2012 Annual Report - Softball Australia

ANNUAL Report 

2012 

DIVERSITY COMMUNITY FUN EXCELLENCE ENGAGEMENT TEAMWORK

Purpose 

• be the dynamic and innovative leader of Softball in Australia 

• engage, support and inform all softball stakeholders 

• raise the profile and standing of and participation in softball 

• support and deliver quality competitive and recreational softball opportunities locally, nationally 

and internationally. 

Vision 

We will be the world’s number one Softball nation, providing exciting competitive and 

recreational opportunities to a rapidly expanding and diverse membership and to communities 

across Australia. 

Level 1, Suite 2, 273 Wellington Street, Collingwood VIC 3066 

T 03 9417 0022 

www.softball.org.au 

Softball Australia Ltd ACN 092 181 318

Contents 

Highlights ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 

Chairman’s Report .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 

Acting CEO’s Report ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 

Message from the Australian Sports Commission ................................................................................................................................................ 10 

Softball Australia’s Strategic Plan ................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 

Organisational Structure ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 

Our Committees ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 

High Performance ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17 

Membership ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21 

Member Recognition ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27 

Coaching.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 38 

Scoring..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40 

Umpiring .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 45 

Technical Delegates ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 53 

Community Participation ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 54 

Softball Community Coaching Program .................................................................................................................................................................... 58 

Softball Batter Up .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 60 

CRM Project Update .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 63 

Teams ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 64 

International Results .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 72 

Australian Championship Results ................................................................................................................................................................................. 76 

Other national results ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 83 

Softball Australia Life Members ................................................................................................................................................................................... 85 

Softball Australia Hall of Fame inductees ................................................................................................................................................................ 85 

ISF Hall of Fame inductees .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 88 

Member States ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 89 

Partners and sponsors ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 90 

Glossary ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 92 

John Reid Shield image courtesy Donkin Gook Photography 

SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Highlights 

Highlights 

ISF Oceania Men’s Qualifier 

In the lead up to the 2013 ISF XIII Men’s World Championship in New Zealand, 1-10 March, the ISF Oceania Men’s 

Qualifier was held at Hawker International Softball Centre, ACT in December 2011. The Aussie Steelers qualified for the 

World Championships, finishing the Series undefeated. Samoa and Papua New Guinea participated in the Qualifier, with 

Samoa also qualifying for the World Championship. 

Strike Out Breast Cancer 

During the U19 Women’s Championship (Perth) and the U17 Girls Championship (Hobart), Softball Australia, Softball WA 

and Softball Tasmania joined forces on the Strike Out Breast Cancer campaign to raise awareness for the National 

Breast Cancer Foundation. A total of $8,800 was raised for the Foundation. 

Men’s Argentina Tour 

In September 2011, the Aussie Colts travelled to Parana, Argentina for the 2012 ISF IX Junior Men's World Championship. 

The tour gave the Aussie Colts a chance to visit and familiarise themselves with the venue and region where they would 

be returning for the 2012 ISF IX Junior Men’s World Championship in November 2012. The Aussie Colts will be looking to 

win their fifth consecutive title. 

The Aussie Steelers Squad also travelled to Argentina, providing the younger members with an opportunity to 

experience international competition. 

NSW Firestars 

It was a clean sweep for the NSW Firestars, winning the Gilley’s Shield, Edebone-Weber Shield and McLaughlin Cup in 

the Open Women’s Championships. Congratulations to NSW Firestars for being the first team to achieve this result. 

New Softball Australia Award – Player of the Grand Final 

After reviewing the Softball Australia Awards process in 2010/11, a Player of the Grand Final Award for each of our 

national events was introduced. 

Australian U19 Men’s Squad – Aussie Colts 

As part of the preparation for the 2012 ISF IX Junior Men’s World Championship to be held in Argentina from 1-10 

November 2012, the squad participated in the John Reid Shield, Australian Open Men’s Championship in February, 

picking up wins against Victoria and New South Wales. 

New association and club website 

Following a review of the website and feedback from users, the ‘new look’ association and club website was released in 

December 2011. The new format provides administrators with a more user-friendly, flexible environment which can be 

tailored to suit association and club requirements, while still offering generic content provided and maintained by 

Softball Australia. 

New branding for National Teams 

In May, the new team logos for our national teams were unveiled. The graphic components are unique to each team. 

They have their own style and energy and represent the values of each national team with a refinement of existing 

shapes (Aussie Steelers and Aussie Colts) and the creation of new logos (Aussie Spirit and Aussie Pride). 

SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 Page | 1

Highlights 

Transitions 

Aussie Steeler, Josh Davison, announced his retirement from international competition. 

Achievements 

Darryl Clout, former President of Softball Australia, was recognised as a Softball Australia Life Member and Bob Harrow, 

Australian Open Men's Head Coach, Paul Maisey and Peta Edebone (former players) were inducted into the ISF Hall of 

Fame. 

Two of our umpires were appointed to the final of the 2011 ISF IX Junior Women’s World Championships gold medal 

game: Helen Strauss (Qld) was appointed the plate and Yvonne Kahler (Qld) was appointed second base. 

Helen is the first Australian umpire to plate umpire a World Championships gold medal match. She is also the first 

person to represent her country as a player and an umpire. Congratulations Helen! 

Bob Harrow receiving his ISF Hall of Fame plaque from Darryl Clout 

Image courtesy Donkin Gook Photography 


Chairman’s Report 


The highlight of the year was our national teams' performances on the international 

stage. Congratulations to Kere Johanson and the Australian Open Women’s Team, 

Aussie Spirit, on finishing 3 rd and 4 th respectively at the Canadian Open International 

Women’s Fastpitch and the World Cup of Softball VI in the USA. Supported by a 4 th 

place from the Australian U19 Women’s Team, Aussie Pride, in the IX ISF Junior 

Women’s World Championships in South Africa, it makes future successes on the world 

stage look very promising for our women's program. Australia maintains its place as the 

World’s Number 1 Softball nation, due to the success of the Australia Open Men’s 

Team, Aussie Steelers and the Australian U19 Men’s Team, Aussie Colts. With 

international achievements in mind, we also recognise three outstanding individual 

contributors, Bob Harrow, Peta Edebone and Paul Maisey, who were inducted into the 

ISF Hall of Fame for their outstanding performances in the elite realms of Softball. 

Operationally, the past year for Softball Australia has been challenging. We saw the resignation of our CEO, Sue Noble, 

after 3½ years of service to Softball Australia, the departure of Julie Anderson, Manager High Performance Pathways and 

Matt Cairns, Business Development Manager. There was also the resignation of two Board members, Ashley Klein and 

Vicki Lahey. We thank them for their contribution. 

Financially also, Softball Australia has experienced its most demanding year. Two world championships to attend in the 

one year along with staff changes resulted in a significant financial loss. While a sizeable operating loss was budgeted 

due to the timing of the new world championship calendar, the magnitude was greater than anticipated due to many 

unforseen events and circumstances faced. Having now put all of these issues behind us, we can look forward to a 

brighter future for Softball as we continue to address the many legacies, and restructure the organisation for improved 

outputs whilst aligning to stakeholders’ needs and minimising operational costs. 

The Governance Committee has met bi-monthly over the past 12 months to review Softball Australia’s policies, 

guidelines and regulations, as well as confer on governance matters raised by the Softball Australia Board. This year has 

been particularly productive for this Committee with the revision of administrative and governance policies and the 

review of existing documents. All documents were made available as a resource tool for use and adoption by Softball 

Australia and Member States. By the conclusion of 2012 we anticipate the completion of a revised eCommunications 

Policy and Risk Management Policy and operating documents will also be reviewed. A refined Membership Policy will 

be developed to reflect the recommendations of the comprehensive membership review, including new membership 

categories. Work continues to align Member States Constitutions, purposes and objectives with Softball Australia. In 

addition, the Softball Australia Ambassador program continues to provide support for Member State Boards as required 

and a direct line of communication between a Softball Australia Director and State President. 

Internationally, significant steps have been made for the inclusion of women's Softball back onto the Olympic Games 

program. At the XXV World Congress in 2011, the ISF committed to a strategy of a joint bid with Baseball in an attempt 

to regain admission into the 2020 Olympics. The position of the Softball Australia Board and other ISF members, 

supported by feedback received from IOC members, was that Softball had an improved chance of inclusion with a joint 

bid with Baseball, rather than standing alone. The ISF Congress overwhelmingly voted to pursue this strategy and a 

Working Party was established to progress this direction. 

Albeit slowly, the framework is being prepared for a joint legal identity internationally and targeted strategy developed 

for presentation and formal consideration at a World Softball Special Congress scheduled for October 2013. Softball, 

together in a joint bid with Baseball, is one of seven sports bidding for inclusion in the 2020 Olympics, the decision to 



be made at the 2013 IOC Session scheduled for September in Buenos Aires. Other sports bidding are Climbing, Karate, 

Roller Sports, Squash, Wakeboard and Wushu. While there is never any certainty, we remain quietly confident that our 

joint proposal is an enhanced and attractive proposition for Olympic Games inclusion if that is the direction taken by 

the ISF at Congress. 

Recognition 

I would like to acknowledge the contribution and achievements of the volunteers who support our sport and make it 

possible for many Australians to participate, day in and day out. As in most sports, the majority of recognition is 

bestowed upon front-line personnel and the elite. Whilst their contribution is certainly noteworthy and deserved, it is 

often the volunteers behind the scenes who make it all possible. There is a plethora of coaches, scorers, umpires, 

grounds-personnel, administrators, committees, parents and supporters who donate huge amounts of their personal 

time to make this sport possible. These volunteers contribute enormous amounts of work-time freely to enable the 

registered players to participate in officially organised and recognised Softball. 

I also take this opportunity to thank the Softball Australia Directors, our Member State Boards, and association and club 

committees for giving their time freely to support the running and development of our sport. Being a volunteer 

administrator in sport can be a thankless task, attracting as it does the brunt of criticism for decisions made for the 

overall good of Softball, rather than parochial interests. 

Following the departure of our CEO in June 2012, Chet Gray was appointed Acting CEO. A restructure of all Softball 

Australia operations was immediately conducted with a view to streamline operations and reduce expenditure, while 

maintaining focus on resourcing key deliverables. As a result, a number of portfolios were amalgamated to develop a 

new operations team. 

We thank Chet for the job he has done during this period and to the Softball Australia staff who have collectively 

supported and contributed to achieving these endeavours, and now, we look forward to the New Year with renewed 

vigour and enthusiasm. The recruitment process for the CEO position will be contemplated early in 2013. 

Thank you also to the remaining Softball Australia Board members for their persistence and resilience for not only 

addressing the many challenges we faced, but remaining unified and steadfast in our conviction of creating a better 'go 

forward position' for the sport. Board numbers remained at a minimum during this period and we are now in the 

process of recruiting and increasing our numbers back to full complement for customary operating levels. 

Finally, we would like to thank our Principal Partner, the Australian Sports Commission who supported Softball Australia 

during this difficult period. Without their ongoing support and offered assistance we would have struggled to endure 

this period. Softball Australia appreciates the support of the ASC as we look to the future. 

Dennis Cullen 

Chairman 

Karina Cannon (NSW) with the Gilley’s Shield 



Acting CEO’s Report 


Our five year strategic plan has provided the sport with a foundation for sustained growth and reform. 

The past 12 months has seen a number of changes in 

staff and structure at Softball Australia. Sue Noble 

(CEO), Julie Anderson (Manager High Performance 

Pathways), Matt Cairns (Manager Membership and 

Business Development), Lauren Boland (Membership 

and Business Development Coordinator), Phil Hazlett 

(Schools & Club Development Coordinator), Nina Xu 

(Finance Coordinator) and Raelene Jeffrey (National 

Community Coach) departed Softball Australia seeking 

new challenges. 

In particular, I would like to acknowledge Sue Noble’s 

contribution to Softball Australia over the past 3½ 

years. Development of a five year Strategic Plan, 

improving the governance structures, quality assurance, 

instigating marketing, membership and event research 

and review remain a strong legacy of Sue’s tenure with 

Softball Australia. Sue’s contribution has enhanced the 

strategic direction and governance standards of the 

organisation. 

Following Sue’s departure, I stepped into the position 

of Acting CEO. The Softball Australia Board and staff 

have been very supportive during this time of 

transition. 

The departure of several key staff members resulted in 

new appointments. We welcomed Joanne Paez 

(Softball Batter Up Coordinator), Trisha Bennett 

(National Community Coach Coordinator) and Hari 

Prasad (Financial Coordinator) and the return of Kylie 

Bloodworth (Membership and Marketing Coordinator) 

and we look forward to their contribution. 

In February, Jenny Cassidy was appointed as the Acting 

Manager High Performance Pathways to oversee the 

High Performance area until a full review of the 

program has been completed in early 2013. 

Internal staff restructuring was undertaken to address 

administrative and operational requirements. 

In October 2011, the Softball Australia office relocated 

from Hawthorn to Collingwood. The purpose was to 

reduce costs and improve the office layout and 

functionality. 

During 2011-12, our finances recorded a deficit, due to a 

number of unforeseen circumstances. 

Recognition of success 

A highlight in 2011 was the induction of Bob Harrow, 

Paul Maisey and Peta Edebone into the ISF Hall of 

Fame. Their contribution and achievements on and off 

the Softball diamond have now been recognised at the 

highest level. Softball Australia congratulates these 

worthy individuals on such an outstanding 

achievement. 

In December, the Australian U19 Women’s Team, Aussie 

Pride, coached by Paula McGovern (Vic), competed in 

the ISF IX Junior Women’s World Championship in 

Cape Town, South Africa. The Team finished 4 th , going 

down to Chinese Taipei 3-2 in a thrilling encounter in 

the bronze medal game. 

The Australian Open Women’s Team, Aussie Spirit, 

competed in the Canadian Open International 

Women’s Fastpitch tournament where they finished in 

3 rd place. The Team then moved on to Oklahoma (USA) 

for the World Cup of Softball VI where they finished in 

4 th place. 

The Australian Open Men’s Team, Aussie Steelers and 

the Australian U19 Men’s Team, Aussie Colts, travelled 

to Parana, Argentina. The Aussie Colts competed in the 

IV International Men’s Softball Tournament, while the 

Aussie Steelers competed in a separate tournament. 

Both teams finished 1 st in their divisions. This event 

provided our Aussie Colts with valuable experience in 

the lead up to the ISF IX Junior Men’s World 

Championship to be held in Parana in November 2012. 



Congratulations to the NSW Firestars for taking out 

both the Gilley's Shield and Edebone-Weber Shield 

with a nail-biting finish against the ACT Diamonds 2-1. 

This is the first time a team has won both the Gilley’s 

Shield and the Edebone-Weber Shield in the same year. 

ACT retained the John Reid Shield (Open Men) while 

NSW successfully defended the Elinor McKenzie Shield 

(U19 Women) making it six in a row. Qld was this year’s 

winners of the Nox Bailey Shield (U19 Men). NSW 

continued their domination in the junior age groups 

winning both the Esther Deason (U17 Girls) and Arthur 

Allsopp Shields (U17 Boys). Congratulations to all 

participants! 

Congratulations to Helen Strauss (Qld), the first 

Australian umpire at an ISF World Championship to be 

appointed as the plate umpire for a gold medal game. 

Helen is also the first Australian to represent her 

country as a national player and umpire at an ISF World 

Championship. Congratulations also to Yvonne Kahler 

(Qld) who was appointed second base umpire in the 

Championship final. 

Capacity building 

A significant decline in membership was again recorded 

in 2011-12. To address this major issue, work 

commenced with the establishment of the 

Membership Review Project Team. The purpose of the 

Project Team is to address the decline in participation 

and membership by developing a more inclusive 

membership model. Through extensive consultation, 

the Project Team identified individual and institutional 

(associate) membership categories which could 

realistically be implemented. 

Some of the key achievements of the Project Team in 

the past 12 months were: 

• development of individual and associate 

membership categories 

• development of a new membership model to be 

presented to the Member States 

• preparation of Memorandums of Understanding 

(MOUs) with key national partners – the Australian 

Defence Force, Special Olympics Australia, School 

Sports Australia and Australian University Games 

• ensuring alignment of the new national database 

with existing and proposed Softball programs and 

membership model 

• initial work to implement opportunities identified 

in the Market Insights Project, 2012 National 

Softball Survey and Segmentation Final Report 

The next phase will be to achieve short term priorities 

to maintain momentum and progress inclusion of the 

following categories: 

• finalise the new membership categories with our 

Member States 

• sign-off MOUs with key national partners identified 

above 

• finalise key processes, such as registration, revenue 

and data flow 

• finalise member benefit packages and fee structures 

for each category of membership 

• draft a Membership Policy (consistent with clause 

5.5.7 of our Constitution) that supports the 

expansion of Softball Australia’s membership model 

• develop a communication plan to explain the 

features and benefits of the new model to all 

stakeholders; to demonstrate value for money and 

to encourage eligible potential members to join 

• ensure the National Membership Database and 

other relevant programs (SBU, SCCP, Social Softball, 

etc) will accommodate new membership categories 

• apply the knowledge gained from the Market 

Insights Project, for example, optimal price points, 

preferred benefit packages and communication 

channels 

Softball Australia, in partnership with the ASC, engaged 

the services of Sport Business Partners to conduct 

substantial market research in identified high priority 

areas. The research aimed to provide information to 

Softball Australia to strengthen the delivery and 

commercialisation of the sport. Sport Business Partners 

provided their final National Softball Survey and 

Segmentation Report. The report provided 

considerable insight into the perceptions and 

expectations of the Softball community, including 

current and former members, and the broader 

Australian community. 

Softball Australia is now utilising the information to 

identify strengths and weakness within the Softball 

market when we address our new membership model. 



Sustainability 

Our national events provide an opportunity to 

showcase our sport, promote the sport and enhance 

spectator involvement. Last year we established the 

Event Review Committee to evaluate and review all 

aspects of the current national events program. The 

intention of the review was to develop an effective, 

commercially viable and sustainable national events 

program. 

Michael Shields, Softball Victoria Board Member, was 

appointed to conduct interviews throughout Australia 

with coaches, officials, administrator, participants and 

spectators to seek feedback regarding our national 

events program. The report indicated a need for similar 

standards across all tournaments, provide a better 

focus on our volunteers and to improve the overall 

atmosphere of these events to engage and attract 

more spectators. 

The Event Review established short, medium and long 

term goals that need to be finalised in consultation 

with our Member States, such as: 

• trial combined events (eg U17 Boys and Girls same 

venue) or Gilley’s Shield and U17 Girls 

• a review of the national events calendar, including 

all Softball events (international, national and state) 

with the purpose of improving the current schedule 

• trial a proposed event model at one event, eg U17 

• develop a full working document for a centralised 

event program which includes procedures, 

processes, costings and case studies 

• identified and recruited volunteer SCCP Coaches to 

deliver the pilot programs in each state and 

established baseline numbers for FY12 and FY13 (as 

part of planning/pilots) 

• finalised the national ISP strategy and the 

membership model for remote Indigenous 

communities, launched the ISP program in Canberra 

on 23 March with MOU sign-off in Northern 

Territory, South Australia and Western Australia 

• 7,896 ISP participants through various initiatives 

In High Performance: 

• delivery of six National Catchers and Battery Camps 

in ACT, NSW, SA, Tas, Vic and WA 

• development and implementation of a national 

Strength and Conditioning program for Open and 

U19 

• review and restructure of the National Elite 

Development program with the focus on the Daily 

Training Environment (DTE) 

• establishment of a National Coaches Leadership 

group, which includes the formation of the 

National Coaching Committee and establishment 

of the Battery Reference Group with work 

commencing on the National Softball Coaches 

Guidelines 

Our deliverables 

Over the past 12 months we have achieved many of our 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). 

In participation: 

• finalised the Softball Batter Up (SBU) program and 

Kids Zone for associations and clubs and delivered 

25 pilot programs, with 1,517 SBU participants taking 

part 

• appointed a National Community Coach 

Coordinator and three coordinators to develop the 

SCCP resources 

• conducted four Softball Community Coach pilot 

programs to compile feedback on the induction 

course resources and delivery methodology. 

Stacey Webber 

Stacey Webber (Qld) was one of the standouts for the 

Aussie Pride team with impressive statistics that included a 

batting average of 0.556, a huge 14 RBI display from 6 games 

(6 singles, 1 double and 3 home runs) and a slugging average 

of 1.111 

Image courtesy Donkin Gook Photography. 



Building partnerships and engagement of stakeholders 

Our partnership with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and engagement with our Member States is vital to 

Softball Australia’s future growth and viability in this ever change sporting environment. 

I would like to acknowledge the ongoing support and assistance of the ASC’s David Crocker, Kim Williams, Andrew 

Pratley, Peter Topp, David Simpson, Jonathan Grady, Michael McGovern, Holly French, and numerous others who, 

behind the scenes, continue to support our many programs and initiatives. 

We continued to work closely with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to deliver our Indigenous Softball 

Program to remote communities in rural and regional Australia. 

I would also like to acknowledge the staff and volunteers of all host associations who conducted national 

championships and events during 2011-12. An enormous amount of hard work goes into providing the facilities and 

infrastructure for such events to take place. 

It would also be remiss of me not to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful band of loyal partners and sponsors: 

• Australian Sports Commission 

• Australian Institute of Sport 

• Easton/Addlon Trading 

Our people 

My appreciation is extended to the directors, staff and volunteers of Softball Australia and our Member States who 

continue to make an invaluable contribution to the management and governance of the sport in Australia. Their hard 

work, dedication and passion cannot be underestimated and will continue to be required as we take Softball forward 

together. 

Softball is heading into a new era both on and off the diamond. While we wait for a decision regarding the joint 

Baseball/Softball submission to the International Olympic Committee for the 2020 program, it is the responsibility of 

all stakeholders to unite and tackle the immediate challenges confronting us. 

These challenges include ensuring that the game stays relevant for the next generation and provide quality participation 

and pathway opportunities for both the recreational participant and future national team representatives. 

Looking forward 

Indigenous Role Model, Jeff Goolagong (ACT), Open Men’s Team, Aussie Steelers 

Our five year strategic plan has provided the sport with a foundation for sustained growth and reform. We will 

continue to deliver our KPIs over the next 12 months: 

• implement the first stage of the revised or new national events program 



• deliver the initial stage of the new inclusive membership and participation model 

• provide a new Member State website and updated national website 

• deliver a fully integrated national membership database 

• full implementation of the Softball Community Coach and Softball Batter Up programs in every state and into 

schools 

• deliver a nationally coordinated Daily Training Environment which achieves National Coach expectations 

• achieve top three results at ISF World Championships 

• deliver a National Battery program 

• expand the social inclusion program to include recreational and corporate slow pitch opportunities 

• achieve a budget surplus and transparent financial reporting processes 

• develop and implement the first stages of the National Community Umpiring Program 

We are now focused and determined to achieve the challenges before us! 

Chet Gray 

Acting CEO 


ASC Message 

Message from the Australian Sports Commission 

The Australian Government is committed to increasing participation in sport and for our high performance athletes to 

excel on the world stage. Sport not only inspires and unites; it also promotes community involvement and active 

lifestyles. 

The Olympic and Paralympic Games is an exciting time for Australians and highlights the substantial contribution of 

sport to the Australian community, from athletes competing in the Games to those involved in weekend club 

competition and social play, as well as parents and volunteers. 

Australia’s performance at the London Olympic and Paralympic Games is the culmination of extensive long-term efforts 

across the Australian high performance sector. Following the Games, there will be opportunity to celebrate our success 

and critically review our next steps to ensure we focus and align our efforts to deliver the best possible results on the 

world stage. 

It is two years since the Australian Government delivered its new vision for sport through Australian Sport: The Pathway 

to Success. As a result the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) received an increase in recurrent funding. Since then, we 

have focused on implementing our new plans, delivering key programs, supporting national sporting organisations 

(NSOs) to deliver participation and high performance outcomes while also assisting with building there capacity and 

improving collaboration, alignment and effectiveness within the Australian sport sector. 

The 2012 Budget delivered a continuation of the Active After-school Communities program. This will enable primary 

school-aged children across the country the opportunity to embed sport and physical activity into their daily life. We 

will continue working with sporting organisations at all levels to ensure the program provides maximum value to sports 

and supports the transition of program participants into local clubs. 

The Prime Minister’s Olympic and Paralympic Challenges were a unique way for primary school children to capture the 

Olympic spirit and create their own Olympic journey. This initiative encouraged and inspired children to get active, 

have fun and earn rewards. This, coupled with participation programs delivered by NSOs, continues the Australian 

Government’s commitment to ensuring greater access to the benefits of sport. 

The support received from the Australian Government for Australian sport is essential and plays an integral role in 

connecting our young sporting participants with their dreams of podium success in the future. 

This is an exciting and challenging time for Australian sport. The Australian Sports Commission looks forward to working 

with sporting organisations, state and territory institutes and academies of sport and departments of sport and 

recreation, to promote access to, and participation in sport. Together we can promote an active lifestyle and develop 

sporting champions now and into the future. 

Mr David Gallop 

Acting Chairman 

Board of the Australian Sports Commission 


Strategic Plan 

Softball Australia’s Strategic Plan 

Purpose 

Softball Australia's purpose is to: 

• be the dynamic and innovative leader of Softball in 

Australia 

• engage, support and inform all Softball 

stakeholders 

• raise the profile, standing of, and participation in 

Softball 

• support and deliver quality competitive and 

recreational Softball opportunities locally, 

nationally and internationally 

Vision 

We will be the world’s number one Softball nation, 

providing exciting competitive and recreational 

opportunities to a rapidly expanding and diverse 

membership and to communities across Australia. 

Values 

• collaborative & cooperative 

• supportive & responsive 

• inclusive & equitable 

• open & transparent 

• innovative & creative 

• flexible & dynamic 

• professional & respectful 

• proactive & enthusiastic 

• accountable & ethical 

• competitive & tenacious 

Strategic themes 

Softball Australia will achieve its purpose and vision by 

focusing on the following strategic themes that will 

underpin all our objectives and initiatives. We will: 

• build a vibrant, diverse, satisfied and growing 

membership, Softball community and other key 

stakeholders (our market) 

• adopt an innovative and integrated ‘whole of sport’ 

approach to Softball (our product) 

• demonstrate governance and management 

leadership, excellence, accountability and good 

stewardship 

• deliver marketing and business development 

excellence (promotion, communication, 

information and commercial acumen) 

• provide quality people (staff, volunteers, players, 

coaches, officials), facilities, equipment, technology 

and other non-financial resources 

• establish a robust and sustainable financial base 

that enables us to invest in the future of Softball 

Strategic objectives 

By 30 June 2014, we will achieve the following strategic 

objectives: 

• Membership of more than 60,000, with an annual 

growth rate of 10% 

• A high level of member awareness, engagement and 

satisfaction with the performance of Softball 

Australia and their Softball experience 

• Significant growth in participation and take-up of 

Softball Australia and Member State activities, 

including competitions, social activities, and 

training, development and accreditation programs 

• A high level of positive awareness, recognition, 

understanding, support and engagement from 

funding-bodies, the media, general public, sponsors, 

commercial partners and other sporting bodies 

• Staff and volunteers who will be highly engaged, 

motivated, skilled, respected and service focused 

• An Australia-wide network of international, 

national and community facilities to enable us to 

deliver a great Softball experience 

• A portfolio of successful and viable competitions, 

programs and services 

• Up-to-date technology in place to assist with: 

• our knowledge and understanding of our 

stakeholders 

• efficient development and delivery of our 

programs, products and services 


Strategic Plan 

• effective communication and the sharing of 

information 

• efficient management of the business of Softball 

• Best practice governance and management across 

all levels of the sport 

• Current and relevant policies and regulations 

• Quality marketing and business development to 

support the promotion, development and delivery 

of Softball across Australia 

• Stable, viable and sustainable finances to support 

the continued growth and development of Softball 

Key initiatives in 2012/13 

The following key initiatives are to be delivered over 

the next 12 months in order for Softball Australia to 

deliver on our strategic objectives. 

Market – member value proposition 

Community Participation 

• establish baseline figures for various Softball 

participation programs 

• deliver several participation initiatives to achieve 

over 10,000 participants 

Membership 

• increase Softball membership by 4% and convert 

unaffiliated participants to members 

• finalise MOUs with Australian Defence Force, 

School Sport Australia, Australian University Sport, 

Special Olympics and Masters programs 

• develop the association and club performance 

audit and recognition programs and implement the 

first stage of a national community officiating 

program 

Organisational capacity – organisation value 

proposition 

High Performance 

• Open Women's and U19 Men’s Teams to achieve a 

top three finish at ISF World Championships 

• Open Men's Team to achieve a gold medal at the 

ISF World Championship 

• deliver the Daily Training Environment (DTE) 

programs in Member States 

Technical 

• finalise the National Facility audit, Facility 

Management Guide and Softball Field Guidelines 

• increase coaching and officiating accreditation by 

5% 

• Softball Community Coaching Program to build the 

community coach workforce by 10% induction 

courses nationally, targeting 500 participants 

• complete National Events Review and develop a 

three year implementation plan 

Technology 

• deliver the CRM System and implement the 

Membership Database with all remaining Modules 

to Members States, associations and clubs (as 

required) 

Internal business process – optimisation 

Marketing and Business Development 

• all Member State Constitutions aligned with 

Softball Australia governance principles 

• finalise the Membership Policy, new members and 

participants categories and fees structure 

• develop Corporate Marketing Plan and implement 

promotional plans for Indigenous Softball Program, 

Softball Batter Up, national teams and Softball 

Community Coaching Program 

• restructure Softball Australia’s Working 

Committees and develop directors’ portfolios in 

line with office management staff 

Financial – shareholder value proposition 

• achieve a budget surplus with a bank reserve and 

maintain cash flow at a minimum $50,000 

• implement an efficient and transparent financial 

control system and reporting process that is 

transparent, which includes a viable debt collection 

procedure 


Jessie Meyers (NSW) celebrating her home run at the IX ISF Junior World Championships, South Africa 

Image courtesy Matthew Horne 


Organisational Structure 

Organisational Structure 

Softball Australia Directors 

Dennis Cullen (Chairman) Vicki Lahey (resigned 28 June 2012) 

Annette Fidge 

Michelle Nancarrow 

John Hollingsworth 

Selwyn Williams 

Ashley Klein (resigned 14 May 2012) 

Helen Langenberg 

Management team 

Chief Executive Officer Sue Noble (left June 2012) 

General Manager Operations & Technical Chet Gray (commenced Acting CEO 28 June 2012) 

Manager High Performance Pathways Julie Anderson (left January 2012) 

Jenny Cassidy (commenced as Acting in February 2012) 

Membership & Business Development Manager Matt Cairns (left June 2012) 

Marketing & Business Development Coordinator Lauren Boland (left October 2011) 

National Events Coordinator 

Michael Chard 

Finance Coordinator Nina Xu (left November 2011) 

Replaced by Hari Prasad 

Australian AIS Women’s Program Coordinator 

Kylie Moulds 

eCommunications Coordinator 

Helen Davis 

Special Projects Manager 

Rafael Martins 

School & Club Development Coordinator Phil Hazlett (left September 2011) 

Social Inclusion Coordinator 

Tim Hatzi 

Administration Coordinator 

Tracey Duscher 

National Community Coaches Jenny Cassidy & Raelene Jeffrey (left June 2012) 

Honorary SAL Historian 

Margo Koskelainen OAM 

Australian AIS Women’s Head Coach 

Kere Johanson 

Membership & Marketing Coordinator Kylie Bloodworth (commenced November 2011) 

Softball Batter Up/National Community Coach Joanne Paez (commenced May 2012) 

National Community Coach Coordinator Trish Bennett (commenced October 2011) 


Our Committees 

Our Committees 

High Performance Committee 

Julie Anderson (Softball Australia staff) 

Jenny Cassidy (Softball Australia staff)) 

Chet Gray (Softball Australia staff) 

Selwyn Williams (Softball Australia Director) 

Michelle Nancarrow (Softball Australia Director) 

Kere Johanson (AIS/Open Women’s Head Coach) 

Sue Nisbet (Qld) 

Bob Harrow (Open Men’s Coach) 

Paula McGovern (U19 Women’s Coach) 

John Neilsen (U19 Men’s Coach) 

Terry Downes (Qld) 

Participation Committee 

Sue Noble (Softball Australia CEO) 

Lauren Boland (Softball Australia staff) 

Matt Cairns (Softball Australia staff) 


Vicki Lahey (Softball Australia Director) 

Evelyn Seabourne (Tas) 

Nikkie Molander (Qld) 

Lindy Rattigan (SA) 

Raelene Jeffrey (Softball Australia staff) 

Marketing & Business Development Committee 


Lauren Boland (Softball Australia staff) 


Helen Davis (Softball Australia staff) 

Ashley Klein (Softball Australia Director) 


Roger Maddern (Vic) 

Membership Committee 



Dennis Cullen (Softball Australia Director) 

Vicki Lahey (Softball Australia Director) 

Susan Rindfleish (NSW) 

Noelene Elvish (NT) 

Mark Jeppesen (Qld) 

Roger Maddern (Vic) 

National Scoring Committee 

Michael Hannelly – Chief Statistician (NSW) 

Carolyn Buttsworth (NSW) 

Ngaire Huston (Qld) 

Lindy Rattigan(SA) 

Chris Trengove (Vic) 

Mary Walkinshaw (Vic) 

National Events Committee 


Michael Chard (Softball Australia staff) 

Kylie Bloodworth (Softball Australia staff) 

Jenny Cassidy (Softball Australia staff) 


Mike Hannelly (NSW) 

Jodie Bowering (Qld) 

Tricia Sibraa (Qld) 

Sheryl Burnie (Tas) 

Shirley Schneider (WA) 

Technical Committee 



Dennis Cullen (Softball Australia Director) 

Ken Culpitt (ACT) (resigned November 2011) 

Mike Hannelly (NSW) 

Tricia Sibraa (Qld) 

Margo Koskelainen (Vic) 

Ray Carter (Vic) 

National Umpiring Committee 

Tricia Sibraa – National UIC – Operations (Qld) 

Leigh Evans – UIC – Technical (Vic) 

Debbie Grove – UIC – Development(Vic) 

Yvonne Kahler (Qld) 

Darren Sibraa (Qld) 

Bridget Cameron (Qld) (November 2011) 

Kyira Cox (NSW) (November 2011) 

Amanda Houison (NSW) 

History & Recognition Committee 

Ken Culpitt (ACT) 

Cathy Kerr (NSW) 

Neville Lawrance (SA) 

Audrey McLaughlin AM (Qld) 

Margo Koskelainen OAM (Vic) 

Lorraine Ireland (Vic) 

Shirley Schneider (WA) 


New Branding for National Teams 

Softball Australia announces new branding for national teams 

In May 2012, the new team logos for our national teams were unveiled. The logos complete a review of the Softball 

Australia national team brand after the redesign of the team uniforms with new uniform supplier, Kukri. 

The graphic components are unique to each team. They have their own style and energy and represent the values of 

each national team with a refinement of existing shapes (Aussie Steelers and Aussie Colts) and the creation of new 

logos (Aussie Spirit and Aussie Pride). 

The Aussie Spirit leadership group, Stacey Porter (NSW), Jodie Bowering (Qld) and Leigh Godfrey (WA) had a great deal 

of input into the design, with the logos representing the five core values of the team Aussie Spirit Vice Captain, Jodie 

Bowering says ‘The new logo compliments not only the values and objectives of the team and to be allowed the input 

to the new logos gave the girls a sense of ownership to the Aussie Spirit direction moving forward.’ 

The Aussie Steelers and Aussie Colts maintain the integrity of the previous logos with the images of the kangaroo and 

colt, both formidable animals, strong and tough like our World Champion teams 




Harnessing the knowledge and expertise of our national head coaches to develop the high performance initiatives will 

strengthen our vision for closer alignment of all programs. 

With change comes innovation and diversity. 

To ensure ongoing success on the international stage, 

Softball Australia is striving to create an elite 

environment for our teams to achieve success. One of 

our 2011/12 priorities was to provide a robust training 

and competition schedule to prepare our athletes, 

coaches and officials for their World Championship 

campaigns. Other priorities included: 

• establish a National Leadership Advisory Group 

comprising all national head coaches 

• closer alignment of both our men and women’s 

programs 

• provide succession planning to ensure sustainable 

long term success 

• review our National Elite Development Program 

implementation plan 

• introduce a National Strength and Conditioning 

programs for U17 boys and girls 

• in consultation with National Head Coaches and 

Member State, establish a DTE model to be 

delivered to accommodate each program’s 

requirements 

• develop the National Coaching Guidelines for state 

based DTE coaches 

National Coaching Leadership Advisory 

Group 

The National Coaching Leadership Advisory Group 

replaces the formerly appointed High Performance 

Working Committee. Committee members are: 

• Kere Johanson, Head Coach 

Australian Open Women, Aussie Spirit 

• Bob Harrow, Head Coach 

Australian Open Men, Aussie Steelers 

• Shane Hughes, Head Coach 

Australian U19 Women, Aussie Pride 

• Gary Butler, Australian U19 Men 

Aussie Colts 

• Vicki Bingley, Head Coach 

Australian U17 Girls 

• Kathy Horton, Head Coach 

Australian U17 Boys 

The National Coaching Leadership Advisory Group has 

appropriate leadership to provide effective program 

governance and management. They will assist with the 

direction of our identified priorities for all national 

programs. Harnessing the knowledge and expertise of 

our national head coaches to develop the high 

performance initiatives will strengthen our vision for 

closer alignment of all programs. We would like to 

acknowledge and thank all members of the High 

Performance Working Group for their time and 

commitment to Softball. 

National Head Coaches 

Kere Johanson 

AIS Australian Open Women 

Bob Harrow 

Australian Open Men 

Shane Hughes (March 2012) 

Paula McGovern (December 2011) 

Australian U19 Women 

John Neilsen 

Australian U19 Men 

Kathryn Horton 

Australian U17 Boys 

Vicki Bingley 

Australian U17 Girls 



Elite competition 

2011 ISF IX Junior Women’s World 

Championship 

The Australian U19 Women’s Team, Aussie Pride, 

finished 4 th at the IX ISF Junior Women’s World 

Championship held in South Africa from 7 -17 

December 2011. It was a closely contested competition 

with the team only losing games to the three eventual 

medal winners – USA, Japan and Chinese Taipei. 

Australia commenced the World Championship 

campaign with a 12-1, 5 innings victory against Russia in 

front of a strong crowd of Aussie Pride supporters. The 

match was highlighted by a 3 run home run hit by 

Jessica Meyers (NSW) in the 3 rd innings. 

The following day saw an unpredictably tight 

encounter against Brazil, with Australia winning 3-0. 

The team was defeated on day 3 by the 2 nd ranked 

Japanese team 7-2, the second innings proving to be 

the difference between the two teams as Japan scored 

4 runs from 5 hits. Australia went on to win the final 

three round games, with a 10-0 win over Germany, a 

spectacular 9-4 win over Chinese Taipei and 7-0 win 

over Argentina. 

Stacey Webber (Qld) was one of the standouts for the 

Aussie Pride team with impressive statistics that 

included a batting average of 0.556, a huge 14 RBI 

display from 6 games (6 singles, 1 double and 3 home 

runs) and a slugging average of 1.111. Lana Tye (NSW) 

also displayed exceptional pitching form throughout 

the World Championship, notably striking out 12 

batters in the semi-final against Chinese Taipei. 

2011 Canadian Open Fastpitch International 

Championships and World Cup of Softball VI 

The Australian Open Women’s Team, Aussie Spirit, 

competed in the Canadian Open Fastpitch 

International Championship in Vancouver from 9-17 

July 2011 and the World Cup of Softball VI in Oklahoma 

from 21-25 July. The team finished 3 rd and 4 th 

respectively, playing 19 games over 15 days and 

completing a vital part of their preparation for the 2012 

XIII ISF Open Women's World Championship. 

Australia finished in second position of pool B, earning 

a double chance in the finals series where they met the 

defending champions, the USA. Although defeated by 

the USA, there were a number of noteworthy 

performances from the Aussie Pride defense, 

committing only one error all game. Pitchers Lana Tye 

(NSW) and Ellen Roberts (NSW) combined for 5 strike 

outs. 

With a second chance on offer and progression to the 

final four at stake, Australia defeated New Zealand 7-0 

in 6 innings. 

Australia was courageous in the play-off for the bronze 

medal, going down 3-2 in the 9 th innings to a stronger 

opponent in Chinese Taipei. 

Vanessa Stokes (SA) pitches at Round 1 Gilley’s Shield 

Image courtesy Neil Medland 



Other events 

Test Series: Australia v New Zealand 

At the conclusion of the Edebone-Weber Shield in 

Canberra, Aussie Spirit and the New Zealand White Sox 

competed in a three game Test Series. Australia took 

out the series 3-0, defeating New Zealand in the final 

game 8-0. Christina Kreppold (WA), Kara Murphy (NSW) 

Vanessa Stokes (SA) and Marina Walker (Vic) played for 

Australia for the first time. 

International Challenge Series: Japan v 

Australia 

At the completion of Gilley’s Shield Round 4 at 

Blacktown Olympic Park (NSW), a squad of 20 athletes 

were selected to compete against Japan in a 7 game 

series in Canberra from 21-24 March 2012. The Series 

allowed both teams to use the competition as a final 

selection event for the 2012 XIII ISF Open Women's 

World Championship. 

The Japanese team consisted of the number one 

women’s pitcher, Yukiko Ueno, and fellow 2008 

Olympic gold medallists, Yukiyo Mine, Rei Nishiyama 

and Eri Yamada. 

Japan took out the series 5-2, with Australia finishing 

strongly in the last game to win a spectacular game 6-5. 

Securing the number two world ranked team and 

reigning Olympic Softball gold medallists for a test 

series leading into the World Championship was a 

great achievement for Softball Australia and testimony 

to the strength of Australian Women’s Softball on the 

world stage. 

Stacey Porter (NSW) was awarded Most Valuable 

Player of the series, playing in all 7 games, hitting 3 

home runs with a batting average of 0.421. 

AIS Women’s Softball Program 

The AIS Softball Program was established in 1993 and 

has been a major factor in the strength and success of 

Australian Women’s Softball. The purpose of the 

program is to provide a Daily Training Environment 

(DTE) for elite female athletes, that supports the 

development of world class players and nurtures 

champion Australian teams. Softball Australia and the 

AIS Head Coach, Kere Johanson, coordinate a network 

of coaches in each state to assist in the provision of 

expert contemporary coaching and training. 

Seven AIS training camps were conducted during the 

year to support the national team in the lead up to the 

2012 XIII ISF Open Women's World Championship held 

in Yukon, Canada from 13-22 July: 

• AIS pre-tour Camp, Blacktown, NSW, 2-3 July 2011 

Australian based athletes and coaches attended a 

two day training camp prior to departure for the 

Canadian Open Fastpitch International 

Championships in Vancouver. 

• AIS Induction Camp, AIS Canberra, ACT, 8-11 

September 2011 

The athletes were addressed by acting AIS CEO, Phil 

Borgeaud, and were provided with anti-doping and 

nutrition information. The Aussie Pride joined the 

camp as part of their final preparation for the IX ISF 

Junior Women’s World Championship held in South 

Africa, 7-17 December 2011. 

• AIS Pre and post Gilley’s Shield, Round 1 Camps, 26 

and 31 October 2011 

• AIS Pre Gilley’s Shield, Round 2 Camp, 24 November 

2011 

• AIS Camp, Blacktown, NSW, 2-4 March 2012 

• AIS Camp, West Beach, SA, 2-4 June 2012 

Twelve athletes and national coaching staff 

attended this final camp prior to departure to the 

US and Canada. 

• AIS pre-tour Camp, Oklahoma University, 24-26 

June 2012 

Seventeen athletes and national coaching staff 

attended the Camp. 

In December 2011, 25 of the available 28 AIS 

Scholarships were selected to the Australian Open 

Women’s Squad. Scholarships were awarded on an 

eight month basis with the intention of providing 

sports medicine and science support to recipients, as 

well as access to the facilities of the AIS and the State 

Sports Academies and Institutes in ACT, NSW, Qld, Vic, 

WA and SA. 



Events Review 

In February 2011, the Softball Australia Board endorsed a proposal to undertake a comprehensive review of Softball 

Australia’s National Events program. In the initial phase of the review, key stakeholder interviews were conducted to 

gather information to identify what was, and wasn’t working Recommendations were prepared for discussion and 

approval by the Softball Australia Board. 

Members of the Event Review Working Group were: 

• Kylie Bloodworth (Softball Australia) 

• Michael Chard (Softball Australia) 

• Chet Gray (Softball Australia) 

• Cathy Kerr (Softball NSW) 

• Sue Nisbet (Softball Qld) 

• Trevor Schorer (Softball WA) 

• Mike Shields (Softball Vic) 

• Steve Trzcinski (Softball SA) 

The Group will recommend future event mix, structure and process, through: 

• scoping all aspects of the current Australian Championship program with a view to implementing an effective, 

commercially viable and sustainable program that is more attractive to participants, spectators, business partners, 

funding bodies and the media 

• the evaluation and introduction of new event concepts eg the Australia Cup concept arising from the Softball 

commercialisation and research projects 

On behalf of High Performance, I would like to thank all staff members, volunteers, team staff and Member States for 

their ongoing passion, dedication and support of all our national squads and teams. For Softball in Australia to continue 

to move forward, it is critical we attract, develop and retain a hard working network of coaches, mangers and support 

staff. To guarantee ongoing success on the international stage, Softball Australia also recognises the outstanding 

support of our key stakeholders, particularly the ASC and AIS. This support allows our national teams to participate in 

elite international events, whilst endorsing a High Performance training environment for coaches and athletes 

throughout Australia. 

Paula McGovern 

Paula McGovern was appointed Head Coach of the Australian U19 Women’s team, 

Aussie Pride, in 2008. For the past 7 years, Paula has been a national selector for the 

Australian Open Women's Program, four of those years as chair of the U 19 Women's 

Selection panel. 

A valued member of the High Performance Working Committee, Paula assisted 

Softball Australia in the development of resources, providing feedback on coach 

education and delivering coaching courses to a range of coaches and teachers over a 

10 year period. 

Paula’s commitment to developing young athletes and her passion for the game is 

unquestionable. A career highlight was leading the team at the IX Junior World 

Championship, South Africa, December 2011. 


Membership 

Membership 

The Membership Review Project has provided Softball Australia with a clear way forward … 

Our Members 

This statistical snapshot of membership provides a brief picture of Australia-wide participation in mainstream programs 

within our associations and clubs. It must be noted that the trend of decline in traditional membership has continued in 

2011, whilst the Membership Review Project has yet to implement strategies to arrest this state. 

Positively, it is worth noting that Western Australia has resisted a nation-wide trend, recording growth in excess of 17%, 

on the back of strong increased female participation. 


Membership 

Membership Management Plan 

The membership management plan has provided 

impetus for the creation of a Membership Review 

Project Team, overseen by Michael Shields (Vic): 

• Sue Rindfleish (NSW) 

• Mark Jeppesen (Qld) 

• Bob Nicholson (SA) 

• John Milbourne (Tas) 

• Jenny Holliday (Vic) 

• Trevor Howard (WA) 

• Andrew Pratley (ASC) 

• David Simpson (ASC) 

The Project Team has progressed work on priorities in 

the last 12 months with a focus on implementing 

strategies identified in the past year to help arrest the 

decline in membership. In November 2012, the key 

action will have been achieved, with the presentation 

of a new membership model to Member States at the 

Softball Australia Annual General Meeting for their 

consideration. 

In addition, further outcomes have been advanced, 

including: 

• preparation of Memorandums of Understanding 

with key national partners, that include significant 

providers of Softball outside of the traditional 

sport structure 

• development of a proposed member rewards 

scheme and new business model 

• alignment of the new national database with 

existing and proposed Softball programs and 

membership model 

• initial work to implement opportunities identified 

in the Market Insights project, 2012 National 

Softball Survey and Segmentation Final Report 

This work is seen as an essential complement to the 

new membership model, the impact of which will be 

enhanced as the sport continues to accept changes to 

the status quo. 

Market research 

The 2012 National Softball Survey and Segmentation 

Final Report provided considerable insight into the 

perceptions and expectations of the Softball 

community, including current and former members, 

and the broader Australian community. Softball 

Australia will use the report to shape not only the new 

membership model, but the development of initiatives 

that supplement the model and strengthen the overall 

position of the sport. 


Softball Australia is presented with an opportunity to not only address the trend of membership decline, but at the 

same time, the perceived weaknesses of the current sport structures. The Membership Review Project has provided 

Softball Australia with a clear way forward. To complement the Project in 2012/13, Softball Australia will continue to 

expand the Softball Batter Up, Indigenous Softball and Softball Community Coaching Programs. In addition, possible 

future initiatives, such as Little League, will provide a broader experience for membership. 

Jodie Bowering, Aussie Spirit 



Membership 

Membership breakdown 


Membership 

Membership breakdown (cont’d) 


Membership 



Membership 



Member Recognition 


2011 Softball Australia Awards and Honours Dinner 

The 2011 Softball Australia Awards and Honours Dinner was held at the Rooty Hill RSL on 18 February 2012 following the 

conclusion of the John Reid and Gilley’s Shield Championships. Joyce Lester, Olympian and member of the Softball 

Australia Hall of Fame, was the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. 

Two very special presentations were made during the evening – Darryl Clout was formally recognised for his 2010 Life 

Membership and Bob Harrow, Australian Open Men's Head Coach, was inducted into the ISF Hall of Fame. 

2011 Softball Australia Awards and Honours Dinner 


2011 Softball Australia Award Winners 

Award Winners State 

Junior Male Athlete of the Year Mitchell Brownlow NSW 

Junior Female Athlete of the Year Georgia Casey NSW 

Statistician of the Year Chris Trengove Vic 

Administrator of the Year Chris Heron NT 

Coach of the Year Darrin Crisp NSW 

Local Association of the Year Waverley Softball Association Vic 

Indigenous Athlete of the Year Stacey Porter NSW 

Male Athlete of the Year Andrew Kirkpatrick ACT 

Female Athlete of the Year Stacey Porter NSW 

2011 Spirit Award Andrew Kirkpatrick ACT 

2011 Vivienne Triplett Umpire of the Year Award Scott Rindfleish NSW 



2011 Softball Australia Service Awards 

The Softball Australia Service Award recognises significant contributions to Softball. It is made to any member (player 

or non-player) who has given at least 10 years noteworthy service to Softball in Australia. 

State 

NSW 

Qld 

Vic 

Winners 

Michelle Cate, Carlye Doney, Beryl Foster, Maree Hayden, Carol Jones, George Norrish, Michelle 

Nohotima, Janne Trigg 

Sandra Gierke, Chris Edards, Jamie Ogden, Lorraine Rylatt, Barry Sandford 

Bev Allan, Ellen Dimitrijevic, Robyn de Sachau, Henry de Sachau, Sandra Evans, Esther Lightowler, 

Danny McCarthy, Coralee McMenomy, Rhonda Rowe, Brendan Shatwell, Stan Tolmie, Karl Willmott, 

Di Waller, Phil Waller 

2011 ISF Hall of Fame inductees 

The ISF Hall of Fame was established to recognise outstanding performance both on and off the Softball field. 

Nominations are made by the National Association or Federation and all nominees must meet the selection criteria. 

In 2011, three Australians – Bob Harrow, Paul Maisey and Peta Edebone – were inducted into the ISF Hall of Fame. 

Bob Harrow Paul Maisey Peta Edebone 





Peta Edebone 

Peta Edebone is known for her courage, dedication and commitment to the pursuit of success. She began her 

representative career when she was chosen for the Victorian U16 Team in 1984 and played for three years in the junior 

ranks. Peta represented the Victorian Open Women’s team for a total of 15 years, including captaining the team from 

1994-2004. In 1993, Peta won the Sybil Turner Medal for Best Batter at the Australian Open Women's Fastpitch 

Championship and, in 1997 at the same event, won the Midge Nelson Medal for Most Valuable Player. 

In 1992, Peta made her debut in the Australian Open Women's Team at the Challenger Cup in Beijing, as the 160 th player 

to represent Australia. She played at three ISF World Championships, in 1994 in Canada (bronze), in 1998 in Japan (silver) 

and in 2002 in Canada (5 th ). Peta also played in three Olympic Games – 1996 in Atlanta (bronze), 2000 in Sydney (bronze) 

and 2004 in Athens (silver). 

She was highly regarded as one of the world’s leading batters and defensive players in the positions of 1 st base and 

outfield. At the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Peta equalled the then Olympic Record of four home runs. From 1998- 

2000 she was Vice Captain of the Australian Open Women’s Team and in January 2001, was given the honour of 

captaining the Australian Open Women's Team, a position she held until her retirement. 

Peta retired having played a total of 328 international matches for the Australian Open Women's Team, at the time 

making her the second most capped Australian player ever behind Sally McCreedy (356 caps). In 2008, Peta was 

inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame. 

Peta Edebone (left) with Haylea Petrie after winning the Bronze Medal after the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games 



Bob Harrow 

Bob has dedicated 20 years of service to Softball in Australia, particularly to the elite women’s and men’s programs. 

Since 2000, Bob has been Head Coach of the Australian Open Men’s team, the Aussie Steelers, achieving great success, 

including winning the 2009 ISF XII Open Men’s World Championship. 

Further to his involvement with Australian National teams, Bob has also influenced the national elite competition. 

Following the 1986 ISF VI Women’s World Championship, and the Australian Men’s debut at the 1988 ISF VII Men’s 

World Championship, he recognised the need for another tier of elite national competition. His vision included both 

male and female programs, which aimed to maximise the opportunities for top tier and emerging Australian players to 

gain high quality competition. Bob’s vision resulted in the National Fastpitch Softball League, conducted from 1989 until 

1996. 

Over the seven seasons the League operated, it attracted more than 750 players, 200 umpires and 75 statisticians. The 

League was an invaluable developmental breeding ground for males and females aspiring to represent their country. It 

was particularly vital for the women’s development pathway, with the potential for participants to be a part of the first 

Australian Women’s Olympic Softball team. 

Throughout Bob’s decorated career he has been recognised at numerous levels. In 2009 after the Aussie Steelers World 

Championship win, he was inducted in the Softball Australia Hall of Fame. In 2010, he was honoured with Softball 

Australia Life Membership and has been awarded both Softball Australia and ACT Coach of the Year honours. 







Paul Maisey 

Paul debuted for the Aussie Steelers, in New Zealand, in 1995. He was the 32 nd male player to represent Australia and 

played in 24 international tournaments. During his career, he played in three World Championships – 1996, 2000 and 

2004 – winning a bronze medal in 2004 with the Aussie Steelers. Paul retired from international competition after the 

2006 Commonwealth Men’s Championships. 

Following his retirement, Paul continued to play at state level, representing Victoria until 2008. He led Victoria to 

multiple national titles in 17 years, at the same time receiving individual batting awards. Paul has also made a significant 

contribution at club level, helping to establish Metrans Softball Club in Melbourne. He continues his strong association 

with Softball by coaching and mentoring young players. 

Paul was inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame in 2011 for his outstanding services to Australian Softball over 

a career spanning 15 years. 

Images courtesy TruView Photography 

James Brooks, Kris Kiefel and Paul Maisey at the 2006 Commonwealth Men’s Championship 



Retirement 

Josh Davison 

Softball Australia Hall of Fame inductee, Josh Davison, announced his 

retirement this year. Davison was inducted into the Softball Australia Hall 

of Fame in 2008 after an outstanding international career. In 2009 he was 

part of the Aussie Steelers team who were inducted into the Softball 

Australia Hall of Fame after their World Championship title. 

Davison effectively had two Softball careers. Josh was the 31 st player to 

represent Australia, his debut tournament was under Head Coach, Barry 

Blanchard at the 1995 NZ Provincial Championship. He represented 

Australia for five years until he decided to retire from the game in 2000. 

A decision to return to the game and play the John Reid Shield in 2009 

for his new state, Queensland, ignited a successful return to the sport for 

Josh Davison. His performance at this tournament earned him selection in 

the Aussie Steelers team for the 2009 ISF World Championships, where 

the Aussie Steelers created history by winning the World Championship 

title. 

Head Coach, Bob Harrow speaks on the impact Josh made to the Steelers 

program: 

‘Josh is one of the most dedicated & rejuvenated athletes that have been 

involved in the Steelers program for many years and his training methods and desire are second to none. He proved to 

be one of the quickest and most disciplined left handed batters in the game. I can still visualize the moment when Josh 

executed perfectly the Hard Slap that rocketed by the Blacksox infield to score Michael Tanner in the World 

Championship final.’ 

Former Aussie Steelers Captain, Mike Harrow speaks of the great qualities Josh has on and off the field. ‘Davo brought 

many great qualities to the Steelers team and to the game of Softball. He was always a tough but fair competitor, and 

had that great combination of speed and power. He was extremely versatile and he truly loved the game! Josh played 

to win, but was always smiling and having a great time – I think that is what makes him such a tough person to replace 

on any team.’ 

On announcing his retirement to his team, Davison words to his Aussie Steelers teammates and the Softball community 

show the passion he has for the sport and his Aussie Steelers team mates: 

‘My involvement within the Aussie Steelers family has been nothing short of unbelievable and unforgettable. A 

whirlwind of memories and moments will be talked about at ballparks around the world and in our homes forever. The 

feeling we created in becoming World Champions in 2009 I will never let go, the moment Adam (Folkard) struck out 

Donny Hale was a truly sensational moment for everyone involved. I started counting the outs from about the 4 th 

innings because once the Steelers scored our first run I could see it in everybody's eyes that we were going to win this 

thing, we were all that determined it was scary. Since coming back into the team the culture within the Steelers unit is 

something to experience, I mean the discipline, direction and resilience all players and officials displayed has been First 

and World class, it’s a credit to all involved.’ 

The whole Softball community congratulates Josh for an outstanding career. 



Softball Australia mourns a talented athlete 

On 30 May 2012, Softball Australia lost one of its up and coming stars, Lisa Pitt. 

Lisa will be fondly remembered as a friendly, kind hearted person and an extremely 

talented West Australian Softballer. 

She was a member of the 2011 Softball Australia International Youth Cup Squad and 2012 

U19 Australian Women’s Squad. In 2012, Lisa was also nominated for Softball Australia’s 

Indigenous Athlete of the Year. 

Lisa was joint winner of the Most Valuable Player Award for her performances in the 

Western Australia U17 State team at the 2011 Australian U19 Women’s Championship, 

Esther Deason Shield. As a result, she was named in the Western Flames Squad in 

September 2011. 

Lisa received the Town of Port Hedland and ITOCHU Junior Athlete of the Year Award 

for her achievements with Softball in December 2011. 

She will also be remembered as a fantastic role model, delivering Softball clinics to students at Marble Bar Primary 

School and juniors from the Port Hedland Softball Association 



Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW) playing for Aussie Pride in South Africa. 



Coaching 

Coaching 

Our coaches continue to make an outstanding 

contribution to an individual’s experience and long 

term participation in the sport. Our volunteer coaching 

workforce should continue to be recognised and 

acknowledged for the exceptional work, delivering a 

positive and fun experience to our members. 

This past year has seen the implementation and 

progression of coach education, development and 

accreditation. These advances will build a workforce 

that supports a positive and inclusive Softball 

experience. 

Accreditation and professional development 

Work has continued over the last 12 months to update 

the existing Level 2 and 3 National Coach Accreditation 

course resources. The resources developed for each 

program consist of the Participant’s Manual, Deliverer’s 

Guide, Assessment Booklet and presentation. Levels 1-3 

have now been approved by the ASC and form part of 

the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS). 

Forty-six coach accreditation courses were conducted 

across the country. The majority of new coach 

accreditations were achieved through a combination 

of face-to-face courses and online learning, which 

gives coaches the opportunity to complete their 

accreditation at their own pace. The total number of 

accredited coaches at 30 June 2012 is 2,052, broken 

down as follows: 

Coaching National ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA 

Level 1 1,040 25 609 11 145 22 0 179 49 

Level 2 456 27 291 3 45 1 0 49 39 

Level 3 445 17 237 4 110 1 3 71 5 

Level 4 60 6 10 0 35 2 0 3 4 

Level 5 48 4 22 0 1 10 0 11 0 

Level 6 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 

Total 2,051 79 1,171 18 336 36 4 313 97 


Coaching 

Coaching and Team Manager appointments 

At the 2011 International Youth Cup, the following coaches were appointed to the Australian Development teams: 

Team Coach Team Manager 

Australian U19 Women 

Aussie Gold U19 Girls 

Aussie U17 Girls 

Australian U19 Men 

Aussie Green U19 Boys 

Aussie Gold U19 Boys 

Aussie U17 Boys 

Paula McGovern (Vic) 

Annette Fidge (SA) 

Vicki Bingley (NSW) 

Cheryl Waye (Vic) 

Alan Bain (ACT) 

Vicki Bingley (ACT) 

Maurice Paraha (Qld) 

John Neilsen (NSW) 

Gary Butler (WA) 

Tony Jackson (NSW) 

Adam Sheehan (NSW) 

Sandra Evans (Vic) 

Alan McNulty (NSW) 

Adam Sheehan (NSW) 

Scott Sullivan (WA) 

Robert Cook (SA) 

Ian Deany (Vic) 

Faye Guy (Qld) 

Jodie Sheehan (NSW) 

Jodie Sheehan (NSW) 

Colleen Franks (NSW) 

During the event, nightly coaching information sessions were conducted on Mental Preparation and Performance, 

Athlete Testing Procotols, The Short Game Strategy and Nutrition for Softball. 


A National Technical Conference for coaches, umpires and statisticians is planned for May 2013 at the AIS. The main 

objectives of the conference will be to provide professional development opportunities, as well as conducting joint 

sessions on topics relevant to both coaches and officials. 

Several Softball specific modules of the Level 4 Coach Accreditation course will be delivered in early 2013, including 

pitching and catching, baserunning and defensive strategies. 

Chantelle James (WA), Assistant Coach, Aussie Pride 



Scoring 

Scoring 

The National Scoring Committee (NSC) continues to work behind the scenes, ensuring that the technical field of scoring 

is continuous. In addition, the NSC provides guidance and direction to the State Directors – and this is well supported 

by regular teleconferences, which have replaced the weekend conferences. 

The NSC has continued to support National events throughout Australia with official statisticians providing results, web 

reporting and official statistics for Softball Australia selectors and teams. The NSC has also supported Member States 

with reference materials for the delivery of ongoing training. 

National team scoring appointments 

The following statisticians were appointed to international Championships: 

• Mary Walkinshaw (Vic) 

2011 Open Women’s Tour, Canadian Open International Women Fastpitch in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada 

• Helen Edwards (Vic) 

2011 IV International Men’s Softball Tournament Open Men’s in Parana, Argentina 

• Sarah Thompson (NSW) 

2011 U19 Men’s Team IV International Men’s Softball Tournament Open Men’s in Parana, Argentina 

• Kirsty Andrews (Qld) 

2011 ISF XI Junior Women’s World Championships in Capetown, South Africa 

• Helen Edwards (Vic) 

2011 ISF Oceania Men’s Qualifier at Hawker International Softball Complex Canberra, ACT 

• Lynne Townsend (NSW) 

2012 International Softball Challenge (ACT) 

Australian Championship Chief Statistician appointments 

The following Chief Statisticians were appointed for the 2011/12 Australian Championships: 

Arthur Allsopp Shield, Australian U17 Boys' Championship (Vic) 

Esther Deason Shield, Australian U17 Girls' Championship (Tas) 

Nox Bailey Shield (ACT) 

Australian U19 Men's Championship 

Elinor McKenzie Shield, Australian U19 Women's Championship (WA) 

Gilley's Shield and Edebone-Weber Shield 

Australian Open Women's Championship 

Round 1 (Vic) 

Round 2 (Qld) 

Round 3 (ACT) 

Round 4 (NSW) 

John Reid Shield, Australian Open Men's Championship (NSW) 

ISF Open Men’s Oceania Qualifier (ACT) 

Test Series: Aussie Spirit and NZ White Sox (ACT) 

International Softball Challenge (ACT) 

International Friendship Series (NSW) 

Helen Edwards (Vic) and Mary Walkinshaw (Vic) 

Sandra Palmer (NSW) and Angela Forgan (Vic) 

Matt Denkel (Qld) 

Lorraine Davies (Vic) 

Chris Trengove (Vic) – Gilley’s TCS 

Ray Carter (Vic) 

Christine Denkel (Qld) 


Kaye Greggs (NSW) 



Lynne Townsend (NSW) 




Scoring 

Accreditation and professional development 

The number of accredited scorers continues to grow with a 34% increase through the National Officiating Accreditation 

Scheme (NOAS) in the past year. The State Directors of Scoring continue to recruit, train and deliver scoring programs 

across the country. 

The total number of scorers is 1,649 (30 June 2012), an increase of 566 on 2011. 

Level National ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA 

Level 1 1,254 10 800 2 115 85 25 121 96 

Level 2 177 5 68 0 14 10 5 58 17 

Level 3 143 5 33 0 44 21 6 33 1 

Level 4 75 2 25 0 21 4 6 9 8 

Total 1,649 22 926 2 194 120 42 221 122 


Scoring 

Scoring courses 

Member State summaries of scoring courses undertaken (does not include individual NOAS accredited scorers updating 

their accreditation currency). 

ACT NSW Qld SA Vic Tas WA 

Courses delivered 2 20 2 4 9 1 3 

Level 1 (new) 3 85 - 20 42 - 16 

Level 2 (upgrade) 1 25 1 3 18 1 - 

Level 3 (upgrade) - 1 - 4 6 - - 

Level 4 (upgrade) - 1 5 - - 1 1 

NOAS Level 4 candidates, assessed by the NSC Quality Assurance officer, (for period 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012) were: 

• Sean Francis (Qld) 

• Chris Fraser (NSW) 

• Norm Johns (Tas) 

• Lynette Eltoft (WA) 


Scoring 

National Quality Assurance Program 

Quality assurance is undertaken following all national games, assessing both paper scoring, and electronic methods. 

Arthur Allsopp Shield, Australian U17 Boys' Championship (SA) 

Esther Deason Shield, Australian U17 Girls' Championship (Vic) 

Nox Bailey Shield, Australian U19 Men's Championship (Vic) 

Elinor McKenzie Shield, Australian U19 Women's Championship (NSW) 

John Reid Shield, Australian Open Men's Championship (Qld) 

Gilley's Shield and Edebone-Weber Shield, Australian Open Women's Championship 

34 games played, 6 scorers reviewed 






Resources 

The National Scoring Committee was able to complete the following resources over the past twelve months: 

• a National rules exam was developed with assistance from the National Umpiring Committee 

• all accreditation manuals and NOAS scoring programs have now been updated and approved by ASC 

• all scoring accreditation resources on the Softball Australia website have been updated. The remaining information 

is under full review. 

Management 

The management of Softball Australia’s National Scoring Program is overseen by the National Scoring Committee, 

comprising: 

Chief Statistician 

Scoring Staff 

State Directors of Scoring 

Michael Hannelly (NSW) 


Mary Walkinshaw (Vic) 

Ngaire Huston (Qld) 


Carolyn Buttsworth (NSW) 

Lyn Lalas (ACT) 


Matt Denkel (Qld) 



Lynne Eltoft (WA) 

The NSC, supported by Softball Australia’s General Manager Operations and Technical, Chet Gray, has undertaken 

significant work, holding four teleconferences in August, October, March and June. Key projects include a review and 

update of the NOAS Level 4 in accordance with ASC requirements. The NSC has overseen the appointment process for 

all Australian Championship Tournament Chief Scorers and the website reporting of all Australian Championship results 

and the National Quality Assurance program. The National Chief Statistician, Mike Hannelly (NSW) oversaw the process 

of Australian team appointments. 


Scoring 

The NSC will continue its busy program in 2012/13, including: 

• compiling statistics from the 2012/13 Australian Championships 

• reviewing the career pathway for scorers to ensure they have the skills and experience to meet the future 

requirements 

• revising and updating the scoring manuals and course requirements 

• developing a community officiating program to support the recruitment and retention of scorers at club level 

Recognition 

The NSC extends their congratulations to Chris Trengove (Vic), the winner of the 2011 Softball Australia Statistician of 

the Year. 

Image courtesy Greg Heron 


Umpiring 

Umpiring 

Softball Australia’s National Umpiring Program (NUP) 

has been held in high regard on the international scene 

for many years and the National Umpiring Committee 

(NUC) were delighted when two of its most 

outstanding umpires were appointed to the final of the 

2011 ISF IX Junior Women’s World Championships gold 

medal game: 

• Helen Strauss (Qld) was appointed as the Plate 

Umpire 

• Yvonne Kahler (Qld) was appointed as the Second 

Base Umpire 

These two appointments are an indication that the 

program is continuing to produce umpires of the 

highest quality through the hard work of many people. 

The State Directors of Umpiring meeting was held at 

Softball Australia’s office in August 2011. A range of 

topics were covered throughout the meeting including 

umpire survey results from each national 

championship, ways to improve communication 

including how regular Blues News Online (BNOL) 

should be published, and umpire accreditation 

including the latest news received from ISF in relation 

to when and how umpires are appointed to World 

Championships and development. 

Accreditation and professional 

development 

This year, the NUC completed 3 Umpire Rotation 

System document, Level 3 and 4 Umpire Manual, 

Tournament Chief Umpire Manual, Community Umpire 

Manual, Attending National/International 

Championship Document and Mentoring Document. 

The next step will be to have these manuals accredited 

by the Australian Sports Commission. 

The total number of active accredited umpires is 1,255 (30 June 2012), broken down as follows: 


Umpiring 

Umpiring National ACT NSW NT SA Qld Tas Vic WA 

Level 1 799 9 148 12 66 325 7 197 35 

Level 2 222 8 31 6 29 83 3 39 23 

Level 3 115 6 24 0 12 32 3 16 22 

Level 4 45 1 6 1 5 21 2 4 5 

Level 5 22 2 5 0 2 8 0 4 1 

Level 6 40 1 12 0 3 11 0 10 3 

Level 7 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 

Level 8 9 0 2 0 3 1 0 3 0 

Total 1,255 28 228 19 120 482 15 274 89 

Advanced Umpire Clinic 

Georges River Softball Association, NSW 

2-3 July 2011 

An Advanced Umpire Clinic was presented by Scott Rindfleish (NSW), with the assistance from Ron Houison (NSW) and 

Yvonne Kahler (Qld) at Georges River Softball Association in July. Six participants from three states attended: 

• NSW Andrew Compton, Adrian Rampoldi, James English and Krissi Travers 

• Vic Richard Dodds 

• WA Steven Gunter 

Participants were allocated games at the International Friendship Series and were observed by senior umpires who 

evaluated their performances. 

Level 5 accreditation 

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

Championships: 

Esther Deason Shield 

Australian U17 Girls’ Championship 

Arthur Allsopp Shield 

Australian U17 Boys’ Championship 

Elinor McKenzie Shield 

Australian U19 Women’s Championship 

James English (NSW), Haydyn Wood (SA) 

Richard Dodds (Vic), Jamie Harries (Qld) 

Norelle Thomas (Qld) 

Level 6 accreditation 

The following umpires attained their Level 6 umpire accreditation at the conclusion of their respective Australian 

Championships: 

Gilley's Shield and Edebone-Weber Shield 

Australian Open Women's Championship 

Nox Bailey Shield 


Bridget Cameron (Qld), Jay Gibson (NSW), Jana McCaskill (Qld) 

Trevor Murphy (Vic) 


Umpiring 

Umpiring exam 

In May 2012, a total of 341 umpires sat the 2012 National Rules Exam, a 13% decrease from 2011. 

• ACT – 13 umpires sat the exam, a 18.75% decrease from last year 

• NSW – 101 umpires sat the exam, a 5% decrease from last year 

• NT – 0 umpires sat the exam, a 100% decrease from last year 

• Qld – 63 umpires sat the exam, a 25.8% decrease from last year 

• SA – 51 umpires sat the exam, a 9% decrease from last year 

• Tas – 6 umpires sat the exam, a 70% decrease from last year 

• Vic – 59 umpires sat the exam, a 12% decrease from last year 

• WA – 42 umpires sat the exam, a 9.52% increase from last year 

The National Rules Exam uses a database of more than 2,000 questions compiled by Leigh Evans (Vic), with the support 

of Graham Bancroft (WA) and Darren Sibraa (Qld). 

Supplementary umpire exams 

A supplementary exam was made available for Level 3 umpires and above who could not attend the National Rules 

Exam. 

SA x 1 

NSW x 2 

QLD x 3 

65% pass 

83% and 87% pass 

83%, 81% and 79% pass 

Graham Bancroft (WA) has again assisted with specific rules tasks, in particular updating supplementary exams with new 

rules, online reference exams and proofing the basic exam rule references. 

The Softball Australia Basic Rules Exam for Levels 1 and 2 umpires was released in May 2010. Umpires can sit the exam 

any time up until 30 April 2012. The Exam provides greater flexibility and an easier pathway for entry level umpires to 

the umpiring program. 

ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA 

Nil 41 7 63 18 20 42 12 

The process was overseen by Darren Sibraa (Qld), with the support of Jesse Smith (NSW) and Bridget Cameron (Qld). 


Umpiring 

Five year trend 


2008 19 128 4 133 42 28 63 44 

2009 19 150 4 122 46 18 66 46 

2010 7 106 4 98 54 14 62 40 

2011 16 106 2 85 56 20 67 42 

2012 13 103 0 63 51 6 59 46 

Exam analysis 

The NUC again used the analysis spread sheet developed by Matt Gowty (Qld), Softball Australia Hall of Fame member 

The data key was to be used to supply the National Registrar with the ability to update the national database. The data 

will identify active and non-active umpires for the currency and accreditation requirements for the ASC. The NUC 

would like to acknowledge Darren Sibraa (Qld) for providing support and feedback on technical aspects of the program, 

Alan McAuliffe (SA), Darrell Shephard (NSW) and Graham Bancroft (WA) for help and support in delivering the technical 

stream of the National Umpiring Program. 

Umpiring resources 

Amanda Houison, UIC Communication, has been responsible for the production and distribution of Blues News Online 

(BNOL) every month. BNOL has covered both international and national events, from an Australian perspective, and 

looking forward, will include more grassroots news items. The umpiring section of the website is constantly being 

updated. The Umpire Honours & Awards page is now available, highlighting our umpires achievements and 

appointments. 

Leigh Evans (Vic) Darren Sibraa (Qld) Scott Rindfleish (NSW) 


Umpiring 

Umpiring appointments 

Australian Championship appointments 

During the 2011/2012 Australian Championships, the following umpiring appointments were made: 

Gilley's Shield and Edebone-Weber 

Shields Round 1 

Waverley, Victoria 

Debbie Grove (Vic) – TCU 

Leigh Evans (Vic) – E 

Ian Frame (Qld) – E 

Kevin Broomhall (Vic) –part-time 

Bridget Cameron (Qld) 

Jason Carter (Vic) 

David Datson (SA) 

Stacey Loveridge (Vic) 

Vicki Lansley (NSW) 

Darrell Paul (NZ) 

Helen Strauss (Qld) 

Stuart Tyler (Vic) 

Steve Wallace-Yarrow (SA) 

Phil Waller (Vic) 

Esther Deason Shield Australian 

U17 Girls’ Championship 

Hobart, Tasmania 

Darren Sibraa (Qld) – TCU 

Amanda Houison (NSW) – E 

Phil Waller (Vic) – E 

James English (NSW) 

Leanne Gearside (NSW 

Stephen Gutteridge (Qld) 

George Norrish (NSW) 

Kevin Offer ( Vic) 

Ryan Thorneycroft (Vic) 


Peter Walsh (Qld) 

Haydyn Wood ( SA) 

Ron Yardley (Qld) 

Nox Bailey Shield 

Australian U19 Men's 

Championship 

Hawker, ACT 

Patricia Sibraa (Qld) – TCU 


Darren Sibraa (Qld) – E 

David Casey (Qld) 

Mark Gallagher (ACT) 

Ron Houison (NSW) 


Kevin Offer (Vic) 

Andrew Rindfleish (NSW) 

Scott Rindfleish (NSW) 

Jesse Smith (NSW) 

Mark Toft (Qld) 

Martin Turnbull (Qld) 




Brisbane, Queensland 



Debbie Grove (Vic) – E 


Ian Frame (Qld) 

Leanne Gearside (NSW) 

Jay Gibson (NSW) 


Liz Kawana (NZ) 

Jana McCaskill (Qld) 

Damien McCauley (SA) 



Howard Watt (NSW) 

Arthur Allsopp Shield Australian 

U17 Boys’ Championship 

Altona, Victoria 

Debbie Grove (Vic) TCU 

Ron Houison (NSW) – E 

Darrel Shephard (NSW) – E 

Richard Barrow (Vic) 


Richard Dodds (Vic) 

Jay Gibson ( NSW) 

Jamie Harries (Qld 

Stacey Loveridge (Vic) 





Gilley’s Shield Final 

Blacktown, NSW 

Diane Waller (Vic) – TCU 

Kyira Cox (NSW) 

Ian Frame (Qld) 


Amanda Houison (NSW) part-time 

Ron Houison (NSW) part-time 



Helen Strauss (Qld) 




Hawker, ACT 



Richard Barrow (Vic) 

Bridget Cameron (Qld) 

Jason Carter (Vic) 

Kyira Cox (NSW) 

Mark Gallagher (ACT) 

Stephen Gutteridge (Qld) 



Glen Nalepa (NZ) 

Ryan Thorneycroft (Vic) 


Diane Waller (Vic) 

Elinor McKenzie Shield Australian 

U19 Women’s Championship 

Mirrabooka, WA 

Dianne Waller (Vic) – TCU 


Amanda Houison (NSW) – E 

Peter Baker (WA) – part-time 

David Datson (SA) 

Warren Duff (WA) 



Vicki Lansley (NSW) 


Norelle Thomas (Qld) 



John Reid Shield 

Australian Open Men’s 




Trevor Murphy (Vic) – E 

Kevin Broomhall (Vic) 

Warren Duff (WA) 

Debbie Grove (Vic) 

Andrew Rindfleish (NSW) 

Gavin Shepherd (NZ) 


Howard Watt (NSW) 


Umpiring 

International umpiring appointments 

• Leigh Evans (Vic) and Darren Sibraa (Qld) represented Australia on the ISF Standards Committee to review and assist 

with the technical presentation and rules, which is an ongoing role with the ISF. 

• Leigh Evans (Vic) and Kevin Broomhall (Vic) has completed the review of the ISF Four Umpire Rotation System. 

• Darren Sibraa (Qld) was appointed to umpire at the IV International Men’s Softball Tournament, Parana City, 

Argentina in September 2011. 

• Kevin Broomhall (Vic) was appointed to the Australian U19 Men’s Team, Aussie Colts who also toured Argentina. 

• Leanne Gearside (NSW) was appointed to the 2012 Women’s Open Club Championship, Lower Hutt, New Zealand in 

March 2011. 

• Trevor Murphy (Vic) was appointed to the 2012 New Zealand Men’s Open Club Championship, Auckland, New 

Zealand, in March 2011. 

• Yvonne Kahler and Helen Strauss were appointed to the ISF IX Junior Women’s World Championship in Cape Town, 

South Africa, in November 2011. 

• International Softball Challenge – Australia v Japan Women’s Test Series held in Canberra in March 2012. Leigh Evans 

(Vic) was appointed as the TCU with Howard Watt (NSW), Darrell Shephard (NSW), Phil Waller (Vic), Jason Carter 

(Vic), Warren Duff (WA) and Alex Turnbull (ACT). 

• ISF Open Men’s Oceania Qualifier held in Canberra in December 2011. Patricia Sibraa (Qld) acted as the Softball 

Australia Technical Delegate/Competition Manager and Deputy UIC. The TCU for the Qualifier was Wayne 

Saunders (NZ) Oceania UIC, with Leigh Evans (Vic), Debbie Grove (Vic), Darren Sibraa (Qld) and Scott Rindfleish 

(NSW) as the umpiring crew. 

• Ron Houison (NSW) was appointed to the 2012 USA World Cup of Softball VII, Oklahoma, USA in June 2012. 

2011 International Youth Cup appointments 

The Softball Australia International Youth Cup in July 2011 was staffed by 30 umpires from New South Wales, Victoria, 

South Australia, Queensland and New Zealand, varying in accreditation from Level 1 to international umpires. 

Tournament Chief Umpire, Leanne Gearside (NSW), was assisted by Leigh Evans (Vic), Yvonne Kahler (Qld) and Kevin 

Tannebring (SA). Video recordings taken during the tournament were used to provide feedback to individual umpires. 

Seventy games were officiated by 28 umpires,with all games covered using the three man rotation system. 

State 

Qld 

NSW 

NZ 

SA 

Vic 

WA 

Umpire 

Yvonne Kahler 

Andrew Compton, Matthew Guillaumier, Vicky Armsworth, Jessica Donald-Smith, Ron Houison, Brian 

Higginbottom, Joe Kelleimeier, Adrian Rampoldi, Myles Lego, Lyn Moncaster, Tony Moncaster, Dylan 

Murdoch, Scott Rindfleish, Sarah Pierson, Thomas Sutomo, Rebecca Taylor, James Townsend, Krissi Travers, 

John Walker, Brianne Watt, Brooke Whitfield, Todd Winsor, Christiaan Zaiter 

Tony Kaiaruna 

Kevin Tannebring 

Leigh Evans 

Steven Gunter 


Umpiring 

2011 Australian Regional U15 Championship 

The 2011 Australian Regional U15 Championship was held at Rockhampton in July 2011. Tournament Chief Umpire 

Amanda Houison (NSW) was supported by deputies Ian Frame (Qld) and David Casey (Qld) with Brett Atkinson (ACT) 

and Kevin Offer (Vic) umpire mentors. Development umpires for the program were: 

ACT 

NSW 

Qld 

Vic 

WA 

Ian Dehlsen, Di Kropp 

Colin Tutt, Alf Chapman, Rhett Eldred, Dale Kaimoana, Rob McIntosh, Simon Ross 

Neville Baggow, Alan Georg, Janelle Hicks, Kylie Knight, Jesse O’Brien, Gary Wright, Thomas Rivers 

Kevin Offer 

David Roper 

The two umpire system was used in all round games. The three umpire system was used for the semi-finals, preliminary 

finals and the grand finals. 

Management 

The NUC comprises: 

• Umpires-in-Chief: Patricia Sibraa (Qld) (Operations), Leigh Evans (Vic) (Technical), Debbie Grove (Vic) (Development) 

and Amanda Houison (NSW), (Communications) 

• four national umpiring staff: Darren Sibraa (Qld), Kyira Cox (NSW), Bridget Cameron (Qld) and Yvonne Kahler (Qld) 

• eight State Umpiring Directors: Scott Rindfleish (NSW), Darren Sibraa (Qld), Alex Turnbull (ACT), Richard Barrow (Vic), 

Wayne Clarke (Tas), Neville Lawrance (SA), Roy Cox (WA) and Cathie Allen (NT) 

Recognition 

Congratulations to Scott Rindfleish (NSW), the winner of the Vivienne Triplett Umpire of the Year for 2011 and Amanda 

Houison who was appointed Umpire in Chief – Communications in October 2011. 


• Fifteen umpires have applied for advanced training in preparation for the next ISF certification development clinic 

to be held in New Zealand in 2014 

• The Umpire Technical and Mechanics Bulletins will be published to the Softball Australia website to ensure that all 

umpires are aware of all rule changes and umpire mechanics changes 

• The first draft of the practical Assessors Manual for umpire accreditation advancement from Levels 2-6 has been 

completed and it is envisage the manual will be completed by June 2013 


Umpiring 

Helen Strauss (Qld) umpiring at the ISF IX Junior Women’s World in South Africa 



Technical Delegates 

Technical Delegates 

The role of the SAL Technical Delegates at Australian Championships is to ensure the conduct of the Championship is 

in accordance with the Softball Australia Championship Regulations and Hosting requirements. 

The following Technical Delegates were appointed for the 2011/12 Australian Championships: 

Esther Deason Shield (Tas) 

Australian U17 Girls' Championship 

Arthur Allsopp Shield (Vic) 

Australian U17 Boys' Championship 

Elinor McKenzie Shield (WA) 

Australian U19 Women's Championship 

Nox Bailey Shield (ACT) 


Gilley's Shield and Edebone-Weber Shield R1-R3 (Vic, Qld, ACT) 

Australian Open Women’s Championship 

Gilley's Shield R4 and Finals 

Australian Open Women’s Championship 

John Reid Shield (NSW) Open Men’s Championship 

ISF Open Men’s Oceania Qualifier (ACT) 

International Softball Challenge (ACT) 

Aussie Spirit NZ White Sox Test Series (ACT) 

International Friendship Series (NSW) 

U15 Regional Championships 

Alan McAuliffe (SA) 

Leon Leach (Qld) 

Ken Culpitt (ACT) 


Kylie Bloodworth (Vic) 



Patricia Sibraa (Qld) 

Margo Koskelainen OAM (Vic) 


Harvey Milson (NSW) 

Michael Chard (Softball Australia) 

Action at the 2012 John Reid Shield at Blacktown International Sportspark 





Softball Australia is committed to expanding Softball programs in targeted urban, rural and remote areas across 

Australia. 

Indigenous Softball Program 

Softball Australia and our Member States have a long 

and proud history of promoting and delivering Softball 

to Indigenous Communities. Our Indigenous Softball 

Program produces positive health and social outcomes 

by providing female and male Indigenous Australians of 

all ages and abilities with opportunities to participate 

in Softball – as players, coaches, umpires, 

administrators and volunteers. With Softball generally 

recognised as the preferred sport of Indigenous 

women, and becoming increasingly popular amongst 

Indigenous men, we are committed to expanding 

Softball programs in targeted urban, rural and remote 

areas across Australia. 

The purpose of the program is to increase participation 

of Indigenous Australians from targeted urban, rural 

and remote areas in all facets and levels of Softball by: 

• embedding Softball as the sport of choice for 

Indigenous women 

• positioning Softball as an attractive option for 

Indigenous men 

• supporting government health and wider policy 

objectives 

• working with Indigenous communities to help them 

become self-sufficient, so they can continue to 

develop and deliver their own events and programs. 

A bat, painted by Angelina Doolan and a ball, painted 

by Kira Briscoe, students from the Worawa Aboriginal 

College, Healesville, Victoria, were presented by 

Softball Australia Director, Helen Langenberg, to 

Andrew Leigh Federal Member for Fraser and Phil 

Borgeaud, Deputy Director, Strategy and Relations, 

Australian Institute of Sport. 

2011/12 ISP facts 

• 7,870 participants involved in Indigenous Softball 

Program activities 

• 150 Softball Program activities delivered 

• 150 participants involved in managing Softball 

programs and competitions 

• 160 participants completed coaching/officiating 

accredited training 

• 100 participants with a disability involved in 

Indigenous Softball Program activities 

Softball Australia officially launched the Indigenous 

Softball Program Strategy in Canberra on 23 March 

2012. Dignitaries were treated to an exhibition match 

involving players from the WhISPers Softball Club and 

Indigenous players from NSW. Ngunnawal Indigenous 

elder, Agnes Shea, delivered a welcome to country 

speech, acknowledging the players who participated in 

the Exhibition match, and Softball Australia’s 

Indigenous role models, Stacey Porter, Vanessa Stokes 

and Jeff Goolagong. 



ISP State highlights 

Softball NT 

In April, Tania Liddle (Executive Officer, Softball NT), Carrie-Anne Garling (Community Softball Officer, NT), Tim Hatzi 

(Softball Australia Social Inclusion Coordinator), Raelene Jeffrey (Softball Australia National Community Coach) and 

Trish Bennett (Softball Australia Community Coaching Program Coordinator) travelled to Hermannsburg and 

surrounding communities in the Northern Territory and East Arnhem communities of Yirrkala, Gapuwiyak, Umbakumba, 

Ramingining, Galiwinku and Milingimbi to deliver the Softball Community Coach Program (SCCP) and Softball Batter Up 

(SBU) initiatives to more than 1,000 Indigenous community members. Visiting these communities is vital to establishing 

good relationships and building rapport and confidence. 

The SCCP develops a network of capable coaches to deliver a variety of Softball experiences which enhance the health 

and social benefits of participants. The program was delivered to more than 30 coaches, providing them with the skills 

required to deliver programs, such as SBU. 

Fifteen SBU sessions were held, attracting more than 900 participants. The development of coaches in these 

communities is imperative to ensure regular participation in Softball, and with their newly developed skills, and 

enthusiasm of the children, Softball Australia is confident there will be ongoing, regular participation. 

A highlight of the visit was helping revive women’s Softball in Galiwinku. Since the visit, Evelyna Dhamarrandji from the 

East Arnhem Shire Council, took the lead and helped reform the Galiwinku women’s Softball team. The team 

completed training sessions to prepare for competition against Milingimbi and other community teams. Teams 

competing in community competitions were invited to participate in the NT Softball Championships held in Darwin. 

Wanamyn Fireballs from Timber Creek at the NT Championships 



Softball WA 

As a result of the Softball WA’s strong partnership with 

the Western Desert community, Softball WA invited a 

team from Western Desert Team to attend the Elinor 

McKenzie Shield, Australian U19 Women’s 

Championship in Perth in January 2012. 

Through the generosity of Newcrest Mining and 

Softball WA covering travel and accommodation costs 

respectively, the team, coached by Aussie Spirit 

captain and Indigenous role model, Stacey Porter, 

participated in two exhibition matches against a 

Western Australian All Stars team. 

To coincide with the Western Desert Team visit, 

Softball Australia arranged for Aussie Spirit Captain and 

Indigenous role model, Stacey Porter, to attend and 

work with the team. The team also attended a 2 hour 

skill development clinic presented by Stacey and 

Softball Australia National Community Coaches Jenny 

Cassidy and Raelene Jeffrey which included batting, 

pitching and fielding drills. 

The following day, the team, coached by Stacey, 

participated in two exhibition matches against a 

Western Australian All Stars team. 

Softball SA 

Softball SA, in partnership with the South Australian 

National Football League (SANFL) delivered a Level 1 

Umpire Accreditation Course in April in the Anangu 

Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands (APY Lands) to 13 

Indigenous women aged 21-30 years of age. All 13 

women successfully completed the course and have 

become accredited umpires. On a separate visit to the 

APY Lands in June, Softball SA and SANFL launched the 

new Far North West Sports League (FNWSL) Level 1 

Coach Accreditation Program. This was delivered to 

five females, with one of the participants successfully 

completing all components of the course and receiving 

Level 1 accreditation. 

Softball SA is in contact with a number of other 

regional offices that have shown an interest in 

developing a similar program. 

Softball for all abilities 

Softball Australia has partnered with Special Olympics 

Australia, Special Olympics Victoria and Softball 

Victoria to provide coach development opportunities 

for over 15 Special Schools in Victoria’s Metropolitan, 

Southern and Eastern Regions. 

Looking forward, Softball Australia will deliver a 

Softball Community Coaching Program to more than 

30 teachers. Teachers will learn how to develop a 

lesson, learn a range of new Softball activities and how 

to deliver them using the game-based coaching 

philosophy. It is anticipated that the teachers will 

adopt these methods for their school’s Term 4 Softball 

program to be delivered in November 2012, which will 

lead to the delivery of further Softball programs for 

people of all abilities and foster links to local club 

programs and competitions. 

Resources 

Indigenous Softball Program Book 

An Indigenous Softball Program Book was developed 

and is being used to inform key stakeholders of the 

work Softball is doing with Indigenous communities 

across Australia. To view the publication, go to 

http://www.softball.org.au/_uploads/res/1_66627.pdf. 

The FNWSL, formed on the APY Lands in the far North 

West corner of the state, continues to pave the way 

for other communities around South Australia to 

establish their own Leagues. The League has grown 

from eight teams in both football and Softball to nine 

for the 2012 Premiership season. Tjurma, made up of 

the homelands surrounding Amata, will enter the 

competition as the first additional team since the start 

of the FNWSL in 2007. 



Special Olympics Australia 

Special Olympics Australia is a national, not-for-profit organisation serving approximately 4,500 people with an 

intellectual disability, in 250 sports clubs across Australia. Softball is one of 13 sports offered to athletes of varying 

abilities, from community to international level. 

Special Olympics World Summer Games, Athens 2011 

At the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens (25 June – 5 July 2011), Australia was again represented in the 

Softball competition, defending their 2007 Gold Medal. A team of 13 extremely talented, hardworking and dedicated 

players lived up to the Games slogan ‘I am in’, with each match being tightly contested. The Australian team played in 

Division 1, pitting them against tough opposition from the Dominican Republic and Canada BC. Our team came away 

with a bronze medal, with the gold medal won by the Dominican Republic. 

Special Olympics Softball Program 2011/12 

Special Olympics Australia delivered a number of Softball programs and slowpitch competitions nationally for people 

with an intellectual disability throughout the year, resulting in: 

• 140 Softball participants registered 

• 5 state-level games and the World Summer Games 

• 45 coaches, umpires, scorers involved 

• seasonal training and inter-club competitions (mainly with local mainstream clubs) 

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse 

Softball Australia, in partnership with Softball NSW and Georges River Softball Association, developed a pilot program 

aimed to develop relationships with Arabic speaking communities in Bankstown, NSW. 

Looking forward, a Softball Community Coaching Program will be delivered to the community, providing them with 

appropriate skills and knowledge that can be used to deliver community-based Softball events and programs to engage 

more Arabic speaking communities to the sport of Softball. 


Softball Community Coaching Program 


The program is not designed to promote winning or technique but rather identify and support coaches through a wellconstructed 

learning framework. 

The Softball Community Coaching Program (SCCP) is a 

Softball Australia initiative funded through the 

Australian Sports Commission to provide coaches with 

the appropriate information, and coaching support to 

deliver a Game Sense approach with a focus on 

participation and engagement. 

The SCCP aims to develop a network of capable 

coaches who can deliver a variety of Softball 

experiences which enhance the health and social 

benefits of participants. The program is not designed to 

promote winning or technique but rather identify and 

support coaches through a well-constructed learning 

framework. 

The objective of the SCCP is to build a coaching 

workforce with the appropriate skills and training to 

deliver community based Softball events and programs, 

such as: 

• Softball Batter Up 

• Indigenous Softball Program 

• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse 

• Disability Softball Program 

Participants taking part in the SCCP become actively 

involved in delivering activities. Each activity is then 

followed by group discussion about how the activity 

could be modified to make it easier or harder to suit 

their particular group. 

As well as the Game Sense approach, the SCCP 

introduces participants to two other key elements: 

• Discrete coaching 

• The CHANGE IT principle 

Discrete Coaching allows activities to continue where 

possible, ensuring the activity remains engaging for all 

participants. The coach can discretely provide tips and 

continue to create an encouraging and supportive 

environment, which will build individual player 

confidence and self-esteem. 

Coaches ask the participant questions about how they 

think the games can be modified to make them easier 

or harder. This can encourage participants to engage in 

creative thinking and problem solving. 

CHANGE IT 

One of the most challenging issues for a coach is 

dealing with multi-age groups and/or a wide range of 

abilities while still providing fun, safe and engaging 

activities. The SCCP provides coaches with a tool that 

can achieve this – CHANGE IT. All activities in the 

program can be made easier or harder to suit the 

participant. 

Softball Australia SCCP team 

The SCCP team consists of: 

• Trisha Bennett, Softball Australia’s National 

Community Coaching Coordinator 

• Brooke Wilkins (Qld), National Community Coach 

for NSW and ACT 

Brooke is a former Development Officer, Softball 

Australia Hall of Fame member and Olympian. 

• Bob Crudgington (Qld), Consultant 

Bob is a former Softball Australia National Open 

Women’s Head Coach, High Performance Manager 

and Softball Australia Hall of Fame member. 

Softball Australia thanks Brooke and Bob for their 

assistance in developing quality resources to enable 

delivery of the program. Thanks also to Softball 

Australia National Community Coaches, Jenny Cassidy 

and Joanne Paez who assist with implementing the 

program. 



Delivery of pilot programs 

Brooke delivered four pilot programs to over 50 participants in the ACT, Qld and NSW. 

Feedback from the pilot programs has been incorporated into all the resources, which include: 

• Participants Guide 

• Activity Cards 

• USB wristband containing electronic resources including video clips and explanations of activities 

Brooke and Bob have been instrumental in the development of the SCCP and Brooke with the delivery of the pilot 

programs. 

Moving forward 

In the next financial year, Softball Australia will: 

• implement SCCP in each Member State 

• develop and release the website 

• train 500 participants 

• develop additional Activity Cards 


Softball Batter Up 


Softball Batter Up introduces participants to the fundamental skills of softball through a variety of activities and games 

designed to developed physical fitness, social skills and an understanding of the game. 

Softball Batter Up (SBU) is a Softball Australia national 

junior participation program designed to introduce girls 

and boys aged 4 to 12, to the game of Softball. SBU 

encourages fun and social interaction, where everyone 

and anyone can participate. The program offers 

participants a variety of modified games and activities, 

with the focus on fun and enjoyment, skill 

development and continued participation. 

A number of successful programs were conducted 

throughout the year, particularly in Victoria. During 

2011-12, Softball Victoria successfully piloted SBU in a 

number of metropolitan and rural associations with 717 

participants attending. The programs were delivered in 

various flexible formats to ensure the needs of the 

participants and the providers were met. 

• pre-season training as an introduction to SBU 

• Saturday mornings ‘in season’ as an introduction to 

Tee Ball 

• Holiday Programs 

• Come ‘n’ Try Days 

• clinic or tabloid activities 

• Kids Zone – an event-based program 

Softball NT also commenced their roll out in the form 

of clinics, with a total of 690 participants from remote 

communities attending. Softball Australia has been 

running the SBU program as a core component of the 

Indigenous Softball Program this year, increasing the 

number of SBU participants. 

These formats included: 

In total the breakdown of participants (by state) through the various forms of SBU was: 

State 

Numbers 

ACT 50 

New South Wales 50 

Northern Territory 690 

Victoria 717 

Western Australia 70 



Softball Australia sought extensive feedback from the deliverers of the programs and their feedback has been 

incorporated into the updated SBU resources. Feedback from providers who have participated in the program has been 

extremely positive. They have recognised the great potential of the program and the ability it has to enhance the 

development and retention of our juniors into the future at the grassroots level. As a result, Softball Australia is 

confident that the SBU program is now ready for a successful national rollout. 

We have also been working to ensure the program will be flexible enough to meet state and association needs. 

Equipment purchase for participants is now optional and will provide a less expensive entry point into the program. 

Providers have also been offered a greater degree of flexibility in relation to purchasing equipment to run their 

programs. This will enhance ability to successfully roll out the program to associations and clubs in the remaining states 

and in the lead up to the 2013 summer season. 

SBU website 

The SBU website, originally launched in 2011, was redesigned in May 2012. The 

new website: 

• enables both participants and providers to register online 

• provides a dedicated areA where providers can post up-to-date 

information about their current and future SBU programs and other items 

of interest 

• includes more interactive games and puzzles in the Kids section 

• includes a new section for coaches, offering a wide range of coaching 

resources 

Softball Batter Up launch in Victoria 



A new feature in 2012 will be the ‘Batter’s Box’ where children can post photos and other items of interest to share. For 

more information, visit the Softball Batter Up website at www.softballbatterup.com.au 

Kids Zone 

A new feature of the SBU program is the development of the SBU Kids Zone. Kids Zone is an event-based stream of SBU 

to enhance participation, designed to be delivered as a one-off special event at no cost to participants. Throughout the 

year, Softball Australia delivered four Kids Zones at national and international events including: 

• Gilley’s Shield, Canberra, January 

• Elinor McKenzie Shield, Australian U19 Women, Perth, January 

• John Reid Shield and Gilley’s Shield, Sydney, February 

• International Softball Challenge, Canberra, March 

In 2013, Softball Australia envisages that Kids Zones will be part of all national events, creating a fun, carnival-like 

atmosphere. 

Resources 

Our next major focus will be the development of resources to deliver SBU within the school environment and during 

AASC. These resources are being developed as an extension of the association and club resources. Softball Australia 

recognises that there is already a strong connection between clubs and schools and that SBU can be used as a strategy 

to convert school participants into club and association registrations. 


Softball Australia will also be continuing to work in two other important areas that will further enhance the delivery of 

SBU. The Softball Community Coaching Program will provide the perfect platform to deliver Indigenous Softball and 

Special Olympics programs. 


CRM Project Update 

CRM Project Update 

In February 2011, Softball Australia commenced a comprehensive review of the association and club websites, 

addressing a number of challenges which had arisen following the launch of the national website in May 2010. 

The new look association and club website was released in December 2011. It provides administrators with a more userfriendly 

and flexible environment, including: 

• Results, events and news displayed more prominently in a tabular format, centred on the home page 

• The option to choose which association news to display (for clubs affiliated with more than one association) 

• User-friendly display of menu headings 

• Customisation of the banner, background and colours 

• Optional free content areas for text and images 

• Interchangeable free content area are with promotional buttons 

The following table provides a breakdown of website use, identifying the number and percentage of active websites 

(new template) and regularly updated websites: 


Inactive 10 47 0 37 12 13 26 37 

New template 2 43 1 27 17 3 25 5 

Old template 7 56 5 57 9 2 30 15 

Regularly updated 7 29 0 10 13 0 15 2 

Total active 13 99 6 84 26 5 55 20 

% Active 56% 68% 100% 69% 68% 28% 68% 35% 

% New template* 15% 43% 16% 32% 65% 60% 45% 25% 

% Regularly updated** 54% 29% 0% 12% 50% 0% 27% 10% 

*Percentage of total active websites on the new template 

** Regularly updated means new content generated in the last 1 month for associations and 2 months for clubs 

National Membership Database 

Website administrators have assisted throughout the year with testing the functionality of the database and providing 

invaluable feedback. The database will provide our administrators with the ability to organise, store and retrieve 

information as efficiently and effectively as possible, including the ability to: 

• Search for, and automatically merge duplicate members 

• Run standard reports (members by age/gender, recently registered members, member registration on a month by 

month comparison) 

• Create reports using specific fields/criteria 

• Automatically re-register existing members 

Moving forward 

Interfuse, our CRM System provider, recently upgraded the fusesport system to a more generic, modern format. The 

new look will be available when all remaining, and upgraded, Modules are released in 2013. 


Teams 

Teams 

Australian Open Men’s Team 

Aussie Steelers 

22 September – 2 October 2011 

IV International Men’s Championship, Parana, Argentina 

Australian Open Men’s Team 


7-8 December 2011 

International Softball Federation Qualifier, Canberra 

Cameron Bint (NSW) 

Andrew Blackshaw (Qld) 

Evan Byrne (ACT) 

Josh Davison (Qld) 

Neil Delpero (Vic) 

David Edwards (Vic) 

Drew Faulkner (Vic) 

Shaun Goffer (Qld) 

Mark Harris (WA) 

Andrew Havercroft (WA) 

Adam Humble (WA) 

Nathan Jones (WA) 

Kris Kiefel (Vic) 

Scott Patterson (WA) 

Jamie Sheehan (NSW) 

Lewis Weldon (Vic) 

Reserves 

Damien Nairm (Qld) 

Team Officials 

Head Coach – Bob Harrow (ACT) 

Assistant Coach – Battery – Loran Algar (Qld) 

Assistant Coach – Kere Johanson (Qld) 

Assistant Coach – Darrin Hebditch (ACT) 

Team Manager – Michael Titheradge (WA) 

Physiotherapist – Bernie Simai (Vic) 

Statistician – Helen Edwards (Vic) 

Umpire – Darren Sibraa (Qld) 

William Bailey (Qld) 




Adam Folkard (ACT) 

Michael Gibson (ACT) 

Joel Goodall (Vic) 

Jeff Goolagong (ACT) 




Andrew Kirkpatrick (ACT) 


Nick Shailes (Qld) 


James Todhunter (NSW) 


Zenon Winters (ACT) 


Head Coach – Bob Harrow (ACT) 

Assistant Coach – Battery – Loran Algar (Qld) 

Assistant Coach – Kere Johanson (Qld) 

Assistant Coach – Darrin Hebditch (ACT) 

Physiotherapist – Bernie Simai (Vic) 


Teams 

Australian Open Men’s Squad 


March 2012 





Tim Crome (ACT) 

Neal Delpero (WA) 











Julian Jemmott (Qld) 



Matt Norton (ACT) 

Nick Norton (ACT) 

Brendan O’Byrne (WA) 


Brad Riley (ACT) 



Michael Tanner (ACT) 




Reserves 

Aaron Boccardo (WA) 

Ryan Tranter (NSW) 

Open Men’s Squad 

June 2012 




Aaron Boccardo (WA) 

Mitchell Brownlow (NSW) 


Guy Covacin (Qld) 

Neil Delpero (WA) 










Julian Jemmott (Qld) 


Nick Norton (ACT) 

Brendan O’Byrne (WA) 




Michael Tanner (ACT) 


Ryan Tranter (NSW) 



Reserves 

Timothy Crome (ACT) 




Subject to Fitness 

Guy Covacin (Qld) 



Teams 

Australian Open Women’s Team 

Aussie Spirit 

2012 Test Series: New Zealand Whitesox 

Hawker, ACT 7- 8 January 2012 

Australian Open Women’s Squad 

Aussie Spirit 

January-July 2012 

Danielle Bouman (Qld) 


Chermai Clews (WA) 

Michelle Cox (NSW) 

Clare Currie (ACT) 

Leigh Godfrey (WA) 

Sandra Holden (Qld) 

Christina Kreppold (WA) 

Stacey McManus (NSW) 

Kara Murphy (NSW) 

Aimee Murch (ACT) 

Vanessa Stokes (SA) 

Marina Walker (Vic) 

Clare Warwick (ACT) 

Melinda Weaver (Qld) 

Belinda White (SA) 


Head Coach – Kere Johanson (Qld) 

Assistant Coach – Kelly Hardie (Qld) 

Assistant Coach – Kerrie Porter (NSW) 

Team Manager – Chris Clough (NSW) 

Physiotherapist – Michael Oostryck (WA) 

Statistician – Mary Walkinshaw (Vic) 

Danielle Bouman (Qld) 


Karina Cannon (NSW) 

Chermai Clews (NSW) 



Brenda De Blaes (ACT) 

Chelsea Forkin (WA) 




Verity Long-Droppert (WA) 

Zara Mee (NSW) 

Jocelyn McCallum (Qld) 


Monique Miller (NSW) 



Kaia Parnaby (NSW) 

Stacey Porter (NSW) 

Justine Smethurst (Vic) 

Kate Sternes (Qld) 

Jodie Stevenson (WA) 


Kym Tollenaere (Vic) 

Lana Tye (NSW) 

Jade Wall (Qld) 





Teams 

Australian Open Women’s Squad 

Aussie Spirit 

International Softball Challenge (Japan International 

Series) 

Hawker, ACT 

21-24 March 2012 





















Reserve 


Australian Open Women’s Team 

Aussie Spirit 

2012 XIII ISF Open Women's World Championship 

Whitehorse, Canada 

13-22 July 2012 








Zara Mee (NSW) 










Reserves 

Georgia Casey (NSW) 






Head Coach – Kere Johanson (Qld) 

Assistant Coach – Kelly Hardie (Qld) 

Assistant Coach – Kerrie Porter (NSW) 

Assistant Coach – Sarah Lockett (resides USA) 

Team Manger – Chris Clough (NSW) 

Physiotherapist – Michael Oostryck (WA) 

Statistician – Mary Walkinshaw (Vic) 


Teams 

AIS Women’s Scholarships 

December 2011- 31 July 2012 


Karina Cannon (NSW) 









Monique Miller (NSW) 





Carmelle Sorensen (Qld) 

Kate Sternes (Qld) 



Lana Tye (NSW) 

Marina Walker (Vic) 





Australian U19 Women’s Squad 

Aussie Pride 

2012 

Bianca Abrahams (NSW) 

Allanah Alvarado (WA) 

Madeline Cameron (SA) 

Emily Campbell (ACT) 

Eva Carless (Qld) 

Rebecca Chapman (Qld) 

Jordyn Christensen (NSW) 

Sian Colee (NSW) 

Stephanie Curtis (Qld) 

Karla Davidson (NSW) 

Annali Dolman (SA) 

Alice Donohoe (NSW) 

Brittney Flint (Qld) 

Mikayla Gregory (Qld) 

Rachel Higgins (Qld) 

Beth Hobden (NSW) 

Rachel Lack (NSW) 

Jordan Lambert (SA) 

Lauren Lange (WA) 

Mikaela Mahony (NSW) 

Nicola Maitland NSW) 

Julia McCann (NSW) 

Jessica Meyer (NSW) 

Tahli Moore (NSW) 

Holley Onley (WA) 

Jayme Reddacliff (Qld) 

Stephanie Trczinski (SA) 

Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW) 

Jacinta Williams (ACT) 


Teams 

Australian U19 Men’s Team 

Aussie Colts 


Tour of Argentina in lead up to the 2012 ISF IX Junior 

Men’s World Championship 

Jason Cronan (NSW) 

Sam Daff (Qld) 

Mitchell Daly (Qld) 

Nathan Dickinson (NSW) 

Leigh Halpin (NSW) 

Jeremy Jemmott (Qld) 

Kayne Kajan (NSW) 

Marshall Kronk (Qld) 

Christopher McClure (NSW) 

Ryan Merriman (Qld) 

Jayson Morgan (Qld) 

Liam O’Leary (NSW) 

Patrick Schipp (NSW) 

Ryan Sinclair (Vic) 

Jesse Taws (ACT) 

Joshua Wagner (Qld) 

Jonathan Wall (Qld) 


Head Coach – John Neilsen (NSW) 

Assistant Coach – Sandra Evans (Vic) 

Assistant Coach – Murray Rivers (Qld) 

Assistant Coach – Vicki Bingley (ACT) 

Team Manager – Jodie Sheehan (NSW) 

Osteotherapist – Andrew Evans (Vic) 

Statistician – Sarah Thompson (NSW) 

Umpire – Kevin Broomhall (Vic) 

Australian U19 Men’s Team 

Aussie Colts 

1 – 10 November 2012 

ISF IX Junior Men’s World Championship, Parana, 

Argentina 


Scott Jansen (Vic) 



Sam Kassianou (Vic) 


Kieran O’Leary (NSW) 


Nick O’Shea (Vic) 

Mason Rossi (NSW) 





Aaron Whitefield (Qld) 

Matthew Wickham* (ACT) (replaced McClure July 2012) 

Jack Hayes (Vic) 

*Christopher McClure (NSW) (withdrew July 2012) 

Reserves 


Jamee Jones (WA) 

Tom Noble (NSW) 


Head Coach – Gary Butler (WA) 

Assistant Coach – Wess Frances (SA) 

Assistant Coach – Adam Sheehan (NSW) 

Specialist Coach – Sandra Evans (Vic) 

Team Manager – Maxine Cleary (Qld) 

Statistician – Lindy Rattigan (SA) 

Physiotherapist – Rowena Toppenberg (Qld) 

Umpire – Kevin Broomhall (Vic) 


Teams 

Australian U19 Men’s Squad 

Aussie Colts 

Selected for the John Reid Shield, Australian Open 

Men’s Championship 

14-18 February 2012, Blacktown International 

Sportspark, Sydney 

















Matthew Wickham (ACT) 

Australian U19 Men’s Squad 

Aussie Colts 

January 2012 







James Jones (WA) 






Kieran O’Leary (NSW) 



Mason Rossi (NSW) 





Aaron Whitefield (Qld) 



Teams 

Aussie U17 Boy’s Squad 

8-14 January 2012 

At the completion of the Arthur Allsopp Shield, these players were selected in U17 Boy’s Squad to play at International 

Youth Cup, 2-6 July 2012. 

Callum Beashel (NSW) 

Colton Brockhurst (Qld) 

Steven Dawson (Vic) 

Matt Dean (SA) 

Ayden Gough (NSW) 

Dean Halsey (Qld) 

Ben Jager (ACT) 

Brent James (Vic) 

Christopher Kacin (Qld) 

Jaymon King (Qld) 

Jayden Lach (NSW) 

Maclaine Lowe (NSW) 

Ben Lucas (SA) 

Hayden Masson (Vic) 

Hayden Matthews (NSW) 

David McCaskie (ACT) 

Josh McGovern (ACT) 

Jack Noble (NSW) 

Stuart Perry (NSW) 

Jarrod Polzin (Qld) 

Tyrell Priestley (Qld) 

James Purcell (Qld) 

Michael Robar (NSW) 

Izack Rossi (NSW) 

Cameron Short (Vic) 

Matthew Speirs (Vic) 

Samuel Spooner (NSW) 

Adrian Taylor (Qld) 

Adam Talarico (Vic) 

Lachlan Webb (SA) 



International Results 


Australian AIS Squad v New Zealand Whitesox Test Series 



Games 

Australian AIS Squad 9 v NZ Whitesox 1 

Australian AIS Squad 11 v NZ Whitesox 4 

Australian AIS Squad 8 V NZ Whitesox 0 




International Challenge Series 

Hawker, ACT 

21-24 March 2012 

Games 

Aussie Spirit 2 v Japan 3 







Awards 

Most Valuable Player 

Best Pitcher 

Best Batter 

Award winners 

Stacey Porter (Aussie Spirit) 

Yamato Fujita (Japan) 

Misato Kawano (Japan) 

ISF Oceania Men’s Qualifier 

Hawker, ACT 


Games 

Tanifa Samoa 8 v PNG Langarons 1 

Aussie Steelers 8 V PNG Langarons 0 

Aussie Steelers 12 V Tanifa Samoa 4 

PNG Langarons 0 V Tanifa Samoa 12 

Tanifa Samoa Aussie Steelers 12 

PNG Langarons Aussie Steelers 17 

Aussie Steelers Head Coach, Bob Harrow, congratulates the PNG team 

Image courtesy Sportographs 



Argentina Challenge 

Paraná, Argentina 

Open Men 

22-25 September 2011 

Games 

1 Argentina 

2 Australia 

3 Parana 

4 Bblanca 


Games 


2 Argentina 

3 Parana 

4 Combined Argentina 

U19 Men 

22-25 September 2011 

Games 

1 Argentina 


3 Parana 

4 Rcheca 


Games 


2 Parana 

3 Argentina 

4 Rcheca 



2011 IX Junior Women’s World Championship 

Cape Town, South Africa 


Final placings 

Results for Australia 

1 United States Australia 9 v Russia 1 

2 Japan Australia 3 v Brazil 0 

3 Chinese Taipei Australia 2 v Japan 7 

4 Australia Australia 10 v Germany 0 

5 Canada Australia 7 v Zimbabwe 0 

6 New Zealand Australia 9 v Chinese Taipei 4 

7 Brazil Australia 7 v Argentina 0 

8 China 

9 Czech Republic 

10 Puerto Rico Playoffs 

11 Argentina 

12 Russia Australia 4 v USA 7 

13 South Africa Australia 7 v New Zealand 0 

14 Germany Australia 2 v Chinese Taipei 3 

15 Botswana 

16 Zimbabwe 

Megan Horne bats for Aussie Pride against Russia 



Australian Championship Results 


Edebone–Weber Shield Final 

Hawker, ACT 



Final results 

1 NSW Firestars NSW Firestars 7 v Western Australia Flames 3 

2 Western Australia Flames 

3 ACT Diamonds 

4 Qld Heat 

5 Victorian Titans 

6 NZ White Sox 

7 SA Starz 

Awards 

Most Valuable Players 

Award winners 

Chelsea Forkin (WA) and Clare Warwick (ACT) 

John Reid Shield 


13-18 February 2012 


Final results 

1 ACT ACT 2 V Western Australia 0 

2 Western Australia 

3 Queensland 

4 Victoria 

5 NSW 

Awards 

Most Valuable Players 

Best Pitcher 

Best Batter 

Rookie of the Year 

Player of the Grand Final 

Award winners 


Neal Delpero (WA) 

Zenon Winters (ACT 

James Brownlow (NSW) 




Elinor McKenzie Shield, Australian U19 Women’s Championship 




Final results 

1 New South Wales NSW Firestars 4 v ACT 0 

2 ACT 

3 Queensland 


5 Victoria 

6 South Australia 

7 Northern Territory 

Awards 


Best Pitcher 

Best Batter 


Award winners 

Mikaela Mahony (NSW) 

Brittney Flint (Qld) 

Rachel Lack (NSW) 

Julia McCann (NSW) 



Nox Bailey Shield, Australian U19 Men’s Championship 

Hawker, ACT 



Final results 

1 Queensland Queensland 5 v Victoria 4 

2 Victoria 

3 New South Wales 

4 ACT 


6 

7 

Awards 


Best Pitcher 

Best Batter 


Award winners 







Esther Deason Shield, Australian U17 Girls’ Championship 

Hobart, Tasmania 



Final results 

1 New South Wales New South Wales 3 v Queensland 1 

2 Queensland 



5 ACT 

6 Victoria 

7 Tasmania 

Awards 


Best Pitcher 

Best Batter 


Award winners 

Jordyn Christensen (NSW) 

Stephanie Trzcinski (SA) 

Beth Hobden (NSW) 

Amelia Cudicio (NSW) 



Arthur Allsopp Shield, Australian U17 Boys’ Championship 

Altona, Victoria 



Final results 

1 New South Wales New South Wales 7 v ACT 0 

2 ACT 

3 Queensland 

4 Victoria 



Awards 


Best Pitcher 

Best Batter 


Award winners 

Hayden Mathews (NSW) 

Adrian Taylor (Qld) 





Gilley’s Shield, Australian Open Women’s Championship Final 


16-18 February 2012 


Final results 

1 NSW Firestars NSW Firestars 2 V ACT Diamonds 1 

2 ACT Diamonds 

3 Qld Heat 

4 Western Australia Flames 

5 SA Starz 

6 Victorian Titans 

Awards 


Best Pitcher 

Best Batter 

Rookie of the Year 


Award winners 




Michelle Edgtton (NSW) 

Bree Brooker (NSW) 




Australian U15 Regional Championship 

Rockhampton, Qld 

6-10 July 2011 

Final placings – Girls’ Division 

Final placings – Boys’ Division 

1 Sydney Metro Blue 1 Sydney Metro Green 

2 Sydney Metro Green 2 Sydney Metro Blue 

3 Canberra Gold 3 SQ Regional Academy Storm 

4 SQ Regional Academy Flames 4 SQ Regional Thunder 

5 SQ Regional Academy Fire 5 SQ Regional Academy Cyclones 

6 SQ Regional Academy Flickers 6 Country NSW 

7 Canberra Blue 

8 Country NSW 

9 SEMSA 

Images courtesy Pro Photo Australia 


Other National Results 

Other national results 

International Youth Cup 

Blacktown, NSW (Women) 

4-8 July 2011 


1 School Sport Australia 

2 NSW Metro 

3 Sunstate Wanderers 

4 Aussie U17 Girls 

5 NZ Junior Girls’ Development 

6 NSW Country 

7 SE Metro Vic 

Awards 


Best Pitcher 

Best Batter 


Award winners 

Taylah Tsitsikronis (School Sport Australia) 

Julia McCann (Aussie U17 Girls) 

Michaela Mahoney (School Sport Australia) 

Taylah Tsitsikronis (School Sport Australia) 

International Youth Cup 

Blacktown, NSW (Men) 

4-8 July 2011 


1 Aussie U19 Green 

2 NZ Junior Boys’ Development 

3 Western Civil 

4 Aussie U19 Gold 

5 ISA New Zealand 

6 NSW Metro 

7 Aussie U17 Boys 

8 NSW Country 

Awards 


Best Pitcher 

Best Batter 


Award winners 

Jesse Taws (Aussie U19 Men’s Green) 

Marshall Kronk (Aussie U19 Men’s Green) 

Mitchell Daly (Aussie U19 Men’s Gold) 

Jason Cronan (Aussie U19 Men’s Green) 


Other National Results 

International Softball Challenge 


28-30 July 2011 


1 US Colleges 

2 Australian U19 Women’s Squad 

3 NSW Blue 

4 QAS 

5 NSW Red 

Awards 


Best Pitcher 

Best Batter 

Award winners 

Mikaela Gregory (ASSA) 

Sandra Holden (QAS) 

Georgia Casey (NSW) 

Image courtesy Devan Price 


Life Members/Hall of Fame 

Softball Australia Life Members 

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

Name Year State 

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 

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. 


Fiona Crawford 2010 NSW 

Paul Maisey 2010 Vic 

Marissa Warburton 2010 Qld 

Ken Culpitt 2009 ACT 

2009 Australian Open Men’s Team Aussie Steelers and 

ISF World Champions 

2009 

Geoffrey Coultas 2008 WA 

Brian Flint 2008 WA 

Darryl Rector 2008 WA 

Robert Richardson 2008 NSW 




Bill Downing 2008 WA 

Russell Taylor 2008 WA 

Josh Davison 2008 NSW 

Dave McKenzie 2008 WA 

Peter Clout 2008 NSW 

Sally McCreedy OAM 2008 ACT 

Peta Edebone 2008 Vic 

Brooke Wilkins 2008 NSW 

Kathy Mitchell 2008 Qld 

John McAuliffe 2007 SA 

Bob Crudgington 2006 Qld 

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 

Nichole 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 2002 Vic 

Joyce Lester OAM 2000 Qld 

Leanne Evans 1997 Vic 

Gaye Ledingham 1997 NSW 

Pat Shearwood 1995 ACT 

Sandra Troyahn 1995 Vic 

Arthur Allsopp* 1992 Vic 


Pat Rawlings OAM* 1991 NSW 




Jane 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 

Margaret Dodds 

Bess Dornan 

Myrtle Edwards 

Rita Gherardin 

Elinor McKenzie* 

Audrey McLaughlin 

Helena Meehan 

Nina Menner 

Midge Nelson BEM 

Gladys Phillips* (C) 

Judy Pizaro* 

Marjorie Scott 

Merle Short* 

Sandra Somerville 

Margaret Swann 

Nancy Whittingham 

Lorraine Woolley 


Hall of Fame inductees 

Vic 

Qld 

Vic 

Vic 

Vic 

Vic 

Qld 

Vic 

WA 

Vic 

Vic 

Vic 

Vic 

Vic 

Qld 

Vic 

SA 

Qld 


ISF Hall of Fame Inductees 

ISF Hall of Fame inductees 


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 2001 Vic 

Joyce Lester 2001 Qld 

Audrey McLaughlin AM 1999 Qld 


Janine (Jan) Allsopp 1993 Vic 

Vivienne Triplett* 1993 Vic 

Sybill Turner 1993 NSW 

Rhonda Boyd 1991 Vic 

Christine 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 



Member States 

Member States 

Softball ACT 

t: 02 6278 3000 

f: 02 6278 3111 

e: ceo.softballact@bigpond.com 

w: www.act.softball.org.au 

Softball NSW 

t: 02 9677 4000 

f: 02 9677 4040 

e: office@softball.net.au 

w: www.softball.net.au 

Softball NT 

t: 08 8927 3333 

f: 08 8927 9999 

e: softballnt@bigpond.com 

w: www.nt.softball.org.au 

Softball Qld 

t: 07 3391 2447 

f: 07 3391 4734 

e: admin@softballqld.asn.au 

w: www.qld.softball.org.au 

Softball SA 

t: 08 8353 6766 

f: 08 8353 2480 

e: admin@softballsa.com.au 

w: www.sa.softball.org.au 

Softball Tasmania 

t: 03 6249 3589 

f: 03 6249 3589 

e: softballtas@yahoo.com 

w: www.tas.softball.org.au 

Softball Victoria 

t: 03 415 1745 

f: 03 8678 3018 

e: admin@softballvic.org.au 

w: www.victoria.softball.org.au 

Softball WA 

t: 08 9349 9911 

f: 08 9345 3553 

e: adminsoftallwa@iinet.net.au 

w: www.wa.softball.org.au 


Partners and Sponsors 

Partners and sponsors 

Principal Partner 

High Performance Partner 

Indigenous Softball Program Partner 

Apparel Sponsor 

Official Equipment Supplier 

Sponsors 

Ebadges Marketworthy Sport Business Partners 

Fielder’s Choice 

National Aboriginal Sporting 

Chance Academy 

Theme Park 

McKenna Hampton Softball Excellence Valiant Press 



Glossary 

Glossary 

AASC 

AIS 

ASC 

BNOL 

CALD 

CRM 

DTE 

ISF 

ISP 

NEDP 

NCAS 

NOAS 

NSC 

NUC 

NUP 

SCCP 

TCS 

TCU 

UIC 

Active After school Communities 

Australian Institute of Sport 

Australian Sports Commission 

Blues News Online 

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse 

Client Relationship Management 

Daily Training Environment 

International Softball Federation 

Indigenous Softball Program 

National Elite Development Program 

National Coaching Accreditation Scheme 

National Officiating Accreditation Scheme 

National Scoring Committee 

National Umpiring Committee 

National Umpiring Program 


Tournament Chief Statistician 

Tournament Umpire in Chief 

Umpire in Chief

2012 Annual Report - Softball Australia

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