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Table of Contents
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT .......................................................................................................................... 1
CEO’S REPORT ...................................................................................................................................... 4
MESSAGE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION ............................................................ 8
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE .......................................................................................................... 9
OUR COMMITTEES .............................................................................................................................. 10
MEMBER RECOGNITION ..................................................................................................................... 11
SPORTING SCHOOLS ......................................................................................................................... 14
MARKETING ......................................................................................................................................... 17
HIGH PERFORMANCE ......................................................................................................................... 19
EVENTS ................................................................................................................................................ 24
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................................. 26
MYSOFTBALL COMMUNITY ................................................................................................................ 31
MEMBERSHIP ...................................................................................................................................... 34
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION ............................................................................................................ 36
TECHNICAL .......................................................................................................................................... 39
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA LIFE MEMBERS ............................................................................................ 50
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ....................................................................... 51
ISF HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ......................................................................................................... 56
TEAMS AND SQUADS .......................................................................................................................... 58
INTERNATIONAL RESULTS ................................................................................................................ 60
AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS .......................................................................................... 62
OTHER RESULTS................................................................................................................................. 70
SPONSORS AND PROVIDERS ............................................................................................................ 75
Level 1, Suite 2, 273 Wellington Street, Collingwood VIC 3066 T 03 9417 0022 www.softball.org.au Softball Australia Ltd ACN 092 181 318
Image credit Ngurra Kujungka and Softball WA
VISION
By 2017, to be a thriving, innovative and inclusive sport with at least 5% annual growth.
MISSION
To grow softball, for all, for life, together.
VALUES
We are inclusive, innovative, collaborative, professional and act with integrity.
Page 1 of 76
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
In my first report as Chairman of Softball Australia in 2015, I predicted that
2015/16 would be pivotal for Australian softball across a number of key
areas, and I believe that prediction was very accurate. Consistent with that
report, it is important to again provide an overview on progress against our
Whole of Softball Strategic Plan, which provides the road map for
collaboration between Softball Australia, Member States, associations and
clubs on our key priorities.
GROWING PARTICIPATION
For the first time in 20 years we have achieved
annual growth in our member base – a growth
of 1.61%.
Our number one priority is to grow softball
participation in Australia and we achieved that
in 2015/16. This outcome is testament to a
number of the strategies listed below, not the
least of which is the collective increased
awareness of participation and the singular
focus in supporting our clubs at the grassroots
level. The 1.61% growth is a small, but very
significant turning point for softball in Australia
and we must continue to stay the course as we
better build capacity on the ground. Our total
participation (including membership, national
and school programs) in Australia is 127,618
which we need to build on to ensure that we
are engaging and retaining all of those
participants.
Indigenous Softball Program
Softball continues to be the most popular sport
amongst Indigenous females and we will
continue to grow our program delivery, and
work closely with state and federal government
departments to build better resources to
facilitate delivery of the Indigenous Softball
Program.
Social 7s
The popularity of Social 7s is now evident with
over 1,500 new participants in the reporting
year. We will continue to grow this fun, fast
and easy format of the game as it provides a
level of flexibility required to compete in an
ever-expanding sporting environment. In
2016/17, we will continue to explore the viability
of commercial providers delivering this great
product.
Junior Participation - Sporting Schools
Program/School sport internal delivery
The introduction of the Australian Sports
Commission’s (ASC) Sporting Schools
Program in 2015 has been an outstanding
success for our sport, with softball currently
ranked in the top 10 sports delivered. The
large numbers of student participation through
the Sporting Schools Program has presented a
huge government funded opportunity for us
nationally. The Sporting Schools Program
gives Softball Australia an avenue in which we
Page 2 of 76
can introduce school participants to the
fundamentals for softball, and allow for
engagement with schools for membership
transition opportunities. To achieve this we
must continue to leverage best practice at state
and local level in establishing strong links to
school competitions and retaining those
participants.
Consistent with the opportunity that presents
with our enormous school participant numbers
we must better connect our clubs and
associations with local school communities and
competitions. A key aspect of this challenge is
that our historic geographic locations do not
necessarily match the biggest population
growth areas in Australia and we must shift our
service provision into those new growth
corridors.
Through better data capture we are now
coming to understand just how big our school
participation is nationally and our tracking
places us in excess of 66,000 participants. The
66,000 school competition participants together
with an estimated 12,000+ Sporting Schools
participants is our biggest single participation
opportunity.
2020 OLYMPIC GAMES
At the time of writing this Report, we received
news that softball will be one of five sports to
be included in the 2020 Summer Olympics in
Japan (softball and baseball to be included
under the banner of diamond sports). Softball
was an Olympic sport from 1996-2008, during
which time our women’s team performed
outstandingly: 1996 in Atlanta – bronze, 2000
in Sydney – bronze, 2004 in Athens – silver
and 2008 in Beijing – bronze.
Olympic re-entry is an incredible opportunity for
our women to again participate and excel on
the greatest competitive stage in the world. We
will need to strengthen our ties with Baseball
Australia and work tirelessly to realise the
benefits that this inclusion could deliver across
all levels of our sport – including participation
growth.
HIGH PERFORMANCE
A review of our High Performance program was
completed in November 2015, with initial
outcomes implemented in early 2016. This has
resulted in a better resourced program to
ensure best practice and maximise our national
teams’ performance.
The International Down Under Series provided
the opportunity for our national women’s team
to compete against world class competitors –
Japan National Team and Toyota Red Terriers.
We are actively exploring a potential Asian
regional competition.
We were fortunate to secure media exposure
through Fox Sports for the Open Women’s
National Softball Championship and Down
Under Series and will endeavour to raise the
profile of our sport through this medium.
Our stakeholder and member communication
has improved and will continue to do so on the
back of the mySoftball Community
implementation and adoption. We are
strengthening ties with all major external
agencies and are making better use of social
media, marketing and public relations. Our
relationships with corporate Australia are
improving and there are a number of current
and potential corporate partners with who we
are engaging.
CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS
We are highly focussed on developing clubs
and associations and to that end one of our
biggest wins has been implementation of our
Association Coordinators positions, co-funded
Page 3 of 76
by Softball Australia and Member States. The
Coordinators work closely with club and
association administrators to strengthen their
recruitment and retention capability, through
completion of Club Health Checks and Action
Plans to improve processes.
The Homeplate website, designed to support
affiliates in starting, running and growing clubs
and associations, provides excellent resources,
best practice examples and templates and the
high number of registered member
organisations reflects the value of this
resource.
ORGANISATION
Due to scale and structure a number of States
and Territories are challenged in terms of
governance and resourcing to the extent that
we must start to challenge the sustainability of
our existing model. We must be creative with
our potential solutions and look at what other
sports have achieved in order to address
similar challenges, otherwise our national
footprint and reach may be seriously
compromised.
Our biggest win in this portfolio was the
implementation of a National Insurance
Program that will deliver significant cost-benefit
to all members. We also implemented a
shared services model across some key
administration aspects in a number of states.
Like many sports, softball still receives
disproportionally high government income. Our
existing annual Federal Government High
Performance funding is directly linked to our
Olympic podium potential, so it is important that
our women’s program continues to be
competitive at the highest level. A submission
to the ASC for participation re-classification –
driven by our participation numbers – has been
submitted, however if we are not successful,
our annual funding will reduce in 2016/17. This
reinforces the need for us to collectively
explore sustainable non-government revenue
and opportunities for us to exploit our products
commercially to generate licencing income (eg
Social 7s) and deliver a more compelling
proposition to stimulate substantial corporate
sponsorship.
In closing I’d like to acknowledge the
leadership of Chet Gray who, as CEO,
effectively leads our strategic and operational
activities. I also continue to acknowledge the
State Presidents and their Boards for their
unwavering commitment to grow the sport of
softball in Australia.
I also extend my thanks and gratitude to the
Softball Australia staff for their tireless efforts
and dedication; and to our volunteers – thank
you for your continued support.
Congratulations to our 2015 Hall of Fame
inductees: Leigh Evans (Vic), Michael
Titheradge (WA) and Life Member inductee,
Michael Hannelly (NSW).
Thank you to my fellow national directors.
They continue to work tirelessly in support of
Chet and the Softball Australia staff.
We have a very exciting year ahead of us and
we should all feel extremely proud of the
outcomes achieved to date, and look
collectively towards a positive 2016/17 and
continuing to grow the sport of softball in
Australia.
John Hollingsworth
Chairman
Page 4 of 76
CEO’S REPORT
The second year of the current Strategic Plan has seen continued
progress made towards developing and building organisational
sustainability. This in turn maximises efficiencies and delivers financial
diversity through increased participation and develops clubs and
associations to manage membership growth.
GROWING PARTICIPATION
Through better data capture we are coming to
understand just how big softball participation is
nationally.
Our stakeholder and member communication
has improved and will gain real traction on the
back of the mySoftball Community
implementation and adoption. We are
strengthening ties with all major external
agencies and are making better use of social
media, marketing and PR.
Through better data capture we are coming to
understand just how big softball participation is
nationally and this year we saw a significant
increase of participation numbers, totalling
127,618. We achieved for the first time in
almost two decades a very conservative growth
in membership at 1.61%.
One of the most significant successes this year
was softball achieving a top ten ranking in
Sporting Schools Program delivery. The large
numbers that are materialising in Sporting
Schools softball participants in the first three
terms have presented government funded
opportunity for us nationally.
Events
At the Open Men’s National Softball
Championship, NSW won their first title since
1994, and at the Open Women’s National
Softball Championship, Qld Heat defeated
NSW Firestars.
The U19 Men’s and Women’s and U17 Boys’
and Girls’ National Softball Championships
were won by NSW.
The U15 Girls' Regional Softball Championship
saw NSW Metro Orange defeat NSW Metro
Green, and the U15 Boys' Regional Softball
Championship resulted in Qld Storm defeating
NSW Orange.
Softball Australia hosted two Down Under
Series in February at Blacktown International
Sportspark, which showcased our national
teams against Japan and New Zealand’s
national women’s teams and the Toyota Red
Terriers women’s professional team. We are
delighted that the Japan National Team has
committed to taking part in the Down Under
Series for the next three years. We envisage
including national teams from China, Korea and
Page 5 of 76
Chinese Taipei in this event, bringing much
needed international competition to Australia.
The inaugural 2016 Australia Cup took place in
NSW, with softballers of all ages and abilities
coming together for a weekend of fun and
excitement. Twenty-seven teams registered
across four age categories: Open Women,
U13, U15 and U17 girls. These teams
participated in three days of competition at
Blacktown International Sportspark and the
Jacqui Osmond Softball Centre.
The Australia Cup aims to be bigger and better
in 2017 with the foundations laid for a
sustainable and rewarding event for many
years to come.
In July 2015, the Australian U19 Women’s
Team, Aussie Pride, competed at the WBSC
Junior Women’s Softball World Championship
in Saskatoon, Canada, finishing seventh.
DEVELOPING CLUBS AND
ASSOCIATIONS
mySoftball Community project
In the first full year of implementation of
mySoftball Community, we were able to
achieve 22,927 online registrations, which
accounted for 89% of our total membership,
when compared to last year’s numbers. We
migrated over 190 websites and tested the
Competition Module, which will be completed in
the next financial year. In excess of 400
individuals attended more than 40 training
sessions throughout Australia, conducted by
Matthew Horne over a six month period. This
suite of technology has provided great benefits
to everyone, including online registration,
secure online payment option, real-time
information, payment splitting, and permit and
clearance management.
The dedicated club development website,
Homeplate, has proven to be very successful
this year, providing resources designed to
support affiliates in starting, running or growing
their club or association. We currently have
over 293 registrations on the Homeplate
website. Additionally, to support the
improvement of clubs and associations, the
National Affiliation Standards Checklist was
developed and implemented this year, with
over 40 clubs/associations completing the
checklist.
We have continued the Association
Coordinators program this year with the aim of
providing affiliates with tailored support to
become more effective, efficient and
sustainable. Club/Association Coordinators
were appointed in NT, Qld, SA, Tas, Vic and
WA. The Club/ Association Coordinators have
achieved the following results:
$397,550 in funding secured to go
towards facility development
improvements and equipment
144 Club Health Checks completed
82 strategic, operational, financial and
marketing plans developed
15-20% increase in participation
programs and recruitment initiatives
implemented.
ORGANISATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY
Finance and Management
Softball Australia remains in a stable financial
position with operating revenue and total equity
again increasing for the year. Cash reserves
ensure the organisation is on a solid financial
footing and, with the Board and management of
Softball Australia committed to comprehensive
fiscal management, the business financial
status is steady. However, we are yet to make
Page 6 of 76
real inroads into growing non-government
revenue. This is a risk for the organisation,
which will need to be addressed this year
through leveraging the commercial assets of
the sport and implementing sound commercial
strategies.
We finalised the implementation of a National
Insurance Program through V- Insurance,
which will deliver cost benefits to all members.
Marketing and Media
Our social media platforms continue to have
significant impact with member engagement
and the softball community. This year we had
2,776 Twitter followers, 1,399 Instagram
followers 9,539 Facebook likes and 414 new
YouTube subscribers, with over 121,000 views
on this platform.
Our Member Benefits Program was launched in
December. The cost was an additional $6,
entitling members to discounts on every day
purchases, such as petrol, groceries,
restaurants and movies. The value of the
benefits package to each member is worth over
$2,000 a year. This year we had over 200
people sign up to the program. We are working
with The Pegasus Group to develop an
incentive program to reinvigorate membership
for the coming year.
We launched the Softball Australia Business
Networking to identify and unite like-minded
businesses that appreciate and follow softball.
It is a program to attract new sponsors to grow
their business through connections made from
softball.
Softball Australia hosted three business
networking functions this year. The first two
were breakfast functions, which we used as
learning opportunities, before we delivered the
first of a series of three professional business
luncheons around the Olympic announcement
of the re-inclusion of softball for the 2020 Tokyo
Games. We envisage taking this event to each
state next year to promote softball’s return to
the Olympics and engage with potential
sponsors.
Three games were taped for broadcasting on
Fox Sports: the Gilley’s Shield Final, a feature
game of the International Down Under Series
between Australia Gold and Japan’s national
team and the John Reid Shield final.
Viewership on Fox Sports for these games was
over 60,000.
We live-streamed a feature game for the first
time, during the Invitational Down Under
Series, with broadcast quality that included
commentators and replays.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Congratulations to Softball Australia Hall of
Fame inductees, Leigh Evans (Vic), Michael
Titheradge (WA) and Life Member inductee,
Michael Hannelly (NSW).
Softball Australia welcomed new staff members
Jane Wang, ICT Coordinator and Sophie
Moore, Sporting Schools Coordinator. We also
continued our successful internship program,
which has seen eight interns assisting with club
development, marketing and events.
We also welcomed a new Board member,
Fiona Crawford, appointed in October.
Page 7 of 76
On behalf of Softball Australia, I would also like
to acknowledge the staff and volunteers of all
host associations for the National
Championships and Events for their hard work
in providing the facilities and infra-structure for
such events to take place.
It would also be remiss of me not to take this
opportunity to thank our wonderful band of loyal
partners:
Australian Sports Commission
Australian Institute of Sport
Accor
Choice Hotels
Easton
JLT
Greatrex Sporting Goods
Stage and Screen travel service
Sportslink International
Envisio Plans at Work
NSR Australia
Flourish PR
My appreciation is extended to the Directors, staff, volunteers and all life members at state, association
and club levels for their ongoing support and contribution of Softball Australia and our Member States,
who continue to make a very valuable contribution to management and governance of the sport in
Australia. Your hard work, dedication and passion is acknowledged and will continue to be required as
we take softball forward together.
Softball is heading into a new era both on and off the diamond. With the International Olympic
Committee’s recent decision regarding the inclusion of softball on the Olympic Program for 2020, it is
the responsibility of all stakeholders in the game to unite to tackle the immediate challenges confronting
us. Such challenges include ensuring that the game stays relevant for the next generation and
providing quality participation and pathway opportunities for both the recreational competitor and future
national team representative.
Chet Gray
Softball Australia CEO
Page 8 of 76
MESSAGE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION
The past year has seen has seen considerable success and progress for Australian sport, as the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and national sporting organisations (NSOs) continue to build on our nation’s proud sporting tradition.
The Government’s 2014–15 investment of nearly $120 million into
Australian sport continues to be refined to ensure funding is aligned to
sports with the greatest potential to contribute to Australia’s Winning Edge
2012–2022 targets, and drive greater participation outcomes for sport.
The sporting landscape has changed rapidly in recent years, as have the options for people’s scarce
leisure time. More than ever before, sport faces tough competition for our attention from electronic
media and other sedentary pursuits.
In March the Commission launched Play.Sport.Australia. — our plan to help NSOs build participation in
sport and make sure all Australians enjoy its benefits. Sports have the opportunity to attract more than
4.5 million Australians into their communities. It’s important that we work together to ensure that more
Australians, particularly young Australians, participate in sport more often and that we have strong
sporting organisations that deliver the products and opportunities Australians want.
Other highlights in 2014–15 included:
The transition to Sporting Schools and the development of its website — the main portal
for sporting organisations, schools, coaches and parents to access this $100 million program
which aims to reach more than 850,000 children.
The development of the AusPlay survey — The ASC has committed to introducing a new
national survey to better understand how Australians engage with, and play, sport. Good
decisions require good data and this initiative by the ASC is critical.
And through Australia’s Winning Edge we will continue to give our athletes the best chances at
international success.
So now, more than ever, we have a clear plan to make sure all Australians enjoy sport and maximise
our chances of success. On behalf of the ASC I thank you for your hard work in helping us achieve
these goals and I look forward to working with you in to the future.
John Wylie AM Chair Australian Sports Commission
Page 9 of 76
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
Board of Directors
John Hollingsworth (Chairman) Dennis Cullen
Helen Langenberg Annette Fidge
Fiona Crawford (appt 13 Oct 15) Michelle Nancarrow (resigned 11 Oct 15)
Christine Heron Peter Jon Hartshorne
Ron Gauci
Staff
Chet Gray Chief Executive Officer
Jim Dorash (dept April 16) Marketing Manager
Matthew Horne (dept June 16) mySoftball Community Manager
Ben Utting Sports Development Manager
Tony Milligan National Teams’ Operations Manager
Helen Davis Office Manager
Jane Wang (com Sept 15) ICT Coordinator
Shane Cantelmi Product Development Coordinator
Fabian Barlow (com Dec 15) Australian Women’s Head Coach
Tim Hatzi Club and Community Development Coordinator
Joanne Paez Participation Coordinator
Hari Prasad Financial Controller
Nicole Chen (dept May 16) Finance Assistant
Brooke Wilkins Technical Project Coordinator
Richard Costantino Teams’ and Events Administrator
Margo Koskelainen OAM Honorary Softball Australia Historian
Kylie Bloodworth Social Media
Rafael Martins (dept July 15) ICT Coordinator
State Executive Officers
Jon Wells (ACT) Cathy Kerr (NSW)
Nicky Baldwin (NT) Sue Nisbet (Qld)
James Harris (SA) John Milbourne (Tas)
Sara Dailey (Vic) Dean Burton (WA)
Page 10 of 76
OUR COMMITTEES
FINANCE COMMITTEE Annette Fidge, Committee Chair Dennis Cullen Chet Gray Hari Prasad John Hollingsworth
NATIONAL SCORING COMMITTEE Ngaire Huston (Qld) – Chief Statistician Michael Hannelly (NSW) Lindy Rattigan (SA) Kirsty Andrews (Qld) Sandra Palmer (NSW) Chris Trengove (Vic)
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE Christine Heron, Committee Chair Chet Gray Helen Langenberg John Hollingsworth
NATIONAL UMPIRING COMMITTEE Patricia Sibraa (Qld) National UIC/UIC Operations Leigh Evans (Vic) UIC – Technical Debbie Grove (Vic) UIC – Development Amanda Houison (NSW) UIC – Communication Bridget Cameron (Qld) Communications Kyira Cox (NSW) Communications Yvonne Kahler (Qld) Development Darren Sibraa (Qld) Technical
NATIONAL EVENTS COMMITTEE Richard Costantino (Softball Australia) Jim Dorash (Softball Australia) (dept April 16) Kere Johanson (Open Women’s Head Coach) (dept Oct 15) Tricia Sibraa (Qld) Ngaire Houston (Qld) Steve Trzcinski (SA) Cathy Kerr (NSW) Sue Nisbet (Qld) Sheryl Burnie (Tas)
PRESIDENTS’ COMMISSION John Hollingsworth Peter Jon Hartshorne Phillip Powell (ACT) Frances Crampton (NSW) Kelli Reinke (NT) Mark Jeppesen (Qld) Steve Trzcinski (SA) Sheryl Burnie (Tas) Jenny Holliday AM (Vic) Gary Butler (WA)
HIGH PERFORMANCE ADVISORY GROUP Dennis Cullen (Director) Fiona Crawford (Director) Chet Gray (Softball Australia) Fabian Barlow (Open Women’s Head Coach) Joyce Lester (Qld) Kerrie Porter (U19 Women’s Head Coach) Bob Crudgington (Qld) Shaun Stephens (AIS)
PRODUCTS COMMITTEE Annette Fidge (Director) Christine Heron (Director) Ben Utting (Softball Australia) Joanne Paez (Softball Australia) Shane Cantelmi (Softball Australia) Jody Neilsen (NSW) Kerrie Laverick (Vic) Erin Sandford (Qld) Kelsey Knuckey (SA)
MARKETING & FUNDRAISING John Hollingsworth (Director) Peter Jon Hartshorne (Director) Ron Gauci (Director) Fiona Crawford (Director) Chet Gray (Softball Australia) Ben Utting (Softball Australia) Jim Dorash (Softball Australia) (dept April 2016) Roger Maddern (Vic) Jason Greenhalgh (Qld)
HISTORY & RECOGNITION COMMITTEE Jo Paez (Softball Australia) Kylie Bloodworth (Softball Australia) Margo Koskelainen OAM (Vic) Mark Jeppesen (Qld) Neville Lawrence (SA) Audrey McLaughlin AM (Qld)
Page 11 of 76
MEMBER RECOGNITION
2015 Softball Australia Hall of Fame Inductees
Leigh Evans (Vic), Michael Titheradge (WA)
2015 ISF Hall of Fame Recipients
Mike Harrow (ACT), Marissa Warburton (Carpadios) (Qld), Neville Lawrance (SA)
2015 Softball Australia Service Awards
The Softball Australia Service Award recognises significant contributions by any member (player or
non-player) who has given at least 10 years noteworthy service to softball in Australia.
Queensland Neville Baggow, Sarah Bent, Mick Gorman, Shane Stephenson, Kim
Wakeham, Richard Wakeham
Western Australia Julie Beresford, Frank Bowra, Robert Brown, Albert Dumaresq, Bart
Lethlean, Jenny Massimini, Perry New, Dave Pooley, Lynn Pooley, Kerry
Rispoli, Geoff Shaw, Kath Wylie, Karen Sullivan, Paul Torretti
2015 VIVIENNE TRIPLETT UMPIRE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Graeme Love (Qld)
ISF HALL OF FAME RECIPIENTS
Mike Harrow
Mike Harrow had a long and distinguished international softball career,
representing Australia from 1990 to 2009.
Captaining the Aussie Steelers from 2001 until 2009, Mike played in
five Open Men’s World Championships (1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 and
2009). Allocated player number 21, Mike is the most capped men’s
player with 160 international games.
Mike represented Softball ACT at 22 consecutive Open Men’s National
Softball Championships from 1988 to 2009, during which time they
won nine national titles. Mike has received three awards at national championships; Most Valuable
Player 1995 and 2008 and Best Batter in 2004. A talented sportsman, Mike also had an extensive
international career playing ice hockey, representing Australia at four World Championships from 1997
to 2001.
Page 12 of 76
Mike retired after captaining the Aussie Steelers to their first ever World Championship win in 2009.
Marissa Warburton (Carpadios)
Marissa debuted for Australia in 1997 at the Qantas Challenge in Brisbane.
She was the 185th player to represent Australia and played a total of 175
games in an international career that spanned 10 years. Marissa
represented Australia at the 2002 and 2006 World Championships and
won a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Throughout her distinguished playing career, Marissa assisted in the
development of a number of aspiring players. Following her retirement
after the2006 World Championship in China, she was appointed as a
Specialist Coach with the Aussie Pride, Australian U19 Women’s team, for the VIII ISF Junior Women’s
World Championship in 2007. Marissa also played a vital role in the development of catchers within
Queensland and presented at Softball Queensland Coaching Forums.
Neville Lawrance
Neville had an international umpiring career spanning more than 15
years, achieving ISF certification as umpire number 772.
Neville attended 14 international events, including the 1998
Women’s World Championship in Fujinomiya, Japan and the 2004
Athens Olympic Games. At a number of these events, Neville was
either a Tournament Chief Umpire (TCU), Deputy TCU or Clinician.
Since 2005, Neville has been a member of Softball South Australia’s
National Championship and Masters Championship Organising
Committees..
At the national level, Neville attended 32 junior national championships, seven as the TCU and seven
as an Assessor and Examiner. At open level, Neville attended 22 national championships, two as a
TCU and six as an Assessor and Examiner.
Neville was inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame in 2013.
A dedicated contributor to our sport, Neville has been a long serving member of the National Umpiring
Committee and is currently the Softball South Australia State Representative to the National Umpiring
Committee.
Page 13 of 76
Softball Australia Hall of Fame recipients
Leigh Evans
Leigh has been a member of the Victorian Umpiring Committee since
1994, taking on allocation, training, state rules interpreter and
assessment portfolios during this time. He has been a member of the
National Staff since 2002, and is currently Softball Australia’s Umpire-in-
Chief, Technical.
He is also involved in administrative tasks with the International Softball
Federation, including peer reading ISF 4-umpire system and ISF rules
panel – reviewing the database and exam questions for the ISF exam
and Ump School. Leigh was a presenter at the 2011 ISF Certification
Clinic in Brisbane and has developed the pitching rule multimedia presentation and points of emphasis
– used at state, national and international level.
Leigh is a highly respected umpire within Victoria and internationally. He projects a highly professional
image in his role as an umpire, ensuring each game is met with the same high level as ‘every game is
somebody’s big game’. Leigh is always willing to assist umpires in their development and understands
that it is the player’s game. Leigh is able to relate to umpires of all ages and levels, teaching skills to
beginner umpires and assisting more senior umpires in the state to develop more complex skills
including game management. He is respected by umpires, coaches and players.
As Softball Australia’s Umpire-in-Chief, Technical, Leigh is heavily involved in working with players,
coaches and various administrators at state and national level. He is a highly approachable person and
one who is always willing to assist the development and continuance of softball. Leigh is readily
available to provide feedback and help his fellow umpires achieve their umpiring goals.
Michael Titheradge
Mike’s contribution to the Open Men’s national team, the Aussie Steelers,
spans a period of more than 13 years.
As Team Manager, Mike’s proven management and communication skills
have enabled him to establish a strong working relationship with both
athletes and officials.
The role of Team Manager is always demanding, particularly with a
national team on a lengthy overseas tour. The best planned logistics can
be quickly thrown into chaos. Mike has managed the Aussie Steelers at
more than 12 different international events.
Page 14 of 76
SPORTING SCHOOLS
Sporting Schools is a $100 million Australian
Government initiative designed to help schools
increase children’s participation in sport and
connect children with community sport.
Already, over 5,600 schools have registered to
be a part of this initiative, committed to helping
sport, schools and communities work closer
than ever before to grow sporting activity in
schools.
The Sporting Schools Program offers a great
benefit to families of primary school children.
Schools are funded for the program so children
participate for free. Coaches need to be
endorsed so they are suitably qualified and
able to deliver a fun, exciting softball
experience.
Sporting Schools aims to:
connect 860,000 children with NSO
endorsed sporting opportunities
increase children’s participation in
sport
nurture children’s lifelong love of sport
The Australian Sports Commission included
softball as one of 32 sports in the Sporting
Schools Program, to be delivered to students in
grades F-6 in all states.
Our National program, Softball Batter Up, was
chosen to be the program delivered to schools.
This exciting program helps make playing,
teaching and coaching softball easy!
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Softball Australia appointed Sophie Moore as
the National Sporting Schools Coordinator in
August 2015, to facilitate the program for
Softball Victoria and to manage the program
nationally in collaboration with state
coordinators. Due to increased demand, this
role became full-time in October 2015, which
was supported by workforce funding approved
by the ASC.
Softball is highly ranked in Sporting Schools
delivery when compared to other much larger
mainstream sports such as athletics,
gymnastics, tennis, swimming and basketball.
Softball has slowly risen in the ranks, largely
due to:
Resources available to teachers
Flexibility of the softball program
Popularity within the school system
Linkage of the Softball Batter Up
program to the school curriculum
Increasing number of endorsed
coaches and providers
The introduction of the Sporting Schools
Program has been an outstanding success for
our sport, with softball starting at a national
ranking of 15 out of 32 participating sports, and
rising to a top 10 position in Term 1, 2016 in
participation and sessions delivered.
Sporting Schools website
The Softball Australia Sporting Schools website
provides information for schools, coaches and
associations on the program model, FAQs,
association map and contact information.
The Softball Induction Course and Softball
Batter Up resources provide teachers and
coaches in metropolitan, regional and remote
communities with information to plan and
deliver sessions, including game content and
techniques to help students learn the game.
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Softball in the Sporting Schools Program
Program Participation 12,338
Endorsed Sporting Schools Coaches 222
Programs Requested 662 (572 direct from ASC)
Programs Delivered 447
The Sporting Schools Program offers clubs a great opportunity to promote softball in their local
communities. We encourage them to make transition strategies a priority, and to develop closer
relationships with schools to foster membership growth.
Sophie Moore
Sporting Schools Coordinator
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MARKETING
MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
In late September 2015, the Tokyo 2020
Organising Committee endorsed
softball/baseball to the International Olympic
Committee as one of five sports for inclusion in
the 2020 Olympic Games. This announcement
provided the strongest indication yet that
softball would be re-introduced to the Olympic
program, providing a platform to highlight the
athletes in our national women’s team.
Softball Australia partnered with public relations
company Flourish PR, who engaged with a
range of media outlets, leading to a number of
opportunities including:
Promoting Social 7s and the sport in
general at the Olivia Newton-John
Wellness Walk on 4 October, at the
same time helping to raise funds for
the Olivia Newton-John Cancer &
Wellness Centre
ABC3 filming a Star Wars themed
Social 7s segment, with Victorian state
team players
A feature article on Australian Open
Women’s Team Captain Stacey Porter
in The Sunday Mail, Queensland
A feature article on Australian Open
Women’s player Taylor Tsitsikronis in
the Penrith newspaper
In 2015-16, Fox Sports broadcast three games
to over 60,000 viewers: the grand final of the
Open Women’s National Softball
Championship (Gilley’s Shield), the grand final
of the Open Men’s National Softball
Championship (John Reid Shield) and a game
from the Softball Australia Down Under Series
– International, featuring Japan and Australia
Gold.
Marketing and Sponsorship
The Australian Sports Commission remains our
key partner with the most significant financial
contribution to the organisation’s operations.
Softball Australia has linked business people
with our sport to initiate the Softball Australia
Corporate Club networking program through
business functions this year. Through a couple
of breakfast and luncheon functions, we have
increased the awareness of our sport and have
started to engage with potential business
partners. Our business to business networking
functions have been attended by over 90
corporate people this year and was used to tell
our story, promote our Olympic successes and
develop potential partnerships.
With the recent Olympic announcement it is
Softball Australia’s intention is to work with
each state to jointly host a business to
business function. These functions will feature
Olympic softballers and provide an excellent
opportunity for businesses to connect.
This year we made a strategic effort to expand
our business network. One of our partners in
this venture is the American Chamber of
Commerce, (AmCham). Softball Australia is
now a member of AmCham, whose primary
business is to connect companies from their
extensive database through events and
networking opportunities. Among their
members are CEOs, executives and
professionals of all ages and from all walks of
business. They provide networking, access,
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advocacy, visibility and information to help us
develop business to business relationships.
Over the last 12 months, Softball Australia
attended several AmCham events and we are
collaborating to promote a corporate softball
program and business referral network.
Through this relationship we are seeking to
identify potential sponsors and partners that will
join us on our journey to Tokyo 2020.
Communications
Softball Australia continued to develop social
media platforms as a primary tool for
engagement across the membership base.
Concerted efforts have focused on building
strength on the Facebook and Twitter
platforms, as well as the enhancement of the
live streaming of national and international
events. The production of video content from
our events and Social 7s competition has
provided an increased level of engagement
through You Tube.
The monthly newsletter, Pitch the News,
provides the softball community with updated
news on programs and operational matters.
Pitch the News continued to support the
Homeplate News and website as tools to
increase the capacity and resources of clubs.
In 2016, Pitch the News distribution was 7,896.
The U19 Men’s, Open Men’s, Open Women’s
and U17 Girls and the U23 Men’s and
Women’s National Championships were
streamed live via the dedicated You Tube
channel, SAL Productions. International
audiences were reached with the streaming of
the Down Under Series against Toyota Red
Terriers and the Japanese and New Zealand
national teams. Over 310 people subscribed to
this channel, with over 10,000 views recorded.
Facebook continues to go from strength to
strength as the main social media platform. In
2016, over 250,000 engaged users were
measured with this being an increase from the
previous 12 months. Softball Australia
implemented a dedicated platform of Instagram
for Social 7s, to directly engage with the
product’s target demographics, as we
continued to roll out this new product.
There are significant opportunities to expand
these channels, with increased national team
exposure and product development, which is
one of our future priorities.
Stakeholder Engagement
In December, Softball Australia launched an
exciting new Member Benefits Program,
offering members an extensive range of
benefits and savings, including shopping and
vouchers, travel and accommodation, leisure
and entertainment, dining and fast food, health
and beauty, home and lifestyle, events and
ticketing.
Softball Australia would like to thank the
members of the Marketing & Fundraising
Committee for their valuable ongoing input.
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HIGH PERFORMANCE
It was a significant year for Softball Australia in
terms of high performance, with much
speculation and excitement generated by
positive news updates regarding the bid to
have women’s softball and men’s baseball
reinstated for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Softball’s exclusion from Olympic participation
post the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the loss of
associated government funding attached to
Olympic participation, has very much
decimated Softball Australia’s High
Performance Program. Programs that were in
place prior to 2013 have ceased and the
current program only allows for national teams
to attend world championships at considerable
cost to the athletes, with very little development
funding or programs in place.
Given the strength of the WBSC’s Olympic
inclusion bid, the past twelve months have
provided an opportunity to review past
practices and programs, conduct a
comprehensive review of current processes
within Softball Australia and plan strategically
for a positive announcement in August 2016.
We are focussing on a positive outcome and
have plans and policies in place in order to
meet funding expectations and maximise
opportunities for the best possible return on
future investment.
The inclusion of softball at the 2020 Tokyo
Games, whilst being a major boost for softball,
will not see any significant increase in
government funding to facilitate Olympic
inclusion until 2017/218. This in itself places a
higher priority immediately on our High
Performance Program to ensure positive
results at the 2016 and 2018 Women’s Softball
World Championship to highlight our Olympic
medal potential and secure much needed
funding.
High Performance Review
The review included:
An online athlete evaluation
questionnaire and survey
Player interviews
A comprehensive AIS facilitated review
workshop of two days duration with 30
stakeholders in attendance
At the conclusion of the review process, the
2020 Committee was established to identify
key strategic priorities and make
recommendation on prioritised key actions.
The 2020 Committee’s findings and
recommendations included:
Vision
Sustained international podium
success
Mission Statement
Optimal performance by Softball
Australia athletes and coaches at
international signature events,
achieved through best practice and
innovative high performance planning
and delivery
Philosophy
Athlete centred, coach led and
performance driven
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Key actions
Driver Key Actions Implemented Completed
Whole of Sport Foundation Talent Elite Mastery
(FTEM) model developed and
communicated
Governance
and Leadership
Establish a High Performance
Advisory Group
Develop optimal High
Performance Organisational
Structure
Development and submission of
the Australia Winning Edge
2016-2020
Athletes Development and
implementation of the National
Athlete Pathway Framework
(first draft)
Technical competencies and
benchmark assessment
Talent ID programs and
National Battery Program
SIS SAS network A Whole of Sport FTEM
document has been
drafted. This document is
under review, prior to being
communicated to all
stakeholders.
The first draft of the
National Athlete
Pathway
Framework has
been completed
Coaching National Coaching and
Development Plan
Competition Maximise opportunities for elite
international competition
International
competition has
been increased via
two international
Down Under Series
events.
Review domestic competition
format and future opportunities
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The following projects or actions are in progress:
Position descriptions for potential high performance organisational structure
A coaching development plan
The National Teams Policy to be reviewed and aligned to programs and pathways
Alignment of national team names
Another high performance priority is the alignment of the four predominant national sides, the U19
men’s and women’s teams, previously known as Aussie Colts and Aussie Pride, will be recognised as
junior divisions of their senior subsidiaries, Aussie Steelers and Aussie Spirit.
This initiative comes as part of the newly developed FTEM model, which aims to align the necessary
development requirements from national age grade to national open grade representation. The
unification of national team names aims to reflect Softball Australia’s strategy, as one that will focus on
the strengthening of the alignment of these teams, and softball as a brand. The two national U19
teams will now be known as the Junior Steelers and the Junior Spirit.
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Australian Open Women’s Team, Aussie Spirit
In August 2015, the Aussie Spirit played at the Japan Cup, a four-team event featuring Japan, USA,
Australia and Chinese Taipei. The Aussie Spirit finished third, with current world number one and two,
Japan and USA, taking the top two places.
Down Under Series
The National Open Women’s Squad competed in the Down Under Series – International, from 5-7
February at Blacktown International Sportspark in NSW. Squad members were divided into two
Australian teams: Aussie Green and Aussie Gold, to play in a three-day event against Japan and New
Zealand.
Twenty-two athletes in final contention for World Championship selection competed in a second series,
the Down Under Series – Invitational, from 19-21 February, again at Blacktown International
Sportspark. The team played a series of games against the Japanese Pro-league Team, Toyota Red
Terriers. This event enabled Head Coach, Fabian Barlow, and selectors to finalise and officially name
the Aussie Spirit team to compete at the World Championship in July 2016.
In preparation for the World Championship, Aussie Spirit team members and team staff participated in
training camps during April, May and June. In addition, the pitchers and catchers attended two day
battery training camps in March and May.
The Aussie Spirit depart Australia on 1 July 2016, heading to Oklahoma City to participate in the World
Cup of Softball, before travelling to Canada to participate in the World Championship.
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Australian Open Men’s Team, Aussie Steelers
There were no major international competitions on offer for the Aussie Steelers, however a squad of 30
athletes was selected and, under the guidance of Head Coach Laing Harrow, received specialist
training in preparation for the coming year. The Aussie Steelers will participate in an international event
in New Zealand in February 2017 and then travel to Whitehorse, Canada, in July 2016 for the 15th
Men’s Softball World Championship.
Australian U19 Men’s Team, Junior Steelers
The Junior Steelers will compete at the 11th Junior Men’s Softball World Championship in July 2016.
Their campaign will include a 12-day lead-up in Milverton, Canada before they head to Midlands, MI,
USA.
Australian U19 Women’s Team, Junior Spirit
The Junior Spirt embarked on an 18-day tour, culminating in the 11th Junior Women’s Softball World
Championship in Oklahoma City, from 29 July – 15 August 2015.
In preparation for the World Championship, the Junior Spirit played 10 games in California before two
final warm-up games in Oklahoma City against Japan and New Zealand.
The Junior Spirit finished their World Championship campaign in 7th place, having won three of their
seven round-robin games, but going on to win both consolidation rounds.
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EVENTS
Australia Cup
The inaugural 2016 Australia Cup took place in May 2016 in what was a pivotal moment in the future of
Australian softball. The event saw softballers of all ages and abilities come together for a weekend of
fun and excitement.
Twenty-seven teams registered across four age categories; open women, U13, U15 and U17 girls and
participated in three days of competition at two venues - Blacktown International Sportspark and the
Jacqui Osmond Softball Centre.
The Australia Cup aims to be bigger and better in 2017, with the recent announcement of West Beach,
South Australia as the host venue from 12-14 May 2016. Softball Australia will work in conjunction with
Softball South Australia to bring the 2017 Australia Cup to fruition and build on the foundations that
have been laid for a sustainable and rewarding event for many years to come.
Events Review – Sports Business Partners
In an effort to revamp the current events structure, the State Executive Officers (SEOs) in conjunction
with Softball Australia, agreed to move forward with an organisational events review utilising
experienced strategy consultants, Sports Business Partners (SBP). A scope for the review was
prepared at the Annual General Meeting in October 2015, which paved the way for SBP to begin the six
month process.
A comprehensive internal audit was conducted to gain a greater base organisational understanding.
This included phone consultations and in depth surveys administered to the SEOs, Presidents, and
representatives from several key stakeholder groups. The reviewers presented their findings in a full
day workshop with the SEOs and Softball Australia.
Feedback, the final report and recommendations were completed and circulated to the Softball
Australia Board of Directors in April 2016 for approval. Softball Australia will implement the
recommended actions in preparation for the 2018 National Championships.
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PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Social 7s
2015/16 saw Social 7s take off across the country, with a lot of buzz and excitement created by Softball
Australia’s modified version of the game.
Competitions
Social 7s was played in ACT, NSW, Qld, SA, Tas, Vic and WA, across 30 different locations
Participants
1,451 total participants
1,045 registered participants through the Social 7s website
774 of the 1,045 were not already registered to play softball (74%)
Social 7s Website
The Social 7s website, www.social7s.com.au was launched, providing a range of information and
features.
Access to Social 7s information and resources
Allows competition providers to register and manage their competition online
Allows teams and individuals to register to play in competitions
Provides an online shop where Social 7s equipment and merchandise can be purchased
This social and fun version of softball is attracting new people
to the sport, with almost three-quarters (74%) of participants
not previously registered to play softball in 2015/16.
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2015 Victorian Teachers Games gold medallists – The Lakers
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National Social 7s Day
The inaugural National Social 7s Day was held on Saturday 29 August, providing an opportunity for
people across the country to try Social 7s for free.
15 associations in six different states/territories registered for the day
Over 270 participants
National Social 7s Day – Gladstone Softball Association, Qld
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Other highlights
ACT and SA ran Social 7s competitions to attract participants to their state softball centre in the
off-season. Each competition attracted more than 80 participants.
For the second consecutive year, the Victorian Teachers’ Games grew their softball
competition numbers by using the Social 7s format. In 2013, 4 teams played the fastpitch
competition. By changing to the Social 7s format in 2015, this number had tripled to 12 teams.
Rockingham & Districts Softball Association in WA received funding from Act-Belong-Commit
to help run their eight-team Social 7s competition, attracting over 70 participants.
Glen Eira Moorabbin (Vic) and South Brisbane (Qld) Softball Associations each ran two
Social 7s competitions in 2015/16.
Softball Australia again assisted Bacardi Martini to run their corporate softball days in Sydney
and Melbourne, with over 125 participants.
Intervarsity Social 7s competitions were run in SA and Qld, with over 80 people from eight
different universities participating.
Masters
Masters softball continues to grow in popularity, being one of the most popular sports played at Masters
multi-sport events.
Competitions/Participants
Masters softball played in NSW, Qld, SA, Tas, Vic and WA
16 different locations
5,182 participants
Australian Masters Games (AMG)
In October, 706 people played softball at the AMG in Adelaide, making it the largest participated sport
at the games.
State Events
Softball Queensland Masters attracted 1,237 players
Softball Victoria Masters attracted 660 players
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Little League
Governed by Little League International, the program offers pathway opportunities for community based
junior teams.
Little League International is one of the most recognisable sporting brands in the world and is one of
the largest global sporting organisations. There are over 2.6 million people across 75 countries that
participate annually.
All expenses for the teams advancing to the World Series are paid by the League, with ESPN televising
the event to give it global exposure.
At a workshop at Softball Australia’s AGM weekend in October, the Products Committee discussed with
State Executive Officers the requirements to introduce Little League nationally. Softball Australia will
develop a framework in 2016/17 to work towards this goal.
Products Committee
The Products Committee, consisting of Softball Australia Board Members, staff and state officers, met
regularly to discuss strategies to help Softball Australia achieve its product-related strategic targets.
I would like to thank the members of the committee for their ongoing contributions.
Shane Cantelmi
Product Development Coordinator
Melbourne Social 7s Competition – Flourish PR
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MYSOFTBALL COMMUNITY
The main focus of mySoftball Community was
the rollout of training and implementation
throughout Australia.
Visiting 35 different locations to deliver face-to-
face training to associations and clubs in every
state and territory, it became very evident that
our game of softball is played and managed in
many different ways and most pleasingly, that
the system is able to cope with the majority of
them.
Training was provided in a range of settings,
from conference rooms in RSLs or Council
Chambers, sports clubs, community halls,
warehouses, in ‘quiet’ corners in a number of
pubs, to even projecting the computer screen
outdoors on the side of the canteen in some of
the more remote associations.
It is important to say that we have an amazing
group of volunteers who manage our sport at a
grass roots level, and I greatly appreciated not
only meeting them on the road trip, but also the
welcome given to me in each location.
All in all, rolling out the training across Australia
was something I feel very privileged to have
experienced.
The second half of the year was about adoption
and assisting clubs and associations with
unique issues they faced.
The adoption of the system has been as varied
as the training locations. Some of our larger
associations have setup and rolled out the
system with online registrations, online
payments (selling not only membership but
merchandise as well), online competition, new
website…in fact every aspect of the system.
But mention must be made of the smaller
associations who before the training session
had ended, had set up their club, posted the
National Registration Form on Facebook and
had members registered online – all before I
had completed packing up!
Variation of adoption rates
The graphs below provide an indication of our
online membership numbers versus the
previous year’s membership numbers as a
target. It is quite apparent that some clubs,
associations and states have embraced the
system quickly, while others have taken a more
cautious approach. Either way, we are
currently standing at a little more than 89% of
the 2014/15 membership numbers now loaded
into the system.
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It is important to highlight that Victoria and
South Australia have eclipsed their target, with
increases of just under 10% and 3%
respectively. We do need to stress that for
Victoria, this was their second year as they
were participants in the pilot program in
2014/15, and South Australia had limited
experience with the system in the previous year
as well. Hopefully that is a portent to what the
other states can hope to see as we move into
the second year for them.
Membership numbers
Now that each state and the national body are
able to see data for the first time, we can give a
real view of our membership base. Some
interesting quick facts we have not been able to
clearly define before:
65% of our membership population is
female (35% male)
31% are under 15 years of age, 35%
are over 35 years of age, the other
third are 15-U35
25% of our population is over 35
women
4.3% of our population regard
themselves of Aboriginal, Torres Strait
Islander or both in origin
24% of over 18 year olds answered the
question about education status:
o 16% stated that they were still at school or university
o Of the remainder, 35% have attained a Degree or Post Graduate degree
31% of over 18 year olds answered the
question about employment status:
o 67% are full time employed
o 22% are part time employed
o 4% are looking for work
o 7% are not working (retired etc)
With regards to type of occupation,
29% of over 18 responded and the top
5 group accounted for 57% of all
answers, and were:
o Office and Administrative Support – 16%
o Education, Training and Library services – 15%
o Sales and Related Occupations – 9%
o Management – 9%
o Healthcare Occupations – 7%
We must remember that this is a three-year
project, and it is important that we keep
focussing on improving the accuracy of data
entry by having the members input their
information, and that we use the rollout of the
database as an opportunity to review each
clubs and associations processes, in order to
simplify and streamline to make the
administration of our sport a lot easier.
Matthew Horne
mySoftball Community Manager
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MEMBERSHIP
Membership numbers by states
The following table shows membership numbers for FY 2015/16.
State Winter Summer Total per state
ACT 0 945 945
NSW 839 8,663 9,502
NT 196 - 196
Qld 2,106 3,925 6,031
SA - 2,474 2,474
Tas - 460 460
Vic - 2,885 2,885
WA 1,346 2,372 3,718
Total 4,487 21,724 26,211
Membership numbers were 1.61% higher than
the previous year.
Softball Australia has achieved significant
outcomes in line with its Strategic Plan, with big
wins for national programs and supporting state
direction with national resources. We are
starting to see evidence that collaboration
works and the proof is in some of our
achievements this year.
National Insurance Program
A first for Softball Australia and its members is
a National Insurance Program, with V-
Insurance being selected as our new provider.
We can now offer an improved level of
coverage and provide better value for our
Member States, associations and clubs. JLT
were the provider for all states (except NSW)
for the reporting period so we would like to
thank them for their term of service.
Membership
Another significant highlight was our
membership numbers. The introduction of
mySoftball Community has provided more
accurate reporting numbers, which are showing
healthy signs of a potential increase in
membership. We have removed barriers to
participation with the development in our
products. We built the foundation of the new
Softball Batter Up website for teachers,
coaches and parents that “makes playing,
teaching and coaching softball easy”. The
website will be released in September 2016.
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The future
As we close off another year and look to the
future, the direction of softball is positive.
There are some great national programs and
resources from which clubs and associations
can benefit. Softball Batter Up, Social 7s and
Sporting Schools all offer fun and exciting
exposure to our game for potential new
participants, while our coach and official
education programs help to increase the
experience for our members. Combine this
with the opportunity to promote the inclusion of
softball in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and it’s a
recipe that can fuel participation growth.
Ben Utting
Sport Development Manager
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COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Club Development
National Club and Association Development
Softball Australia is two years into its three-year
Club and Association Development Strategy
within Softball Australia’s Strategic Plan 2014 -
2017, to achieve overall growth and
sustainability. Supporting our affiliates in
improving the way they operate, building their
capacity to grow and ensuring their
sustainability, will contribute significantly to
achieving Softball Australia’s strategic objective
of 5% growth of registered members annually
for three years. On the following page are
some of the strategies and initiatives in place
that have been developed in the past year to
achieve this.
National Club Development Workshop
Following on from the National Club
Development Workshop in May 2015, state
representatives came together in Melbourne in
October 2015 to discuss key initiatives to
support affiliates in starting, running and
growing their club or association.
Presentations and discussions included
Homeplate, an analysis of Club Health Check
results, strategies to engage non-affiliates,
National Affiliation Standards for clubs and
associations and how each state plans to
implement them, and how to further develop
the League Ladder to acknowledge and
recognise successful clubs and associations.
Karen Robe, Softball Qld’s Association
Coordinator, was unable to attend the session
but provided an overview of her experiences
over the past 3.5 years. Softball Australia
would like to thank all attendees for their
positive and valuable contributions:
Softball Australia Ben Utting, Sport Development Manager
Joanne Paez, Participation Coordinator
Tim Hatzi, Club and Community Development Coordinator
Shane Cantelmi, Product Development Coordinator
Peter Jon Hartshorne, Director
Softball NSW Jody Neilsen, Projects Coordinator
Softball Qld Erin Sandford, Development Officer
Softball SA Steve Trzcinski, Chairperson
Softball Tas Evelyn Seabourne, Development Officer
Kerrie Laverick, Association Coordinator
Softball Vic Donna Carbis, Coach Education & Athlete Development Coordinator
Kerrie Laverick, Association Coordinator
Softball WA Milosa Jackson, Board Member
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Investment in face to face affiliate support
Softball Australia continues to invest in
Association Coordinator positions around the
country, through part-funding in Qld, Vic, Tas,
SA, NT and WA. Association Coordinators
have been working tirelessly with their partner
associations to build capacity, capability,
improve governance and grow participation.
Over the past 12 months, the results have been
significant:
$397,550 in funding secured to go
towards facility development
improvements and equipment
144 Club Health Checks completed
82 strategic, operational, financial and
marketing plans developed
Softball Batter Up, Sporting Schools,
Social 7s and other participation
programs and recruitment initiatives
implemented, resulting in 15-20%
increase in participation
Homeplate
Since releasing Homeplate in April 2015, a
dedicated online club development resource
designed to support affiliates in starting,
running or growing their club or association, a
total of 204 clubs and associations have
registered, with 139 registering in the past 12
months.
Homeplate News
Homeplate News is a monthly newsletter
developed to communicate important
information and initiatives directly to our
affiliates. Launched in June 2015, the
Newsletter is now being circulated to 898
recipients, an increase of 620 since its
inception.
ASC Club Health Check
Since 2013, 308 softball clubs and associations
have completed the Club Health Check. A total
of 144 Club Health Checks were completed in
2015/16, with more than 81% of those clubs
and associations initiating actions to address
key areas identified for improvement – resulting
in significant improvements. The work of
Member States and their Association
Coordinators has contributed to this success.
Club and Association Development
Internship Program
Softball Australia’s success with the Club
Development Internship Program continued
with the recruitment of three University interns
throughout the Student Placement Program:
two interns were placed from Deakin University
and one student from the Australian Catholic
University to provide support to the Program.
National Affiliation Standards
Softball Australia’s National Affiliation
Standards was developed as part of its Club
and Association Development Strategy,
focusing on creating safe, welcoming and
healthy environments to attract and retain
members. A starting point to achieve this
outcome is to ensure that all clubs and
associations complete the National Affiliation
Standards checklist annually and work towards
meeting each standard. The Checklist was
introduced on the Homeplate website in May
2016, with a total of 29 clubs and associations
completing it: NSW – 24, Qld – 4, WA – 1.
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Homeplate Ladder – National Softball Club
and Association Recognition program
Homeplate Ladder will be introduced in
2016/17 to recognise and reward clubs and
associations who implement and operate within
best practice standards. The program will be
trialled with associations nationally in 2016/17
and rolled out to clubs in 2017/18.
Indigenous Softball Program
The Indigenous Softball Program, funded
through the Australian Government’s
Indigenous Advancement Strategy, provides
opportunities for Indigenous Communities to
participate in softball activities to improve
health, social and physical well-being.
Softball Australia aims to provide opportunities
for Indigenous people of all ages and abilities to
become involved in sport and recreation
through softball, increasing the social
connectedness within communities and
allowing them to develop the skills required to
organise and manage sustainable softball
programs.
In collaboration with Member States, Softball
Australia invested in targeted programs in NT,
Qld, SA and WA. The main programs,
competitions and courses delivered were the
establishment of a new competition in Wadeye
NT, the Murri Women’s Softball Tournament in
Qld, Far North West Sports League in the APY
Lands, SA and Indigenous Softball Carnivals in
the Western Desert, WA. Together with the
Member States, program partners and
participating urban, rural, and remote
communities, the following outcomes were
achieved:
4,396 Indigenous participants involved
in softball activities
145 softball activities delivered,
including 72 accredited training
courses delivered
659 participants attained coaching,
scoring and umpiring accreditation
11 Community Health Forums
delivered in conjunction with softball
activities.
In May, the Australian Government confirmed
that it will continue to provide funding of Softball
Australia’s Indigenous Softball Program for
2016/17. In collaboration with our Member
States, this funding enables Softball Australia
to continue its involvement with targeted
Indigenous communities, providing
opportunities to participate in all levels of the
sport to improve their health and physical
wellbeing and provide increased social
benefits.
Softball for All
Softball Australia continues to ensure that
softball is an inclusive and accessible sport for
people of all ages, cultures, genders and
abilities at all levels.
Since its membership with Sport Inclusion
Australia in 2014 (formally National Sport
Inclusion Alliance), Softball Australia has
developed a database of clubs and
associations that actively promote and cater for
people with a disability and other
disadvantaged groups. In the past 12 months,
the database has grown from 34 clubs to 106.
Softball Australia will continue to promote
various case studies of inclusion across all
levels as a strategy to reinforce its dedication to
being an inclusive sport.
Tim Hatzi
Club and Community Development Coordinator
Page 39 of 76
TECHNICAL
SCORING
The National Scoring Committee meet regularly
to map current trends in scoring, and develop
frameworks for future development of reference
materials. Key topics included a review of the
2015-16 national championships.
We witnessed continued support of the national
championships, with statisticians providing
results, web reporting and official statistics for
Softball Australia, national selectors and teams.
The Committee has also supported the states
with reference material for ongoing training.
National Staff
Chief Statistician Ngaire Huston
Statisticians Mike Hannelly
Sandra Palmer
Kirsty Andrews
Lindy Rattigan
Chris Trengove
Appointments
International
Lindy Rattigan
2016 Junior Men’s Softball World
Championship
Chris Trengove
2016 Women’s Softball World Championship
2015 Japan Cup,
Rowena Whittle
2016 Japan Cup
National
The Committee thanks the statisticians at the
various tournaments for their dedication and
commitment. It is refreshing to see new faces
scoring at events, helping to ensure the
ongoing success of the scoring program.
We acknowledge the support of the following
statisticians: Ngaire Huston (Qld), Mike
Hannelly, Chris Trengove (Vic), Sandra Palmer
(NSW), Lindy Rattigan (SA), Kirsty Andrews
(Qld), Matt Denkel (Qld), Lynne Eltoft (WA),
Kaye Greggs (NSW), Lorraine Davies (Vic) and
Chris Bailey (Qld).
A special thanks to the following statisticians
who volunteered their time to travel interstate to
support national events: Sandra Palmer (NSW),
Mike Hannelly (NSW), Rowena Whittle (NSW),
Maree Hardwicke (ACT), Loraine Davies (Vic),
Kerryn Bell (Vic) and Jim Giles (Vic). Without
the support of these statisticians the
tournaments in Adelaide and Perth would not
have been scored at the standard achieved.
The National Committee also assists with the
provision of statisticians for states who do not
have qualified statisticians.
National Quality Assurance Program
The National Committee has an active Quality
Assurance program to ensure that statisticians
are of the highest standard possible when
attending national events. The Committee
conducted quality assurance assessments of
66 scorers from 174 games played across the
national championships. The iScore games
Page 40 of 76
containing the play by play reports are matched
to the scoring. The Committee would like to
thank Jim Giles (Vic) for assisting in this
assessment process.
Accreditation and professional development
The total number of statisticians as at 30 June 2016 was 874.
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Total
Softball Scoring Current 555 140 84 95 874
ACT SA NSW NT Qld TAS Vic WA Total
Softball Official 31 95 476 0 134 30 81 27 874
National summary of accredited statisticians
Total ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA
Level 1 555 19 321 0 75 63 25 32 20
Level 2 140 6 77 0 4 28 1 21 3
Level 3 84 2 46 0 21 2 1 12 0
Level 4 95 4 32 0 34 2 3 16 4
Level 4 examinations
The following Queensland candidates were successful in passing Level Four: Rae Crook, Wendy
Harries, Deb Maloney and Kelly Pengellis.
Resource Development
The scoring section of Softball Australia’s website is being updated
Scoring accreditation resources are being reviewed and updated
The 2016 rules scoring exam has been developed with the assistance of the National Umpiring
Committee
Page 41 of 76
The iScore module is being developed and has been tested at two different venues, with
successful candidates passed.
Future Plans
Plans to work with the Softball New Zealand Scoring Committee to formalise a joint Scoring
Manual, with a view to ISF accreditation for statisticians, have been put on hold and are
awaiting future developments
Continue developing iScore beginner and advanced courses
Continue to encourage states to monitor their scorers and urge them to keep their accreditation
up-to-date
Annual Forum in Melbourne
The inaugural Annual Scoring Forum was held in Melbourne, coinciding with the AGM in October. All
State Directors attended the Forum, with the exception of WA. The weekend was viewed a great
success, particularly the opportunity to meet with Softball Australia personnel.
Seated: Maree Hardwicke (ACT), Kaye Greggs (NSW), Sandra Palmer, Kirsty Andrews
Standing: Lorraine Davies (Vic), Jim Giles (Vic), Matt Denkel (Qld) Mike Hannelly, Ngaire Huston, Lindy
Rattigan
Softball Australia Life Membership
It was very gratifying for Mike Hannelly to be awarded Life Membership of Softball Australia. Mike has
been the backbone of Softball Australia Scoring for many years and recognition of his service was a
due reward.
Page 42 of 76
Thanks
I wish to extend my thanks to the National Scoring Committee for their continued support and hard
work. I also wish to thank the State Directors of Scoring for their willingness to promote the program.
Without their commitment and support it would be a difficult task. The Committee brings a varied range
of skill-sets, which allows the program to flourish. I appreciate the input from everyone, be it updating
the web and National Officiating Accreditation Scheme, programming, preparing for national events,
conducting examinations and general day-to-day tasks.
The National Scoring Committee once again expresses its gratitude to Chris Trengove for the work that
he has done with the database and iScore, which provides significant timesaving at national events. A
thanks also to Mike Hannelly, who works tirelessly adding state team lists to the database for these
tournaments. This year Chris came to the rescue when there were issues with nationals.
Mike Hannelly receiving his Life Membership Award in Sydney
Page 43 of 76
UMPIRING
Congratulations to Graeme Love (Qld),
recipient of the Vivienne Triplett Umpire of the
Year Award; Leigh Evans, inducted into the
Softball Australia Hall of Fame; and Neville
Lawrance, inducted into the ISF Hall of Fame.
Neville attended 14 international events
including the 1998 Women’s World
Championship and the 2004 Athens Olympic
Games.
Tricia Sibraa continues to be a section leader
for the ISF new rule book to develop a
simplified layout in a new revised international
rule book.
National Committee
Chief Tricia Sibraa
Umpires Leigh Evans – Technical)
Debbie Grove – Development
Scott Rindfleish – Communications
Assisting staff
Technical Darrell Shephard
Jason Carter
Development Kyira Cox
Ron Houison
Communications Richard Barrow
Jessie Smith
Operations Krissi Travers
Accreditation and Professional
Development
Manuals
The Community Umpire Manual, including flip
cards, has been developed and will be
particularly useful for the club umpire, parents
and teachers. The flip cards have been
developed by Richard Barrow, Richard Dodds
and Chris Trengove.
Kyira Cox and Ron Houison have been
reviewing and updating the Participants and
Presenters Manual for Levels 1 and 2.
Andrew Rindfleish, with assistance from
Haydyn Wood, Krissi Travers and Graeme
Love, commenced work on the Umpire
Candidates Manual.
Technical Bulletins
Two Technical Bulletins were published, a third
revision of the Softball Australia "Rules
Assessment Flexibility and Pass Marks" and
"Moulded and Axe Handled Bats".
National Accreditation
Paul Bourke (NSW) and James Townsend
(NSW) attained Level 5 accreditation, and
Jamie Harries (Qld) and Janelle Hicks (Qld)
attainted Level 6 accreditation.
Appointments
International
The National Umpiring Program continues to be
held in high regard on the international scene,
with umpires appointed to ISF World
Championships and major overseas
competitions during the year, including:
Darren Sibraa (Qld)
14th Men's Softball World Championship,
Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Page 44 of 76
Kyira Cox (NSW), Ron Houison (NSW)
11th Junior Women's Softball World
Championship, Oklahoma City, Ok. USA
Richard Barrow (Vic), Scotiabank Canadian
Cup, Canada
Yvonne Kahler (Qld), Japan Cup, Ogaki,
Japan
Jason Carter (Vic), European Premier Cup
Women, European Super Cup Men, Prague
National
The following umpires were appointed to 2015 Championships:
Championship Appointments
Open Women’s National
Softball Championship
Tournament Chief Umpire: Patricia Sibraa (Qld)
Crew: Andrew Compton (NSW), Richard Dodds (Vic), Leanne Gearside
(NSW), Debbie Grove (Vic), Stephen Gutteridge (Qld), Jamie Harries
(Qld), Janelle Hicks (Qld), Amanda Houison (NSW), Dale Kaimoana
(Qld), Yvonne Kahler (Qld), Stuart Tyler (Vic), Haydyn Wood (SA)
U17 Girls’ National
Softball Championship
Tournament Chief Umpire: Darren Sibraa (Qld)
Crew: David Casey (Qld), Trevor Murphy (Vic), Paul Bourke (NSW),
Andrew Dickson (ACT), Dylan Murdoch (NSW), James Townsend
(NSW)
U17 Boys’ National
Softball Championship
Tournament Chief Umpire: Scott Rindfleish (NSW)
Crew: Jacqui Crafter (SA), Ron Houison (NSW), Neville Lawrance (SA),
George Norrish (NSW), Kevin Tannebring (SA), Norelle Thomas (Qld),
Stephen Wallace-Yarrow (SA), Mark Wareham (WA)
U19 Women’s National
Softball Championship
and U15 Girls’ Regional
Softball Championship
U19 Women - Tournament Chief Umpire: Debbie Grove (Vic)
Crew: Kyira Cox (NSW), David Crowe (NSW), James English (NSW),
Amanda Houison (NSW), Neville Lawrance (SA), Norelle Thomas
(Qld), Stuart Tyler (Vic), Stephen Wallace-Yarrow (SA), Alan Walsh
(Qld), Haydyn Wood (SA)
U15 Girls - Tournament Chief Umpire: Kevin Tannebring (SA)
Crew: Andy Birks (NSW), Paul Brooking (SA), Ian Grey (SA), Dale
Kaimoana (Qld), Kylie Knight (Qld), Claire Lack (Qld), Tamara Muller
(Qld), Breanna O’Connor (Qld), Kian Privatera (Vic), Daryl Pearce
(WA), Aaron Robertson (Qld), Lailani Shepherd (Qld), Mark Toft (Qld),
Kieran Wright (ACT) and Danielle Bellchambers (Umpire Manager)
U19 Men’s National
Softball Championship
U19 Men - Tournament Chief Umpire: Leigh Evans (Vic)
Crew: Jason Carter (Vic), Richard Dodds (Vic), Leanne Gearside
(NSW), Jay Gibson (NSW), Graeme Love (Qld), Damien McCauley
Page 45 of 76
Championship Appointments
and U15 Boys’ Regional
Softball Championship
(SA), Robert McIntosh (NSW), Andrew Rindfleish (NSW) Jesse Smith
(NSW), Chris Trengove (Vic)
U15 Boys - Tournament Chief Umpire: Trevor Murphy (Vic)
Crew: Riley Deahm (NSW), Kim Green (NSW), Thomas Green (NSW),
Georgia Kiel (NSW), Cayden Love (Qld), Jennie McKenny (NSW), Tony
Moncaster (NSW), Harrison Pudner (NSW), Leith Roberts (ACT), Craig
Sexton (NSW), Callum Thiess (Qld)
Open Men’s National
Softball Championship
Tournament Chief Umpire: Patricia Sibraa (Qld)
Crew: Richard Barrow (Vic), David Casey (Qld), Warren Duff (SA),
Leigh Evans (Vic), Debbie Grove (Vic), Graeme Love (Qld), Damien
McCauley (SA), Trevor Murphy (Vic), Scott Rindfleish (NSW), Darren
Sibraa (Qld), Chris Trengove (Vic), Stuart Tyler (Vic), Haydyn Wood
(SA)
U23 Women’s and Men’s
National Softball
Championships
Tournament Chief Umpire: Patricia Sibraa (Qld)
Crew: Jason Carter (Vic), David Casey (Qld), David Crowe (NSW), Jay
Gibson (NSW), Jamie Harries (Qld), Janelle Hicks (Qld), Yvonne Kahler
(Qld), Robert McIntosh (NSW), Darren Sibraa, (Qld) Helen Strauss
(Qld), Kevin Tannebring (SA), Norelle Thomas (Qld), Alan Walsh (Qld)
Southern Cross Challenge Tournament Chief Umpire: Patricia Sibraa (Qld)
Crew: David Andrews (Qld), Dave Beaumont (NZ), Peter Chalapan
(PNG), Robin Griffiths (NZ), Nicola Ogier (NZ), Mark McFarlane (NZ),
Kylie Knight (Qld), Kiri Scott (Qld), Cornelius Terra (PNG), Ricki
Thompson (NZ), Joanne Voltz (Qld)
Page 46 of 76
Development
The Softball Australia International Friendship
Series was staffed by Tournament Chief
Umpire, Richard Dodds, and umpire mentors
Kevin Tannebring and Sarah Houston. Twenty-
eight umpires (eight full-time) ranging from
Level 1 to international standard. Throughout
the Series, umpires covered 82 games with two
and three-umpire systems.
National Rules Assessment
The National Umpiring Committee again
delivered the Playing Rules Knowledge
Assessment online.
The National Umpiring Committee brought
forward the date for the National Rules
Assessment to the last week in April, to be
closer to the end of local associations end of
season and to encourage more participants.
In total, 275 umpires sat the exam in May,
marking an overall 5% decrease from 2015.
ACT
10 umpires sat the assessment, 23%
decrease
NSW
102 umpires sat the assessment, 14%
increase
NT
0 umpires sat the assessment, no
change
Qld
63 umpires sat the assessment, 1%
decrease
SA
27 umpires sat the assessment, 29%
decrease
Tas
13 umpires sat the assessment, 7%
decrease
Page 47 of 76
Vic
38 umpires sat the assessment, 11%
decrease
WA
22 umpires sat the assessment, 18%
decrease
Thirty-two sat the Deferred and
Supplementary Assessment
National Basic Assessment
Softball Australia also allow players, coaches,
parents and umpires applying for level 1 and 2
accreditations to sit the National Basic Rules
Assessment, aimed at an everyday game level.
The 2016 national basic assessment was also
facilitated through the online portal.
The ability to allow Level 1 and 2 umpires to sit
the basic rules assessment, continues to
provide greater flexibility and an easier pathway
for participant development. A total of 170
umpires sat this exam in 2016.
This year Softball Australia again used ISF
Development umpires to set the Basic Rules
Assessment, this has a development effect on
the program. Darren Sibraa (Qld) supervised
this process and was assisted by Stuart Tyler
(Vic) and Norelle Thomas (Qld). The NUC
thanks these people for their time.
Communication
The Communications and Membership
Engagement Stream of the National Umpiring
Committee has seen many changes and
developments. The appointment of the
Umpire-in-Chief, Scott Rindfleish (NSW) and
the formation of the new team including
Richard Barrow (Vic) and Jesse Smith (NSW)
were the first orders of business in preparation
to launch the new communications strategy.
The umpiring section of Softball Australia’s
website remains our online home for umpiring
in Australia. Website updates, content
migration and building a dynamic site has been
a strong focus to ensure all umpires can access
the resources they need to achieve success
right across the country. Umpiring news
continues to spread through the Softball
Australia community via the website news
articles.
Our new Facebook page was launched to
share breaking news and to engage with our
umpiring community. The focus on immediacy
and currency means our members are more up
to date, more interactive and more engaged as
we all share in the successes from across
Australia. Within several months, we hit 500
Page Likes, and we are thrilled to have such
strong engagement from members both
domestic and international.
Blues News On-Line continues to be an
important part of our communications strategy,
offering quarterly publications of diverse
content and focus. Members enjoy stories and
success from states, submitted by the State
Directors of Umpiring, as well as national and
international umpiring news.
Our umpires are the lifeblood of our program
and we are committed to enhancing
engagement to promote passionate and skilled
softball umpires.
Tricia Sibraa
National Chief Umpire
Page 48 of 76
COACHING
Accreditation
Accreditations recorded in the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme totals 1,936.
ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA
21 922 5 299 320 29 244 96
Coach accreditation by category
ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA
New (first time
accreditation)
10 134 0 47 12 17 60 24
Upgrade (next level) 0 55 0 12 3 0 7 7
Reaccreditation
(renewed at existing
level)
0 24 0 14 1 0 8 1
Softball Community Coaching Program
The Softball Community Coaching Program (SCCP) continues to provide a great introduction to the
beginner coach, with 260 individuals completing the face-to-face program in 2015/16.
ACT, NSW, SA, Tasmania and Victoria are delivering the combined SCCP and Level 1 program.
The SCCP program involves participants presenting and participating in softball-related
activities, followed by discussions about modifying activities to suit the audience.
The Level 1 program teaches basic skills and provides participants with hands-on experience
to practise their newly acquired skills.
State Participants Programs
ACT 14 1
NSW 144 11
Qld 32 4
SA 17 2
Tas 18 2
Vic 72 3
Page 49 of 76
Presenter and Assessor Program
Softball Australia, in conjunction with Softball Victoria, delivered a two day Presenter and Assessor
course to 12 Softball Victoria coaches. These coaches are now qualified to deliver coach accreditation
programs within Victoria.
Online resources
Softball Australia continues to provide resources for the coaching workforce.
National coaching accreditation
Eighteen coaches received National Coaching Accreditation Scheme Level 3 coach accreditation via
the online learning portal. The portal has allowed over 200 coaches to receive endorsement to deliver
the Softball Batter Up program in the Australian Sports Commission Sporting Schools Program.
Softball Batter Up website
A new design of the SBU website has been developed. The new site will provide a great resource for
parents, teachers and coaches to provide fun and engaging softball activities. It aims to make playing,
teaching and coaching softball easy. It has resources for games that are aligned to the national health
and physical education curriculum and new features including video content for all games, pre-planned
programs and a new session planner. The site is expected to be released in September 2016.
Train to Win (Level 4) Coach Accreditation Program
Work is continuing on the Train to Win (Level 4) Coach Accreditation Program. The online pitching and
catching modules have been completed, together with the elective and compulsory units. It is being
proposed a face-to-face battery workshop will be required to complete the assessment tasks.
Joanne Paez
Participation Coordinator
Page 50 of 76
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA LIFE MEMBERS
Life Members are recognised for their exceptional and devoted service to softball Australia.
Name Year State
Michael Hannelly 2015 NSW
Harvey Milson 2013 NSW
Tricia Sibraa 2013 Qld
Mike McDermid 2013 ACT
Darryl Clout 2010 NSW
Bob Harrow 2010 ACT
Bill Gobbart* 2006 Vic
Ken Culpitt 2004 ACT
Alan McAuliffe 2002 SA
Shirley Schneider 2000 WA
Pat Rawlings OAM* 1994 NSW
Margo Koskelainen OAM 1993 Vic
Rosemary Adey OAM* 1989 SA
Pat Shearwood 1980 ACT
Edna Nash* 1969 NSW
Pat Young* 1968 NSW
Audrey McLaughlin AM 1967 Qld
Esther Deason MBE* 1966 Vic
Merle Short* 1966 Vic
Marjorie Dwyer* 1966 Vic
*denotes deceased
Page 51 of 76
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
The Hall of Fame recognises Australian players and non-players who have made an outstanding
contribution to the sport of softball at the international level.
Name Year State
Leigh Evans 2015 Vic
Michael Titheradge 2015 WA
Tracey Mosley 2014 Vic
Kylie Cronk 2014 Qld
Danica Howlett 2014 NSW
Diane Waller 2013 Vic
Barry Blanchard 2013 NSW
Terry Downes 2013 Qld
Debbie Grove 2013 Vic
Kelly Hardie 2013 Qld
Mike Harrow 2013 ACT
Ngaire Huston 2013 Qld
Neville Lawrance 2013 SA
Simmone Morrow 2013 SA
Andrew Rindfleish 2013 NSW
Sue Tomlinson 2013 SA
Kerry Wyborn 2013 NSW
Wendy Braybon 2012 Vic
Carolyn Buttsworth 2012 NSW
Tanya Harding 2012 Qld
Sandra Lewis 2012 Qld
Page 52 of 76
Name Year State
Melanie Roche 2012 NSW
Natalie Titcume 2012 Vic
Natalie Ward 2012 NSW
Fiona Crawford 2010 NSW
Paul Maisey 2010 Vic
Marissa Warburton 2010 Qld
Ken Culpitt 2009 ACT
2009 Australian Open Men’s Team Aussie Steelers
and ISF World Champions
2009
Geoffrey Coultas 2008 WA
Brian Flint 2008 WA
Darryl Rector 2008 WA
Robert Richardson 2008 NSW
Bill Downing 2008 WA
Russell Taylor 2008 WA
Josh Davison 2008 NSW
Dave McKenzie 2008 WA
Peter Clout 2008 NSW
Sally McCreedy OAM 2008 ACT
Peta Edebone 2008 Vic
Brooke Wilkins 2008 NSW
Kathy Mitchell 2008 Qld
John McAuliffe 2007 SA
Bob Crudgington 2006 Qld
Page 53 of 76
Name Year State
Matt Gowty 2006 Qld
Troy Baverstock 2005 NSW
Kylie Herbert 2005 NSW
Alan McAuliffe 2005 SA
Carol Peel 2005 NSW
Haylea Petrie 2005 Qld
Kim Cooper 2004 Qld
Shane King 2004 Qld
Kerry Dienelt 2004 NT
Lindsey Carroll 2004 ACT
Kellie Loughman 2004 Vic
Kerrie Maddern 2004 Vic
Nicole Richardson 2004 Vic
Margo Koskelainen OAM 2004 Vic
Joanne Brown 2004 ACT
Francine McRae 2004 Qld
Lindsay Anderson* 2003 WA
Anthony Bull 2003 WA
Laing Harrow 2002 ACT
Rhonda Wills 2002 Vic
Jenny Holliday AM 2002 Vic
Joyce Lester OAM 2000 Qld
Leanne Evans 1997 Vic
Page 54 of 76
Name Year State
Gaye Ledingham 1997 NSW
Pat Shearwood 1995 ACT
Sandra Troyahn 1995 Vic
Arthur Allsopp* 1992 Vic
Rosemary Adey OAM* 1991 SA
Pat Rawlings OAM* 1991 NSW
Janne Stevens 1990 SA
Lorraine Brown 1989 SA
Josephine Loton 1989 Vic
Janine (Jan) Allsopp 1988 Vic
Carol Selem 1988 NSW
Vivienne Triplett* 1988 Vic
Esther Deason MBE* 1987 Vic
Marjorie Dwyer* 1987 Vic
Merilyn Middlin 1987 Vic
Joanne Paez 1987 Vic
Judy Phelps OAM 1987 NSW
Chris Roughley 1987 NSW
Sybil Turner 1987 NSW
Rhonda Boyd 1986 Vic
Denise Hutchinson 1986 Vic
1965 Australian Open Women’s Team and ISF
World Champions
1985
Norma Allsopp Vic
Page 55 of 76
Name Year State
Margaret Dodds Qld
Bess Dornan Vic
Myrtle Edwards Vic
Rita Gherardin Vic
Elinor McKenzie* Vic
Audrey McLaughlin Qld
Helena Meehan Vic
Nina Menner WA
Midge Nelson BEM Vic
Gladys Phillips* (C) Vic
Judy Pizaro* Vic
Marjorie Scott Vic
Merle Short* Vic
Sandra Somerville Qld
Margaret Swann Vic
Nancy Whittingham SA
Lorraine Woolley Qld
*denotes deceased
Page 56 of 76
ISF HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Name Year State
Mike Harrow 2015 ACT
Marissa Warburton 2015 Qld
Neville Lawrance 2015 SA
Bob Crudgington 2013 Qld
Brooke Wilkins 2013 Qld
Haylea Petrie 2013 Qld
Bob Harrow 2011 ACT
Paul Maisey 2011 Vic
Peta Edebone 2011 Vic
Peter Clout 2009 NSW
John McAuliffe 2009 SA
Sally McCreedy OAM 2009 ACT
Norma Allsopp 2005 Vic
Joanne Brown 2005 ACT
Ken Culpitt 2005 Qld
Kerry Dienelt 2005 NT
Denise Hutchinson 2005 Vic
Shane King 2005 Qld
Laing Harrow 2003 ACT
Margo Koskelainen OAM 2003 Vic
Alan McAuliffe 2003 SA
Jenny Holliday AM 2001 Vic
Page 57 of 76
Name Year State
Joyce Lester OAM 2001 Qld
Audrey McLaughlin AM 1999 Qld
Rosemary Adey OAM* 1997 SA
Janine (Jan) Allsopp 1993 Vic
Vivienne Triplett* 1993 Vic
Sybil Turner 1993 NSW
Rhonda Boyd 1991 Vic
Chris Roughley 1991 NSW
Margaret Swann 1989 Vic
Myrtle Edwards* 1987 Vic
Merle Short* 1987 Vic
Marjorie (Midge) Nelson BEM 1981 Vic
Esther Deason* MBE 1981 Vic
Page 58 of 76
TEAMS AND SQUADS
2015 International Friendship Series, 29 June – 3 July 2015
Female
Maddy Beard (NSW), Erin Blackmore (Qld), Phoebe Collins (Qld), Kelsey Griffen (NSW), Tess Henman
(ACT), Lauren Herbert (NSW), Chloe Holman (NSW), Natasha Holt (VIC), Amber Hood (SA), Georgia
Hood (SA), Montana Kearnes (NSW), Hollie Keen (Tas), Shannon Keevers (NSW), Rhiannon Kemp
(Qld), Rachel Kraak (Qld), Ellie Lees(NSW), Rachel Leong (WA), Haley Marschall (SA), EmmaMcLean
(WA), Jamie Mead (SA), Gabrielle Plain (NSW), Maddison Smith (NSW), Tarni Stepto (NSW), Natasha
Strapps (SA), Jenna Trim (NSW), Brianna Trim (NSW), Mihikura Tuialii (Vic), Tia Waters (Qld), Tamieka
Whitefield (Qld), Isabel Zaharias (Vic)
Male
Josh Bond (NSW), Jack Burt (WA), Isaac Caloiero-Smith (Qld), Logan Campbell (NSW), Jacob
Donaldson (NSW), Jarred Garland (NSW), Shannon Goffer (Qld), Henry Groth (NSW), Dylan Hard (Qld),
Joshua Harding (Qld), Daniel Harrison (NSW), Bradley Kilpatrick (NSW), Lachlan McGovern (ACT),
Andrew Meyer-Coyte (ACT), Samuel Miners (ACT), Robbie Moore (NSW), Michael Noonan (ACT),
Bolton Nussbaum (ACT), Christian Palombi (ACT), Christopher Plain (NSW), Layton Reid (Qld), Mac
Reith-Snare (NSW), Rhys Shelley (Qld), Lachlan Spinelli (Vic), Sheldon Waller (Qld), Jeremy Waters
(Qld), James Watson (WA), Cameron White (Qld), Thomas Zeylemaker (NSW), Luke Bellamy (NSW)
Australian U19 Women’s Team
11th Junior Women’s Softball Championship, 29 July – 15 August 2015
Amelia Cudicio (NSW), Georgia Blair (Qld), Alicia Forte (WA), Sara Caterson (Qld), Rebecca McEachern
(Qld), Emma Iuliano (NSW), Dorinda Stone (Qld), Kalina Stepto (NSW), Chelsea Robinson (SA),
Stephanie Trzcinski (SA), Lauren Tapp (NSW), Mikayla Gregory (Qld), Emily Read (NSW), Alisha
Prybyszczuk (Qld), Chantelle Ladner (NSW), Allanah Alvarado (WA), Gabrielle Plain (NSW).
Shane Hughes (Head Coach), Annette Fidge (Assistant Coach), Chantelle James (Assistant Coach),
Nathan Jones (Assistant Coach), Rebecca Yip (Physio), Janell Behrendt (Team Manager), Kirsty
Andrews (Statistician), Ron Houison (Umpire), Kyira Cox (Umpire)
Australian Open Women’s Team, Japan Cup, August 2015
Janice Blackman (Qld), Chelsea Forkin (Qld), Jemma Freegard (WA), Amber Johnson (WA), Rachel
Lack (NSW), Jocelyn McCallum (Qld), Stacey McManus (NSW), Kaia Parnaby (NSW), Stacey Porter
(NSW) Vanessa Stokes (SA), Erin Thras (Qld), Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW), Clare Warwick (ACT), Stacey
Webber (Qld), Belinda White (SA)
Kere Johanson (Head Coach), Lindsey Carroll (Assistant Coach), Alan Moore (Assistant Coach), Kym
Tollenaere (Battery Coach), Christine Clough (Manager), Christopher Trengove (Statistician), Michael
Oostryck (Physio), Yvonne Kahler (Umpire), Anthony Mackie (Video Analyst)
Page 59 of 76
Australian Open Women’s Team
15th WBSC Women’s Softball World Championship, 15-25 July 2016
Kaia Parnaby (NSW), Justine Smethurst (Qld), Jocelyn McCallum (Qld), Vanessa Stokes (SA), Belinda
White (SA), Carmelle Sorensen (Qld), Stacey Porter (NSW), Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW), Chelsea Forkin
(Qld), Brenda DaBlaes (Qld), Stacey McManus (NSW), Georgia Blair (Qld), Clare Warwick (ACT),
Rachel Lack (NSW), Jade Wall (Qld), Janice Blackman (Qld), Erin Thras (Qld)
Fabian Barlow (Coach), Kerrie Porter (Assistant Coach), Kym Tollenaere (Assistant Coach), Kelly Hardie
(Battery Coach), Lisa Anderson (Manager), Nathanial Harnett (Physio), Chris Trengove (Statistician),
Kathryn Horton (Trainer), Kyira Cox (Umpire), Amanda Houison (Umpire)
Australian U19 Men’s Team
11th WBSC Junior Men’s Softball World Championship, 22-30 July 2016
Blake Bell (NSW), Alex Cleary (Qld), Chris Gillies (NSW), Shaun Lanaghan (NSW), Michael Ludkin
(Qld), Joshua McGovern (ACT), Nicholas Moore (Qld), Luke Ollerenshaw (NSW), James Purcell (Qld),
Izack Rossi (NSW), Dylan Sheehan (Qld), Adam Talarico (VIC), Luke Thomas (Qld), Mitchell Woodworth
(Qld), Jett Wright (WA), Brennan Dempsey (Qld), Blake Jackson (NSW)
Laing Harrow (Head Coach), Darrin Hebditch (Assistant Coach), Adam Rindfleish (Assistant Coach),
Maxine Cleary (Manager), Lindy Rattigan (Statistician), Aminda Huynh (Physio), Richard Barrow
(Umpire)
2016 Australian Open Men’s Squad
James Brownlow (NSW), Aaron Cockman (WA), Nathan Dickinson (NSW),Tyson Duncan (WA), Jarryd
Farrell (SA), Chris Gillies (NSW), Shaun Goffer (Qld), Joel Goodall (Vic), Mark Harris (WA), Andrew
Havercroft (WA), Julian Jemmott (Qld), Marshall Kronk (Qld), Jayden Lach (NSW), Hayden Mathews
(NSW), Joshua McGovern (ACT), Ryan Merriman (Qld), Kieran O'Leary (NSW), Liam O'Leary (NSW),
Harrison Peters (NSW), Tyrell Priestley (Qld), Jay Selu (ACT), Nick Shailes (Qld), Brendon O’Byrne
(WA), Ryan Sinclair (Vic), James Todhunter (NSW), Ryan Tranter (NSW), Peter Wards (NSW), Lewis
Weldon (Vic)
2016 Australian Open Women’s Squad
Kaia Parnaby (NSW), Ellen Roberts (NSW), Amber Johnson (WA), Sandra Holden (Qld), Justine
Smethurst (Qld), Vanessa Stokes (SA), Amelia Cudicio (NSW), Jocelyn McCallum (Qld), Taylah
Tsitsikronis (NSW), Belinda White (SA), Carmelle Sorensen (Qld), Rachel Lack (NSW), Chelsea Forkin
(Qld), Stacey McManus (NSW), Alexandra Casey (NSW), Stacey Porter (NSW), Jordyn Christensen
(NSW), Georgia Blair (Qld), Brenda De Blaes (Qld), Clare Warwick (ACT), Jemma Freegard (WA), Tara
Speakman (Qld), Janice Blackman (Qld), Chelsea Robinson (SA), Sam Poole (NSW), Erin Thras (Qld),
Katherine Tye (ACT), Michelle Cox (NSW), Leigh Godfrey (WA), Jade Wall (Qld)
Page 60 of 76
INTERNATIONAL RESULTS
Down Under Series – International
Blacktown International Sportspark, NSW
5-7 February 2016
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Kylie Bloodworth
Umpire-in-Chief Andrew Rindfleish
Tournament Chief Statistician Kaye Greggs
Tournament Convenor Cathy Kerr
GRAND FINAL RESULT
Japan 2 dftd Australia Green 0
FINAL PLACINGS
AWARDS
1 Japan Most Valuable Player – Nayu Kiyohara (Japan)
2 Australia Green Best Pitcher – Jocelyn McCallum (Australia Gold)
3 Australia Gold Best Batter – Stacey McManus (Australia Gold)
4 New Zealand Player of the Grand Final – Yuka Ichiguchi (Japan)
AUSTRALIAN TEAMS
Aussie Gold
Kaia Parnaby, Amber Johnson, Jocelyn McCallum, Ellen Roberts, Belinda White, Chelsea Robinson,
Jordyn Christensen, Brenda De Blaes, Georgia Blair, Stacey Porter, Stacey McManus, Janice Blackman,
Shannon Keevers, Dorinda Stone
Kerrie Porter (Head Coach), Kathryn Horton (Assistant Coach), Danica Howlett (Battery Coach), Jacqui
Dunn (Manager), Nathanial Harnett (Physio)
Aussie Green
Vanessa Stokes, Justine Smethurst, Amelia Cudicio, Sandra Holden, Carmelle Sorensen, Taylah
Tsitsikronis, Chelsea Forkin, Alexandra Casey, Clare Warwick, Tara Speakman, Jemma Freegard, Leigh
Godfrey, Katherine Tye, Tia Waters
Annette Fidge (Head Coach), Kym Tollenaere (Assistant Coach), Kelly Hardie (Battery Coach), Lisa
Anderson (Manager), Nathanial Harnett (Physio)
Page 61 of 76
Down Under Series – Invitational
Blacktown International Sportspark, NSW
19-21 February 2016
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Richard Costantino
Umpire-in-Chief Scott Rindfleish
Tournament Chief Statistician Kaye Greggs
Tournament Convenor Cathy Kerr
SERIES RESULTS
Toyota Red Terriers 4 dftd Australia 1 (with 1 drawn game)
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3
Game 4
Game 5
Game 6
Game 7
Toyota Red Terriers 9 dftd Australia 8
Australia 5 dftd Toyota Red Terriers
Toyota Red Terriers 2 dftd Australia 1
Toyota Red Terriers 1 drew with Australia 1
Abandoned
Toyota Red Terriers 4 dftd Australia 3
Toyota Red Terriers 6 dftd Australia 2
Page 62 of 76
AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
Open Women’s National Softball Championship
Playing for the Gilley’s Shield
Blacktown International Sportspark, NSW
3-9 January 2016
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Kylie Bloodworth
Umpire-in-Chief Patricia Sibraa
Tournament Chief Statistician Chris Trengove
Tournament Convenor Cathy Kerr
GRAND FINAL RESULT
Qld Heat 3 dftd NSW Firestars 1
FINAL PLACINGS
AWARDS
1 Qld Heat Midge Nelson Medal - Most Valuable Player – Brenda De Blaes (Qld)
2 NSW Firestars Lorraine Woolley Medal - Best Pitcher – Justine Smethurst (Qld)
3 ACT Diamonds Sybil Turner Medal - Best Batter – Brittany Vonk (Qld)
4 SA Starz Rosemary Adey Medal - Rookie of the Year – Amelia Cudicio (NSW)
5 Vic Titans Player of the Grand Final – Jade Wall (Qld)
6 WA Flames
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Pitcher Justine Smethurst (Qld)
Catcher Rachel Lack (NSW)
1st Base Jessica Muller (Qld)
2nd Base Brenda De Blaes (Qld)
3rd Base Tara Speakman (Qld)
Shortstop Brittany Vonk (Qld)
Outfield Samantha Poole (NSW)
Janice Blackman (Qld)
Chelsea Forkin (Qld)
Designated Player Clare Warwick (ACT)
Page 63 of 76
Open Men’s National Softball Championship
Playing for the John Reid Shield
West Beach, SA
29 February – 5 March 2016
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Richard Costantino
Umpire-in-Chief Tricia Sibraa
Tournament Chief Statistician Lindy Rattigan
Tournament Convenor Lee Hull
GRAND FINAL RESULT
NSW 3 dftd ACT 2
FINAL PLACINGS
AWARDS
1 NSW Most Valuable Player – Lewis Weldon (Vic)
2 ACT 89ers Best Pitcher – Joel Goodall (Vic)
3 Victoria Best Batter – Marshall Kronk (Qld)
4 WA Blaze Rosemary Adey Medal – Rookie of the Year – Chris Wescombe (WA)
5 Qld Patriots Player of the Grand Final – Ryan Tranter (NSW)
6 South Australia
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Pitcher Joel Goodall (Vic)
Catcher Lewis Weldon (Vic)
1st Base Ryan Merriman (Qld)
2nd Base Evan Byrne (ACT)
3rd Base Jay Rakich (WA)
Shortstop James Todhunter (NSW)
Outfield Hayden Mathews (NSW)
Zenon Winters (ACT)
Liam O’Leary (NSW)
Designated Player Marshall Kronk (Qld)
Page 64 of 76
U19 Women’s National Softball Championship
Playing for the Elinor McKenzie Shield
Redlands, Qld
17-23 January 2016
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Richard Costantino
Umpire-in-Chief Debbie Grove
Tournament Chief Statistician Chris Bailey
Tournament Convenor Sue Nisbet
GRAND FINAL RESULT
NSW 8 dftd Qld 0
FINAL PLACINGS
AWARDS
1 NSW Most Valuable Player – Georgia Blair (Qld)
2 Qld Best Pitcher – Gabrielle Plain (NSW)
3 Vic Best Batter – Natasha Young (NSW)
4 SA Player of the Grand Final – Montana Kearnes
(NSW)
5 WA
6 ACT
7 Tas
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Pitcher Gabrielle Plain (NSW)
Catcher Amber Hood (SA)
1st Base Rachel Kraak (Qld)
2nd Base Dorinda Stone (Qld)
3rd Base Brianna Trim (NSW)
Shortstop Georgia Blair (Qld)
Outfield Tearnee Morrice (Qld)
Emily Read (NSW)
Rhiannon Kemp (Qld)
Designated Player Natasha Young (NSW)
Page 65 of 76
U19 Men’s National Softball Championship
Playing for the Nox Bailey Shield
Blacktown, NSW
17-23 January 2016
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Harvey Milson
Umpire-in-Chief Leigh Evans
Tournament Chief Statistician Kaye Greggs
Tournament Convenor Cathy Kerr
GRAND FINAL RESULT
NSW 3 dftd Qld 1
FINAL PLACINGS
AWARDS
1 NSW Most Valuable Player – Mitchell Woodworth (Qld)
2 Qld Best Pitcher – Chris Gillies (NSW)
3 ACT Best Batter – Blake Bell (NSW)
4 Vic Player of the Grand Final – Henry Groth (NSW)
5 WA
6 Tas
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Pitcher Luke Ollerenshaw (NSW)
Catcher Joshua McGovern (ACT)
1st Base Scott Newling (WA)
2nd Base Izack Rossi (NSW)
3rd Base Blake Bell (NSW)
Shortstop Nicholas Sheedy (Vic)
Outfield Alexander Cleary (Qld)
Adam Talarico (Vic)
Dylan Hard (Tas)
Designated Player Dawson Summers (WA)
Page 66 of 76
U17 Girls’ National Softball Championship
Playing for the Esther Deason Shield
Blacktown International Sportspark, NSW
3-9 January 2016
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Kylie Bloodworth
Umpire-in-Chief Darren Sibraa
Tournament Chief Statistician Kaye Greggs
Tournament Convenor Cathy Kerr
GRAND FINAL RESULT
NSW 3 dftd Qld 1
FINAL PLACINGS
AWARDS
1 NSW Most Valuable Player – Tarni Stepto (NSW)
2 Qld Best Pitcher – Tarni Stepto (NSW)
3 SA Best Batter – Georgia Hood (SA)
4 Vic Player of the Grand Final – Tarni Stepto (NSW)
5 WA
6 ACT
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Pitcher Tarni Stepto (NSW)
Catcher Brianna McLeod (Qld)
1st Base Emily Hopkins (SA)
2nd Base Jessica Woodbank (NSW)
3rd Base Georgia O’Donovan (Vic)
Shortstop Jenna Trim (NSW)
Outfield Rhiannon Kemp (Qld)
Chelsea Radin (Vic)
Anneliese Brenner (NSW)
Designated Player Georgia Hood (SA)
Page 67 of 76
U17 Boys’ National Softball Championship
Playing for the Arthur Allsopp Shield
Mirrabooka International Softball Stadium, WA
3-9 January 2016
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Richard Costantino
Umpire-in-Chief Scott Rindfleish
Tournament Chief Statistician Sandra Palmer
Tournament Convenor Donna Powell
GRAND FINAL RESULT
NSW 5 dftd Qld 4
FINAL PLACINGS
AWARDS
1 NSW Most Valuable Player – Jett Wright (WA)
2 Qld Best Pitcher – Jerone Tan (ACT)
3 ACT Best Batter – Jett Wright (WA)
4 WA Player of the Grand Final – Shaun Lanaghan
(NSW)
5 Vic
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Pitcher Jerone Tan (ACT)
Catcher Rhys Shelly (Qld)
1st Base Jett Wright (WA)
2nd Base Mac Reith-Snare (NSW)
3rd Base Daniel Harrison (NSW)
Shortstop Dawson Summers (WA)
Outfield Sam Miners (ACT)
Sheldon Waller (Qld)
Jeremy Waters (Qld)
Designated Player Logan Campbell (NSW)
Page 68 of 76
NSR U15 Girls’ Regional Softball Championship
Redlands, Qld
17-23 January 2016
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Richard Costantino
Umpire-in-Chief Kevin Tannebring
Tournament Chief Statistician Chris Bailey
Tournament Convenor Sue Nisbet
GRAND FINAL RESULT
NSW Metro Orange 7 dftd NSW Metro Green 4
FINAL PLACINGS
1 NSW Metro Orange
2 NSW Metro Green
3 Qld Fire
4 SA Red
5 Qld Flames
6 Vic
7 ACT
8 SA Blue
9 NSW Country Gold
10 WA
Page 69 of 76
NSR U15 Boys’ Regional Softball Championship
Blacktown, NSW
17-23 January 2016
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Harvey Milson
Umpire-in-Chief Trevor Murphy
Tournament Chief Statistician Kaye Greggs
Tournament Convenor Cathy Kerr
GRAND FINAL RESULT
Qld Storm 7 dftd NSW Metro Orange 2
FINAL PLACINGS
1 Qld Storm
2 NSW Metro Orange
3 Qld Thunder
4 NSW Country Gold
5 NSW Metro Green
Page 70 of 76
OTHER RESULTS
Australia Cup
Blacktown International Sportspark, NSW
13-15 May 2016
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Richard Costantino
Umpire-in-Chief Andrew Rindfleish
Tournament Convenor Cathy Kerr
GRAND FINAL RESULT
Open Women – North Shore Storm 3 dftd Arrows 1
U17 Girls – Endeavour Wave 12 dftd Hawks 10
U15 Girls – Sweet Heat 13 dftd Firecrackers 6
U13 Girls – Canberra Eclipse Orange 15 dftd Sweet Heat Black 4
COMPETITION WINNERS
Home Run Derby (Open Women)
Megan Mollies (Tigers)
Fastest Pitch (U17 Girls) Kandra Lamb (Hawks)
Running the Bases (U15 Girls) Bailey Henderson (Firecrackers)
Running the Bases (U13 Girls) Rachel Bardney (Sweet Heat Pink)
Page 71 of 76
International Friendship Series
Blacktown International Sportspark, NSW
29 June – 3 July 2015
Softball Australia Technical Delegate Shane Cantelmi
Umpire-in-Chief Richard Dodds
Tournament Chief Statistician Kaye Greggs
Tournament Convenor Cathy Kerr
WOMEN’S COMPETITION – GRAND FINAL RESULT
USA Athletes 11 dftd Australia Gold 0
FINAL PLACINGS
AWARDS
1 USA Athletes Most Valuable Player – Madelynn Antone (USA Athletes)
2 Australia Gold Best Pitcher – Samantha Hislop (USA Athletes)
3 Cleveland State Best Batter – Cynthia Woodard (Cleveland State)
4 NSW Player of the Grand Final – Samantha Hislop (USA Athletes)
5 Qld
6 Ausralia Green
7 Casey Coyotes
8 NZ Development
9 Wynnum
10 Wolves
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Pitcher Samantha Hislop (USA Athletes)
Catcher Carley Parkes (Wynnum)
1st Base Laura Passfield (NSW)
2nd Base Kari Hillenburg (USA Athletes)
3rd Base Eva Carless (Qld Development)
Shortstop Cynthia Woodard (Cleveland State)
Outfield Kait Gairing (Cleveland State)
Shannon Keevers (Aussie Green)
Tia Waters (Aussie Green)
Designated Player Madelynn Antone (USA Athletes)
Page 72 of 76
2015 AUSTRALIAN U19 WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT TEAMS
AUSSIE GOLD TEAM
Kate Armstrong (NSW), Anneliese Brenner (ACT), Phoebe Collins (Qld), Chloe Holman (NSW), Emily
Hopkins (SA), Ellie Lees (NSW), Courtney May (SA), Amelia Mercuri (Vic), Narisse Privitera (Vic), Kalani
Selu (ACT), Maddison Smith (NSW), Tarni Stepto (NSW), Brianna Trim (NSW), Mihikura Tuialii (Vic),
Tiffany Zuch (Qld)
OFFICIALS
Head Coach – William Gates (NSW), Assistant – Nicky Baldwin (NT), Team Manager – Meegan Roberts
(SA), Physiotherapist – Cindy Chang (SA)
AUSSIE GREEN TEAM
Madeleine Beard (NSW), Erin Blackmore (Qld), Piera Charles (Vic), Madison Falcon-Green (Qld), Kelsey
Griffen (NSW), Natasha Holt (Vic), Montana Kearnes (NSW), Shannon Keevers (NSW), Rachel Kraak
(Qld), Jamie Mead (SA), Brooke Melavirta (ACT), Rachel Sharp (NSW), Tegan Trindle (Qld), Tia Waters
Qld), Tamieka Whitefield (Qld)
OFFICIALS
Head Coach – Vicki Bingley (ACT), Assistant – Graeme Tuialii (Vic), Assistant – Fiona Mills (Vic), Team
Manager – Jacqui Dunn (SA), Physiotherapist – Gemma Thomson (NSW)
Page 73 of 76
MEN’S COMPETITION - GRAND FINAL RESULT
Australia Green 9 dftd NZ Development 2
FINAL PLACINGS
AWARDS
1 Australia Green Most Valuable Player – Bailey Macdonald (NZ Dev)
2 NZ Development Best Pitcher – Steven Dawson (Western Civil)
3 Western Civil Best Batter – Matthew Wickham (Canberra)
4 Canberra Player of the Grand Final – Josh McGovern (Australia Green)
5 Australia Gold
6 NSW
7 Queensland Development
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Pitcher Steven Dawson (Western Civil)
Catcher Matthew Wickham (Canberra)
1st Base Lachlan Butt (Canberra)
2nd Base Dean Leskie (Western Civil)
3rd Base Nicholas Sheedy (Western Civil)
Shortstop Zachary Boyd (NZ Development)
Outfield Bailey Macdonald (NZ Development)
Steven Garoni (Western Civil)
Jordan Tahana (NZ Development)
Designated Player Stuart Perry (NSW)
Page 74 of 76
AUSSIE GOLD TEAM
Jacob Cassar (Vic), Brennan Dempsey (Qld), Jacob Donaldson (NSW), Bradley Dunn (NSW), Jacob
Garland (NSW), Blake Jackson (NSW), Kyle Johnson (ACT), Nixon Kim (WA), Michael Ludkin Qld),
Ryan Mayer (ACT), Isaac McDonald (NSW), James Purcell (Qld), Mathew Roberts-Osborne (NSW),
Joshua San Juan (ACT), Julian Scott-Davies (Qld), Taikaora Whaanga (NSW)
OFFICIALS
Head Coach – Gary Butler (WA), Assistant – Vikki Bingley (ACT), Assistant – Maurice Paraha (Qld),
Team Manager – Rod King (ACT)
AUSSIE GREEN TEAM
Blake Bell (NSW), Alex Cleary (Qld), Chris Gillies (NSW), Aiden Kennedy (NSW), Shaun Lanaghan
(NSW), Josh McGovern (ACT), Nicholas Moore (NSW), Jack Noble (NSW), Luke Ollerenshaw (NSW),
Izack Rossi (NSW), Andrew Seabrook (Qld), Dylan Sheehan (Qld), Dawson Summers (WA), Adam
Talarico (Vic), Luke Thomas (Qld), Mitchell Woodworth (Qld)
OFFICIALS
Head Coach – Lindsey Carroll (ACT), Assistant – Adam Rindfleish (NSW), Assistant – Phillip Powell
(ACT), Team Manager – Maxine Cleary (Qld), Physiotherapist – Rowena Toppenberg (Qld)
Page 75 of 76
SPONSORS AND PROVIDERS
PRINCIPAL PARTNERS
INDIGENOUS SOFTBALL PROGRAM PARTNER
CORPORATE CLUB
Page 76 of 76
Softball ACT
t: 02 6278 3000 f: 02 6278 3111 e: softballact@bigpond.com w: www.act.softball.org.au
Softball NSW
t: 02 9677 4000 f: 02 9677 4040 e: office@softball.net.au w: www.softball.net.au
Softball NT
t: 08 8927 3333 e: enquiries@softballnt.com
www.nt.softball.org.au
07 3391 2447 07 3391 4734 admin@softballqld.asn.au www.qld.softball.org.au
08 8353 6766 08 8353 2480 admin@softballsa.com.au www.sa.softball.org.au
0409 383 960 03 6249 3589 tassoftball@yahoo.com www.tas.softball.org.au
03 9415 1745 03 8678 3018 admin@softballvic.org.au www.victoria.softball.org.au
08 9349 9911 08 9345 3553 admin@softballwa.org.au
Softball Queensland Inc
t: f: e: w:
Softball SA
t: f: e: w:
Softball Tasmania
t: f: e: w:
Softball Victoria
t: f: e: w:
Softball WA
t: f: e: w: www.wa.softball.org.au
w:
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