03 9818 6144 | www.softball.org.au AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION www.ausport.gov.au Softball Australia | 21 Burwood Road | Hawthorn | Victoria 3122 Proud supporters and ACN 092 181 318 | 03 9818 6144 | www.softball.org.au sponsors of Softball Australia