May/June 2015

National UIC’s Call With Tricia Sibraa Who would have thought that we would be nearly half way through 2015 already! Felt like yesterday we were talking about the start of the 2015 season with the Open Women’s National Championships and now we are talking about 2016 National

Applications. 2016 National Championships will be held on the following dates: Gilley’s Shield & U17 Girls Blacktown, NSW 3rd-9th January 2016 U17 Men’s Mirrabooka, WA 3rd-9th January 2016 U15 Girls & U19 Women’s Redlands, QLD 17th-23rd January 2016 U15 Boys & U19 Men’s Blacktown, NSW 17th-23rd January 2016 John Reid Shield West Beach, SA 29th February-5th March 2016 Applications are due to your State Director by 21st July 2015. Application forms and further information can be found in the umpires resources. As I sit across the other side of the World watching the World’s best men in action at the WBSC 14th Men’s Softball World Championship Saskatoon, Canada, Australia’s up and coming players and umpires take to the field of the annual International Friendship Series. We wish all umpires taking the diamond (even if it is only one game) the best of luck and good calling. The international opportunities continue for our ISF umpires with the NUIC’s in the final stages of selecting the successful applicants to attend European Umpire Exchange. Whilst the European Umpire Exchange is in its final stages the NUIC’s have just announced applications for the Japan Cup to held in Ogaki City from 7th-9th August 2015 are now open. Applications close on Friday 3rd July 2015. On behalf of Softball Australia Umpires we would like to thank Richard Barrow for his contribution to the umpiring community in his state as he stands down from the position of State Director of Victoria. We wish Richard all the best at the Canadian Open International Women’s Fastpitch and we look forward to working with you around the diamond shortly. Finally we would like to wish all our international umpires the best of luck in their upcoming Championships and look forward to hearing each and every story upon your return.

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Features

National News ................................................................................................ 4

Technical News .............................................................................................. 5

National Championship ................................................................................ 11

Australian Capital Territory ........................................................................... 12

New South Wales ......................................................................................... 13

Queensland .................................................................................................. 17

Victoria.......................................................................................................... 19

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Upcoming Events

26th June-5th July 2015 WBSC 14th Men’s Softball World Championship Saskatoon, Canada 29th June-3rd July 2015 Softball Australia International Friendship Series Blacktown International Sportspark, New South Wales 4th-13th July 2015 Canadian Open International Women’s Fastpitch Championship, Surrey, Canada 10th-18th July 2015 XV Pacific Games Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea 11th-12th July 2015 NSW NIB Games Newcastle, New South Wales 18th-19th July NSW U19 Men’s State Championship Blacktown International Sportspark, New South Wales 24th-26th July 2015 Blacktown International Challenge Blacktown International Sportspark, New South Wales 9th-15th August 2015 XI WBSC Junior Women’s Softball World Championship Oklahoma City, USA 7th-9th August 2015 Masters Tournament Logan City, Queensland 17th-22nd August 2015 IV European Cup Winners Cup Women’s Prague, Czech Republic 18th-19th August 2015 NSW CHS Boys Knockout Newcastle, New South Wales 24th-29th August 2015 IV European Super Cup Men Prague, Czech Republic 25th-27th August 2015 NSW PSSA Girls Championship Wagga Wagga, New South Wales 4th-6th September 2015 Women’s Cup & Open State Championship Redcliffe Leagues, Queensland

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National News Mates for Life When the general softball community asks an umpire what is it about umpiring that makes you come back week in week out? The top answer would be the friendship. This was made apparent with former NSW Level 5 umpire now NRL Lines Man Nick Beashel visited a great mate in hospital when he was in Brisbane for the Australia v New Zealand ANZAC Day test. Nick Beashel and Mark Toft have had a friendship that has spans many years and nothing (not even flooding rain) was going to stop Nick from checking in on his great mate.

The softball community would also like to congratulate Nick on his 100th game as an NRL Lines Man and congratulations on your appointment to the first two games of State of Origin. Here is to you being there for the decider!

Nick Beashel and Mark Toft Photo courtesy of Mark Toft’s facebook account

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Technical News 2015 Softball Australia Basic and Open Playing Rules Exam Review Instructions Did you sit the 2015 National Umpires Exam two weeks ago and you want to look at your results so you can continue to develop on the answers that stumped you? Instructions on how to review your exam can be found here. Go to "My Grades" on the landing page and follow the hyperlinks for your assessment. For the Open National Assessment - you will receive your results with answers and rule references For the Basic Assessment - you will only be given the questions as the Basic Assessment can be re-sat many times and is available all year, closing on 31 March 2016. To provide feedback on the new process, please contact Leigh Evans.

The 2014 National Exam report and Most Common Incorrect Answers With the 2015 Rules exam fast approaching it is time to share the analysis of last year’s exam. The 2014 Exam was developed by Leigh Evans, proof read edited by Darrell Shephard, Darren Sibraa, Scott Rindfleish and Alan McAuliffe with feedback provided and implemented. The SAL Technical Stream would like to acknowledge the help of those people with providing support and feedback in delivering the exam for the National Umpiring Program. National Average pass mark for Level 4-8 was 79.54% 4.9 marks lower than 2013, All Levels 68.02% 6.4 marks lower, concerning considering all these rules were in place for 4 years.

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The top 10 questions causing most difficulty were:

Level 0-3 Question number

% incorrect

Level 4-8 Question number

% incorrect

All Levels

% incorrect

1 Q.1 82% Q.94 92% Q.1 78%

2 Q.87 76% Q.1 59% Q.94 76%

3 Q.60 75% Q.50 51% Q.87 69%

4 Q.94 72% Q.45 49% Q.60 69%

5 Q.21 70% Q.40 47% Q.79 65%

6 Q.79 69% Q.53 47% Q.40 65%

7 Q.40 69% Q.66 47% Q.91 63%

8 Q.91 68% Q.79 47% Q.21 63%

9 Q.69 66% Q.60 47% Q.59 61%

10 Q.59 66% Q.91 47% Q.45 61%

With the assistance of Jay Gibson the following analysis of the top ten incorrectly answered questions has been developed.

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Top Ten Incorrect Answers to SAL Rules Exam 2014 Question 1 S1, who has been ruled an Ineligible Player as a result of being an unreported substitute, returns to the game in a later inning. RULING: S1 is ejected from the game. ANSWER - False Rule 4 Sec 8g 2-4 Effect Note 1 RULE INTERPRETATION In a game situation this is handled as an appeal. In this situation the player was already removed from the game and declared ineligible. As he returned to the game after being ruled ineligible the game is forfeited. Question 94 Is it possible for a starting player, who has been legally substituted from the game on one occasion, to be entered into the game as a replacement player? ANSWER - No Rule 1 Section 87a3 Suggest Change to: RULE INTERPRETATION - The replacement player maybe a starting player who is no longer eligible to enter the game after being twice substituted. However a starting player that is eligible to re-enter the game is not. The international interpretation has always been this way. Recently ISF congress added Rule 1 Sec 51c to clarify this. If the replacement player had to stay in the game because the original player for example can’t stop bleeding in the required time we now have a player occupying two positions in the line up Question 87 When a batter-runner is called out for creating interference, the ball is dead and all other runners must return to the last base legally touched at the time of the interference. ANSWER - False Rule 8 Section 2g effect g-k RULE INTERPRETAQTION - This question asks you to apply the correct penalty against the offensive team as they are at fault (The batter runner has interfered). The answer to this question is false as it incorrectly states that runners return to the last base legally touched at the time of the interference. This ruling does not apply when the batter runner interferes. When a batter runner interferes the umpire declares the ball dead and returns all runners to the last base held at the time of the pitch. As the offensive team is at fault this rule insures that the batting team does not gain any further advantage. Question 60 A runner from 1st base may advance, after the batter-runner has been called out, when a fielder intentionally drops a bunted fly ball with less than 2 out. ANSWER- False Rule 8 section 8g & effect RULE INTERPRETATION - This question is an example of an intentionally dropped ball. An intentionally dropped fly ball is one which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary

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effort after it is controlled with a hand or a glove, with less than two outs and a runner at first base. Defensive teams may try this in a bid to gain a double play. This rule protects the offensive team from this situation occurring. When an umpire rules that a fly ball has been intentionally dropped, the ball becomes dead and the batter runner is called out; the runner is returned to first base. Question 79 When any of the starting players, except the Designated Player (DP), returns to the game after being legally, or illegally, substituted this is known as Re-Entry. ANSWER – False Rule 1 Section 85 RULE INTERPRETATION – This question is testing whether you know the definition of the re-entry rule. As the (DP) is considered a starting player, they are subject to the re-entry rule in this situation. Once any starting player has left the game, and then returned, they have been re-entered. This can only occur once per game. Question 40 An On-Deck Batter interferes with a defensive player attempting to retire a runner, so the umpire declares the runner closest to home out. Should other runners be returned to the bases they held at the time of the pitch? ANSWER – No Rule 7 Sec 1f Effect 1b RULE INTERPRETATION - This question asks you to apply the correct penalty to the offensive team. The umpire’s action of calling the runner closest to home out is correct here. He would declare the ball dead when making this call. However, this question then states that the umpire returns runners to the bases they held at the time of the pitch, which is NOT correct. As the interference was caused by the On-Deck Batter, the umpire should return runners to the base held at the time of the interference. If the batter-runner interfered, then the runners would be returned to the bases held at the time of the pitch, but the questions states the on-deck batter is at fault so the correct rule is to return runners to the base held at the time of the interference. Rule of thumb is when interference is called the ball is dead at the time of the interference. With BR it is the time of the pitch. Question 91 During the pre-game meeting the coach of the batting team deliberately erases the lines of the batter’s box while he is inspecting the line-up card. The umpire should warn the coach. ANSWER - False – Rule 7 Section 3b Effect 2 RULE INTERPRETATION – This question is asking you to apply the correct penalty to the offensive team. In this situation the Coach deliberately erases the lines of the batter’s

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box to aid his batters. This type of behaviour is designed to allow his batter’s to move closer to the pitcher or, more commonly, further back in the box when a fast pitcher is on the mound. In this situation the umpire should call a strike on the next scheduled batter or his substitute. A pitch does not have to be thrown for this call to be made and the ball is considered dead at this time. This rule is designed to deter coach’s from trying to unfairly advantage their batters. Question 21 R1 on 2nd and R2 on 1st, with one out. B3 hits a line drive straight at F6, who catches the ball and then intentionally drops it. F6 recovers the ball and throws it wildly over 2nd base into the outfield. The ball goes all the way to the fence and both R1 & R2 score, while B3 advances to 2nd. RULING: The ball is dead and B3 is declared out. R1 and R2 must return to 2nd and 1st respectively. ANSWER – True- Rule 8 Section 2l & Effect RULE INTERPRETATION - This question refers to an intentionally dropped ball. Here we see the defensive team intentionally drop the ball in a bid to get the runner closest to home out, or even a double play. Once the umpire rules the ball to be intentionally dropped, the ball becomes dead and the batter runner is out. Given that the batter runner is called out, this means the runners must return to the base held at the time of the pitch. Therefore, R1 returns to 2nd and R2 returns to 1st. Question 59 One out with Brown on 2nd and Smith on 1st. Jones hits the ball to F4 who forces Smith out at 2nd. Jones and Brown are safe at 1st and 3rd respectively. The defence now lodge an appeal for Jones being an unreported substitute. RULING: Jones is called out, declared Ineligible and removed from the game. Smith remains out and Brown is safe at 3rd. ANSWER – False – Rule 4 Section 8g Effect 2-4: 1b RULE INTERPRETATION – This question refers to an illegal player. An illegal player is someone who takes a position in the line-up without being reported to the umpire. This question is false as it incorrectly leaves runners on base from the hit. A few aspects need be considered in the application of this rule application:

1. The appeal was made by the defence before the next pitch. So the umpire will

rule that the illegal player be called out and then be declared ineligible (meaning

they are no longer able to stay in the game as a player but may participate as a

coach);

2. As Jones is discovered to be an illegal player, any advances of runners are

nullified. This means Brown will return to the base held at the time of pitch and

any outs that happen on the play will stand.

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Question 45 R1 on 1st base, F1 pitches the next ball to B2 for a called strike. F2 returns the ball directly back to F1, however F1 does not pitch the ball within 20 seconds. RULING: The plate umpire should call an illegal pitch, R1 advances to 2nd base. ANSWER – False – Rule 6 Section 3n Note & Effect Section 1-7 RULE INTERPRETATION – This question is asking for the correct penalty to be applied because the pitcher has not pitched within the 20 second time limit. When a pitcher fails to release the ball (pitch) within 20 seconds of having it returned to him/her it is not an illegal pitch, there is a note to this rule. This question is false because the umpire has awarded R1 second base he should only award the batter an additional ball. EFFECT - Sections 1-7: Any infraction of Sections 1-7 (except Sections 3q & 6b) is an Illegal Pitch. Its false because the runner does not advance A review of the 2015 rules exam will feature in the coming editions of BNOL.

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National Championship U23 National Championships and Southern Cross Challenge 24th-27th April 2015 Queensland welcomed back the Southern Cross Challenge to our shores and with that our umpire friends from New Zealand. We all met up Thursday night for a meal, grocery shopping then back to the units for a crew meeting. Not only did we have crew members from New Zealand but we also had our interstate umpires flying in to assist with the U23 Nationals after some absence. It was great to see such a large crew together and it didn’t take long for the stories to flow.

Both tournaments commenced on Friday and we were all kept busy between the tournaments and the men’s and women’s competition. UIC Tricia Sibraa was kept on her toes with four draws going at once. It was great to also welcome our Papua New Guinea cousins onto our crew, although quiet they fitted in well. We had early starts and late finishes – first game 8am – last game 8pm.

Saturday began with a BBQ breakfast of healthy bacon and eggs with Norelle Thomas running around frantically trying to find us poppies to wear for the ANZAC Day Ceremony. Having found none to buy her teacher aide skills came to the fore and we all had handmade poppies to add to our uniforms. The ANZAC Ceremony was very touching with Darren Sibraa speaking on behalf of the umpires during the ceremony. Wreaths were laid by each team and a surprise of Tofty coming to say hello and raise the Aussie flag made the day even more special. With the ceremony over, crew photo done, the work began. Today was a little less hectic then yesterday. Games were close and debriefs were always discussed after the games.

Sunday saw us a little tired and our kiwi friends were getting a little antsy. Mark McFarlane decided Dave Beaumont’s pouch needed a drink. He slyly emptied his water bottle into Dave’s pouch as he was dressing. It took a while until Dave realised- so much for awareness. Enough shenanigans and we were into some hotly contended games as the four tournaments start to draw to an end.

The umpiring numbers bared down with some crew members returning to their day jobs. The U23 Men was a best of three series as there were only two teams New South Wales and Queensland. All three games were close Queensland ended winners. It was a treat that it was best out of 3 as it allowed us to see at least one of the finals game.

The highlight of the time for me came when I was given 1st base in my first National Grand Final with close friend Norelle Thomas – it was awesome! It was the U23 Women Queensland vs New South Wales. NSW won but it was still great .

With the finals over and goodbyes said to our New Zealand and Papua New Guinea family members I drove very slowly home and thanked my foresight to have booked long service leave so I could recover.

Written By: Janelle Hicks

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Australian Capital Territory ACT punching above its weight!! ACT is a small State compared to our bigger cousins interstate; however, we do often punch above our weight. This year was no exception with 8 new Level one Umpires

joining the program, a new Level 3 and a new Level 2 accredited this past season. Our KPI for membership is to increase umpiring numbers by 5% per season, our increase this season was 32% - This is a wonderful result and testament to the dedication of the Umpire Co-ordinators, mentors and the umpires themselves. The 8 umpires who gained level 1 accreditation this year were, Jacob Morgan, Nathan Woodward, Olivia De Gruchy, Carl Bauer, Lauren Sutton, Phil Leahey, Christine Meyer-Coyte and Josh Andrews. Congratulations to you all.

Jacob Morgan was honoured by the North Canberra Junior competition by being awarded the Junior Association Person of the Year for his contribution to umpiring and coaching. Lauren Sutton was likewise honoured with the same award at the Woden Junior competition, showing that the contribution and commitment by our umpires is greatly valued within the ACT. A big thankyou goes out to ACT Umpire of the Year and new L3, Andrew Ray for all his work as Umpires Co-ordinator at the Woden competition and Kieren Wright new L2, who took on the role of Umpires Co-ordinator at North Canberra. In my first year as ACT SDU, I was very fortunate to have a great crew around me, from the senior umpires who were willing to help with any request, right through to the newest umpires bringing their enthusiasm to learn and improve. We have quality group of people, willing to give their time to support each other and SACT events. I have been very proud to lead them this season. Sarah Houston ACT State Director of Umpiring .

Woden Crew Successful Level 1’s in the back row, along with some

very keen Level 0's in the front

Jacob Morgan receiving his award

North Canberra Crew Kieren Wright, Carl Bauer, Nathan Woodward,

Jacob Morgan, Sarah Houston and

Oliva De Grunchy

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New South Wales Houison Hits Level 7

Softball Australia has bestowed the honour of Level 7 on Penrith-City umpire Amanda Houison. This level recognises Houison’s commitment and service to state, national and international events over a sustained period of time. Level 7 also caps off a highly successful start to the year for Houison, who was recently appointed the Plate Umpire of both games between Australia and the Toyota Red Devils (Japan) at the International Down Under Series at Blacktown International Sportspark. “When I achieved my Level 1 in 1994 at Auburn, I never

would’ve thought that I’d one day be given my Level 7 accreditation,” an elated Houison said. “It may have been a 21-year journey to get here, but I’ve enjoyed every moment of the ride and have met some remarkable people along the way.” “There have been so many highlights. I can still remember attending my first national championship in Adelaide in 2001, being presented with Australian Cap # 147 in 2007, and being appointed to the 2011 ISF Umpire Clinic in Brisbane, where I achieved my ISF Accreditation.” “Gaining my ISF in Brisbane four years ago has presented so many great umpiring opportunities. Most significantly, my 2013 appointment to the ISF Junior Women’s World Championship in Brampton, Canada, was an unforgettable experience.” “I was fortunate enough to call the Preliminary Final at the Junior Women’s Worlds – Japan vs. USA – which is an experience I will never forget. I was then appointed to 1st base on the Grand Final of the Junior Women’s Worlds – what a thrill!” Houison’s strong umpire performances on diamond have also been complemented over the years by her sustained commitment to off-diamond umpire duties. In recent years, Houison has served in a number of important umpire roles, including National UIC – Communications, SNSWUA Executive Member, Penrith City Softball Association UIC, National Championship Examiner, NSW Waratah League Umpire Coordinator and Tournament Chief Umpire and/or Deputy/Examiner at many SNSW State Championships.

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Scott Rindfleish, Level 8 umpire and SNSWUA Director of Umpiring, spoke on behalf of the NSW umpire community when he congratulated Houison on her recent honour. “This is a fantastic achievement for Amanda and reflects her long and effective contribution to the local, state, national and international levels of our sport.” “In recent years Amanda has really used her ISF accreditation to extend herself as an umpire, whilst also giving back to the sport through her involvement in various administrative roles.” “On behalf of the SNSUWA umpiring family I wish to extend Amanda our sincere congratulations on this great honour and look forward to her continued contribution to our programme,” Rindfleish said. Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/softballnswumpires

Photo courtesy of Tom Ryan Photography

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Childhood Friends Achieve ISF New South Wales umpires Jay Gibson and Jesse Smith were formally presented with their ISF caps this weekend at the Softball Australia U23 National Championships in Brisbane. The Lismore-based umpires achieved their ISF accreditations in February 2014 at the National Fastpitch Softball Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand, making them the youngest internationally accredited umpires in Oceania. Their umpiring story is one of determination, commitment and friendship.

“We started umpiring at 10 and 11 years, respectively, at Far North Coast Softball Association in Lismore,” Smith said. “I can vividly remember spending three long years umpiring every Friday night and Saturday in the hot Lismore sun, hoping that one day we might achieve the coveted Level 1.” “Sixteen years later here we are being presented with our ISF caps, pondering the many umpiring experiences hovering on the horizon.”

“Jesse and I have moved through every accreditation level together, from Level 1 in 2003 to Level 6 in 2011 and, most recently, ISF in 2014,” Gibson added. “In that time we’ve travelled far and wide, visiting every part of NSW, and almost every state and territory in Australia. We’ve met plenty of fabulous people and have enjoyed so many laughs along the way.” “It’s true that, without the friendships we’ve forged across many parts of the country, it’s not likely we would have progressed to the level we’re recognised as achieving today,” Smith said. The friendship between the two umpires is also tangible and clearly a key factor in their success. “We’ve travelled together for a long period of time and it’s true that I’m the funnier one – everyone knows Jesse is boring,” a witty Gibson chirped. “More seriously, though, it’s been great doing this with your best mate by your side. Sometimes I even speak to Jesse outside of softball, and last year I even invited him to be the best man at my wedding.” For those who’ve worked on an umpire crew with the dynamic duo, it’s clear that they’re the best of mates on and off the diamond.

Jay with mum Bronwyn and Jesse with mum Donna Proud Mum Moment!

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“Our umpiring journey isn’t just about us, but also our umpiring colleagues, family, friends and many supporters,” Smith said. “From the earliest of times we’ve been mentored and encouraged by local Far North Coast umpires, particularly Merrilyn O’Brien and Howard Watt, and then in more recent times by Scott and Andrew Rindfleish, among others.” “We need to thank our umpiring friends from right across NSW and further afield, who’ve always offered us the best hospitality, support and encouragement,” Gibson added. “Our families have also played a pinnacle role in our success, whether it be driving us to and from the ball park when we were younger, or to the airport so we could fly to our next tournament. At every step, our families have always supported what we’ve done and for that we’re both very thankful.” “It’s a great honour for us to be recognised as ISF umpires. Sixteen years ago this day was truly only a dream and we’ve been humbled this weekend to see it become a reality,” Smith said. Speaking on behalf of the NSW umpiring family, Scott Rindfleish, State Director of Umpiring, congratulated the two umpires. “This is a fantastic personal achievement for both Jay and Jesse and it’s also a great reflection of the NSW and Australian umpiring program’s strength over many years.”

“These two rurally-based umpires prove that, with hard work and tenacity, anything is possible in umpiring; they’ve also proven that the tyranny of distance can be overcome, this is a great example to our many umpires across regional NSW." “It’s been a great pleasure to journey with these two as they’ve developed into fine young men and umpires, and I thank them for the opportunity.” “I look forward to their continued work as skillful on diamond umpires and also in their roles as SNSWUA office bearers and leaders of our SNSW program. I wish them well as they forge a new and exciting chapter in their umpiring careers on the international stage,” Rindfleish concluded.

Positive media: The boys even made the Northern Rivers Echo paper

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Queensland Straussey gets Level 7

Brisbane Softball Umpire Association would like to congratulate Helen Strauss on her recent appointment to Level 7. This Softball Australia appointment is in recognition of Helen’s contribution to umpiring both on and off the diamond. This appointment also acknowledging Helen’s outstanding performance at an International level in her appointment to the Plate Umpire on the Gold Medal game at the IX ISF Junior Women’s World Championships 2011. Helen started her Umpiring career in Brisbane Softball Association as a Redshirt trainee and continues Umpire regularly, passing on her knowledge and experience to other umpires. Helen is also a Life Member of BSUA and current Committee Secretary.

Gold Medal Final Crew

Photo courtesy of Facebook

Report courtesy of Brisbane Softball Umpires Association Facebook

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U15 Boys State Championships – Noosa This year’s U15 Boys State Championships was held in Noosa in almost perfect conditions. Day one started off the usual pre-tournament meetings and introductions of both the management crew (being Darren Sibraa as the TCU with Janelle Hicks and Jamie Harries assisting as the Examiners) and the umpiring crew (with some new faces which I personally had not met previously). The rest of the crew consisted of Alan Walsh, Dave Andrews, Ian Goodman, Michael Trost, Kiri Scott, Coady Ramsden, Bruce Clifford, Nicole Findlay, Aaron Robertson, Callum Thiess, Nichole McCord, Erin Blackmore, Jeff Biffin, Sam Allen and Chris Hartwig. Day one saw us running a mixture of 2-man systems and where possible 3-man systems. This gave the management crew to give feedback to the level 2 candidates, level 3 pre-assessments and where possible, anyone else on the crew. Day two started off with a shower a little bit over an hour before the start of play which saw the 22 games played with the first 3 timeslots contained 6 games each with the third timeslot the start of the finals. Day three saw the rest of the finals played with the both the State Championship and the President’s Cup concluding the day and the Tournament. During the early part of the day everyone receiving their evaluations and their final day’s allocations. The President’s Cup final was between Redcliffe and Bundaberg with Redcliffe winning 7-6. Plate: Jamie Harries 1st Base: Kiri Scott 3rd Base Nichole Findlay The State Championship Final was between Redlands and Gladstone with Redlands winning 11-3 Plate: Janelle Hicks 1st base: Alan Walsh 3rd Base: Michael Trost During the Tournament we had Callum Thiess, Nichole McCord, Erin Blackmore, Jeff Biffin, Sam Allen successfully gained their level 2 accreditation. We would also like to thank Darren, Janelle and Jamie for their time and effort put in of providing as much feedback to everyone where it was possible. Written By Alan Walsh

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Victoria Kevin Broomhall retires from National and State Softball

After 25 years of umpiring and a host of achievements at the highest level, Kevin Broomhall has announced his retirement from softball umpiring and is ready to move on to other pursuits. Congratulations to Kevin on a marvellous umpiring career, where he has been able to achieve so much through hard work and talent. We thank Kevin very much for his contribution to the Victorian, National and International umpiring program, his roles on the Victorian Umpires Committee and the time and effort he has put into the development of other umpires. Kevin has played major roles as a past State Director, Training Officer and part of the Assessment team, all tackled with dedication and an eye for quality. Always well respected, we will miss the change-room banter, friendship and respect that we all enjoyed with Kevin. Umpiring has taken Kevin all over the world, with many

International tournaments, Junior World Championships and delivering clinics in the Oceania region. Kevin was recently awarded his Level 7 accreditation by Softball Australia. With 15 years at National Championships and countless State Championships, Kevin’s resume is one to be proud of. Congratulations Kevin, well done, thank you, and best wishes for your non-softball future.

Kevin Broomhall with his 2010 Margo Koskelainen Victorian Umpire of the

Year Award

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Three Victorian’s Awarded Level 7 Together When Kevin Broomhall, Jason Carter and Phil Waller were appointed to their respective Junior World Championships the last thing on their minds was being awarded Softball Australia Level 7 umpire accreditation. Both Kevin and Jason were appointed to a Junior Men’s Championship and Phil was appointed to Junior Women’s Championship. Victorian State Director Richard Barrow wanted to make a formal presentation to all three recipients at Victoria’s State Team dinner but all three declined the public presentation. Jason Carter has provided BNOL readers with his insight into how he is feeling about being awarded Level 7. “I felt very humbled to receive my level 7 certificate in the mail a couple of weeks ago. I began my umpiring career in 2000 after a shoulder injury made it difficult to play and it sort of snowballed from there. Under the training of senior umpires in Western Australia, I received my level 5 accreditation with Helen Strauss at the U19 Women in 2005. In 2007, I passed my level 6 assessment at the Open Men/Women in NSW and then I received my ISF accreditation at the Open Men in QLD in 2011. Since 2005, my mentors have included Kevin Broomhall, Leigh Evans and Debbie Grove to name a few but there are so many umpires who have helped me along the way, not just from Victoria but across Australia. I have fantastic memories of being at tournaments with Margo Koskelainen and Al McAuliffe too. Both of these greats have inspired me to be better. However, the main reason I continue to umpire is because I love the game and the people in it. I don’t always have a great game and the players and coaches are always very helpful and let me know when that happens. It’s said that a rollercoaster is fun because of the highs and the lows and officiating can be like that. So the awards, recognition and additional levels are a bonus. I’d umpire our wonderful game without them. I’ve made lifetime friends that I may only see once a year, been honoured to represent Australia at a junior worlds (which is certainly a highlight!) and have now received the honour of level 7. None of it would have been possible without the support of my wife Kelly and my kids Reece, Hayden, Courtney, Cameron and Emma, who have all made sacrifices to support me in my umpiring career.”

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Victorian Umpires awarded at State Dinner 2015 The annual Softball Victoria State Dinner was held on the 9th May at Moonee Valley Racing Club to recognise the achievements of the Victorian Softball community over the past year. State Director of Umpiring, Richard Barrow presented certificates of recognition to the ten Victorian umpires that officiated at National Championships this year. Richard acknowledged Jason Carter, who travelled to Canada last year to the ISF Junior Men’s World Championship and Leigh Evans, who travelled to the Netherlands last year to the ISF Women’s World Championship. Along with that, Richard also wished a further two of our umpires well, as they head overseas to umpire at upcoming international events; Trevor Murphy to the South Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea, and himself to the Canadian International Open. Richard continued: “I’d also like to further acknowledge and congratulate three Victorian umpires who were recently awarded their Level 7 accreditation by Softball Australia – Kevin Broomhall, Phil Waller and Jason Carter. This is in recognition of their achievements on the international stage at ISF Junior World Championships and their commitment to umpire development, leadership and administration”. “We have had three retirements over the past year from the National umpiring ranks; I would like to congratulate Diane Waller, Phil Waller and Kevin Offer on their achievements and more importantly, thank them for their valued contribution to the Victorian umpiring program over many years”. Richard concluded: “Thank you all for your support of the umpiring program. I’d like to particularly thank each of my committee members and all of the umpires in our state for their personal support of me and of our program, over my time as State Director”. Margo Koskelainen OAM then came to the stage to make the presentation of the annual award of umpire recognition and achievement: The Margo Koskelainen Victorian Umpire of the Year award recognises an umpire for their high level of officiating skill and their commitment and dedication to the Victorian and National Umpiring Program. The nominees this year are Jason Carter, Trevor Murphy and Leigh Evans. This year’s recipient is Trevor Murphy: “Trevor has been involved with the Victorian Umpires Committee since 2002, fulfilling a number of portfolios. Since 2011 Trevor has been an umpire assessor and is currently our Allocations Officer, a very time-consuming task. Trevor also does great work managing the umpiring program at Werribee and with the Australian Defence Force Games. In 2014 Trevor achieved his ISF accreditation in New

Victorian Umpire of the Year recipient Trevor Murphy

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Zealand and this year’s highlights saw Trevor umpiring the Grand Final plate at the U/17 Boys Nationals, as well as umpiring at the Gilley’s Shield and Open Men. Trevor’s commitment to softball is best demonstrated by his outgoing and positive attitude, always willing to help others and making himself available for anything required. Unfortunately Trevor can’t be here tonight, he is still returning from a trip to Gallipoli, so Richard will accept this award on his behalf, I know Trevor would be very pleased. Congratulations Trevor”. Later in the evening, a special presentation was made by board member Gail Bergmann awarding Debbie Grove Life Membership of Softball Victoria. “Debbie Grove has been involved in umpiring in Victoria for over 25 years, umpiring at State Championships continuously since 1987. Most prominently, she has fulfilled the role of State Assessments Coordinator for the Victorian Umpires Committee since the mid 1990’s. This role entails countless hours of administration, starting from the marking of exam papers, coordinating likely candidates, organising pre-assessment games and assessors, collating assessment results, allocation of candidates to suitable games/partners/assessors at State Championships and the joyous part of informing umpires of the successful attainment of their next level of accreditation. Debbie does this task every year, with her constant smile, good humour and sense of fun, while maintaining consistent standards of competency-based assessment. She leads the training of assessors and is a constant provider of input to umpire training resources and methodologies. Victorian umpires have featured heavily on the National and International stage for the last two decades, in no small part due to the foundation that Debbie has engendered in umpire assessment at the state level. Debbie has continued to provide this exceptional service to our sport over an extended period, while residing over three hours from Melbourne in rural Northern Victoria, running her own small business and agricultural property. Extended travel in the service of softball is a constant for Debbie. At the National level, Debbie provides a similarly high level of volunteer service, serving as National Umpire-In-Chief Development, creating manuals, setting standards for all states, and helping the national umpire program to meet Australian Sports Commission accreditation requirements. Her administrative involvement continues at international level by holding a role with the ISF Female Focus Forum. Along with this incredibly high level of commitment and dedication to service, Debbie has also excelled with her own on-diamond umpiring, with twenty-six international appointments, including five ISF World Championships and the Beijing Olympics. Her

Debbie Grove and Richard Barrow

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sixteen years on the international stage have seen her inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame in November 2013. Debbie is highly respected by players, coaches and all other softball participants, and is valued as both a friend and mentor by her umpiring colleagues. With a truly remarkable service record of the highest value, it is an honour to nominate Debbie Grove for Life Membership of Softball Victoria”.

Back (L-R): Kevin Broomhall, Dave Addlem, Debbie Grove, Jason Carter and Richard Dodds Front (L-R): Leigh Evans and Richard Barrow

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Female Umpire Development Forum – 2015

Softball Victoria recently hosted the inaugural Chicks in Blues Female Umpire Forum, held at Werribee Softball Association. The concept was to bring together our grassroots and elite female umpires to share stories of the challenges they have faced during their respective journeys. Chicks came from across Melbourne and across Bass Strait to participate in this landmark event. An impressive list of guest speakers including Margo Koskelainen OAM, Kyira Cox, Debbie Grove, Brooke Wilkins and special guest AFL Goal Umpire Chelsea Roffey were on hand to share their stories and answer questions. In addition to sharing her story, Margo presented us with an overview of female umpires in the international system. It was surprising to see that other international regions were far less committed to supporting their female umpires. Australia is the benchmark with 44% of their ISF umpires being female; this figure is well above any other region. Margo also addressed issues of prejudice faced by female umpires on the international stage, and the boys clubs that they encounter. She credited our leading inclusive umpiring program here in Australia for providing a pathway for all umpires to progress through the ranks which in turn created an environment free of these challenges for our females.

Interstate guest Kyira Cox shared with us her umpiring journey, from elite player to elite umpire and her progression through these ranks simultaneously. Kyira discussed the inevitability of setbacks, and injuries throughout an umpire’s career and the necessity of a supportive environment to help with overcoming these challenges. She also talked about how hard work leads to achievements, and impressed upon us the importance of

Kyira Cox presenting on Goal Setting

Margo Koskelainen presenting an international overview

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goal setting and time management in achieving these goals. Debbie Grove shared the story of her journey as an umpire through her different life stages. The difficulties of managing an international umpiring career, work and raising a family. Debbie credited the supportive environment of her husband and family as being instrumental to her achieving her goals. We also learnt about different ways to set goals, some of which were informal, but effective none the less. Chelsea Roffey joined us after lunch and shared her story of how she got into AFL goal umpiring. She talked about how she progressed through the ranks and the excitement of making it on to the AFL Umpires list. Chelsea shared the

challenges that she has overcome to be one of the few female goal umpires in a male dominated sport, and also the prejudices she has inevitably faced and the balance between being a novelty and a role model. She talked about the physical standards required by all umpires to maintain the level of fitness set by the AFL, and the pressures of competing with her male counterparts in this area. It was amusing to hear some of the questions she gets asked about her experiences, an example being “Are you allowed to date the players?” I’m sure that is the reason why Chelsea became a goal umpire!

Our last speaker was Brooke Wilkins who shared with us the perspective of the elite female athlete, and the challenges that she has faced. Brooke discussed her view of the umpires as an elite pitcher and learning how to respectfully interact with them as a coach and a player. She reemphasized the importance of goal setting and hard work, both of which are the foundation of the pathway to success. As a participant I took a lot from the forum. I was amazed at the achievements of our guest speakers and interested to hear how they had progressed through their levels. I have since taken the time and their advice to record some of my own goals, and will now work towards achieving these. But for me personally the main thing I took out of the day was a sense of pride. I am proud to be part of the Australian Umpiring community. A community who has supported the trail-blazing female umpires who have come before me, and through their journeys

Debbie Grove presenting - no surprises there is laughter!

Brooke Wilkins presenting on the importance of hard work

Chelsea Roffey presenting on her entry onto the AFL stage.

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continue to make it easier for new females like myself to progress through the umpiring system. I am also proud of the inclusive culture within our umpiring community. I am lucky enough to have access to elite umpires on a regular basis at my home association, and these men are extremely supportive and encouraging to me and all of our umpires. I have always been appreciative of their contribution and have never taken that for granted, but I now realise that globally not every female is afforded this same opportunity. Thank you to Richard Barrow, Debbie Grove and Jo Phillips for organising such an insightful forum. Thank you to Kyira, Debbie, Brooke and Chelsea for taking time out of your extremely busy schedules to inspire us. I hope this will be the first of many. Written by: Angela Broadbent

Standing (L-R): Lucy James, Angela Post, Debbie Grove, Angela Broadbent, Helena Hapeta, Talia McDonald,

Diane Waller, Vicki Dornom, Margo Koskelainen OAM and Kyira Cox Seated (L-R): Chelsea Roffey and Brooke Wilkins

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Waverley Easter Carnival The Annual Easter Carnival was again held at the Waverley Softball Association from Good Friday (April 3) through to Easter Monday (April 6). 28 teams participated, down a little from previous years, but still providing plenty of work for the umpiring crew. The teams played in Under 13, 15, 17 and 19 age groups, with 3 boys’ teams also participating in the Under 13 and 15 competitions. 39 umpires took part over the weekend, with half of these nominated by visiting teams, and the remainder helping out as Waverley pool umpires. Our interstate visitors were drawn from New South Wales, South Australia and ACT. The umpiring crew covered all the standards, from national umpires through to green shirts and part-timers wanting to earn a bit of pocket money over the weekend. The Easter Carnival provides an opportunity to cater for all standards of umpiring, and is also a great environment for beginning umpires to get practical experience and lots of feedback. Special mention should be made of Alan McAuliffe, who once again travelled with the South Australian umpires (led by Jacqui Crafter). Alan's feedback was greatly appreciated, not just by the SA crew, but by all of those who had a chance to chat with him in between games. As is now tradition, a sausage sizzle was put on for the crew, and some 120 sausages were consumed, although we did have to retrieve our gas bottle on Monday morning from the official Waverley BBQ which had "borrowed" it. Our visitors also had a get together (with pizzas) at Deputy TCU Lucy James' place on Saturday evening. Although a little cool in the mornings, the weather never really threatened, and in fact the Monday provided some glorious sunny weather for the finals. Notable finals included the Under 19 matchup between Casey Coyotes and North Shore, with North Shore bouncing back to tie the game before eventually going down in the tie-breaker; and a very tense encounter between Mount Gambier and visiting Auckland team Marist in the Under 15 competition. These two teams had dominated the competition all weekend, and the eventual 2-0 win to Mount Gambier was a fitting conclusion. Thanks to everyone involved in another great Waverley Easter Carnival. Written by: Chris Trengove, TCU

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Photos of our grand finals crews:

U19 Stan Tolmie (1st Base), James Townsend

(Plate) & Roy Arscott (3rd Base)

U17 Rhett Eldred (3rd Base), Georgia Hill (Plate) &

Connie Rowe (1st Base)

U13 Emma Boldeman (Base) & Carolyn Di Paola (Plate)

U15 Boys Blaine Cooke (3rd Base), Bernard Vella (Plate), & Ian Fearn-Wannon (1st Base)

U15 Cup Kian Privitera (1

st Base), Andrew Cooper

(Plate) & Jacqui Crafter (3rd

Base) U15 Plate

Greg Rusack (Plate) & Kellie Arscott (Base)