SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA · Softball NT, Softball SA and Softball Tas to manage their finances and support key staff. This is significant progress towards collaboration and unification

SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Table of Contents

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT ................................................................................................................................................ 1

CEO’S REPORT .............................................................................................................................................................. 3

MESSAGE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION ........................................................................ 5

MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 6

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE ............................................................................................................................. 7

OUR COMMITTEES ..................................................................................................................................................... 8

MEMBER RECOGNITION ........................................................................................................................................... 9

MEMBERSHIP .............................................................................................................................................................. 13

HIGH PERFORMANCE .............................................................................................................................................. 18

SPORTING SCHOOLS ............................................................................................................................................... 23

CLUB AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................................................ 25

SOFTBALL FOR ALL ................................................................................................................................................... 28

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ..................................................................................................................................... 31

TECHNICAL .................................................................................................................................................................. 34

COACHING .................................................................................................................................................................. 46

TEAMS AND SQUADS .............................................................................................................................................. 50

INTERNATIONAL RESULTS ..................................................................................................................................... 52

AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS ........................................................................................................... 56

OTHER RESULTS ........................................................................................................................................................ 64

SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA LIFE MEMBERS ............................................................................................................... 67

SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ...................................................................................... 68

ISF HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES .............................................................................................................................71

SPONSORS AND PROVIDERS ............................................................................................................................... 72

Level 1, Suite 2, 273 Wellington Street, Collingwood VIC 3066 t: 03 9417 0022 w: www.softball.org.au Softball Australia Ltd ACN 092 181 318 Image credit front cover: Sam Donkin Photography

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.

http://www.softball.org.au/

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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT As I have in previous Annual Reports, I am providing a brief comment 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. Our CEO Chet Gray will expand in more detail on each of these areas in his report.

GROWING PARTICIPATION

Minor decline in membership offset by a growth in overall participation

Our number one priority continues to be to grow softball participation in Australia and we achieved that in 2016-17. While the decline in

membership was disappointing, it reinforces that there are no quick fix solutions and we need to keep working hard to be more relevant in a very competitive sporting landscape.

While we continue to see growth in new game variants such as Social 7s, we need to do so much more on the ground to leverage the Federal Government’s Sporting Schools Program. As we continue reinforcing, there are high levels of student participation through organised softball programs in schools and we must redouble our efforts to transition these participants through to organised competition.

2020 OLYMPIC GAMES

Softball preparing for the 2020 Summer Olympics

Momentum continues to build towards the 2020 Olympic Games. Australian softball has a wonderful Olympic record and we are working hard to ensure that our open women qualify, and then are podium potential. Given the rapid development of softball in other countries, we must be both creative and innovative in our approach to high performance to stay ahead of the pack.

Most of our income 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. While we have seen a decline in income this year, we continue to work closely with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) to ensure that softball receives the maximum funding possible. That said, it continues to reinforce the need for us to source sustainable non-government revenue through sponsorship – or better – via commercial products such as Social 7s.

CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS

Grassroots resourcing to ensure the sustainability of softball in Australia

We remain committed to the development of clubs and associations as it is the only way to retain and grow membership at the grassroots level. This is the area of most concern as we have invested heavily in recent years in additional resources on the ground but are yet to see sustainable growth in membership. For this reason alone, we must challenge the sustainability of our existing model. We must be creative with potential alternatives such that we can better and more efficiently resource our key. If the current trend continues, our national footprint will be seriously compromised inside a three-year window.

In closing, I’d like to thank Chet Gray for effectively leading our operational activities; the State Presidents and their Boards for their unity and commitment to softball in Australia; the Softball Australia staff for their

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efforts and dedication; and to our volunteers – thank you for your continued support.

Congratulations to our 2016 Hall of Fame inductees, Helen Edwards (Vic) and Danielle Stewart (Qld); also to Ray Allsopp who was recognised in the Australia Day Honours List and awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

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 challenging year ahead – a year in which we must make fundamental and pivotal changes to ensure the future of our sport. John Hollingsworth Chairman

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CEO’S REPORT This year has seen significant changes and challenges to softball in Australia. In August, the International Olympic Committee approved the return of baseball/ softball to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. This brought about the reclassification of the sport by the Australian Sports Commission and Australian Institute of Sport, to be eligible for high performance funding of our women’s program.

The organisational focus shifted towards rebuilding this program to achieve Olympic qualification and podium finish.

The Board took the financial position to invest some of our reserves into high performance. The Board recognised that we are less than 18 months away from the next World Championship, which could be the first opportunity to

qualify for the 2020 Olympics. It was important to invest in high performance staffing, competition opportunities, sports science, sports medicine and the Daily Performance Environment.

Our financial sustainability has been a priority over the last few years with a view to improving our level of reserves due to the uncertainty of government funding. The Board approved a deficit budget of $148,360 to invest in our high performance women’s program. We will post a deficit of $144,963 before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization for this year.

MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE

A major activity continues to be our ‘whole of sport’ approach with our stakeholders to build capacity within our states, clubs and associations. We finalised shared services agreements with Softball ACT, Softball NT, Softball SA and Softball Tas to manage their finances and support key staff. This is significant progress towards collaboration and unification of the sport.

Many challenges for softball in Australia remain and significant work is required to ensure softball can grow participation, become less reliant on government funding, improve international results and develop viable commercial properties which will attract potential partners.

NEW STAFF

We recruited five new staff members:

High Performance Manager, Andy Utting

National Women’s Head Coach, Fabian Barlow

High Performance Coordinator, Simone Wearne, a shared position between Baseball Australia and Softball Australia

I have great confidence we have the high performance leadership team to take the sport forward, which starts with qualification for the 2018 Women’s World Championship in Japan.

Accounts Assistant, Audrina Ning

National Sales Manager, Emily Barr

Softball Australia is focusing on developing partnerships with external organisations to increase the

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exposure of softball and develop business networking opportunities. We hosted over 150 guests across three business networking events, with the final luncheon held the day after the announcement of baseball/softball inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games.

In reflecting on any year, it is important to acknowledge those organisations whose contributions allow us to pursue success. My thanks go to the Australian Sports Commission, Australian Institute of Sport, Member States and the Australian Olympic Committee.

I would also like to thank our wonderful band of loyal partners:

Easton (Addlon Trading)

Greatrex Sporting Goods

Sportslink International

V-Insurance Group

Envisio – Connecting people to the plan

Stage and Screen Travel service

Flourish PR

Accor Hotels

On a personal note, I thank the directors, staff, volunteers, Member States and athletes who work tirelessly and continue to make valuable contributions to management, governance and promotion of our sport. It is truly humbling for me to see this collection of people apply themselves professionally across the entire organisation, on and off the diamond.

Softball is heading into a new era and it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to unite to tackle the challenges confronting us. These challenges include ensuring that the sport stays relevant for the next generation and to provide quality participation and pathway opportunities for both recreational and elite level participants. Chet Gray CEO

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MESSAGE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) thanks all of our partner national sporting organisations (NSOs) for your continued hard work and commitment to excellence. All of you understand innately the importance of sport in Australian life. It’s much more than a source of national identity and pride, it’s the fabric that binds us together - a common language for all, with multiplier benefits in health, education, social cohesion and the economy.

There were many great sporting events to celebrate during the course of last year – the launch of both the AFL Women’s competition and the National Netball League with prime-time TV coverage, our most successful winter sports season ever on the world stage, and fairytale victories against the odds for Cronulla in the NRL and the Western Bulldogs in the AFL.

Last year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games underscored the challenge however for Australia in retaining its status as one of the world’s pre-eminent sporting nations, given rising competition from developed and developing nations alike. We must keep innovating, being bold and willing to change both on and off the field if we are to succeed, not just in Olympic and Paralympic sports but across the sporting spectrum.

We appreciate the willingness of NSOs to embrace this challenge. We commend athletes for their dedicated commitment to training ahead of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and, further ahead, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

One of the most important long-term challenges for our country is to help our children be physically active, to participate in sport and enjoy its lifelong benefits.

The ASC’s Sporting Schools program has now reached more than 5,600 primary schools around Australia and has already begun a targeted program for high schools. It is vital to ensure physical education is re-emphasised in the national school curriculum. To this end, the ASC has been doing ground-breaking work on physical literacy for children and youth and we look forward to rolling this out nationally in the year ahead.

As the national leadership organisation for sport in Australia, the ASC was delighted when our new Minister for Sport the Hon. Greg Hunt recently proposed a National Sports Plan, the preparation of which will be led by the ASC. This will create, for the first time, a comprehensive blueprint for Australian sport. It’s an outstanding initiative and we thank the Minister for his leadership and vision. We hope all NSOs take the opportunity to contribute their views to the plan.

Most of you will know that this year the ASC welcomed a new CEO Kate Palmer, a talented sports leader, who has quickly built excellent relationships with sports and is embracing the challenges ahead with an inspiring enthusiasm.

Finally, I say a big thank you to the army of volunteers – parents, coaches, officials and administrators - who contribute their time and services for the good of Australian sport. You bring community strength, passion and great value to the identity, productivity, cohesion and health of our nation.

The ASC wishes you every success in the year ahead. We look forward to working closely with you for the common good of Australian sport.

John Wylie AM Chair Australian Sports Commission

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MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS Our membership comprises eight states and territories (Member States), associations, clubs and individual members who play, coach, officiate and support softball in Australia.

SOFTBALL ACT President: Nathan Bale General Manager: Jon Wells www.act.softball.org.au

SOFTBALL NSW President: Frances Crampton General Manager: Cathy Kerr www.nsw.softball.org.au

SOFTBALL NT President: Michelle Krauer Executive Officer: Nicky Bacon www.nt.softball.org.au

SOFTBALL QLD President: Mark Jeppesen General Manager: Sue Nisbet www.qld.softball.org.au

SOFTBALL SA President: Steve Trzcinski Executive Officer: James Harris www.sa.softball.org.au

SOFTBALL TAS President: Sheryl Burnie Executive Officer: John Milbourne www.tas.softball.org.au

SOFTBALL VIC President: Jenny Holliday AM Executive Officer: Sara Dailey/Nick Frayne www.victoria.softball.org.au

SOFTBALL WA President: Gary Butler/Bill Leonard Chief Executive Officer: Dean Burton www.wa.softball.org.au

http://www.act.softball.org.au/

http://www.nsw.softball.org.au/

http://www.nt.softball.org.au/

http://www.qld.softball.org.au/

http://www.sa.softball.org.au/

http://www.tas.softball.org.au/

http://www.victoria.softball.org.au/

http://www.wa.softball.org.au/

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ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John Hollingsworth (Chairman) Dennis Cullen Helen Langenberg Annette Fidge Fiona Crawford Christine Heron Ron Gauci Peter Jon Hartshorne

STAFF

Chet Gray Chief Executive Officer Ben Utting Sports Development Manager Andy Utting (com Dec 2016) High Performance Manager Fabian Barlow Australian Women’s Head Coach Tony Milligan (dept Jan 2017) National Teams’ Operations Manager Richard Costantino National Events Coordinator Emily Barr (com June 2017) National Sales Manager Helen Davis Office Manager Jane Wang ICT Coordinator Shane Cantelmi Product Development Coordinator Tim Hatzi Club & Community Development Coordinator Joanne Paez Participation Coordinator Hari Prasad Financial Controller Audrina Ning (com Dec 2016) Accounts Assistant

STATE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Jon Wells (ACT) Cathy Kerr (NSW) Nicky Bacon (NT) Sue Nisbet (Qld) James Harris (SA) John Milbourne (Tas) Sara Dailey (Vic) (dept Nov 2016) Dean Burton (WA) Nick Frayne (Vic) (com April 2017)

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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 Tricia Sibraa (Qld) National UIC/UIC Operations Leigh Evans (Vic) UIC – Technical Debbie Grove (Vic) UIC – Development Scott Rindfleish (NSW) UIC – Communication

PRESIDENTS’ COMMISSION John Hollingsworth Peter Jon Hartshorne Nathan Bale (ACT) Frances Crampton (NSW) Michelle Krauer (NT) Mark Jeppesen (Qld) Steve Trzcinski (SA) Sheryl Burnie (Tas) Jenny Holliday AM (Vic) Bill Leonard (WA)

HIGH PERFORMANCE ADVISORY GROUP Dennis Cullen (Director) Fiona Crawford (Director) Chet Gray (Softball Australia) Andy Utting (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) (dept Dec) Kim Crane (com Feb)

MARKETING & FUNDRAISING John Hollingsworth (Director) Peter Jon Hartshorne (Director) Ron Gauci (Director) Fiona Crawford (Director) Chet Gray (Softball Australia) Ben Utting (Softball Australia) Emily Barr (Softball Australia) Roger Maddern (Vic) Jason Greenhalgh (Qld)

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)

NATIONAL EVENTS COMMITTEE Richard Costantino (Softball Australia)) Tricia Sibraa (Qld) Ngaire Houston (Qld) Steve Trzcinski (SA) Sue Nisbet (Qld)

HISTORY & RECOGNITION COMMITTEE Joanne Paez (Softball Australia) Kylie Bloodworth (Softball Australia) Margo Koskelainen OAM (Vic) Mark Jeppesen (Qld) Neville Lawrance (SA) Audrey McLaughlin AM (Qld)

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MEMBER RECOGNITION

2016 SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Helen Edwards (Vic), Danielle Stewart (Qld)

2016 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 Bill Buckley, Susan Flynn, Meredith Muspratt, Michael Rigby

Victoria Angela Broadbent, Grant Rice

Western Australia Tom Corcoran, Colin Gibb, Blyn Lamb, Greg Pooley, Teena Smith, Steve Suckling, Barbara Turner

2016 VIVIENNE TRIPLETT UMPIRE OF THE YEAR AWARD

KYIRA COX (NSW)

Kyira Cox, a former softball player who turned her hand to umpiring, has been named the 2016 winner of the Vivienne Triplett Award.

Cox’s umpiring career reached an elite level in recent years, culminating in her appointment at the 2016 Open Women’s World Championship in Canada, in which she umpired in the gold medal game.

Kyira Cox is the 2016 winner of the Vivienne Triplett Award.

Last year she also umpired in the gold medal game of the Junior Girls’ World Championship in Oklahoma City.

The Vivienne Triplett Award was introduced in 1995 to recognise outstanding contributions to umpiring. This Award was incorporated into the Softball Australia Awards of Excellence when they were introduced in 2002.

Having been a high-level player before turning to umpiring, Cox draws on her playing experience and the relationship she has with players and coaches.

She has a strong focus on all fitness and physical activity and the culture it develops in all its areas from family activities, to recreational fitness and competitive sport at all levels.

Cox is keen to explore all initiatives both on and off the field, as well as giving of her time and experiences to assist umpires around her to further develop their umpiring skills.

She has also worked within the National Umpiring Committee as a Staff Member of the Communications Committee, taking on the role of DUIC Communications when the position became vacant handing over to the new DUIC. She then took on a position within the Umpire Development Stream.

Cox has been active at National Championships, where she has worked as both umpire and assessor, striving to assist developing umpires to improve their performances.

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She continues to be active within NSW where she assists at clinics and academy sessions as a trainer. She has also held positions on the NSW Umpires Committee as the public relations, communications and umpire development member.

Cox is also heavily involved at NSW State Championships, filling numerous rolls as UIC, DUIC and assessor at many events. She continues to give freely of her time to assist in the development of umpires at local, state and national level where she shares her experiences and talents to further develop the standard of umpiring in NSW and in her new home in Canberra.

SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME RECIPIENTS

HELEN EDWARDS

Helen has served as the statistician for the Australian Open Men’s team since 2006, attending three ISF Men’s World Championships and six other international events during that period.

In 2009, she was the statistician for the Aussie Steelers when they won the ISF Men’s World Championship held in Saskatoon, Canada.

Helen has been the Victorian Open Men’s Statistician for 18 years and served on the Victorian Scoring Committee for 13 years. In 2016, she was awarded

Life Membership for her service to Softball Victoria.

DANIELLE STEWART

Stewart, an athletic infielder, won a bronze medal as part of the Australian softball team at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. She rose to the top of her sport despite several setbacks due to knee injuries.

Stewart, now Danielle Bouman, played 148 games for the Australian Open Women’s team and was the 237th player to represent the Aussie Spirit.

Playing college softball at Briarcliffe College and Hofstra University in New York proved to be the launchpad for Stewart’s international career. At Briarcliffe she held the single-season home run record and captained the team to the NJCAA Division 1 College World Series. At Hofstra she also took out the single-season home run record.

In 2005, Stewart debuted for the Aussie Spirit against New Zealand in Sydney. She continued her representative career with the Aussie Spirit by playing in the Canada Cup, US World Cup, Japan Cup, and on tours of New Zealand and Europe.

Stewart made her ISF Women’s World Championship debut in 2006 as part of the Aussie Spirit team that won a bronze medal. She also represented Australia at the 2010 World Championship in Caracas, Venezuela.

Stewart brought a mix of power and speed to the offensive line-up and displayed great athleticism in defence at shortstop and second base.

In 2006 she was awarded the Most Valuable Player at the National Grand Prix Series in Melbourne.

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2017 AUSTRALIA DAY HONOUR

RAY ALLSOPP OAM

One of softball’s most influential pioneers has been recognised in the Australia Day Honours List.

Ray Allsopp, 82, whose viSsion and enthusiasm led to the formation of the Waverley Softball Association in suburban Melbourne in 1961, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

The award was for “service to sport, particularly for school children”, recognition of Ray’s tireless work not only with softball but also with VFL/AFL football, in which he was involved for more than 50 years.

A major achievement of his career in football administration was the establishment of a junior clinic scheme that was the precursor to what is now

called Auskick, which features more than 160,000 young players and has been used as a model for junior sports around the world.

Having played 54 VFL games for Richmond from 1955-59, Ray worked in football administration and later left his teaching job to become the first person appointed to a full-time development position in football. His work over 50 years led to him being made an AFL Life Member in 2009.

While softball has a lower profile than football in Victoria, Ray’s work with softball was no less important. Under his guidance, the Waverley Softball Association developed into one of the largest and most successful clubs in Australia.

As a teacher at Glen Waverley Primary School, Ray could attract many new players to the sport. His model for a school softball program was eventually adopted as part of the physical education curriculum, replacing rounders.

While still playing in the late 1960s, Ray coached his A-Grade team to four premierships in five years. His innovative coaching strategies have been copied by many other coaches since, although Ray could not coach at a higher level because of rules at the time that prevented men coaching women’s teams at state level.

As the Waverley association grew, it needed better facilities. Ray was instrumental in convincing the local council to develop Jells Park into a high-standard softball venue. At its peak, Waverley had more than 2200 registered players.

The honour for Ray Allsopp was supported by the Waverley Softball Association and the AFL.

International Softball Hall of Fame member Denise Hutchinson (Daynes), said in her submission: “I believe Ray Allsopp is very worthy of an Order of Australia Medal award, not only as a player of football and cricket, but as a coach and administrator in softball. AFL Victoria High Performance Manager Anton Grbac also supported the award, citing Ray’s “outstanding contribution to Australian Football”.

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MEMBERSHIP This year marked the first time membership was counted exclusively through mySoftball Community, our national database. As at 30 June, our membership total was 24,985.

The result showed a decrease of 1,226 members from last year’s total of 26,211.

The declining numbers show a trend in softball that should be of grave concern for all clubs and associations around the country. Historically, membership has been as high as 60,000 members (1996).

The trend is caused by many factors. It’s a much more competitive market place with many other sporting programs available. There are major sports with huge brand appeal and millions of dollars going into marketing other sports and a focus on women which detracts from our pool of potential members.

The decline highlights the importance of participation reform and to be smarter about what we do and how we work together. It points to a greater need for educational opportunities delivered to volunteers at clubs and for a dedicated school market strategy which focuses on localised transition strategies. How we position softball in a highly competitive sporting nation becomes greatly important.

The other major factor is to constantly work to provide the best “member experience”. Learning what makes a welcoming, fun and inclusive environment needs to be a constant focus for clubs to draw new members and keep existing ones. Listening to what members want and shaping our offerings to cater for their needs is the only way forward. How do we deliver what our members want? We ask, then listen and adapt to our members’ changing needs.

ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA

1,153 8,972 193 5,370 2,530 501 2,792 3,474

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OUR MEMBERS

Our annual Member Survey provides insight into what our members want, and from the responses received, the softball family is a passionate bunch! And that’s a major focus and source of satisfaction – family.

Feedback confirms that softball is a sport our members enjoy playing with their family. Around 85% have family members that played or were parents of children that played, and by some accounts, softball has provided an opportunity for grandparents to take the field with their grandchildren.

People view softball as a social outlet that improves their lives. Many respondents cited benefits of the friendships and social networks they have built through the sport that have lasted years, sometimes a lifetime. They love the team aspect and through their sense of connection, they get great enjoyment from the physical benefits. Many said that softball is their number one weekly physical activity.

Of those who took the survey, over 48% have been involved in the sport for 16 years or more and over 74% have been involved for at least six years.

Many see maintaining membership numbers as the major challenge facing our sport. They see other sports as competitors and find some of the politics in administering the game a deterrent. Our members are interested in seeing more training opportunities for coaching, umpiring and scoring as well as more engagement with school sport. The development of grassroots players is highlighted and it’s thought that, as a sport, our major focus should be towards building a strong participation base.

The number one priority as viewed by our members is increasing participation, followed by increasing school profile and coaching education.

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Responses to the question “what is the best incentive for people to join a softball program”, included:

providing equipment package with registration – 56.90%

providing discounted fees for new members – 54.56%

demonstrated value for money – 52.44%

great coaching – 50.74%

a personal invitation – 48.62%

Interestingly, 80.19% of respondents noted a successful activity to attract people to their clubs was through current members inviting friends, family and work colleagues to become involved.

Priorities for softball as viewed by our members:

INSURANCE

In 2016/17 a national insurance program was established through V-Insurance. By combining our buying power, and leveraging our total national membership, our Member States and membership now enjoy a well-rounded package of insurance that covers:

1. Public and Products Liability 2. Professional Indemnity 3. Personal Accident 4. Management Liability (Directors and Officers) 5. Cyber Liability and Privacy Protection 6. Group Travel

Ben Utting Sport Development Manager

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Softball Australia continued to enhance all social media platforms with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Facebook continues to provide the most engagement by the female 25-44-year-old demographic. Instagram is most popular for the 16-25 age groups.

The overall challenge was to provide unique content to engage a wider membership base throughout the year, however, the periods of highest engagement corresponded with events in January and July. The introduction of individual national team Facebook pages diversified the audience and allowed the corporate Facebook page to cover other key strategic and operational areas including high performance, club development, participation, coaching and officiating. In addition, our national team supplier used the spike in engagement advantageously when promoting new product lines. National team pages provided the opportunity for increased content and engagement with players during peak times with the inclusion of team profiles, photos, video interviews and game-by-game statistics.

The National Umpiring and Scoring Programs realigned their social media platforms with Softball Australia’s brand to provide a central location for information a news relevant to their target audience. The Social 7s Instagram and Twitter accounts provided vibrant video content.

Softball Australia continues to leverage off the strong social media following, particularly through Facebook, to trial new forms of engagement with players and fans, for example the continuation of live streaming of national and international event, through either the SAL Productions You Tube channel or associated Member State channels. At the U23 National Softball Championships and International Friendship Series, free live-stream – Facebook Live – was trialled with great success. This form of live streaming will be rolled out across all events next year, subject to resourcing at state-based venues.

It is pleasing to report that all platforms reported substantial growth, providing evidence of the success of social media platforms as a cornerstone to any communications strategy.

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The challenge is to ensure that we capitalise on increased engagement during events to ensure that strategic key messages are directed to specific target audiences. While the three main platforms will continue to be developed, the opportunities to better utilise LinkedIn to leverage and engage existing and new commercial partnerships will be a priority in 2018. Kylie Bloodworth Social Media Services

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HIGH PERFORMANCE The year was a roller-coaster for Softball Australia’s high performance (HP) programs and we acknowledge that there are some real challenges ahead. However, there are a lot of positives that must be recognised and capitalised on to assist us as we look to the future optimistically.

With the restructure of our high performance programs, not only has there been a shift in personnel, but the need for strategic change based on several significant events, including:

The reinstatement of softball at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and subsequent inclusion of softball in the Australian Institute of Sport’s (AIS) Australia’s Winning Edge (AWE) strategy

A 10th place finish for the Aussie Spirit at the 2016 Women’s Softball World Championship

AIS funding allocation at a level significantly less than previous Olympic campaigns

OLYMPIC REINSTATEMENT

On the eve of the Rio Games in August, the International Olympic Committee delegates voted unanimously to include softball and baseball in a joint bid, as well as five other sports (karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing), in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. This was the news softball fans and players had been waiting for since softball was last included in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when Australia won a bronze medal.

The softball competition will consist of six teams of 15 players, and while the exact structure of the qualification process is still yet to be finalised, it is likely that at least two teams will qualify from the 2018 World Championship event, with another regional qualifying event/s to be held in 2019. This scenario would see Australia required to qualify through the Asia Pacific region should they not qualify through the 2018 World Championship.

AUSTRALIA’S WINNING EDGE AND AIS FUNDING

In late November, Softball Australia and almost 30 other sports presented a submission to a panel from the AIS and the AWE strategy. Our submission included a structure for qualification and preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and subsequent plan for funding support. It also focused on the following areas:

Athlete development

Coaching development

Culture & leadership

Daily Performance Environment (DPE)

Competition

Stakeholder alignment

Tokyo planning

While softball and baseball presented independently, we were also provided the opportunity to present on how the two sports could collaborate. Initial indications were that the AIS would favourably consider any proposals where the two sports could work together, and our presentation included proposals for

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joint resources, including a High Performance Coordinator role, and a High Performance Support Coordinator.

Following the Federal Budget announcement in May, softball received funding that was significantly less than previous Olympic campaigns. Not the outcome we were hoping for, but an uncontrollable hurdle that we are committed to pushing through.

REBUILDING THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE TEAM

Despite challenges around funding and with the likely first chance at Olympic Qualification at the 2018 World Championship less than two years away, the Board of Softball Australia decided to establish the high performance team, with the following appointments made:

Andy Utting – High Performance Manager

Fabian Barlow – Open Women’s Head Coach

Simone Wearne – High Performance Coordinator

A National Women’s Coaching Panel, and a National Men’s Coaching Panel were also appointed (in conjunction with another 15 state-appointed assistant coaches) for the sake of coordinating the training of national team athletes in each state from the Open Women, Open Men (in preparation of a World Championship event), U19 Women (in preparation for a World Championship event), and the International Friendship Series athletes.

A Physiotherapy Preferred Provider Network has also been established consisting of 20 physiotherapists from around the country to support our national team athletes.

2017 NATIONAL PRO FASTPITCH/CHICAGO BANDITS

As part of a strategy to increase the exposure of the Open Women’s Squad to a higher volume of international standard competition, Softball Australia signed an agreement with the National Pro Fastpitch Competition (NPF) in the USA, and the Chicago Bandits franchise. This initiative provides eight Australians the opportunity to participate in the 2017 NPF season, which consists of a 48-game (regular season) schedule from June-August. Additional AIS funding was provided to support this initiative.

Seven Australian players departed in early May for pre-season training and the start of their NPF season with the Chicago Bandits:

Janice Blackman (Qld) Chelsea Forkin (Qld) Rachel Lack (NSW) Stacey McManus (NSW) Samantha Poole (NSW) Ellen Roberts (NSW) Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW)

As part of the Softball Australia agreement, Kaia Parnaby (NSW) will also join the team after participating in the US World Cup and Canada Cup tournaments with the Aussie Spirit.

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International events

2016 WBSC XV WOMEN’S SOFTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

In July, the Open Women’s team toured North America, participating in both the US World Cup in Oklahoma and the 2016 WBSC XV Women’s Softball World Championship in Surrey, Canada. Despite finishing in third place with a 7-1 record in Oklahoma, the Aussie Spirit finished the World Championship in 10th place with five wins and four losses. Considerable improvements made by several other teams (by including heritage players from the US College System) and an inability to score runs meant the Aussie Spirit were left well out of medal contention.

2016 WBSC XI JUNIOR MEN'S SOFTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

In July, the Australian U19 Men, Junior Steelers, competed in the 2016 WBSC XI Junior Men’s Softball World Championship in Midlands, USA, finishing in 6th place with a 4-3 win-loss record.

2017 CHALLENGE CUP TOUR – NEW ZEALAND

The Australian Open Men, Aussie Steelers, finished the TAB Challenge Cup tournament in New Zealand with a 5-6 win-loss record in 4th place.

2017 INTERNATIONAL DOWN UNDER SERIES

At the completion of the Women’s National Softball Championship, 32 athletes were selected to participate in the 2017 International Down Under Series. The Aussie Spirit and the Australian All-Stars teams played against the Japanese and New Zealand National Teams in a four-day competition in February. The Aussie Spirit finished in 2nd place with a 4-3 win-loss record losing only to Japan, while the Australian All-Stars finished in 4th place with a 1-6 win-loss record.

TOYOTA CUP TOUR OF JAPAN

The Toyota Cup tournament was held in April, consisting largely of Japanese professional teams (as part of their pre-season) in addition to the Australian and Taiwanese National Teams. The Aussie Spirit was entered in this tournament as part of our strategy to increase the volume of games against international standard competition. The team finished the tournament with a 3-3-1 win-loss-draw record after missing a few days of play due to rain.

WHAT HAVE WE ACCOMPLISHED?

Although it has been mentioned above that there are some significant challenges surrounding our available funding as we prepare for qualification to the 2020 Olympic Games, there have also been a variety of positive outcomes:

Direct Athlete Investment Scholarship Funding DAIS – 25 of our best female players across the country received DAIS funding. This funding provides an opportunity for athletes in Olympic sports to receive direct financial assistance from the AIS.

Scholarship athletes –a total of 18 of our best female players across the country received scholarships

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within their state institute programs (WAIS, ACTAS, QAS and SASI). These scholarships provide our players with access to a variety of resources, additional training opportunities, access to experts across a range of fields, and the chance to work alongside other elite athletes in their states.

Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Support – in line with the above, QAS continued to provide significant assistance to our elite female players. In what has been a long-term relationship, Softball Australia is committed to continuing to work alongside QAS to ensure we can utilise resources and provide assistance where possible to allow the relationship to grow. It is important to note that of our 25 scholarship athletes across the country, 11 are scholarships held through QAS.

Coaching network – we confirmed the group of coaches throughout the country who will work directly with our elite athletes in each state. Ensuring we can recognise and assist these coaches only maintains and strengthens the ability of the High Performance Manager and National Program coaches as they look to grow their programs across each state.

Physiotherapist preferred providers – we finalised a list of preferred physiotherapists. It is vital that we provide opportunities for only the best physios across the country to work with our athletes. By ensuring we have a preferred provider list, we can ensure that each tour or camp is attended by only a Softball Australia preferred physiotherapist.

THE FUTURE

The two major goals of Softball Australia’s high performance team at this stage are:

Olympic qualification of the Australian Open Women’s team in 2020.

Improve the sustainability of our high performance programs, to develop world-class athletes and produce world championship-calibre teams on a consistent basis (beyond Olympic funding).

OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION

Despite significant funding limitations, our priorities for the preparation and Olympic qualification of our open women’s program will focus on:

Increasing the exposure of Australian squad members to international standard competition (with a specific focus on the Asia Pacific region)

Improving the daily performance environment

Improving the quality and quantity of the national coaching network

It is expected that these priorities will provide the greatest return on investment and the best chance of Olympic qualification.

IMPROVING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF OUR HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAMS

Our plan for improving the sustainability of our high performance programs includes two key areas of focus:

Identifying the means to generate either additional revenue or business leverage to help support the programs

This will include identifying and applying for appropriate grants, pursuing strategic partners and sponsorships for our teams and individuals, and increasing business (and potentially government)

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leverage by increasing the focus on sports tourism as a part of our core business.

Improve our athlete development pathways

While our high performance is far from perfect, the bigger issue within our sport exists in our pathways and the retention of athletes. A review of our national pathways and development structure has identified a diminishing talent-pool based on significant gaps in our development systems.

The purpose of developing strategies in this area is to ensure we keep all participants involved in our game for at least 10 years, with the benefits being:

To provide adequate time to assess an individual to determine if they could become a high performance athlete

If the athlete does not display high performance attributes, they are likely to become coaches, officials or administrators as they are already invested in the sport

Strategies to achieve this will include emphasis on the development of our coaching network, and providing more development opportunities for all members, rather than just those identified as ‘talented’.

For Softball Australia to once again produce world-class athletes and world championship-calibre teams on a consistent basis, we will all need to work together. Only if we put our state-based allegiances aside, will we achieve national team objectives in a very challenging time in the international softball arena. Softball Australia is committed to providing more appropriate leadership in this space.

While softball’s reinstatement on the Olympic agenda will be an important catalyst in the resurrection of a robust high performance system, the intention will be to create sustained success whatever the future international softball landscape looks like. Andy Utting High Performance Manager

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SPORTING SCHOOLS

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has now completed its second financial year of the Sporting Schools Program.

12,262 schools nationally were funded during the reporting period, with 348,296 students participating in programs from the 32 sports available through the government funded initiative. The program will be extended to

secondary grades 7-8 from Term 3, 2017.

Softball Batter Up (SBU) is the nationally endorsed program for Sporting Schools. The ready-made lesson plans and activities – aligned to the National Physical Education Curriculum – and the ease with which it can be delivered, makes it the ideal program for school-aged children.

SPORTING SCHOOLS WEBSITE

The Sporting Schools page on the Softball Australia website provides information for schools, coaches, associations, clubs, and private providers.

Coaching endorsement steps and links relevant to current level of accreditation

Associations, clubs and providers – registration of interest and program guidelines

Equipment orders, pre-made kits and build your own options

State sporting office and associations – contact information and locations

http://www.softball.org.au/sporting-schools-landing/

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NATIONAL PROGRAM PROFILE

Since Term 1, softball ranked within the top 15 sports with regards to participation, program delivery and program requests. The introduction of the new online booking portal, initiated by the ASC, has enabled better data capture and ensured all providers and coaches are endorsed within the program requirements.

Softball rankings T3 2016 T4 2016 T1 2017 T2 2017

Participants 12th 10th 10th 12th

Programs delivered 13th 9th 8th (equal) 13th

Program requests 14th 8th 12th 13th

Softball’s ranking is a strong result given our overall size, resources and workforce. We thank all the coaches, coordinators and staff who have helped achieve this level of engagement with schools.

SOFTBALL IN THE SPORTING SCHOOLS PROGRAM

ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA Total

Endorsed coaches

3 66 2 25 28 5 94 27 250

Participants 400 4,193 40 1,448 912 285 6,155 1,062 14,495

Programs requested

13 224 14 101 58 6 269 49 734

Programs delivered

8 116 2 40 30 11 214 25 446

There are many components to conducting and reporting a Sporting Schools program effectively. The ASC continues to make improvements to its online booking system, while we are streamlining our internal communication strategies to help all providers, State Sporting Organisations, coaches and schools to manage and communicate programs efficiently.

The Sporting Schools Program offers clubs a great opportunity to connect with schools and promote their softball programs. With focus on developing strategies to entice these participants to clubs, Sporting Schools is possibility the greatest opportunity available to recruit new members. Sophie Moore Sporting Schools Coordinator

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CLUB AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

HOMEPLATE LADDER PROGRAM

In its inaugural year, the Homeplate Ladder Program recognised affiliated associations for best practice governance and management, membership growth and retention. Points were awarded for achieving certain standards and of 86 associations, 16 achieved the ultimate recognition, Homeplate status, with a score of 81 points or more.

Homeplate Ladder 2017

Rank Association State Total

1 ROCKINGHAM CITY WA 130 2 GOLD COAST Qld 120 3 SOUTHERN TAS Tas 120

4 CUMBERLAND NEPEAN NSW 120

5 SOFTBALL FAR NORTH QLD INC Qld 120 6 SUNCOAST HINTERLAND Qld 110 7 NEWCASTLE NSW 110 8 FAR NORTH COAST NSW 110 9 WAVERLEY Vic 100 10 CAMPBELLTOWN NSW 100 11 FRANKSTON Vic 100 12 CENTRAL DISTRICTS SA 95 13 SEMSA WA 90 14 NORTHERN TAS Tas 90 15 GLEN EIRA Vic 90 16 NORTHSIDE JUNIOR SOFTBALL ACT 85

17 REDLANDS Qld 80 18 PENRITH CITY NSW 80 19 NOOSA DISTRICT Qld 75 20 PORT PIRIE SA 70

The Rockingham City and Districts Association finished on top of the Homeplate Ladder with a total of 130 points, followed closely by Gold Coast Softball Association, Southern Tasmanian Softball Association, Cumberland Nepean Softball Association and Softball Far North Qld Inc, each finishing on 120 points. The highest membership growth of 46.55% was recorded by the Gold Coast Softball Association.

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HOMEPLATE LADDER STATE SUMMARY

States ON BASE

(30-50 pts) GOING FOR HOME

(51-80 pts) HOMEPLATE STATUS

(81+ pts)

ACT 2 1 1

NSW 10 7 4

Qld 2 4 3

Vic 7 2 3

NT 0 0 0

Tas 1 0 2

SA 1 2 1

WA 1 0 2

TOTAL 24 16 16

The Homeplate Ladder Program will continue in 2018 and include associations and clubs

ASSOCIATION COORDINATORS

A proven strategy in helping affiliates improve how they operate is in face-to-face support. Softball Australia continued to invest in Association Coordinator positions around the country through part-funding in ACT, NT, Qld, Tas, Vic, and WA. The following outcomes were achieved by Association Coordinators:

$306,055 in funding secured by clubs and associations

32 Club Health Checks completed

22 plans, policies implemented

55 national participation programs delivered

HOMEPLATE WEBSITE

76 new Homeplate registrations, a total of 379

HOMEPLATE NEWS

903 Homeplate News recipients

NON-AFFILIATES

Our Member States have worked hard in strengthening relationships with non-affiliates resulting in three associations including the Geraldton Softball Association in WA re-affiliating. This wonderful achievement will result in approximately 350 new members.

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NATIONAL AFFILIATION STANDARDS CHECKLIST

105 clubs and associations completed the National Affiliation Standards Checklist

36 clubs and associations compliant with all standards

NATIONAL CLUB DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

Following on from the past two national Club Development workshops held in 2016, Association Coordinators met in Melbourne on 8 October to discuss key initiatives to support affiliates in starting, running and growing their club or association. These workshops demonstrate our commitment to club development as a major strategy in building the capacity of clubs and associations to grow participation and ensure ongoing sustainability.

Presentations and discussions included new national affiliate recognition program Homeplate Ladder, servicing clubs and associations, governance, planning, volunteer recruitment, facility development, grants and sponsorship, junior recruitment and working with non-affiliates towards re-affiliation.

The focus of the workshop based on feedback from previous workshops was to provide the opportunity for each Association Coordinator to share information, processes, strategies, ideas and resources they utilise to support their clubs and associations to learn from each other and to assist them in performing their role. This was successfully achieved by presentations from each Association Coordinator followed by a group discussion on each topic, with each Association Coordinator highlighting the processes and strategies they utilise for each key topic discussed.

Softball Australia would like to thank all attendees for their positive and valuable contribution:

Softball NSW Jody Neilsen, Projects Coordinator Softball NT Brett Toll, Association Coordinator Softball SA Wess Frances, Association Coordinator Softball Tas Evelyn Seabourne, Development Officer Softball Vic Kerrie Laverick, Association Coordinator Softball WA Jessica Watts, Association Coordinator Softball Australia Sophie Moore, Sporting Schools Coordinator Tim Hatzi, Club and Community Development Coordinator

CLUB AND ASSOCIATION DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Three Club Development Interns from Victoria University and Deakin University assisted the Club Development Department in 2016/17. Tim Hatzi Club and Community Development Coordinator

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SOFTBALL FOR ALL Softball Australia continues to ensure that softball is an inclusive and accessible sport for people of all ages, cultures, gender and abilities at all levels.

Since its membership with Sport Inclusion Australia in 2014 (formally known as the 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 24 months, the database has grown from 34 to 125 clubs. In the past year Softball Australia has promoted inclusion at all levels as a strategy to reinforce our dedication to being an inclusive sport.

STRIKE OUT BARRIERS TO SPORT THROUGH SOFTBALL

Softball Australia, in conjunction with Softball Victoria, Werribee Softball Association, Dandenong Softball Association, Adult Multicultural Education Service (AMES), Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY), City of Greater Dandenong and the Wyndham City Council, will be providing greater access to migrant and refugee backgrounds to participate in the sport through the Strike Out Barriers to Sport through Softball project.

The project is one of 12 projects that will receive funding through the Victorian Government’s Multicultural Sports Fund. Softball Australia will receive $30,000 a year for four years to deliver the project and work annually with 40 AMES students (18-25) from migrant and refugee backgrounds. The project aims to train the students through a combined Softball Community Coaching Program and Level 1 Coaching Course and arm them with the resources and skills to form project groups and work as a team to plan, develop and coordinate a series of Social 7s competitions. The competitions will target the wider community to have a go at softball and encourage as many migrant and refugee communities as possible to participate. The students will also learn how to fundraise, budget, advertise, manage and promote the competitions.

This innovative project will be delivered in Werribee and Dandenong in the first two years and after refining the program by means of feedback and thorough evaluation, the program will be replicated in two new locations in years three and four. The aim is to have the competitions self-sustainable to allow them to continue to be delivered in all four locations beyond the funding period.

INDIGENOUS SOFTBALL PROGRAM

The Indigenous Softball Program continued to build capacity for Indigenous communities throughout Australia to organise and manage the delivery of softball programs and competitions.

Softball Australia’s aim is to provide opportunities for Indigenous people of all ages and abilities to become involved in sport and recreation through softball, increasing the social connectedness within communities and allowing them to develop the skills required to organise and manage sustainable softball programs.

In collaboration with Member States, program partners and participating urban, rural, and remote communities, the following outcomes were achieved:

2,508 Indigenous participants involved in softball activities

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52 softball activities delivered to Indigenous participants

122 Indigenous participants successfully attained coaching and officiating accreditation

11 health and community forums held in conjunction with softball programs, carnivals and competitions

Indigenous Umpires presented with Level 1 Umpiring Accreditation Certificates at the Murri Women’s Softball Tournament, Qld

In May, the Australian Government announced that Softball Australia will be funded for another 12 months and receive $70,000 from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet under the Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

In collaboration with our Member States, this funding enables us to continue our involvement with targeted communities to provide opportunities for Indigenous communities to participate in softball activities to improve their health and physical wellbeing and provide increased social benefits. Tim Hatzi Club and Community Development Coordinator

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Murri Women’s Softball Tournament Opening Ceremony. Photo credit: Rose Darroch KR Sports Photos

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PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

SOCIAL 7S

Social 7s, Softball Australia’s slowpitch version of softball that is fast, fun and easy to play, continues to grow across the country.

Since being developed in 2014, Social 7s registration numbers have increased each year, with a 7% rise in registered participants in 2016/17.

For the first time, Social 7s was played in every state and territory, showing the game’s reach is growing.

Social 7s contributed 650 new members to Softball Australia’s total membership base. These people registered and paid to play Social 7s and did not play any other form of softball during the reporting period.

COMPETITIONS

Social 7s offers competition providers flexibility with the option to run as a one-off day or as a regular weekly competition. Eight one-off days and 16 regular weekly competitions held.

PARTICIPANTS

1,235 total participants involved in the 24 competitions Australia-wide

1,118 registered participants through the Social 7s website

650 of the 1,118 were not already registered to play softball (58%)

Melbourne University Staff Corporate Day

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HIGHLIGHTS

Softball NT was successful in obtaining a $10,000 grant through the Australian Sports Foundation’s Giving4Grassroots campaign. The grant allowed them to promote and run their first Social 7s competition in Darwin, in March/April. Part of their promotional campaign included advertising the competition on popular local radio stations. This led to more than 40 people playing in the competition, almost all of them new to softball.

Rockingham City & Districts Softball Association (RCDSA) ran their second season of Social 7s from January to March, growing their numbers from 8 teams in 2016 to 14 teams in 2017. With 155 participants, this was the largest Social 7s competition ever played. I had the distinct pleasure of being invited by RCDSA President, Micheal Canning and RCDSA Social 7s Competition Coordinator, Rebecca Luckens, to visit their association for the finals night of their Social 7s competition, which ran in conjunction with their Masters competition. It was a great opportunity to see first-hand the amazing facility that RCDSA has access to, and to meet their hard-working committee and volunteers who do a fantastic job. It is not surprising that RCDSA was ranked as the top association in 2016/17 on the Homeplate Ladder program.

WA Aboriginal Women's Softball Carnival – Rockingham team

For the first time, Social 7s went indoor. A six-team competition ran at the Eastern Indoor Sports Centre in Knoxfield, Victoria, in August-September. Rules were trialled and modified as the competition progressed. The success of the initial competition led to another six-team competition being held at the same centre in May and June. This appears to be a popular version of the game that has potential for growth in the off-season.

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Softball WA chose Social 7s as the competition format for their 2nd Aboriginal Women’s Softball Carnival. The event was held on 30 October and was a great success with 10 teams and over 90 participants.

Softball ACT ran an eight-week Social 7s competition, from May to June with 12 teams and over 110 participants.

Since 2014, many associations have run multiple Social 7s competitions. Glen Eira Moorabbin (Vic) has run four competitions, whilst South Brisbane (Qld), Georges River (NSW) and Southern Tasmania (Tas) have each run three competitions.

The Townsville (Qld), Sunraysia (SA) and Mackay (Qld) Softball Associations each ran a Social 7s competition for the first time.

MASTERS

Masters softball tournaments, for players over 35 years of age, continue to be well attended. There were 18 Masters competitions throughout the reporting period with a total of 6,253 participants.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Pan Pacific Masters Games, a biennial multisport event held on the Gold Coast, saw 1,728 softball players take the diamond in early November. The Gold Coast Softball Association did an amazing job to help run the softball competition after their clubrooms were tragically burnt down just four weeks prior to the Games commencing.

Softball was also included on the program in other Masters multisport events, including the Alice Springs Masters Games and the Great Barrier Reef Masters.

The annual Softball Queensland Masters held in August attracted over 1,300 softball players.

Softball Victoria’s annual Masters event held on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June saw 49 teams and over 700 participants.

Six Softball NSW affiliates ran their own Masters competitions with almost 90 teams and over 1,240 participants.

Several other affiliates across the country ran their own Masters tournaments, including Riverland (SA), Rockingham City and Districts (WA), Wynnum (Qld), South Brisbane (Qld) and Northern Tasmania.

Softball WA also had more than 250 participants play in weekly Veterans’ competitions. Shane Cantelmi Product Development Coordinator

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TECHNICAL

SCORING

The last 12 months for the National Scoring Committee (NSC) has been a very exciting time with a number of achievements, including the rollout of Chris Trengove’s website capturing national and international events, the collection of historical data, the new revamped Softball Australia Scorers Facebook page, the increased number of scorers applying for international scoring positions and manual updates.

NATIONAL COMMITTEE

Chief Statistician Ngaire Huston Statisticians Mike Hannelly Chris Trengove Lindy Rattigan Sandra Palmer Kirsty Andrews

RESTRUCTURE

Under the governance of Softball Australia, the NSC will undergo a restructure in the next 12 months. The committee will be portfolio-based with five committee members on a two-year reappointment.

TECHNICAL SCORING

The “What’s on Now” page on Softball Australia’s website displays all national and international championships, together with player statistics. Over the next 12 months, the NSC will dedicate time to include even more historical data in this section.

Chris Trengove’s website is accessed and updated by Tournament Chief Scorers (TCS) and the Australian Team statistician. Chris Bailey and Leanne Harvey (Qld) have prepared a detailed manual on how to manage the results on the Tournament Website.

The new revamped Softball Australia Scorer Facebook page is gaining popularity and helping the committee reach our members with 299 page likes since its update in December 2016.

TOURNAMENT WEBSITE MANAGEMENT

Tournament Chief Statisticians at National events are responsible for rostering official statisticians, placement of assistants and technical staff and the responsibility of managing the SALSA database and website.

With the previously mentioned website owned and operated by Chris Trengove, importing game and results data into the website for national and international events is now exceptionally easy and fast for each TCS. At the conclusion of a game, a statistician can re-synchronize and update the Play-by-Play as well as download data into SALSA (where reports are generated for teams and selectors). Thanks to Chris,

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we now have a website that allows for a streamlined process to cover data entry and website reporting at national events.

NATIONALS

The Committee thank statisticians at the various national events 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 who performed as the TCS at national events and thank their supporting scorers as without their tireless work, our events would not run as smoothly as they do.

Chris Bailey (Qld) Lynne Eltoft (WA) Kaye Greggs (NSW)

Sandra Palmer (NSW) Chris Trengove (Vic)

We would also like to acknowledge the following statisticians who volunteered their time to travel interstate to support national events; without their support, the tournaments in Canberra and Perth would not have been scored at the high standard achieved.

Kerryn Bell (Vic) Mike Hannelly (NSW) Tracie Seddon (NSW)

Sean Francis (Qld) Maree Hardwicke (ACT) Lynne Townsend (NSW)

Jim Giles (Vic) Sandra Palmer (NSW) Peta Wakefield (NSW)

Fiona Goffer (Qld) Allison Pendlebury (Vic) Rowena Whittle (NSW)

Lis Hannelly (NSW) Lindy Rattigan (SA)

s Rowena Whittle, Chris Trengove

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NATIONAL QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM

The Quality Assurance program continues to ensure that statisticians are achieving the highest standard possible. The Committee conducted quality assurance assessments of scorers from all games played across the national championships. Thanks to Jim Giles for his valuable assistance with this program.

INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENTS

The large number of quality applications received for Softball Australia team positions has excited the NSC. With additional development teams touring internationally, our elite scorers now have more opportunity on the international stage to gain experience and grow their scoring abilities.

STATISTICIANS APPOINTED

Chris Trengove (Vic) – WBSC XV Women’s World Softball Championships, Surrey, Canada 15-24 July

Lindy Rattigan (SA) – WBSC XI Junior Men’s World Softball Championships, Midlands, Michigan USA 24-30 July

Rowena Whittle (NSW) – Japan Cup August 2 Sep - Sun 4 Sep 2016

Maree Hardwick (ACT) – Steelers Development Team NZ Challenge Cup 9 – 12 February

Rowena Whittle, Liz Hannelly, Maree Hardwicke

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REVITALISED NORTHERN TERRITORY SCORING CLINICS

Mike Hannelly visited Darwin and Alice Spring in June through grants received by Softball NT. The program was enthusiastically received with large numbers attending the clinics for Levels 1 and 2 and iScore. Future mentors and lecturers were identified to ensure the ongoing success of the program in the NT. To further progress scoring opportunities in the region, Darwin has requested a return visit for Levels 1, 2 and iScore within the next six months. Special thanks to Mike Hannelly for doing a great job and getting the program going again in the NT.

NATIONAL FORUM

State Directors and Committee members attended the National Forum held in Melbourne in October. The group spent most of the weekend updating the scoring levels, which will be finalised at the 2017 National Forum. Feedback to date on the draft documentation has been extremely positive, and we thank Chris Trengove for completing the update.

Discussions took place on the All-Tournament Team criteria, availability of more technology to assist with the rollout of scoring at grassroots level and the number of games scored at national events for reaccreditation at Level 4. Completion of Level 4 is scheduled to be finalised within the next 12 months.

Level 1-3 Manuals were updated.

The Australian Sports Commission have recertified the Level 1, 2 and 3 Scoring Manuals for a further 12 months.

NUMBERS BY STATES AS AT 30 JUNE 2017

ACT NSW Qld SA Tas Vic WA NT

Level 1 23 207 126 35 6 50 7 17

Level 2 3 64 2 10 0 30 2 3

Level 3 1 40 13 2 0 11 0 -

Level 4 2 33 28 2 2 16 4 -

FUTURE PLANS

Increase the traffic and number of ‘likes’ to 500 by the end of 2018 on the Softball Australia Scorers Facebook page

Incorporate the scorers’ rules exam into the University of Queensland online platform

Develop a regular newsletter to be broadcast via email and social media

Create a means of income for the National Scoring Committee via merchandise sales

Revamp the scorers section on Softball Australia’s website

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SPECIAL THANKS

To all State Directors who drive the scoring program in their respective states and oversee the development of scorers in the various associations around Australia – thank you!

I would also like to thank the hard working NSC: Kirsty Andrews (Qld), Lindy Rattigan (SA) Sandra Palmer (NSW) Mike Hannelly (NSW) and Chris Trengove (Vic). Without their dedication and commitment, our scoring program would not be where it is today. I would also like to thank Chris Trengove for his invaluable contribution to the website results, and compiling statistics for national and international players.

Ngaire Huston National Scoring Chief

Information provided by: Kirsty Andrews, Mike Hannelly, Sandra Palmer, Lindy Rattigan, Chris Trengove

Peta Wakefield, Liz Hannelly, Jim Giles, Fiona Goffer

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UMPIRING

Internationally, Australia continues to make significant contributions when working with the World Baseball Softball Confederation – Softball Division (WBSC-SD) by reviewing and submitting information to the technical area on request. The National Umpiring Committee (NUC) has continued to prioritise their work in developing and updating recourses for the umpiring program, as well as developing and planning the umpiring pathway.

This year saw many umpires travel internationally and gaining valuable experience working with international crews and teams. The professionalism and ability of these umpires resulted in many achieving finals allocations.

NATIONAL COMMITTEE

Chief Elect Tricia Sibraa - Operations Umpires Leigh Evans – Technical Debbie Grove – Development Scott Rindfleish – Communications Assisting staff

Operations Kristina Travers

Technical Darrell Shephard, Jason Carter Development Kyira Cox, Ron Houison Communications Richard Barrow, Jessie Smith

AWARDS

Kyira Cox (NSW), recipient of the Vivienne Triplett Umpire of the Year Award.

ACCREDITATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

International

Tricia Sibraa continued her role as a section leader for the WBSC-SD, assisting with the development of a new, simplified rulebook with Leigh Evans, Jason Cater and Darrell Shephard providing feedback.

Leigh also sat on the WBSC-SD 3 & 4 umpire system and Mechanic Review Panel providing required diagrams.

MANUALS

The Community Umpire Manual, including flip cards and promotional posters, has been developed to promote the program to Member States, associations, clubs and schools. The development group are now moving towards creating an app for the flip card section of the community program, providing greater reach.

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The following Manuals were updated:

Candidates Manual

Umpiring Pathway

Umpire Mentoring program

The Australian Sports Commission have recertified the Level 1, 2 and 3 Umpires Manuals for a further 12 months.

AUSTRALIAN UMPIRE DEVELOPMENT SQUAD

The following umpires attended a squad forum in February facilitated and organised by Debbie Grove, with presenters Darren Sibraa and Scott Rindfleish, and John Crampton invited as a guest speaker. The forum covered outdoor drills, mechanic scenarios, game management, how to be a student of the game, rules scenarios and concentration and emotional calmness.

Claire Austring (NSW) Andrew Compton (NSW) Richard Dodds (Vic)

James English (NSW) Janelle Hicks (Qld) Dale Kaimoana (Qld)

George Norrish (NSW) Norelle Thomas (Qld) Kristina Travers (NSW)

Chris Trengove (Vic) Stuart Tyler (Vic)

NORTHERN TERRITORY UMPIRE DEVELOPMENT

In May, Debbie Grove travelled to Darwin and Alice Springs to conduct umpiring clinics and practical game experiences. The development courses concentrated on the Community/Level 1 Umpiring Manuals using thetwo2-umpire system. Forty-seven umpires and players were in attendance. A return visit is being organised to further extend these umpires and introduce new umpires to the basics of umpiring.

TECHNICAL BULLETINS

One Technical Bulletin was published – Certified Bats SAL TB 2011-6 Revised v3.1 24 November 2016.

NATIONAL ACCREDITATION Level 5 accreditation Level 7 accreditation Andrew Dickson (ACT) Dylan Murdoch (NSW)

Richard Barrow (Vic) Jason Carter (Vic) Ron Houison (NSW) Yvonne Kahler (Qld)

Level 6 accreditation Level 8 accreditation Claire Austring (NSW) Andrew Compton (NSW) Richard Dodds (Vic) Dale Kaimoana (Qld) Kristina Travers (NSW)

Kyira Cox (NSW) Amanda Houison (NSW)

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APPOINTMENTS

INTERNATIONAL

The National Umpiring Program continues to be held in high regard on the international scene, with umpires appointed to WBSC-SD World Championships and major overseas competitions, including:

Richard Barrow (Vic) XI Junior Men’s World Softball Championship, Midland, Michigan, USA

Kyira Cox (NSW) Amanda Houison (NSW)

XV Women’s World Softball Championship, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

Warren Duff (WA) Japan Cup, Ogaki, Japan

Leanne Gearside (NSW) Women’s European Premiere Cup, Italy

David Casey (Qld) Men’s European Super Cup, Prague, Czech Republic

Trevor Murphy (Vic) European Softball Men’s Championship, Montegranaro, Italy

Leigh Evans, Trevor Murphy and Warren Duff

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NATIONAL

The following umpires were appointed to national championships:

Championship Appointments

Open Women’s and U17 Girls’ National Softball Championships

Tournament Chief Umpire: Debbie Grove (Vic) Crew David Addlem (Vic), Richard Barrow (Vic), Andrew Birks (NSW), Kyira Cox (NSW), David Crowe (NSW), Andrew Gallant (Canada), Leanne Gearside (NSW), Stephen Gutteridge (Qld), Janelle Hicks (Qld), Jan Hora (Czech Republic), Ron Houison (NSW), Kylie Knight (Qld) Dale Kaimoana (Qld), George Norrish (NSW), Breanna O’Connor (Qld), Jessica Rooke (NSW). Callum Thiess (Qld), Norelle Thomas (Qld), James Townsend (NSW), Kristina Travers (NSW), Daryl Vercoe (Tas)

U17 Boys’ National Softball Championship

Tournament Chief Umpire: Kevin Tannebring (SA) Crew Neville Baggow (Qld), Andrew Dickson (ACT), James English (NSW), Mark Gallagher (ACT), Jamie Harries (Qld), Amanda Houison (NSW), Dylan Murdoch (NSW), Trevor Murphy (Vic), Aaron Robertson (Qld), Steve Wallace-Yarrow (SA), Alan Walsh (Qld)

U19 Women’s National Softball Championship and U15 Girls’ Regional Softball Championship

U19 Women - Tournament Chief Umpire: Leigh Evans (Vic) Crew David Addlem (Vic), Kyira Cox (NSW), Andrew Dickson (ACT), Warren Duff (WA), Leanne Gearside (NSW), Dylan Murdoch (NSW), Norelle Thomas (Qld), James Townsend (NSW), Ron Trow (Qld), Steve Wallace-Yarrow (SA), Mark Wareham (WA)

U15 Girls - Tournament Chief Umpire: Kevin Tannebring (SA) Crew Angelo Amara (WA), Danielle Bellchambers (Qld), Paul Brooking (SA), Ian Gray (SA), Steven Gunter (WA), Dale Kaimoana (Qld), Talia McDonald (Vic), Jamie McLean (WA), Darryl Pearce (WA), Leith Roberts (ACT), Joshua Wilde (NSW)

U19 Men’s National Softball Championship and U15 Boys’ Regional Softball Championship

U19 Men - Tournament Chief Umpire: Darren Sibraa (Qld) Crew Claire Austring (NSW), Richard Barrow (Vic), David Casey (Qld), Andrew Compton (NSW), David Crowe (NSW), Richard Dodds (Vic), Jay Gibson (NSW), Stephen Gutteridge (Qld), Jamie Harries (Qld), Chris Trengove (Vic), Alan Walsh (Qld)

U15 Boys - Tournament Chief Umpire: Trevor Murphy (Vic)

Crew Riley Deahm (NSW), Kim Green (NSW), Thomas Green (NSW), Georgia

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Championship Appointments

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: Tricia Sibraa (Qld) Crew Jason Carter (Vic), David Casey (Qld), Leigh Evans (Vic), Mark Gallagher (ACT), Andrew Gallant (Canada), Debbie Grove (Vic), Jan Hora (Czech Republic), Damien McCauley (SA), Trevor Murphy (Vic), Darren Sibraa (Qld), Jesse Smith (NSW)

U23 Women’s and Men’s National Softball Championships (July 2016)

Tournament Chief Umpire: Neville Lawrance (SA) Crew Andrew Compton (NSW), David Crowe (NSW), James English (NSW), Leanne Gearside (NSW), Jamie Harries (Qld), Kristina Travers (NSW), Ron Trow (Qld), Alex Turnbull (Vic), Steve Wallace-Yarrow (SA), Alan Walsh (Qld)

DEVELOPMENT

The Softball Australia International Friendship Series was staffed by Tournament Chief Umpire Richard Dodds and umpire mentors Kevin Tannebring, Dale Kaimoana, David Crowe, David Addlem, Steve Wallace-Yarrow and Leanne Gearside.

Twenty-six umpires (16 full-time) from Levels 1-6 attended, including Robbie Sadgrove and Dennis Ormsby from New Zealand. Throughout the Series, umpires covered 77 games, typically with the three-umpire systems.

Amanda Houison, 2016 Women’s World Championship

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NATIONAL RULES ASSESSMENT

The National Umpiring Committee delivered the Playing Rules Knowledge Assessment online.

In total, 224 umpires sat the exam in April, marking an overall 18% decrease from 2016. Six umpires sat the Deferred and Supplementary Assessment and they achieved an average of nine marks higher.

The national average mark for Levels 4-8 umpires was 90%, while all level comparison had an 83.5% mark.

ACT 6 umpires sat the assessment, 40% decrease

NSW 72 umpires sat the assessment, 30% decrease

NT 0 umpires sat the assessment, no change

Qld 64 umpires sat the assessment, 4% increase

SA 13 umpires sat the assessment, 50% decrease

Tas 11 umpires sat the assessment, 15% decrease

Vic 35 umpires sat the assessment, 8% decrease

WA 23 umpires sat the assessment, 4% increase

NATIONAL BASIC ASSESSMENT

Softball Australia allows players, coaches, parents and umpires applying for Levels 1 and 2 accreditations to sit the National Basic Rules Assessment, aimed at an everyday game level.

The 2017 national basic assessment was facilitated through the online portal and is available all year round. The technical stream used WBSC-SD Development Squad members Dale Kaimoana (Qld) and Richard Dodds (Vic) to set the Basic Rules Assessment. National Staff Member Darrell Shephard (NSW) supervised this process.

In 2017, 166 umpires sat this exam with an average pass mark of 81%.

COMMUNICATION

The Communications and Membership Engagement stream of the National Umpiring Committee is committed to promoting high levels of umpire engagement. We are delighted to celebrate the umpiring success stories from grassroots to international level. We proudly showcase our umpires and our umpire program via our integrated communications and engagement strategy.

The umpiring section on Softball Australia’s website remains our online home. With over 30 pages, this remains the point of reference for strategic priorities of the National Umpiring Program with news, information, resources and tools for all members of our umpiring community.

Blues News Online (BNOL) was first published in 2001 as the umpiring magazine written by umpires for our umpiring community. Our readership grows with the release of every edition and the relevance and range of topics remained strong throughout this year’s quarterly editions. Thank you to all BNOL contributors; your articles importantly relate to all levels of our national program.

Our Facebook page has reached new heights this year, with well over 750 page likes and85 posts. Our

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posts have achieved organic reach of over 100,000, with almost 17,000 active engagements this year.

Three new styles of on diamond uniform jackets to suit summer and winter, male and female styles were released, new travelling uniform shirts were introduced and we have exciting merchandise planned for 2017/2018.

The National Umpiring Committee and our networks are proud to support all umpires and we are committed to promoting strong levels of umpire engagement, so all umpires can achieve great personal satisfaction and enjoyment in our sport. Tricia Sibraa – Operations Chief Umpire Elect

Information provided by: Leigh Evans, Debbie Grove, Scott Rindfleish

Kyira Cox, 2016 Women’s World Championship

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COACHING One of our goals as a sport is to increase membership and participation in softball across Australia. At clubs, associations, in schools and in local communities the first contact for participants is often with a coach. That interaction is vital to the life of our sport as it can shape the motivation of participants in a positive or negative way.

Research shows us that people who have a positive first experience with a coach are more inclined to want to continue in pursuit of that activity. Additionally, participants of all ages that have a bad experience with a coach are more inclined to leave a sport.

Coaching experience, knowledge, techniques and ability to manage player needs are all vitally important to clubs being successful in their efforts to recruit and retain players.

SOFTBALL COMMUNITY COACHING PROGRAM

The Softball Community Coaching Program (SCCP) continues to provide a great introduction to the beginner coach, with 187 individuals completing the face-to-face program in 2016/17.

The SCCP program involves participants presenting and participating in softball-related activities, followed by discussion 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 Programs Participants ACT 0 0 NSW 25 271 Qld 12 119 SA 3 15 Tas 0 0 Vic 11 95 WA 6 53

ACT, NSW, Queensland, SA, Tasmania and Victoria are delivering the combined SCCP and Level 1 program.

LEVEL 4 TEAM COACH WORKSHOP

February saw the roll out of the first Level 4 Team Coach Workshop conducted in conjunction with the Down Under Series at Blacktown International Sportspark. The workshop consisted of face-to-face presentations, group work and group presentations during the day and game observation in the evening.

Topics covered included:

Defensive strategies

Offensive strategies

Advanced batting

Advanced bunting

Advanced base running

The program was delivered by Bob Crudgington who specialises in coaching education and online learning. Through the University of Queensland, Bob’s expertise is in great demand by the larger sports but his

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passion is softball. As a previous High Performance Manager and Head Coach of the Australian Women’s Team, Bob has gathered an enormous amount of knowledge over many years.

LEVEL 4 BATTERY WORKSHOP

Work is well underway for the delivery of the Level 4 Battery Workshop in July 2017. With the Level 4 Battery portal now open, participants are completing pre-course material prior to the face-to-face workshop. The workshop will be conducted over two days in conjunction with the 2017 International Friendships Series and U23 National Championship in Qld.

ACCREDITATIONS

Coaching accreditations recorded in 2016/17 totalled 2,204.

ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA Total 22 1,009 3 364 332 27 312 135 2,204

COACHING ACCREDITATION BY CATEGORY

ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA Total New (first time accreditation)

14 597 3 209 325 25 243 104 1,520

Upgrade (next level) 3 199 0 75 4 0 32 26 339 Reaccreditation (renewed at existing level)

5 213 0 80 3 2 37 5 345

Total 22 1,009 3 364 332 27 312 135 2,204

STATES BY LEVELS

ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA Total Level 1 13 466 3 174 280 25 202 80 1,243 Level 2 0 188 0 120 46 2 59 31 446 Level 3 5 302 0 62 2 0 45 23 439 Level 4 2 41 0 8 1 0 1 0 53 Level 5 2 11 0 0 3 0 5 1 22 Level 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Total 22 1,009 3 364 332 27 312 135 2,204

REVIEW OF THE COACHING ACCREDITATION FRAMEWORK

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has requested all sports conduct a review of their coaching and officiating frameworks. This is a move away from each sport needing to have each level endorsed by the ASC. In future, sports will need to have their frameworks endorsed and reviewed regularly. This involves consultation with stakeholders and analysing the outcomes of surveys. The accreditation framework will also be aligned to the ASC’s FTEM model (Foundation, Talent Identification, Elite and Master).

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SOFTBALL BATTER UP

There have been major changes and improvements to the Softball Batter Up (SBU) program, driven largely by the introduction of the Australian Sports Commission Sporting Schools Program.

ACTIVITY CARDS

All SBU activities align with the Australian Health and Physical Education Curriculum, and each Activity Card contains:

Learning intention

Band levels

Skill focus

Equipment

How to conduct each activity

CHANGE IT

Questions to ask the participants

The Cards contain 65 softball activities in three categories:

22 Starter

28 Get into it

15 Game application

Additional information has been included on the Activity Cards to assist the coach or teacher:

An overview of the SBU program

How to use the SBU activity cards

Planning and conducting an SBU program

Information about Game Sense and

CHANGE IT

How to quickly and easily form groups

Safety considerations

A softball glossary

REDESIGN OF THE WEBSITE

The website has been redesigned with a much fresher look and contains many new features. It can be used as a resource to support the SBU program which “makes playing, teaching, and coaching softball easy!”

The website had 1,283 registered users, many of whom were teachers, coaches or parents looking to learn games they can teach children as they introduce them to softball in a fun and engaging way. The suite of games and functions within the website provides information about how to run games through short videos and provides pre-planned sessions to follow. It also provides an easy to use session planning tool for personalising a program.

ONLINE INDUCTION

Over 350 people have now gone through the SBU online induction. Many of those who completed the course were teachers preparing to deliver softball in their school through the Sporting Schools Program. The course is a great introduction to softball for teachers and beginning coaches. Joanne Paez Participation Coordinator

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TEAMS AND SQUADS

AUSTRALIAN U19 WOMEN’S & U17 BOYS’ DEVELOPMENT TEAMS INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP SERIES, 4-8 JULY 2016

AUSSIE GOLD TEAM (FEMALE)

Haley Marschall (SA), Georgia Hood (SA), Natasha Holt (Vic), Maddison Smith (NSW), Kelsey Griffen (NSW), Emma McLean (WA), Montana Kearnes (NSW), Isabel Zaharias (Vic), Erin Blackmore (Qld), Rachel Leong (WA), Jenna Trim (NSW), Rhiannon Kemp (Qld), Shannon Keevers (NSW), Hollie Keen (Tas)

OFFICIALS – ANNETTE FIDGE (SA, COORDINATOR)

Nathan Jones (WA, Head Coach), Nicky Bacon (NT, Assistant Coach), Alisha Bell (Vic, Assistant Coach), Jacqui Dunn (SA, Manager) Rebecca Yip (WA, Physiotherapist)

AUSSIE GREEN TEAM (FEMALE)

Gabrielle Plain (NSW), Natasha Strapps (SA), Phoebe Collins (Qld), Amber Hood (SA), Mihikura Tuialii (Vic), Maddy Beard (NSW), Rachel Kraak (Qld), Jamie Mead (SA), Chloe Holman (NSW), Brianna Trim (NSW), Tamieka Whitefield (Qld), Ellie Lees (NSW), Tess Henman (ACT), Lauren Herbert (NSW), Tia Waters (Qld)

OFFICIALS

Chantelle James (WA, Head Coach), Janell Behrendt (SA, Assistant Coach), Ashley Castles (NSW, Assistant Coach), Andrea Mansfield (Vic, Manager)

AUSSIE GOLD TEAM (MALE)

Robbie Moore (NSW), Jack Burt (WA), Isaac Caloiero-Smith (Qld), Mac Reith-Snare (NSW), James Watson (WA), Christian Palombi (ACT), Cameron White (Qld), Michael Noonan (Qld), Josh Bond (NSW), Bradley Kilpatrick (NSW), Dylan Hard (Qld), Lachlan McGovern (ACT), Lachlan Spinelli (Vic), Andrew Meyer-Coyte (ACT), Luke Bellamy (NSW)

OFFICIALS – DARRIN HEBDITCH (COORDINATOR)

David Metekingi (Qld, Head Coach), Maurice Paraha (Qld, Assistant Coach), Geoff Shaw (WA, Manager)

AUSSIE GREEN TEAM (MALE)

Layton Reid (Qld), Jacob Donaldson (NSW), Shannon Goffer (Qld), Daniel Harrison (NSW), Henry Groth (NSW), Samuel Miners (ACT), Sheldon Waller (Qld), Jeremy Waters (Qld), Jarrod Garland (NSW), Logan Campbell (NSW), Rhys Shelley (Qld), Bolton Nussbaum (ACT), Thomas Zeylemaker (NSW), Christopher Plain (NSW), Joshua Harding (Qld)

OFFICIALS

Gary Butler (WA, Head Coach), Fiona Mills (Vic, Assistant Coach), Meegan Roberts (SA, Manager)

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DOWN UNDER SERIES – INTERNATIONAL 9-12 FEBRUARY 2017

AUSSIE SPIRIT

Janice Blackman (Qld), Chelsea Forkin (Qld), Leigh Godfrey (WA), Rachel Lack (NSW), Stacey McManus (NSW), Kaia Parnaby (NSW), Gabrielle Plain (NSW), Samantha Poole (NSW), Stacey Porter (NSW), Ellen Roberts (NSW), Carmelle Sorensen (Qld), Erin Thras (Qld), Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW), Clare Warwick (ACT), Tamieka Whitefield (Qld)

Fabian Barlow (Head Coach), Kym Tollenaere (Assistant Coach), Kathy Horton (Assistant Coach), Kelly Hardie (Battery Coach), Lisa Anderson (Manager)

ALL STARS

Jess Bahn (Vic), Amelia Cudicio (NSW), Jackie Di Siervi (Vic), Alex Forsyth (Qld), Jemma Freegard (WA), Simone Freeman (NSW), Shannon Keevers (NSW), Rhiannon Kemp (Qld), Jordan Lambert (SA), Brooke McNamara (Qld), Chelsea Robinson (SA), Tara Speakman (Qld), Tarni Stepto (NSW), Dorinda Stone (Qld), Jessica Torpey (Qld), Tia Waters (Qld), Belinda White (SA)

Kerrie Porter (Head Coach), Annette Fidge (Assistant Coach), Kevin Jenkins (Assistant Coach), Gaye Ledingham (Battery Coach), Jacqui Dunn (Manager)

AUSTRALIAN OPEN WOMEN’S TEAM 15TH WOMEN’S SOFTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, 15-24 JULY 2016 Janice Blackman (Qld), Georgia Blair (Qld), Brenda De Blaes (Qld), Chelsea Forkin (Qld), Rachel Lack (NSW), Jocelyn McCallum (Qld), Stacey McManus (NSW), Kaia Parnaby (NSW), Stacey Porter (NSW), Justine Smethurst (Qld), Carmelle Sorensen (Qld), Vanessa Stokes (SA), Erin Thras (Qld), Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW), Jade Wall (Qld), Clare Warwick (ACT), Belinda White (SA)

Fabian Barlow (Head Coach), Kerrie Porter (Assistant Coach), Kelly Hardie (Assistant Coach), Kym Tollenaere (Assistant Coach), Lisa Anderson (Manager), Christopher Trengove (Statistician), Nathanial Harnett (Physiotherapist), Kathy Horton (Strength and Conditioning)

AUSTRALIAN U19 MEN’S TEAM 11TH JUNIOR MEN’S SOFTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, 24 -30 JULY 2016 Blake Bell (NSW), Alexander Cleary (Qld), Brennan Dempsey (Qld), Chris Gillies (NSW), Aiden Kennedy (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)

Laing Harrow (Head Coach), Darren Hebditch (Assistant Coach), Adam Rindfleish (Assistant Coach), Maxine Cleary (Manager), Lindy Rattigan (Statistician), Aminda Huynh (Physiotherapist)

AUSTRALIAN OPEN MEN’S TEAM NZ CHALLENGE CUP, 8-12 FEBRUARY 2017 James Brownlow (NSW), Aaron Cockman (WA), Tyson Duncan (WA), Jarryd Farrell (SA), Shaun Goffer (Qld), Mark Harris (WA), Julian Jemmott (Qld), Hayden Mathews (NSW), Ryan Merriman (Qld), Liam O'Leary (NSW), Harrison Peters (NSW), Tyrell Priestley (Qld), Jay Selu (ACT), Lewis Weldon (Vic), Jett Wright (WA)

Laing Harrow (Head Coach), Geoffrey Coultas (Assistant Coach), Michael Titheradge (Manager), Anthony Mackie (Video Analyst), Maree Hardwicke (Statistician)

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INTERNATIONAL RESULTS

15TH WBSC WOMEN’S SOFTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

SURREY, CA 15-24 JULY 2016

RESULTS

PLAYOFFS

Aussie Spirit 0 dftd by Mexico 2 Aussie Spirit 1 dftd Italy 0

Aussie Spirit 12 dftd Switzerland 0 Aussie Spirit 1 dftd Chinese Taipei 0

Aussie Spirit 13 dftd Serbia 0 Aussie Spirit 1 dftd by Puerto Rico 4

Phillipines 1 dftd by Aussie Spirit 11

Aussie Spirit 3 dftd by USA 5

Aussie Spirit 0 dftd by China 2

FINAL PLACINGS

1 USA 16 Phillipines

2 Japan 17 Czech Reublic

3 Canada 18 Austria

4 Netherlands 19 Greece

5 Mexico 20 Guatemala

6 Venezuela 21 Peru

7 China 22 Ecuador

8 New Zealand 23 France

9 Puerto Rico 24 Uganda

10 Australia 25 Serbia

11 Chinese Taipei 26 Ireland

12 Brazil 27 Switzerland

13 Great Britain 28 Kenya

14 Italy 29 India

15 Cuba 30 Israel

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11TH WBSC JUNIOR MEN’S SOFTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

MIDLAND, MICHIGAN, USA 24-30 JULY 2016

RESULTS

PLAYOFFS

Junior Steelers 1 dftd by Argentina 9 Junior Steelers 5 dftd Mexico 1

Junior Steelers 3 dftd Czech Republic 2 Junior Steelers 3 dftd by Argentina 4

Junior Steelers 17 dftd Denmark 0

Junior Steelers 8 dftd Botswana 0

Junior Steelers 3 dftd by USA 4

FINAL PLACINGS

1 Japan

2 New Zealand

3 Canada

4 Argentina

5 USA

6 Australia

7 Czech Republic

8 Mexico

9 Botswana

10 South Africa

11 Denmark

12 Israel

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NZ CHALLENGE CUP

ALBANY, NEW ZEALAND 8-12 FEBRUARY 2017

RESULTS

PLAYOFFS

Aussie Steelers 12 dftd Samoa 3 Aussie Steelers 6 dftd Czech Republic 0

Aussie Steelers 3 dftd by Argentina 9

Aussie Steelers 8 dftd Czech Republic 1

Aussie Steelers 1 dftd by New Zealand 8

Aussie Steelers 4 dftd Samoa 2

Aussie Steelers 3 dftd by Argentina 6

Aussie Steelers 7 dftd by Czech Republic 11

Aussie Steelers 4 dftd by New Zealand 5

Aussie Steelers 3 dftd by Japan 7

FINAL PLACINGS

1 New Zealand

2 Argentina

3 Japan

4 Australia

5 Czech Republic

6 Samoa

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INTERNATIONAL DOWN UNDER SERIES

BLACKTOWN INTERNATIONAL SPORTSPARK, NSW 9-12 FEBRUARY 2017 Softball Australia Technical Delegate Richard Costantino

Umpire-in-Chief Andrew Rindfleish

Tournament Chief Statistician Kaye Greggs

Tournament Convenor Cathy Kerr

GRAND FINAL RESULT

Japan 4 dftd Aussie Spirit 0

FINAL PLACINGS

AWARDS

1 Japan Most Valuable Player – Stacey Porter (Aussie Spirit)

2 Aussie Spirit Best Pitcher – Ayaka Izumi (Japan)

3 All Stars Best Batter – Chelsea Forkin (Aussie Spirit)

4 New Zealand Player of the Grand Final – Yukari Hamamura (Japan)

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AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

70TH OPEN WOMEN’S NATIONAL SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYING FOR THE GILLEY’S SHIELD

BLACKTOWN INTERNATIONAL SPORTSPARK, NSW 2-8 JANUARY 2017 Softball Australia Technical Delegate Kylie Bloodworth

Umpire-in-Chief Debbie Grove

Tournament Chief Statistician Chris Trengove


GRAND FINAL RESULT

NSW Firestars 8 dftd Qld Heat 0

FINAL PLACINGS

AWARDS

1 NSW Firestars Midge Nelson Medal – Most Valuable Player – Chelsea Forkin (Qld)

2 Qld Heat Lorraine Woolley Medal – Best Pitcher – Justine Smethurst (Qld)

3 WA Flames Sybil Turner Medal – Best Batter – Stacey Porter (NSW)

4 ACT Diamonds Rosemary Adey Medal – Rookie of the Year – Tahli Moore (NSW)

5 Vic Titans Player of the Grand Final – Kaia Parnaby (NSW)

6 SA Starz

ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

Pitcher Justine Smethurst (Qld) Catcher Carmelle Sorensen (Qld) 1st Base Simone Freeman (NSW) 2nd Base Jordan Lambert (SA) 3rd Base Stacey Porter (NSW) Shortstop Stacey McManus (NSW) Outfield Chelsea Forkin (Qld) Sam Poole (NSW) Janice Blackman (Qld) Designated Player Bree Wanke (Vic)

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34TH OPEN MEN’S NATIONAL SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYING FOR THE JOHN REID SHIELD

HAWKER INTERNATIONAL SOFTBALL CENTRE, ACT 9-14 JANUARY 2017

Softball Australia Technical Delegate Frank Curcio

Umpire-in-Chief Tricia Sibraa

Tournament Chief Statistician Sandra Palmer

Tournament Convenor Jon Wells

GRAND FINAL RESULT

ACT 89ers 3 dftd Qld Patriots 0

FINAL PLACINGS

AWARDS

1 ACT 89ers Most Valuable Player – Hayden Mathews (NSW)

2 Qld Patriots Best Pitcher – Harri Peters (NSW)

3 NSW Best Batter – Hayden Mathews (NSW)

4 Vic Rookie of the Year – Dayle Child (SA)

5 WA Western Blaze Player of the Grand Final – Andrew Kirkpatrick (ACT)

6 SA

ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

Pitcher Harri Peters (NSW) Catcher David Edwards (Vic) 1st Base Aaron Cockman (WA) 2nd Base Brendon O’Byrne (WA) 3rd Base George Psimaris (Vic) Shortstop Julian Jemmott (Qld) Outfield Hayden Mathews (NSW) Zenon Winters (ACT) Jamie Sheehan (ACT) Designated Player Josh McGovern (ACT)

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44TH U19 WOMEN’S NATIONAL SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYING FOR THE ELINOR MCKENZIE SHIELD

MIRRABOOKA INTERNATIONAL SOFTBALL STADIUM, WA 15-21 JANUARY 2017

Softball Australia Technical Delegate Richard Costantino

Umpire-in-Chief Leigh Evans

Tournament Chief Statistician Lynne Eltoft

Tournament Convenor Luci Powell

GRAND FINAL RESULT

NSW 8 dftd SA 0

FINAL PLACINGS

AWARDS

1 NSW Most Valuable Player – Tiffany Zuch (Qld)

2 SA Best Pitcher – Gabrielle Plain (NSW)

3 Qld Best Batter – Maddison Smith (NSW)

4 Vic Player of the Grand Final – Gabrielle Plain (NSW)

5 ACT

6 WA

ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

Pitcher Gabrielle Plain (NSW) Catcher Maddison Smith (NSW) 1st Base Tiffany Zuch (Qld) 2nd Base Chloe Holman (NSW) 3rd Base Brianna Trim (NSW) Shortstop Tamieka Whitefield (Qld) Outfield Sara Riou (WA) Rhiannon Kemp (Qld) Shannon Keevers (NSW) Designated Player Gemma Hamilton (Vic)

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29TH U19 MEN’S NATIONAL SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYING FOR THE NOX BAILEY SHIELD

REDLANDS SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION, QLD 15-21 JANUARY 2017

Softball Australia Technical Delegate Daphne Bickle

Umpire-in-Chief Darren Sibraa

Tournament Chief Statistician Chris Bailey

Tournament Convenor Sue Nisbet

GRAND FINAL RESULT

Qld 8 dftd NSW 1

FINAL PLACINGS

AWARDS

1 Qld Most Valuable Player – Josh Bond (NSW)

2 NSW Best Pitcher – Layton Reid (Qld)

3 ACT Best Batter – Jeremy Waters (Qld)

4 Vic Player of the Grand Final – Layton Reid (Qld)

5 WA

ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

Pitcher Layton Reid (Qld) Catcher Jack Burt (WA) 1st Base Shaun Lanaghan (NSW) 2nd Base Blake Jackson (NSW) 3rd Base Julian Scott-Davies (Qld) Shortstop Jeremy Waters (Qld) Outfield Ryschan Thompson (Qld) Josh Bond (NSW) Samuel Reale (Vic) Designated Player Brock Finlay (Qld)

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48TH U17 GIRLS’ NATIONAL SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYING FOR THE ESTHER DEASON SHIELD

BLACKTOWN INTERNATIONAL SPORTSPARK, NSW 2-8 JANUARY 2017

Softball Australia Technical Delegate Kylie Bloodworth

Umpire-in-Chief Debbie Grove



GRAND FINAL RESULT

NSW 5 dftd SA 1

FINAL PLACINGS

AWARDS

1 NSW Most Valuable Player – Monique Smith (Qld)

2 SA Best Pitcher – Jorja Barrett (NSW)

3 Vic Best Batter – Shaylan Whatman (NSW)

4 Qld Player of the Grand Final – Jenna Trim (NSW)

5 WA

6 ACT

ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

Pitcher Jorja Barrett (NSW) Catcher Faith Pickard (SA) 1st Base Madisun Graham (Qld) 2nd Base Shania Watson (NSW) 3rd Base Shaylan Whatman (NSW) Shortstop Olivia Kuzminski (WA) Outfield Monique Smith (Qld) Georgia Reynolds (Vic) Layhnee Kearnes (NSW) Designated Player Georgia Hood (SA)

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27TH U17 BOYS’ NATIONAL SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYING FOR THE ARTHUR ALLSOPP SHIELD

HAWKER INTERNATIONAL SOFTBALL CENTRE, ACT 2-7 JANUARY 2017

Softball Australia Technical Delegate Sue Rindfliesh/Nicole Bacon

Umpire-in-Chief Kevin Tannebring

Tournament Chief Statistician Sandra Palmer

Tournament Convenor Jon Wells

GRAND FINAL RESULT

Qld 5 dftd NSW 0

FINAL PLACINGS

AWARDS

1 Qld Most Valuable Player – Sheldon Waller (Qld)

2 NSW Best Pitcher – Layton Reid (Qld)

3 ACT Best Batter – Jarred Garland (NSW)

4 SA Player of the Grand Final – Layton Reid (Qld)

5 WA

6 Vic

ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

Pitcher Layton Reid (Qld) Catcher Rhys Shelley (Qld) 1st Base Cameron Henderson (NSW) 3rd Base Kyle Doherty (ACT) Pivots Jarred Garland (NSW) Jeremy Waters (Qld) Outfield Dylan Hopgood (SA) Cody Rodwell (Vic) Kingsley Dawson (WA) Designated Player Sheldon Waller (Qld)

Page 62 of 72

U15 GIRLS’ REGIONAL SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

MIRRABOOKA INTERNATIONAL SOFTBALL STADIUM, WA 15-21 JANUARY 2017



Tournament Chief Statistician Lynne Elfoft

Tournament Convenor Ebony Waru

GRAND FINAL RESULT

NSW METRO GREEN 8 DFTD NSW METRO ORANGE 1

FINAL PLACINGS

1 NSW Metro Green

2 NSW Metro Orange

3 SA Red

4 WA Gold

5 Qld Flames

6 SA Blue

7 Qld Fire

8 Victoria

9 NSW Country Gold

10 WA White

11 ACT Development

Page 63 of 72

U15 BOYS’ REGIONAL SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

REDLANDS SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION, QLD 15-21 JANUARY 2017

Softball Australia Technical Delegate Daphne Bickle

Umpire-in-Chief Trevor Murphy

Tournament Chief Statistician Chris Bailey

Tournament Convenor Sue Nisbet

GRAND FINAL RESULT

Qld Storm 8 dftd Qld Thunder 2

FINAL PLACINGS

1 Qld Storm

2 Qld Thunder

3 NSW Metro Orange

4 NSW Metro Green

5 Victoria

6 NSW Country Gold

7 WA Development

8 ACT Development

Page 64 of 72

OTHER RESULTS

2016 INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP SERIES – WOMEN’S COMPETITION

BLACKTOWN INTERNATIONAL SPORTSPARK, NSW 4-8 JULY 2016


Umpire-in-Chief Richard Dodds



GRAND FINAL RESULT

DNP (inclement weather) Winners: Aussie Gold

FINAL PLACINGS

AWARDS

1 Aussie Gold Most Valuable Player – Rhiannon Kemp (Aussie Gold) 2 Aussie Green Best Pitcher – Gabrielle Plain (Aussie Green) 3 Waverley Best Batter – Jamie Mead (Aussie Green) 4 Qld 5 Torrens Valley Redsox 6 NSW 7 ISA NZ 8 NZ Emerging Sox 9 Southern Pride

ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

Pitcher Gabrielle Plain (NSW) Catcher Natasha Holt (Aussie Gold) 1st Base Sarah Diener (NSW) 2nd Base Amelia Mercuri (Waverley) 3rd Base Montana Kearnes (Aussie Gold) Shortstop Jenna Trim (Aussie Gold) Outfield Rhiannon Kemp (Aussie Gold) Tia Waters (Aussie Green) Carly Shulz (Qld) Designated Player Jamie Mead (Aussie Green)

Page 65 of 72

2016 INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP SERIES – MEN’S COMPETITION

BLACKTOWN INTERNATIONAL SPORTSPARK, NSW 4-8 JULY 2016


Umpire-in-Chief Richard Dodds



GRAND FINAL RESULT

DNP (Inclement Weather) Winners: Aussie Green

FINAL PLACINGS

AWARDS

1 Aussie Green Most Valuable Player – Jeremy Waters (Aussie Green)

2 NZ Emerging Sox Best Pitcher – Layton Reid (Aussie Green)

3 Queensland Best Batter – Logan Campbell (Aussie Green)

4 Australia Gold

5 Western Civil

6 Southern Pride

7 NSW

ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

Pitcher Layton Reid (Qld) Catcher Brock Finlay (Queensland) 1st Base Jack Burt (Aussie Gold) 2nd Base Jeremy Waters (Aussie Green) 3rd Base Owen Thompson (Queensland) Shortstop Kody Clueard (NZ Emerging Sox) Outfield Alexander Clayton (Western Civil) Andre Hart (NZ Emerging Sox) Sheldon Waller (Aussie Green) Designated Player Logan Campbell (Aussie Green)

Page 66 of 72

2017 AUSTRALIA CUP

WEST BEACH, SA 12-14 MAY 2017

Softball Australia Technical Delegates Richard Costantino/Nicole Bacon


Tournament Convenors Kelsey Knuckey/Christalee Marrone

GRAND FINAL RESULT

Open Women – Mildura Eagles 11 dftd Hills Softball 1 Open Men – Hills Softball 6 dftd Nairne Angels 0 Masters Women – Lady Adeys 12 dftd Saints 2 U17 Girls – Sturt Navy 4 dftd Renegades 3 U15 Girls – Sweet Heat 4 dftd Glenmore Phantoms 2 U13 Girls – Sturt Blue 8 dftd Sturt Navy 7

COMPETITION WINNERS

Home Run Derby (Open Women) Sophie Hoyle (Mildura Eagles)

Home Run Derby (Open Men) Kye Sinnott (Hills Softball)

Fastest Pitch (U17 Girls) Millie Fidge (Sturt)

Running the Bases (U15 Girls) Tamara Johns (Hills Softball)

Running the Bases (U13 Girls) Georgia Burr (Sturt Navy)

Page 67 of 72

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 68 of 72

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

Helen Edwards 2016 Vic

Danielle Stewart (Bouman) 2016 Qld

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

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

Page 69 of 72

NAME YEAR STATE

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

Matt Gowty 2006 Qld

Troy Baverstock 2005 NSW

Kylie Herbert 2005 NSW


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


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

Gaye Ledingham 1997 NSW

Pat Shearwood 1995 ACT

Sandra Troyahn 1995 Vic

Page 70 of 72

NAME YEAR STATE

Arthur Allsopp* 1992 Vic


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

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 71 of 72

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



Jenny Holliday AM 2001 Vic

Joyce Lester OAM 2001 Qld

Audrey McLaughlin AM 1999 Qld


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 72 of 72

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PRINCIPAL PARTNERS

INDIGENOUS SOFTBALL PROGRAM PARTNER

BUSINESS NETWORK

Documents

SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA · Softball NT, Softball SA and Softball Tas to manage their finances and support key staff. This is significant progress towards collaboration and unification