2012 Annual Report - Softball Australia
2012 Annual Report - Softball Australia
2012 Annual Report - Softball Australia
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ANNUAL <strong>Report</strong><br />
<strong>2012</strong><br />
DIVERSITY COMMUNITY FUN EXCELLENCE ENGAGEMENT TEAMWORK
Purpose<br />
• be the dynamic and innovative leader of <strong>Softball</strong> in <strong>Australia</strong><br />
• engage, support and inform all softball stakeholders<br />
• raise the profile and standing of and participation in softball<br />
• support and deliver quality competitive and recreational softball opportunities locally, nationally<br />
and internationally.<br />
Vision<br />
We will be the world’s number one <strong>Softball</strong> nation, providing exciting competitive and<br />
recreational opportunities to a rapidly expanding and diverse membership and to communities<br />
across <strong>Australia</strong>.<br />
Level 1, Suite 2, 273 Wellington Street, Collingwood VIC 3066<br />
T 03 9417 0022<br />
www.softball.org.au<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Ltd ACN 092 181 318
Contents<br />
Highlights ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1<br />
Chairman’s <strong>Report</strong> .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3<br />
Acting CEO’s <strong>Report</strong> ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5<br />
Message from the <strong>Australia</strong>n Sports Commission ................................................................................................................................................ 10<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>’s Strategic Plan ................................................................................................................................................................................... 11<br />
Organisational Structure ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14<br />
Our Committees ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15<br />
High Performance ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17<br />
Membership ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21<br />
Member Recognition ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27<br />
Coaching.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 38<br />
Scoring..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40<br />
Umpiring .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 45<br />
Technical Delegates ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 53<br />
Community Participation ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 54<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Community Coaching Program .................................................................................................................................................................... 58<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 60<br />
CRM Project Update .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 63<br />
Teams ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 64<br />
International Results .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 72<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Championship Results ................................................................................................................................................................................. 76<br />
Other national results ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 83<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Life Members ................................................................................................................................................................................... 85<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Hall of Fame inductees ................................................................................................................................................................ 85<br />
ISF Hall of Fame inductees .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 88<br />
Member States ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 89<br />
Partners and sponsors ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 90<br />
Glossary ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 92<br />
John Reid Shield image courtesy Donkin Gook Photography<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong>
Highlights<br />
Highlights<br />
ISF Oceania Men’s Qualifier<br />
In the lead up to the 2013 ISF XIII Men’s World Championship in New Zealand, 1-10 March, the ISF Oceania Men’s<br />
Qualifier was held at Hawker International <strong>Softball</strong> Centre, ACT in December 2011. The Aussie Steelers qualified for the<br />
World Championships, finishing the Series undefeated. Samoa and Papua New Guinea participated in the Qualifier, with<br />
Samoa also qualifying for the World Championship.<br />
Strike Out Breast Cancer<br />
During the U19 Women’s Championship (Perth) and the U17 Girls Championship (Hobart), <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>, <strong>Softball</strong> WA<br />
and <strong>Softball</strong> Tasmania joined forces on the Strike Out Breast Cancer campaign to raise awareness for the National<br />
Breast Cancer Foundation. A total of $8,800 was raised for the Foundation.<br />
Men’s Argentina Tour<br />
In September 2011, the Aussie Colts travelled to Parana, Argentina for the <strong>2012</strong> ISF IX Junior Men's World Championship.<br />
The tour gave the Aussie Colts a chance to visit and familiarise themselves with the venue and region where they would<br />
be returning for the <strong>2012</strong> ISF IX Junior Men’s World Championship in November <strong>2012</strong>. The Aussie Colts will be looking to<br />
win their fifth consecutive title.<br />
The Aussie Steelers Squad also travelled to Argentina, providing the younger members with an opportunity to<br />
experience international competition.<br />
NSW Firestars<br />
It was a clean sweep for the NSW Firestars, winning the Gilley’s Shield, Edebone-Weber Shield and McLaughlin Cup in<br />
the Open Women’s Championships. Congratulations to NSW Firestars for being the first team to achieve this result.<br />
New <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Award – Player of the Grand Final<br />
After reviewing the <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Awards process in 2010/11, a Player of the Grand Final Award for each of our<br />
national events was introduced.<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men’s Squad – Aussie Colts<br />
As part of the preparation for the <strong>2012</strong> ISF IX Junior Men’s World Championship to be held in Argentina from 1-10<br />
November <strong>2012</strong>, the squad participated in the John Reid Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Men’s Championship in February,<br />
picking up wins against Victoria and New South Wales.<br />
New association and club website<br />
Following a review of the website and feedback from users, the ‘new look’ association and club website was released in<br />
December 2011. The new format provides administrators with a more user-friendly, flexible environment which can be<br />
tailored to suit association and club requirements, while still offering generic content provided and maintained by<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>.<br />
New branding for National Teams<br />
In May, the new team logos for our national teams were unveiled. The graphic components are unique to each team.<br />
They have their own style and energy and represent the values of each national team with a refinement of existing<br />
shapes (Aussie Steelers and Aussie Colts) and the creation of new logos (Aussie Spirit and Aussie Pride).<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 1
Highlights<br />
Transitions<br />
Aussie Steeler, Josh Davison, announced his retirement from international competition.<br />
Achievements<br />
Darryl Clout, former President of <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>, was recognised as a <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Life Member and Bob Harrow,<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Men's Head Coach, Paul Maisey and Peta Edebone (former players) were inducted into the ISF Hall of<br />
Fame.<br />
Two of our umpires were appointed to the final of the 2011 ISF IX Junior Women’s World Championships gold medal<br />
game: Helen Strauss (Qld) was appointed the plate and Yvonne Kahler (Qld) was appointed second base.<br />
Helen is the first <strong>Australia</strong>n umpire to plate umpire a World Championships gold medal match. She is also the first<br />
person to represent her country as a player and an umpire. Congratulations Helen!<br />
Bob Harrow receiving his ISF Hall of Fame plaque from Darryl Clout<br />
Image courtesy Donkin Gook Photography<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 2
Chairman’s <strong>Report</strong><br />
Chairman’s <strong>Report</strong><br />
The highlight of the year was our national teams' performances on the international<br />
stage. Congratulations to Kere Johanson and the <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women’s Team,<br />
Aussie Spirit, on finishing 3 rd and 4 th respectively at the Canadian Open International<br />
Women’s Fastpitch and the World Cup of <strong>Softball</strong> VI in the USA. Supported by a 4 th<br />
place from the <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women’s Team, Aussie Pride, in the IX ISF Junior<br />
Women’s World Championships in South Africa, it makes future successes on the world<br />
stage look very promising for our women's program. <strong>Australia</strong> maintains its place as the<br />
World’s Number 1 <strong>Softball</strong> nation, due to the success of the <strong>Australia</strong> Open Men’s<br />
Team, Aussie Steelers and the <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men’s Team, Aussie Colts. With<br />
international achievements in mind, we also recognise three outstanding individual<br />
contributors, Bob Harrow, Peta Edebone and Paul Maisey, who were inducted into the<br />
ISF Hall of Fame for their outstanding performances in the elite realms of <strong>Softball</strong>.<br />
Operationally, the past year for <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> has been challenging. We saw the resignation of our CEO, Sue Noble,<br />
after 3½ years of service to <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>, the departure of Julie Anderson, Manager High Performance Pathways and<br />
Matt Cairns, Business Development Manager. There was also the resignation of two Board members, Ashley Klein and<br />
Vicki Lahey. We thank them for their contribution.<br />
Financially also, <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> has experienced its most demanding year. Two world championships to attend in the<br />
one year along with staff changes resulted in a significant financial loss. While a sizeable operating loss was budgeted<br />
due to the timing of the new world championship calendar, the magnitude was greater than anticipated due to many<br />
unforseen events and circumstances faced. Having now put all of these issues behind us, we can look forward to a<br />
brighter future for <strong>Softball</strong> as we continue to address the many legacies, and restructure the organisation for improved<br />
outputs whilst aligning to stakeholders’ needs and minimising operational costs.<br />
The Governance Committee has met bi-monthly over the past 12 months to review <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>’s policies,<br />
guidelines and regulations, as well as confer on governance matters raised by the <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Board. This year has<br />
been particularly productive for this Committee with the revision of administrative and governance policies and the<br />
review of existing documents. All documents were made available as a resource tool for use and adoption by <strong>Softball</strong><br />
<strong>Australia</strong> and Member States. By the conclusion of <strong>2012</strong> we anticipate the completion of a revised eCommunications<br />
Policy and Risk Management Policy and operating documents will also be reviewed. A refined Membership Policy will<br />
be developed to reflect the recommendations of the comprehensive membership review, including new membership<br />
categories. Work continues to align Member States Constitutions, purposes and objectives with <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>. In<br />
addition, the <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Ambassador program continues to provide support for Member State Boards as required<br />
and a direct line of communication between a <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Director and State President.<br />
Internationally, significant steps have been made for the inclusion of women's <strong>Softball</strong> back onto the Olympic Games<br />
program. At the XXV World Congress in 2011, the ISF committed to a strategy of a joint bid with Baseball in an attempt<br />
to regain admission into the 2020 Olympics. The position of the <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Board and other ISF members,<br />
supported by feedback received from IOC members, was that <strong>Softball</strong> had an improved chance of inclusion with a joint<br />
bid with Baseball, rather than standing alone. The ISF Congress overwhelmingly voted to pursue this strategy and a<br />
Working Party was established to progress this direction.<br />
Albeit slowly, the framework is being prepared for a joint legal identity internationally and targeted strategy developed<br />
for presentation and formal consideration at a World <strong>Softball</strong> Special Congress scheduled for October 2013. <strong>Softball</strong>,<br />
together in a joint bid with Baseball, is one of seven sports bidding for inclusion in the 2020 Olympics, the decision to<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 3
Chairman’s <strong>Report</strong><br />
be made at the 2013 IOC Session scheduled for September in Buenos Aires. Other sports bidding are Climbing, Karate,<br />
Roller Sports, Squash, Wakeboard and Wushu. While there is never any certainty, we remain quietly confident that our<br />
joint proposal is an enhanced and attractive proposition for Olympic Games inclusion if that is the direction taken by<br />
the ISF at Congress.<br />
Recognition<br />
I would like to acknowledge the contribution and achievements of the volunteers who support our sport and make it<br />
possible for many <strong>Australia</strong>ns to participate, day in and day out. As in most sports, the majority of recognition is<br />
bestowed upon front-line personnel and the elite. Whilst their contribution is certainly noteworthy and deserved, it is<br />
often the volunteers behind the scenes who make it all possible. There is a plethora of coaches, scorers, umpires,<br />
grounds-personnel, administrators, committees, parents and supporters who donate huge amounts of their personal<br />
time to make this sport possible. These volunteers contribute enormous amounts of work-time freely to enable the<br />
registered players to participate in officially organised and recognised <strong>Softball</strong>.<br />
I also take this opportunity to thank the <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Directors, our Member State Boards, and association and club<br />
committees for giving their time freely to support the running and development of our sport. Being a volunteer<br />
administrator in sport can be a thankless task, attracting as it does the brunt of criticism for decisions made for the<br />
overall good of <strong>Softball</strong>, rather than parochial interests.<br />
Following the departure of our CEO in June <strong>2012</strong>, Chet Gray was appointed Acting CEO. A restructure of all <strong>Softball</strong><br />
<strong>Australia</strong> operations was immediately conducted with a view to streamline operations and reduce expenditure, while<br />
maintaining focus on resourcing key deliverables. As a result, a number of portfolios were amalgamated to develop a<br />
new operations team.<br />
We thank Chet for the job he has done during this period and to the <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff who have collectively<br />
supported and contributed to achieving these endeavours, and now, we look forward to the New Year with renewed<br />
vigour and enthusiasm. The recruitment process for the CEO position will be contemplated early in 2013.<br />
Thank you also to the remaining <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Board members for their persistence and resilience for not only<br />
addressing the many challenges we faced, but remaining unified and steadfast in our conviction of creating a better 'go<br />
forward position' for the sport. Board numbers remained at a minimum during this period and we are now in the<br />
process of recruiting and increasing our numbers back to full complement for customary operating levels.<br />
Finally, we would like to thank our Principal Partner, the <strong>Australia</strong>n Sports Commission who supported <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong><br />
during this difficult period. Without their ongoing support and offered assistance we would have struggled to endure<br />
this period. <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> appreciates the support of the ASC as we look to the future.<br />
Dennis Cullen<br />
Chairman<br />
Karina Cannon (NSW) with the Gilley’s Shield<br />
Image courtesy Donkin Gook Photography<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 4
Acting CEO’s <strong>Report</strong><br />
Acting CEO’s <strong>Report</strong><br />
Our five year strategic plan has provided the sport with a foundation for sustained growth and reform.<br />
The past 12 months has seen a number of changes in<br />
staff and structure at <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>. Sue Noble<br />
(CEO), Julie Anderson (Manager High Performance<br />
Pathways), Matt Cairns (Manager Membership and<br />
Business Development), Lauren Boland (Membership<br />
and Business Development Coordinator), Phil Hazlett<br />
(Schools & Club Development Coordinator), Nina Xu<br />
(Finance Coordinator) and Raelene Jeffrey (National<br />
Community Coach) departed <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> seeking<br />
new challenges.<br />
In particular, I would like to acknowledge Sue Noble’s<br />
contribution to <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> over the past 3½<br />
years. Development of a five year Strategic Plan,<br />
improving the governance structures, quality assurance,<br />
instigating marketing, membership and event research<br />
and review remain a strong legacy of Sue’s tenure with<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>. Sue’s contribution has enhanced the<br />
strategic direction and governance standards of the<br />
organisation.<br />
Following Sue’s departure, I stepped into the position<br />
of Acting CEO. The <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Board and staff<br />
have been very supportive during this time of<br />
transition.<br />
The departure of several key staff members resulted in<br />
new appointments. We welcomed Joanne Paez<br />
(<strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up Coordinator), Trisha Bennett<br />
(National Community Coach Coordinator) and Hari<br />
Prasad (Financial Coordinator) and the return of Kylie<br />
Bloodworth (Membership and Marketing Coordinator)<br />
and we look forward to their contribution.<br />
In February, Jenny Cassidy was appointed as the Acting<br />
Manager High Performance Pathways to oversee the<br />
High Performance area until a full review of the<br />
program has been completed in early 2013.<br />
Internal staff restructuring was undertaken to address<br />
administrative and operational requirements.<br />
In October 2011, the <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> office relocated<br />
from Hawthorn to Collingwood. The purpose was to<br />
reduce costs and improve the office layout and<br />
functionality.<br />
During 2011-12, our finances recorded a deficit, due to a<br />
number of unforeseen circumstances.<br />
Recognition of success<br />
A highlight in 2011 was the induction of Bob Harrow,<br />
Paul Maisey and Peta Edebone into the ISF Hall of<br />
Fame. Their contribution and achievements on and off<br />
the <strong>Softball</strong> diamond have now been recognised at the<br />
highest level. <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> congratulates these<br />
worthy individuals on such an outstanding<br />
achievement.<br />
In December, the <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women’s Team, Aussie<br />
Pride, coached by Paula McGovern (Vic), competed in<br />
the ISF IX Junior Women’s World Championship in<br />
Cape Town, South Africa. The Team finished 4 th , going<br />
down to Chinese Taipei 3-2 in a thrilling encounter in<br />
the bronze medal game.<br />
The <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women’s Team, Aussie Spirit,<br />
competed in the Canadian Open International<br />
Women’s Fastpitch tournament where they finished in<br />
3 rd place. The Team then moved on to Oklahoma (USA)<br />
for the World Cup of <strong>Softball</strong> VI where they finished in<br />
4 th place.<br />
The <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Men’s Team, Aussie Steelers and<br />
the <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men’s Team, Aussie Colts, travelled<br />
to Parana, Argentina. The Aussie Colts competed in the<br />
IV International Men’s <strong>Softball</strong> Tournament, while the<br />
Aussie Steelers competed in a separate tournament.<br />
Both teams finished 1 st in their divisions. This event<br />
provided our Aussie Colts with valuable experience in<br />
the lead up to the ISF IX Junior Men’s World<br />
Championship to be held in Parana in November <strong>2012</strong>.<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 5
Acting CEO’s <strong>Report</strong><br />
Congratulations to the NSW Firestars for taking out<br />
both the Gilley's Shield and Edebone-Weber Shield<br />
with a nail-biting finish against the ACT Diamonds 2-1.<br />
This is the first time a team has won both the Gilley’s<br />
Shield and the Edebone-Weber Shield in the same year.<br />
ACT retained the John Reid Shield (Open Men) while<br />
NSW successfully defended the Elinor McKenzie Shield<br />
(U19 Women) making it six in a row. Qld was this year’s<br />
winners of the Nox Bailey Shield (U19 Men). NSW<br />
continued their domination in the junior age groups<br />
winning both the Esther Deason (U17 Girls) and Arthur<br />
Allsopp Shields (U17 Boys). Congratulations to all<br />
participants!<br />
Congratulations to Helen Strauss (Qld), the first<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n umpire at an ISF World Championship to be<br />
appointed as the plate umpire for a gold medal game.<br />
Helen is also the first <strong>Australia</strong>n to represent her<br />
country as a national player and umpire at an ISF World<br />
Championship. Congratulations also to Yvonne Kahler<br />
(Qld) who was appointed second base umpire in the<br />
Championship final.<br />
Capacity building<br />
A significant decline in membership was again recorded<br />
in 2011-12. To address this major issue, work<br />
commenced with the establishment of the<br />
Membership Review Project Team. The purpose of the<br />
Project Team is to address the decline in participation<br />
and membership by developing a more inclusive<br />
membership model. Through extensive consultation,<br />
the Project Team identified individual and institutional<br />
(associate) membership categories which could<br />
realistically be implemented.<br />
Some of the key achievements of the Project Team in<br />
the past 12 months were:<br />
• development of individual and associate<br />
membership categories<br />
• development of a new membership model to be<br />
presented to the Member States<br />
• preparation of Memorandums of Understanding<br />
(MOUs) with key national partners – the <strong>Australia</strong>n<br />
Defence Force, Special Olympics <strong>Australia</strong>, School<br />
Sports <strong>Australia</strong> and <strong>Australia</strong>n University Games<br />
• ensuring alignment of the new national database<br />
with existing and proposed <strong>Softball</strong> programs and<br />
membership model<br />
• initial work to implement opportunities identified<br />
in the Market Insights Project, <strong>2012</strong> National<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Survey and Segmentation Final <strong>Report</strong><br />
The next phase will be to achieve short term priorities<br />
to maintain momentum and progress inclusion of the<br />
following categories:<br />
• finalise the new membership categories with our<br />
Member States<br />
• sign-off MOUs with key national partners identified<br />
above<br />
• finalise key processes, such as registration, revenue<br />
and data flow<br />
• finalise member benefit packages and fee structures<br />
for each category of membership<br />
• draft a Membership Policy (consistent with clause<br />
5.5.7 of our Constitution) that supports the<br />
expansion of <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>’s membership model<br />
• develop a communication plan to explain the<br />
features and benefits of the new model to all<br />
stakeholders; to demonstrate value for money and<br />
to encourage eligible potential members to join<br />
• ensure the National Membership Database and<br />
other relevant programs (SBU, SCCP, Social <strong>Softball</strong>,<br />
etc) will accommodate new membership categories<br />
• apply the knowledge gained from the Market<br />
Insights Project, for example, optimal price points,<br />
preferred benefit packages and communication<br />
channels<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>, in partnership with the ASC, engaged<br />
the services of Sport Business Partners to conduct<br />
substantial market research in identified high priority<br />
areas. The research aimed to provide information to<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> to strengthen the delivery and<br />
commercialisation of the sport. Sport Business Partners<br />
provided their final National <strong>Softball</strong> Survey and<br />
Segmentation <strong>Report</strong>. The report provided<br />
considerable insight into the perceptions and<br />
expectations of the <strong>Softball</strong> community, including<br />
current and former members, and the broader<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n community.<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> is now utilising the information to<br />
identify strengths and weakness within the <strong>Softball</strong><br />
market when we address our new membership model.<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 6
Acting CEO’s <strong>Report</strong><br />
Sustainability<br />
Our national events provide an opportunity to<br />
showcase our sport, promote the sport and enhance<br />
spectator involvement. Last year we established the<br />
Event Review Committee to evaluate and review all<br />
aspects of the current national events program. The<br />
intention of the review was to develop an effective,<br />
commercially viable and sustainable national events<br />
program.<br />
Michael Shields, <strong>Softball</strong> Victoria Board Member, was<br />
appointed to conduct interviews throughout <strong>Australia</strong><br />
with coaches, officials, administrator, participants and<br />
spectators to seek feedback regarding our national<br />
events program. The report indicated a need for similar<br />
standards across all tournaments, provide a better<br />
focus on our volunteers and to improve the overall<br />
atmosphere of these events to engage and attract<br />
more spectators.<br />
The Event Review established short, medium and long<br />
term goals that need to be finalised in consultation<br />
with our Member States, such as:<br />
• trial combined events (eg U17 Boys and Girls same<br />
venue) or Gilley’s Shield and U17 Girls<br />
• a review of the national events calendar, including<br />
all <strong>Softball</strong> events (international, national and state)<br />
with the purpose of improving the current schedule<br />
• trial a proposed event model at one event, eg U17<br />
• develop a full working document for a centralised<br />
event program which includes procedures,<br />
processes, costings and case studies<br />
• identified and recruited volunteer SCCP Coaches to<br />
deliver the pilot programs in each state and<br />
established baseline numbers for FY12 and FY13 (as<br />
part of planning/pilots)<br />
• finalised the national ISP strategy and the<br />
membership model for remote Indigenous<br />
communities, launched the ISP program in Canberra<br />
on 23 March with MOU sign-off in Northern<br />
Territory, South <strong>Australia</strong> and Western <strong>Australia</strong><br />
• 7,896 ISP participants through various initiatives<br />
In High Performance:<br />
• delivery of six National Catchers and Battery Camps<br />
in ACT, NSW, SA, Tas, Vic and WA<br />
• development and implementation of a national<br />
Strength and Conditioning program for Open and<br />
U19<br />
• review and restructure of the National Elite<br />
Development program with the focus on the Daily<br />
Training Environment (DTE)<br />
• establishment of a National Coaches Leadership<br />
group, which includes the formation of the<br />
National Coaching Committee and establishment<br />
of the Battery Reference Group with work<br />
commencing on the National <strong>Softball</strong> Coaches<br />
Guidelines<br />
Our deliverables<br />
Over the past 12 months we have achieved many of our<br />
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).<br />
In participation:<br />
• finalised the <strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up (SBU) program and<br />
Kids Zone for associations and clubs and delivered<br />
25 pilot programs, with 1,517 SBU participants taking<br />
part<br />
• appointed a National Community Coach<br />
Coordinator and three coordinators to develop the<br />
SCCP resources<br />
• conducted four <strong>Softball</strong> Community Coach pilot<br />
programs to compile feedback on the induction<br />
course resources and delivery methodology.<br />
Stacey Webber<br />
Stacey Webber (Qld) was one of the standouts for the<br />
Aussie Pride team with impressive statistics that included a<br />
batting average of 0.556, a huge 14 RBI display from 6 games<br />
(6 singles, 1 double and 3 home runs) and a slugging average<br />
of 1.111<br />
Image courtesy Donkin Gook Photography.<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 7
Acting CEO’s <strong>Report</strong><br />
Building partnerships and engagement of stakeholders<br />
Our partnership with the <strong>Australia</strong>n Sports Commission (ASC) and engagement with our Member States is vital to<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>’s future growth and viability in this ever change sporting environment.<br />
I would like to acknowledge the ongoing support and assistance of the ASC’s David Crocker, Kim Williams, Andrew<br />
Pratley, Peter Topp, David Simpson, Jonathan Grady, Michael McGovern, Holly French, and numerous others who,<br />
behind the scenes, continue to support our many programs and initiatives.<br />
We continued to work closely with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to deliver our Indigenous <strong>Softball</strong><br />
Program to remote communities in rural and regional <strong>Australia</strong>.<br />
I would also like to acknowledge the staff and volunteers of all host associations who conducted national<br />
championships and events during 2011-12. An enormous amount of hard work goes into providing the facilities and<br />
infrastructure for such events to take place.<br />
It would also be remiss of me not to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful band of loyal partners and sponsors:<br />
• <strong>Australia</strong>n Sports Commission<br />
• <strong>Australia</strong>n Institute of Sport<br />
• Easton/Addlon Trading<br />
Our people<br />
My appreciation is extended to the directors, staff and volunteers of <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> and our Member States who<br />
continue to make an invaluable contribution to the management and governance of the sport in <strong>Australia</strong>. Their hard<br />
work, dedication and passion cannot be underestimated and will continue to be required as we take <strong>Softball</strong> forward<br />
together.<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> is heading into a new era both on and off the diamond. While we wait for a decision regarding the joint<br />
Baseball/<strong>Softball</strong> submission to the International Olympic Committee for the 2020 program, it is the responsibility of<br />
all stakeholders to unite and tackle the immediate challenges confronting us.<br />
These challenges include ensuring that the game stays relevant for the next generation and provide quality participation<br />
and pathway opportunities for both the recreational participant and future national team representatives.<br />
Looking forward<br />
Indigenous Role Model, Jeff Goolagong (ACT), Open Men’s Team, Aussie Steelers<br />
Our five year strategic plan has provided the sport with a foundation for sustained growth and reform. We will<br />
continue to deliver our KPIs over the next 12 months:<br />
• implement the first stage of the revised or new national events program<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 8
Acting CEO’s <strong>Report</strong><br />
• deliver the initial stage of the new inclusive membership and participation model<br />
• provide a new Member State website and updated national website<br />
• deliver a fully integrated national membership database<br />
• full implementation of the <strong>Softball</strong> Community Coach and <strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up programs in every state and into<br />
schools<br />
• deliver a nationally coordinated Daily Training Environment which achieves National Coach expectations<br />
• achieve top three results at ISF World Championships<br />
• deliver a National Battery program<br />
• expand the social inclusion program to include recreational and corporate slow pitch opportunities<br />
• achieve a budget surplus and transparent financial reporting processes<br />
• develop and implement the first stages of the National Community Umpiring Program<br />
We are now focused and determined to achieve the challenges before us!<br />
Chet Gray<br />
Acting CEO<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 9
ASC Message<br />
Message from the <strong>Australia</strong>n Sports Commission<br />
The <strong>Australia</strong>n Government is committed to increasing participation in sport and for our high performance athletes to<br />
excel on the world stage. Sport not only inspires and unites; it also promotes community involvement and active<br />
lifestyles.<br />
The Olympic and Paralympic Games is an exciting time for <strong>Australia</strong>ns and highlights the substantial contribution of<br />
sport to the <strong>Australia</strong>n community, from athletes competing in the Games to those involved in weekend club<br />
competition and social play, as well as parents and volunteers.<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>’s performance at the London Olympic and Paralympic Games is the culmination of extensive long-term efforts<br />
across the <strong>Australia</strong>n high performance sector. Following the Games, there will be opportunity to celebrate our success<br />
and critically review our next steps to ensure we focus and align our efforts to deliver the best possible results on the<br />
world stage.<br />
It is two years since the <strong>Australia</strong>n Government delivered its new vision for sport through <strong>Australia</strong>n Sport: The Pathway<br />
to Success. As a result the <strong>Australia</strong>n Sports Commission (ASC) received an increase in recurrent funding. Since then, we<br />
have focused on implementing our new plans, delivering key programs, supporting national sporting organisations<br />
(NSOs) to deliver participation and high performance outcomes while also assisting with building there capacity and<br />
improving collaboration, alignment and effectiveness within the <strong>Australia</strong>n sport sector.<br />
The <strong>2012</strong> Budget delivered a continuation of the Active After-school Communities program. This will enable primary<br />
school-aged children across the country the opportunity to embed sport and physical activity into their daily life. We<br />
will continue working with sporting organisations at all levels to ensure the program provides maximum value to sports<br />
and supports the transition of program participants into local clubs.<br />
The Prime Minister’s Olympic and Paralympic Challenges were a unique way for primary school children to capture the<br />
Olympic spirit and create their own Olympic journey. This initiative encouraged and inspired children to get active,<br />
have fun and earn rewards. This, coupled with participation programs delivered by NSOs, continues the <strong>Australia</strong>n<br />
Government’s commitment to ensuring greater access to the benefits of sport.<br />
The support received from the <strong>Australia</strong>n Government for <strong>Australia</strong>n sport is essential and plays an integral role in<br />
connecting our young sporting participants with their dreams of podium success in the future.<br />
This is an exciting and challenging time for <strong>Australia</strong>n sport. The <strong>Australia</strong>n Sports Commission looks forward to working<br />
with sporting organisations, state and territory institutes and academies of sport and departments of sport and<br />
recreation, to promote access to, and participation in sport. Together we can promote an active lifestyle and develop<br />
sporting champions now and into the future.<br />
Mr David Gallop<br />
Acting Chairman<br />
Board of the <strong>Australia</strong>n Sports Commission<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 10
Strategic Plan<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>’s Strategic Plan<br />
Purpose<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>'s purpose is to:<br />
• be the dynamic and innovative leader of <strong>Softball</strong> in<br />
<strong>Australia</strong><br />
• engage, support and inform all <strong>Softball</strong><br />
stakeholders<br />
• raise the profile, standing of, and participation in<br />
<strong>Softball</strong><br />
• support and deliver quality competitive and<br />
recreational <strong>Softball</strong> opportunities locally,<br />
nationally and internationally<br />
Vision<br />
We will be the world’s number one <strong>Softball</strong> nation,<br />
providing exciting competitive and recreational<br />
opportunities to a rapidly expanding and diverse<br />
membership and to communities across <strong>Australia</strong>.<br />
Values<br />
• collaborative & cooperative<br />
• supportive & responsive<br />
• inclusive & equitable<br />
• open & transparent<br />
• innovative & creative<br />
• flexible & dynamic<br />
• professional & respectful<br />
• proactive & enthusiastic<br />
• accountable & ethical<br />
• competitive & tenacious<br />
Strategic themes<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> will achieve its purpose and vision by<br />
focusing on the following strategic themes that will<br />
underpin all our objectives and initiatives. We will:<br />
• build a vibrant, diverse, satisfied and growing<br />
membership, <strong>Softball</strong> community and other key<br />
stakeholders (our market)<br />
• adopt an innovative and integrated ‘whole of sport’<br />
approach to <strong>Softball</strong> (our product)<br />
• demonstrate governance and management<br />
leadership, excellence, accountability and good<br />
stewardship<br />
• deliver marketing and business development<br />
excellence (promotion, communication,<br />
information and commercial acumen)<br />
• provide quality people (staff, volunteers, players,<br />
coaches, officials), facilities, equipment, technology<br />
and other non-financial resources<br />
• establish a robust and sustainable financial base<br />
that enables us to invest in the future of <strong>Softball</strong><br />
Strategic objectives<br />
By 30 June 2014, we will achieve the following strategic<br />
objectives:<br />
• Membership of more than 60,000, with an annual<br />
growth rate of 10%<br />
• A high level of member awareness, engagement and<br />
satisfaction with the performance of <strong>Softball</strong><br />
<strong>Australia</strong> and their <strong>Softball</strong> experience<br />
• Significant growth in participation and take-up of<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> and Member State activities,<br />
including competitions, social activities, and<br />
training, development and accreditation programs<br />
• A high level of positive awareness, recognition,<br />
understanding, support and engagement from<br />
funding-bodies, the media, general public, sponsors,<br />
commercial partners and other sporting bodies<br />
• Staff and volunteers who will be highly engaged,<br />
motivated, skilled, respected and service focused<br />
• An <strong>Australia</strong>-wide network of international,<br />
national and community facilities to enable us to<br />
deliver a great <strong>Softball</strong> experience<br />
• A portfolio of successful and viable competitions,<br />
programs and services<br />
• Up-to-date technology in place to assist with:<br />
• our knowledge and understanding of our<br />
stakeholders<br />
• efficient development and delivery of our<br />
programs, products and services<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 11
Strategic Plan<br />
• effective communication and the sharing of<br />
information<br />
• efficient management of the business of <strong>Softball</strong><br />
• Best practice governance and management across<br />
all levels of the sport<br />
• Current and relevant policies and regulations<br />
• Quality marketing and business development to<br />
support the promotion, development and delivery<br />
of <strong>Softball</strong> across <strong>Australia</strong><br />
• Stable, viable and sustainable finances to support<br />
the continued growth and development of <strong>Softball</strong><br />
Key initiatives in <strong>2012</strong>/13<br />
The following key initiatives are to be delivered over<br />
the next 12 months in order for <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> to<br />
deliver on our strategic objectives.<br />
Market – member value proposition<br />
Community Participation<br />
• establish baseline figures for various <strong>Softball</strong><br />
participation programs<br />
• deliver several participation initiatives to achieve<br />
over 10,000 participants<br />
Membership<br />
• increase <strong>Softball</strong> membership by 4% and convert<br />
unaffiliated participants to members<br />
• finalise MOUs with <strong>Australia</strong>n Defence Force,<br />
School Sport <strong>Australia</strong>, <strong>Australia</strong>n University Sport,<br />
Special Olympics and Masters programs<br />
• develop the association and club performance<br />
audit and recognition programs and implement the<br />
first stage of a national community officiating<br />
program<br />
Organisational capacity – organisation value<br />
proposition<br />
High Performance<br />
• Open Women's and U19 Men’s Teams to achieve a<br />
top three finish at ISF World Championships<br />
• Open Men's Team to achieve a gold medal at the<br />
ISF World Championship<br />
• deliver the Daily Training Environment (DTE)<br />
programs in Member States<br />
Technical<br />
• finalise the National Facility audit, Facility<br />
Management Guide and <strong>Softball</strong> Field Guidelines<br />
• increase coaching and officiating accreditation by<br />
5%<br />
• <strong>Softball</strong> Community Coaching Program to build the<br />
community coach workforce by 10% induction<br />
courses nationally, targeting 500 participants<br />
• complete National Events Review and develop a<br />
three year implementation plan<br />
Technology<br />
• deliver the CRM System and implement the<br />
Membership Database with all remaining Modules<br />
to Members States, associations and clubs (as<br />
required)<br />
Internal business process – optimisation<br />
Marketing and Business Development<br />
• all Member State Constitutions aligned with<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> governance principles<br />
• finalise the Membership Policy, new members and<br />
participants categories and fees structure<br />
• develop Corporate Marketing Plan and implement<br />
promotional plans for Indigenous <strong>Softball</strong> Program,<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up, national teams and <strong>Softball</strong><br />
Community Coaching Program<br />
• restructure <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>’s Working<br />
Committees and develop directors’ portfolios in<br />
line with office management staff<br />
Financial – shareholder value proposition<br />
• achieve a budget surplus with a bank reserve and<br />
maintain cash flow at a minimum $50,000<br />
• implement an efficient and transparent financial<br />
control system and reporting process that is<br />
transparent, which includes a viable debt collection<br />
procedure<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 12
Jessie Meyers (NSW) celebrating her home run at the IX ISF Junior World Championships, South Africa<br />
Image courtesy Matthew Horne<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 13
Organisational Structure<br />
Organisational Structure<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Directors<br />
Dennis Cullen (Chairman) Vicki Lahey (resigned 28 June <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
Annette Fidge<br />
Michelle Nancarrow<br />
John Hollingsworth<br />
Selwyn Williams<br />
Ashley Klein (resigned 14 May <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
Helen Langenberg<br />
Management team<br />
Chief Executive Officer Sue Noble (left June <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
General Manager Operations & Technical Chet Gray (commenced Acting CEO 28 June <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
Manager High Performance Pathways Julie Anderson (left January <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
Jenny Cassidy (commenced as Acting in February <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
Membership & Business Development Manager Matt Cairns (left June <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
Marketing & Business Development Coordinator Lauren Boland (left October 2011)<br />
National Events Coordinator<br />
Michael Chard<br />
Finance Coordinator Nina Xu (left November 2011)<br />
Replaced by Hari Prasad<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n AIS Women’s Program Coordinator<br />
Kylie Moulds<br />
eCommunications Coordinator<br />
Helen Davis<br />
Special Projects Manager<br />
Rafael Martins<br />
School & Club Development Coordinator Phil Hazlett (left September 2011)<br />
Social Inclusion Coordinator<br />
Tim Hatzi<br />
Administration Coordinator<br />
Tracey Duscher<br />
National Community Coaches Jenny Cassidy & Raelene Jeffrey (left June <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
Honorary SAL Historian<br />
Margo Koskelainen OAM<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n AIS Women’s Head Coach<br />
Kere Johanson<br />
Membership & Marketing Coordinator Kylie Bloodworth (commenced November 2011)<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up/National Community Coach Joanne Paez (commenced May <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
National Community Coach Coordinator Trish Bennett (commenced October 2011)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 14
Our Committees<br />
Our Committees<br />
High Performance Committee<br />
Julie Anderson (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff)<br />
Jenny Cassidy (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff))<br />
Chet Gray (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff)<br />
Selwyn Williams (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Director)<br />
Michelle Nancarrow (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Director)<br />
Kere Johanson (AIS/Open Women’s Head Coach)<br />
Sue Nisbet (Qld)<br />
Bob Harrow (Open Men’s Coach)<br />
Paula McGovern (U19 Women’s Coach)<br />
John Neilsen (U19 Men’s Coach)<br />
Terry Downes (Qld)<br />
Participation Committee<br />
Sue Noble (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> CEO)<br />
Lauren Boland (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff)<br />
Matt Cairns (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff)<br />
Selwyn Williams (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Director)<br />
Vicki Lahey (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Director)<br />
Evelyn Seabourne (Tas)<br />
Nikkie Molander (Qld)<br />
Lindy Rattigan (SA)<br />
Raelene Jeffrey (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff)<br />
Marketing & Business Development Committee<br />
Sue Noble (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> CEO)<br />
Lauren Boland (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff)<br />
Matt Cairns (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff)<br />
Helen Davis (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff)<br />
Ashley Klein (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Director)<br />
Selwyn Williams (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Director)<br />
Roger Maddern (Vic)<br />
Membership Committee<br />
Sue Noble (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> CEO)<br />
Matt Cairns (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff)<br />
Dennis Cullen (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Director)<br />
Vicki Lahey (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Director)<br />
Susan Rindfleish (NSW)<br />
Noelene Elvish (NT)<br />
Mark Jeppesen (Qld)<br />
Roger Maddern (Vic)<br />
National Scoring Committee<br />
Michael Hannelly – Chief Statistician (NSW)<br />
Carolyn Buttsworth (NSW)<br />
Ngaire Huston (Qld)<br />
Lindy Rattigan(SA)<br />
Chris Trengove (Vic)<br />
Mary Walkinshaw (Vic)<br />
National Events Committee<br />
Julie Anderson (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff)<br />
Michael Chard (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff)<br />
Kylie Bloodworth (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff)<br />
Jenny Cassidy (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff)<br />
Chet Gray (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff)<br />
Mike Hannelly (NSW)<br />
Jodie Bowering (Qld)<br />
Tricia Sibraa (Qld)<br />
Sheryl Burnie (Tas)<br />
Shirley Schneider (WA)<br />
Technical Committee<br />
Julie Anderson (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff)<br />
Chet Gray (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> staff)<br />
Dennis Cullen (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Director)<br />
Ken Culpitt (ACT) (resigned November 2011)<br />
Mike Hannelly (NSW)<br />
Tricia Sibraa (Qld)<br />
Margo Koskelainen (Vic)<br />
Ray Carter (Vic)<br />
National Umpiring Committee<br />
Tricia Sibraa – National UIC – Operations (Qld)<br />
Leigh Evans – UIC – Technical (Vic)<br />
Debbie Grove – UIC – Development(Vic)<br />
Yvonne Kahler (Qld)<br />
Darren Sibraa (Qld)<br />
Bridget Cameron (Qld) (November 2011)<br />
Kyira Cox (NSW) (November 2011)<br />
Amanda Houison (NSW)<br />
History & Recognition Committee<br />
Ken Culpitt (ACT)<br />
Cathy Kerr (NSW)<br />
Neville Lawrance (SA)<br />
Audrey McLaughlin AM (Qld)<br />
Margo Koskelainen OAM (Vic)<br />
Lorraine Ireland (Vic)<br />
Shirley Schneider (WA)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 15
New Branding for National Teams<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> announces new branding for national teams<br />
In May <strong>2012</strong>, the new team logos for our national teams were unveiled. The logos complete a review of the <strong>Softball</strong><br />
<strong>Australia</strong> national team brand after the redesign of the team uniforms with new uniform supplier, Kukri.<br />
The graphic components are unique to each team. They have their own style and energy and represent the values of<br />
each national team with a refinement of existing shapes (Aussie Steelers and Aussie Colts) and the creation of new<br />
logos (Aussie Spirit and Aussie Pride).<br />
The Aussie Spirit leadership group, Stacey Porter (NSW), Jodie Bowering (Qld) and Leigh Godfrey (WA) had a great deal<br />
of input into the design, with the logos representing the five core values of the team Aussie Spirit Vice Captain, Jodie<br />
Bowering says ‘The new logo compliments not only the values and objectives of the team and to be allowed the input<br />
to the new logos gave the girls a sense of ownership to the Aussie Spirit direction moving forward.’<br />
The Aussie Steelers and Aussie Colts maintain the integrity of the previous logos with the images of the kangaroo and<br />
colt, both formidable animals, strong and tough like our World Champion teams<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 16
High Performance<br />
High Performance<br />
Harnessing the knowledge and expertise of our national head coaches to develop the high performance initiatives will<br />
strengthen our vision for closer alignment of all programs.<br />
With change comes innovation and diversity.<br />
To ensure ongoing success on the international stage,<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> is striving to create an elite<br />
environment for our teams to achieve success. One of<br />
our 2011/12 priorities was to provide a robust training<br />
and competition schedule to prepare our athletes,<br />
coaches and officials for their World Championship<br />
campaigns. Other priorities included:<br />
• establish a National Leadership Advisory Group<br />
comprising all national head coaches<br />
• closer alignment of both our men and women’s<br />
programs<br />
• provide succession planning to ensure sustainable<br />
long term success<br />
• review our National Elite Development Program<br />
implementation plan<br />
• introduce a National Strength and Conditioning<br />
programs for U17 boys and girls<br />
• in consultation with National Head Coaches and<br />
Member State, establish a DTE model to be<br />
delivered to accommodate each program’s<br />
requirements<br />
• develop the National Coaching Guidelines for state<br />
based DTE coaches<br />
National Coaching Leadership Advisory<br />
Group<br />
The National Coaching Leadership Advisory Group<br />
replaces the formerly appointed High Performance<br />
Working Committee. Committee members are:<br />
• Kere Johanson, Head Coach<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women, Aussie Spirit<br />
• Bob Harrow, Head Coach<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Men, Aussie Steelers<br />
• Shane Hughes, Head Coach<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women, Aussie Pride<br />
• Gary Butler, <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men<br />
Aussie Colts<br />
• Vicki Bingley, Head Coach<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U17 Girls<br />
• Kathy Horton, Head Coach<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U17 Boys<br />
The National Coaching Leadership Advisory Group has<br />
appropriate leadership to provide effective program<br />
governance and management. They will assist with the<br />
direction of our identified priorities for all national<br />
programs. Harnessing the knowledge and expertise of<br />
our national head coaches to develop the high<br />
performance initiatives will strengthen our vision for<br />
closer alignment of all programs. We would like to<br />
acknowledge and thank all members of the High<br />
Performance Working Group for their time and<br />
commitment to <strong>Softball</strong>.<br />
National Head Coaches<br />
Kere Johanson<br />
AIS <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women<br />
Bob Harrow<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Men<br />
Shane Hughes (March <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
Paula McGovern (December 2011)<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women<br />
John Neilsen<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men<br />
Kathryn Horton<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U17 Boys<br />
Vicki Bingley<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U17 Girls<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 17
High Performance<br />
Elite competition<br />
2011 ISF IX Junior Women’s World<br />
Championship<br />
The <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women’s Team, Aussie Pride,<br />
finished 4 th at the IX ISF Junior Women’s World<br />
Championship held in South Africa from 7 -17<br />
December 2011. It was a closely contested competition<br />
with the team only losing games to the three eventual<br />
medal winners – USA, Japan and Chinese Taipei.<br />
<strong>Australia</strong> commenced the World Championship<br />
campaign with a 12-1, 5 innings victory against Russia in<br />
front of a strong crowd of Aussie Pride supporters. The<br />
match was highlighted by a 3 run home run hit by<br />
Jessica Meyers (NSW) in the 3 rd innings.<br />
The following day saw an unpredictably tight<br />
encounter against Brazil, with <strong>Australia</strong> winning 3-0.<br />
The team was defeated on day 3 by the 2 nd ranked<br />
Japanese team 7-2, the second innings proving to be<br />
the difference between the two teams as Japan scored<br />
4 runs from 5 hits. <strong>Australia</strong> went on to win the final<br />
three round games, with a 10-0 win over Germany, a<br />
spectacular 9-4 win over Chinese Taipei and 7-0 win<br />
over Argentina.<br />
Stacey Webber (Qld) was one of the standouts for the<br />
Aussie Pride team with impressive statistics that<br />
included a batting average of 0.556, a huge 14 RBI<br />
display from 6 games (6 singles, 1 double and 3 home<br />
runs) and a slugging average of 1.111. Lana Tye (NSW)<br />
also displayed exceptional pitching form throughout<br />
the World Championship, notably striking out 12<br />
batters in the semi-final against Chinese Taipei.<br />
2011 Canadian Open Fastpitch International<br />
Championships and World Cup of <strong>Softball</strong> VI<br />
The <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women’s Team, Aussie Spirit,<br />
competed in the Canadian Open Fastpitch<br />
International Championship in Vancouver from 9-17<br />
July 2011 and the World Cup of <strong>Softball</strong> VI in Oklahoma<br />
from 21-25 July. The team finished 3 rd and 4 th<br />
respectively, playing 19 games over 15 days and<br />
completing a vital part of their preparation for the <strong>2012</strong><br />
XIII ISF Open Women's World Championship.<br />
<strong>Australia</strong> finished in second position of pool B, earning<br />
a double chance in the finals series where they met the<br />
defending champions, the USA. Although defeated by<br />
the USA, there were a number of noteworthy<br />
performances from the Aussie Pride defense,<br />
committing only one error all game. Pitchers Lana Tye<br />
(NSW) and Ellen Roberts (NSW) combined for 5 strike<br />
outs.<br />
With a second chance on offer and progression to the<br />
final four at stake, <strong>Australia</strong> defeated New Zealand 7-0<br />
in 6 innings.<br />
<strong>Australia</strong> was courageous in the play-off for the bronze<br />
medal, going down 3-2 in the 9 th innings to a stronger<br />
opponent in Chinese Taipei.<br />
Vanessa Stokes (SA) pitches at Round 1 Gilley’s Shield<br />
Image courtesy Neil Medland<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 18
High Performance<br />
Other events<br />
Test Series: <strong>Australia</strong> v New Zealand<br />
At the conclusion of the Edebone-Weber Shield in<br />
Canberra, Aussie Spirit and the New Zealand White Sox<br />
competed in a three game Test Series. <strong>Australia</strong> took<br />
out the series 3-0, defeating New Zealand in the final<br />
game 8-0. Christina Kreppold (WA), Kara Murphy (NSW)<br />
Vanessa Stokes (SA) and Marina Walker (Vic) played for<br />
<strong>Australia</strong> for the first time.<br />
International Challenge Series: Japan v<br />
<strong>Australia</strong><br />
At the completion of Gilley’s Shield Round 4 at<br />
Blacktown Olympic Park (NSW), a squad of 20 athletes<br />
were selected to compete against Japan in a 7 game<br />
series in Canberra from 21-24 March <strong>2012</strong>. The Series<br />
allowed both teams to use the competition as a final<br />
selection event for the <strong>2012</strong> XIII ISF Open Women's<br />
World Championship.<br />
The Japanese team consisted of the number one<br />
women’s pitcher, Yukiko Ueno, and fellow 2008<br />
Olympic gold medallists, Yukiyo Mine, Rei Nishiyama<br />
and Eri Yamada.<br />
Japan took out the series 5-2, with <strong>Australia</strong> finishing<br />
strongly in the last game to win a spectacular game 6-5.<br />
Securing the number two world ranked team and<br />
reigning Olympic <strong>Softball</strong> gold medallists for a test<br />
series leading into the World Championship was a<br />
great achievement for <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> and testimony<br />
to the strength of <strong>Australia</strong>n Women’s <strong>Softball</strong> on the<br />
world stage.<br />
Stacey Porter (NSW) was awarded Most Valuable<br />
Player of the series, playing in all 7 games, hitting 3<br />
home runs with a batting average of 0.421.<br />
AIS Women’s <strong>Softball</strong> Program<br />
The AIS <strong>Softball</strong> Program was established in 1993 and<br />
has been a major factor in the strength and success of<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Women’s <strong>Softball</strong>. The purpose of the<br />
program is to provide a Daily Training Environment<br />
(DTE) for elite female athletes, that supports the<br />
development of world class players and nurtures<br />
champion <strong>Australia</strong>n teams. <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> and the<br />
AIS Head Coach, Kere Johanson, coordinate a network<br />
of coaches in each state to assist in the provision of<br />
expert contemporary coaching and training.<br />
Seven AIS training camps were conducted during the<br />
year to support the national team in the lead up to the<br />
<strong>2012</strong> XIII ISF Open Women's World Championship held<br />
in Yukon, Canada from 13-22 July:<br />
• AIS pre-tour Camp, Blacktown, NSW, 2-3 July 2011<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n based athletes and coaches attended a<br />
two day training camp prior to departure for the<br />
Canadian Open Fastpitch International<br />
Championships in Vancouver.<br />
• AIS Induction Camp, AIS Canberra, ACT, 8-11<br />
September 2011<br />
The athletes were addressed by acting AIS CEO, Phil<br />
Borgeaud, and were provided with anti-doping and<br />
nutrition information. The Aussie Pride joined the<br />
camp as part of their final preparation for the IX ISF<br />
Junior Women’s World Championship held in South<br />
Africa, 7-17 December 2011.<br />
• AIS Pre and post Gilley’s Shield, Round 1 Camps, 26<br />
and 31 October 2011<br />
• AIS Pre Gilley’s Shield, Round 2 Camp, 24 November<br />
2011<br />
• AIS Camp, Blacktown, NSW, 2-4 March <strong>2012</strong><br />
• AIS Camp, West Beach, SA, 2-4 June <strong>2012</strong><br />
Twelve athletes and national coaching staff<br />
attended this final camp prior to departure to the<br />
US and Canada.<br />
• AIS pre-tour Camp, Oklahoma University, 24-26<br />
June <strong>2012</strong><br />
Seventeen athletes and national coaching staff<br />
attended the Camp.<br />
In December 2011, 25 of the available 28 AIS<br />
Scholarships were selected to the <strong>Australia</strong>n Open<br />
Women’s Squad. Scholarships were awarded on an<br />
eight month basis with the intention of providing<br />
sports medicine and science support to recipients, as<br />
well as access to the facilities of the AIS and the State<br />
Sports Academies and Institutes in ACT, NSW, Qld, Vic,<br />
WA and SA.<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 19
High Performance<br />
Events Review<br />
In February 2011, the <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Board endorsed a proposal to undertake a comprehensive review of <strong>Softball</strong><br />
<strong>Australia</strong>’s National Events program. In the initial phase of the review, key stakeholder interviews were conducted to<br />
gather information to identify what was, and wasn’t working Recommendations were prepared for discussion and<br />
approval by the <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Board.<br />
Members of the Event Review Working Group were:<br />
• Kylie Bloodworth (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>)<br />
• Michael Chard (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>)<br />
• Chet Gray (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>)<br />
• Cathy Kerr (<strong>Softball</strong> NSW)<br />
• Sue Nisbet (<strong>Softball</strong> Qld)<br />
• Trevor Schorer (<strong>Softball</strong> WA)<br />
• Mike Shields (<strong>Softball</strong> Vic)<br />
• Steve Trzcinski (<strong>Softball</strong> SA)<br />
The Group will recommend future event mix, structure and process, through:<br />
• scoping all aspects of the current <strong>Australia</strong>n Championship program with a view to implementing an effective,<br />
commercially viable and sustainable program that is more attractive to participants, spectators, business partners,<br />
funding bodies and the media<br />
• the evaluation and introduction of new event concepts eg the <strong>Australia</strong> Cup concept arising from the <strong>Softball</strong><br />
commercialisation and research projects<br />
On behalf of High Performance, I would like to thank all staff members, volunteers, team staff and Member States for<br />
their ongoing passion, dedication and support of all our national squads and teams. For <strong>Softball</strong> in <strong>Australia</strong> to continue<br />
to move forward, it is critical we attract, develop and retain a hard working network of coaches, mangers and support<br />
staff. To guarantee ongoing success on the international stage, <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> also recognises the outstanding<br />
support of our key stakeholders, particularly the ASC and AIS. This support allows our national teams to participate in<br />
elite international events, whilst endorsing a High Performance training environment for coaches and athletes<br />
throughout <strong>Australia</strong>.<br />
Paula McGovern<br />
Paula McGovern was appointed Head Coach of the <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women’s team,<br />
Aussie Pride, in 2008. For the past 7 years, Paula has been a national selector for the<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women's Program, four of those years as chair of the U 19 Women's<br />
Selection panel.<br />
A valued member of the High Performance Working Committee, Paula assisted<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> in the development of resources, providing feedback on coach<br />
education and delivering coaching courses to a range of coaches and teachers over a<br />
10 year period.<br />
Paula’s commitment to developing young athletes and her passion for the game is<br />
unquestionable. A career highlight was leading the team at the IX Junior World<br />
Championship, South Africa, December 2011.<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 20
Membership<br />
Membership<br />
The Membership Review Project has provided <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> with a clear way forward …<br />
Our Members<br />
This statistical snapshot of membership provides a brief picture of <strong>Australia</strong>-wide participation in mainstream programs<br />
within our associations and clubs. It must be noted that the trend of decline in traditional membership has continued in<br />
2011, whilst the Membership Review Project has yet to implement strategies to arrest this state.<br />
Positively, it is worth noting that Western <strong>Australia</strong> has resisted a nation-wide trend, recording growth in excess of 17%,<br />
on the back of strong increased female participation.<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 21
Membership<br />
Membership Management Plan<br />
The membership management plan has provided<br />
impetus for the creation of a Membership Review<br />
Project Team, overseen by Michael Shields (Vic):<br />
• Sue Rindfleish (NSW)<br />
• Mark Jeppesen (Qld)<br />
• Bob Nicholson (SA)<br />
• John Milbourne (Tas)<br />
• Jenny Holliday (Vic)<br />
• Trevor Howard (WA)<br />
• Andrew Pratley (ASC)<br />
• David Simpson (ASC)<br />
The Project Team has progressed work on priorities in<br />
the last 12 months with a focus on implementing<br />
strategies identified in the past year to help arrest the<br />
decline in membership. In November <strong>2012</strong>, the key<br />
action will have been achieved, with the presentation<br />
of a new membership model to Member States at the<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> <strong>Annual</strong> General Meeting for their<br />
consideration.<br />
In addition, further outcomes have been advanced,<br />
including:<br />
• preparation of Memorandums of Understanding<br />
with key national partners, that include significant<br />
providers of <strong>Softball</strong> outside of the traditional<br />
sport structure<br />
• development of a proposed member rewards<br />
scheme and new business model<br />
• alignment of the new national database with<br />
existing and proposed <strong>Softball</strong> programs and<br />
membership model<br />
• initial work to implement opportunities identified<br />
in the Market Insights project, <strong>2012</strong> National<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Survey and Segmentation Final <strong>Report</strong><br />
This work is seen as an essential complement to the<br />
new membership model, the impact of which will be<br />
enhanced as the sport continues to accept changes to<br />
the status quo.<br />
Market research<br />
The <strong>2012</strong> National <strong>Softball</strong> Survey and Segmentation<br />
Final <strong>Report</strong> provided considerable insight into the<br />
perceptions and expectations of the <strong>Softball</strong><br />
community, including current and former members,<br />
and the broader <strong>Australia</strong>n community. <strong>Softball</strong><br />
<strong>Australia</strong> will use the report to shape not only the new<br />
membership model, but the development of initiatives<br />
that supplement the model and strengthen the overall<br />
position of the sport.<br />
Looking forward<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> is presented with an opportunity to not only address the trend of membership decline, but at the<br />
same time, the perceived weaknesses of the current sport structures. The Membership Review Project has provided<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> with a clear way forward. To complement the Project in <strong>2012</strong>/13, <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> will continue to<br />
expand the <strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up, Indigenous <strong>Softball</strong> and <strong>Softball</strong> Community Coaching Programs. In addition, possible<br />
future initiatives, such as Little League, will provide a broader experience for membership.<br />
Jodie Bowering, Aussie Spirit<br />
Image courtesy Donkin Gook Photography<br />
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Membership<br />
Membership breakdown<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 23
Membership<br />
Membership breakdown (cont’d)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 24
Membership<br />
Membership breakdown (cont’d)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 25
Membership<br />
Membership breakdown (cont’d)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 26
Member Recognition<br />
Member Recognition<br />
2011 <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Awards and Honours Dinner<br />
The 2011 <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Awards and Honours Dinner was held at the Rooty Hill RSL on 18 February <strong>2012</strong> following the<br />
conclusion of the John Reid and Gilley’s Shield Championships. Joyce Lester, Olympian and member of the <strong>Softball</strong><br />
<strong>Australia</strong> Hall of Fame, was the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.<br />
Two very special presentations were made during the evening – Darryl Clout was formally recognised for his 2010 Life<br />
Membership and Bob Harrow, <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Men's Head Coach, was inducted into the ISF Hall of Fame.<br />
2011 <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Awards and Honours Dinner<br />
Image courtesy Donkin Gook Photography<br />
2011 <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Award Winners<br />
Award Winners State<br />
Junior Male Athlete of the Year Mitchell Brownlow NSW<br />
Junior Female Athlete of the Year Georgia Casey NSW<br />
Statistician of the Year Chris Trengove Vic<br />
Administrator of the Year Chris Heron NT<br />
Coach of the Year Darrin Crisp NSW<br />
Local Association of the Year Waverley <strong>Softball</strong> Association Vic<br />
Indigenous Athlete of the Year Stacey Porter NSW<br />
Male Athlete of the Year Andrew Kirkpatrick ACT<br />
Female Athlete of the Year Stacey Porter NSW<br />
2011 Spirit Award Andrew Kirkpatrick ACT<br />
2011 Vivienne Triplett Umpire of the Year Award Scott Rindfleish NSW<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 27
Member Recognition<br />
2011 <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Service Awards<br />
The <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Service Award recognises significant contributions to <strong>Softball</strong>. It is made to any member (player<br />
or non-player) who has given at least 10 years noteworthy service to <strong>Softball</strong> in <strong>Australia</strong>.<br />
State<br />
NSW<br />
Qld<br />
Vic<br />
Winners<br />
Michelle Cate, Carlye Doney, Beryl Foster, Maree Hayden, Carol Jones, George Norrish, Michelle<br />
Nohotima, Janne Trigg<br />
Sandra Gierke, Chris Edards, Jamie Ogden, Lorraine Rylatt, Barry Sandford<br />
Bev Allan, Ellen Dimitrijevic, Robyn de Sachau, Henry de Sachau, Sandra Evans, Esther Lightowler,<br />
Danny McCarthy, Coralee McMenomy, Rhonda Rowe, Brendan Shatwell, Stan Tolmie, Karl Willmott,<br />
Di Waller, Phil Waller<br />
2011 ISF Hall of Fame inductees<br />
The ISF Hall of Fame was established to recognise outstanding performance both on and off the <strong>Softball</strong> field.<br />
Nominations are made by the National Association or Federation and all nominees must meet the selection criteria.<br />
In 2011, three <strong>Australia</strong>ns – Bob Harrow, Paul Maisey and Peta Edebone – were inducted into the ISF Hall of Fame.<br />
Bob Harrow Paul Maisey Peta Edebone<br />
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Member Recognition<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 29
Member Recognition<br />
Peta Edebone<br />
Peta Edebone is known for her courage, dedication and commitment to the pursuit of success. She began her<br />
representative career when she was chosen for the Victorian U16 Team in 1984 and played for three years in the junior<br />
ranks. Peta represented the Victorian Open Women’s team for a total of 15 years, including captaining the team from<br />
1994-2004. In 1993, Peta won the Sybil Turner Medal for Best Batter at the <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women's Fastpitch<br />
Championship and, in 1997 at the same event, won the Midge Nelson Medal for Most Valuable Player.<br />
In 1992, Peta made her debut in the <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women's Team at the Challenger Cup in Beijing, as the 160 th player<br />
to represent <strong>Australia</strong>. She played at three ISF World Championships, in 1994 in Canada (bronze), in 1998 in Japan (silver)<br />
and in 2002 in Canada (5 th ). Peta also played in three Olympic Games – 1996 in Atlanta (bronze), 2000 in Sydney (bronze)<br />
and 2004 in Athens (silver).<br />
She was highly regarded as one of the world’s leading batters and defensive players in the positions of 1 st base and<br />
outfield. At the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Peta equalled the then Olympic Record of four home runs. From 1998-<br />
2000 she was Vice Captain of the <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women’s Team and in January 2001, was given the honour of<br />
captaining the <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women's Team, a position she held until her retirement.<br />
Peta retired having played a total of 328 international matches for the <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women's Team, at the time<br />
making her the second most capped <strong>Australia</strong>n player ever behind Sally McCreedy (356 caps). In 2008, Peta was<br />
inducted into the <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Hall of Fame.<br />
Peta Edebone (left) with Haylea Petrie after winning the Bronze Medal after the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 30
Member Recognition<br />
Bob Harrow<br />
Bob has dedicated 20 years of service to <strong>Softball</strong> in <strong>Australia</strong>, particularly to the elite women’s and men’s programs.<br />
Since 2000, Bob has been Head Coach of the <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Men’s team, the Aussie Steelers, achieving great success,<br />
including winning the 2009 ISF XII Open Men’s World Championship.<br />
Further to his involvement with <strong>Australia</strong>n National teams, Bob has also influenced the national elite competition.<br />
Following the 1986 ISF VI Women’s World Championship, and the <strong>Australia</strong>n Men’s debut at the 1988 ISF VII Men’s<br />
World Championship, he recognised the need for another tier of elite national competition. His vision included both<br />
male and female programs, which aimed to maximise the opportunities for top tier and emerging <strong>Australia</strong>n players to<br />
gain high quality competition. Bob’s vision resulted in the National Fastpitch <strong>Softball</strong> League, conducted from 1989 until<br />
1996.<br />
Over the seven seasons the League operated, it attracted more than 750 players, 200 umpires and 75 statisticians. The<br />
League was an invaluable developmental breeding ground for males and females aspiring to represent their country. It<br />
was particularly vital for the women’s development pathway, with the potential for participants to be a part of the first<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Women’s Olympic <strong>Softball</strong> team.<br />
Throughout Bob’s decorated career he has been recognised at numerous levels. In 2009 after the Aussie Steelers World<br />
Championship win, he was inducted in the <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Hall of Fame. In 2010, he was honoured with <strong>Softball</strong><br />
<strong>Australia</strong> Life Membership and has been awarded both <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> and ACT Coach of the Year honours.<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 31
Member Recognition<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 32
Member Recognition<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 33
Member Recognition<br />
Paul Maisey<br />
Paul debuted for the Aussie Steelers, in New Zealand, in 1995. He was the 32 nd male player to represent <strong>Australia</strong> and<br />
played in 24 international tournaments. During his career, he played in three World Championships – 1996, 2000 and<br />
2004 – winning a bronze medal in 2004 with the Aussie Steelers. Paul retired from international competition after the<br />
2006 Commonwealth Men’s Championships.<br />
Following his retirement, Paul continued to play at state level, representing Victoria until 2008. He led Victoria to<br />
multiple national titles in 17 years, at the same time receiving individual batting awards. Paul has also made a significant<br />
contribution at club level, helping to establish Metrans <strong>Softball</strong> Club in Melbourne. He continues his strong association<br />
with <strong>Softball</strong> by coaching and mentoring young players.<br />
Paul was inducted into the <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Hall of Fame in 2011 for his outstanding services to <strong>Australia</strong>n <strong>Softball</strong> over<br />
a career spanning 15 years.<br />
Images courtesy TruView Photography<br />
James Brooks, Kris Kiefel and Paul Maisey at the 2006 Commonwealth Men’s Championship<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 34
Member Recognition<br />
Retirement<br />
Josh Davison<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Hall of Fame inductee, Josh Davison, announced his<br />
retirement this year. Davison was inducted into the <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Hall<br />
of Fame in 2008 after an outstanding international career. In 2009 he was<br />
part of the Aussie Steelers team who were inducted into the <strong>Softball</strong><br />
<strong>Australia</strong> Hall of Fame after their World Championship title.<br />
Davison effectively had two <strong>Softball</strong> careers. Josh was the 31 st player to<br />
represent <strong>Australia</strong>, his debut tournament was under Head Coach, Barry<br />
Blanchard at the 1995 NZ Provincial Championship. He represented<br />
<strong>Australia</strong> for five years until he decided to retire from the game in 2000.<br />
A decision to return to the game and play the John Reid Shield in 2009<br />
for his new state, Queensland, ignited a successful return to the sport for<br />
Josh Davison. His performance at this tournament earned him selection in<br />
the Aussie Steelers team for the 2009 ISF World Championships, where<br />
the Aussie Steelers created history by winning the World Championship<br />
title.<br />
Head Coach, Bob Harrow speaks on the impact Josh made to the Steelers<br />
program:<br />
‘Josh is one of the most dedicated & rejuvenated athletes that have been<br />
involved in the Steelers program for many years and his training methods and desire are second to none. He proved to<br />
be one of the quickest and most disciplined left handed batters in the game. I can still visualize the moment when Josh<br />
executed perfectly the Hard Slap that rocketed by the Blacksox infield to score Michael Tanner in the World<br />
Championship final.’<br />
Former Aussie Steelers Captain, Mike Harrow speaks of the great qualities Josh has on and off the field. ‘Davo brought<br />
many great qualities to the Steelers team and to the game of <strong>Softball</strong>. He was always a tough but fair competitor, and<br />
had that great combination of speed and power. He was extremely versatile and he truly loved the game! Josh played<br />
to win, but was always smiling and having a great time – I think that is what makes him such a tough person to replace<br />
on any team.’<br />
On announcing his retirement to his team, Davison words to his Aussie Steelers teammates and the <strong>Softball</strong> community<br />
show the passion he has for the sport and his Aussie Steelers team mates:<br />
‘My involvement within the Aussie Steelers family has been nothing short of unbelievable and unforgettable. A<br />
whirlwind of memories and moments will be talked about at ballparks around the world and in our homes forever. The<br />
feeling we created in becoming World Champions in 2009 I will never let go, the moment Adam (Folkard) struck out<br />
Donny Hale was a truly sensational moment for everyone involved. I started counting the outs from about the 4 th<br />
innings because once the Steelers scored our first run I could see it in everybody's eyes that we were going to win this<br />
thing, we were all that determined it was scary. Since coming back into the team the culture within the Steelers unit is<br />
something to experience, I mean the discipline, direction and resilience all players and officials displayed has been First<br />
and World class, it’s a credit to all involved.’<br />
The whole <strong>Softball</strong> community congratulates Josh for an outstanding career.<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 35
Member Recognition<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> mourns a talented athlete<br />
On 30 May <strong>2012</strong>, <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> lost one of its up and coming stars, Lisa Pitt.<br />
Lisa will be fondly remembered as a friendly, kind hearted person and an extremely<br />
talented West <strong>Australia</strong>n <strong>Softball</strong>er.<br />
She was a member of the 2011 <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> International Youth Cup Squad and <strong>2012</strong><br />
U19 <strong>Australia</strong>n Women’s Squad. In <strong>2012</strong>, Lisa was also nominated for <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>’s<br />
Indigenous Athlete of the Year.<br />
Lisa was joint winner of the Most Valuable Player Award for her performances in the<br />
Western <strong>Australia</strong> U17 State team at the 2011 <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women’s Championship,<br />
Esther Deason Shield. As a result, she was named in the Western Flames Squad in<br />
September 2011.<br />
Lisa received the Town of Port Hedland and ITOCHU Junior Athlete of the Year Award<br />
for her achievements with <strong>Softball</strong> in December 2011.<br />
She will also be remembered as a fantastic role model, delivering <strong>Softball</strong> clinics to students at Marble Bar Primary<br />
School and juniors from the Port Hedland <strong>Softball</strong> Association<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 36
Member Recognition<br />
Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW) playing for Aussie Pride in South Africa.<br />
Image courtesy Matthew Horne<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 37
Coaching<br />
Coaching<br />
Our coaches continue to make an outstanding<br />
contribution to an individual’s experience and long<br />
term participation in the sport. Our volunteer coaching<br />
workforce should continue to be recognised and<br />
acknowledged for the exceptional work, delivering a<br />
positive and fun experience to our members.<br />
This past year has seen the implementation and<br />
progression of coach education, development and<br />
accreditation. These advances will build a workforce<br />
that supports a positive and inclusive <strong>Softball</strong><br />
experience.<br />
Accreditation and professional development<br />
Work has continued over the last 12 months to update<br />
the existing Level 2 and 3 National Coach Accreditation<br />
course resources. The resources developed for each<br />
program consist of the Participant’s Manual, Deliverer’s<br />
Guide, Assessment Booklet and presentation. Levels 1-3<br />
have now been approved by the ASC and form part of<br />
the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS).<br />
Forty-six coach accreditation courses were conducted<br />
across the country. The majority of new coach<br />
accreditations were achieved through a combination<br />
of face-to-face courses and online learning, which<br />
gives coaches the opportunity to complete their<br />
accreditation at their own pace. The total number of<br />
accredited coaches at 30 June <strong>2012</strong> is 2,052, broken<br />
down as follows:<br />
Coaching National ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA<br />
Level 1 1,040 25 609 11 145 22 0 179 49<br />
Level 2 456 27 291 3 45 1 0 49 39<br />
Level 3 445 17 237 4 110 1 3 71 5<br />
Level 4 60 6 10 0 35 2 0 3 4<br />
Level 5 48 4 22 0 1 10 0 11 0<br />
Level 6 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0<br />
Total 2,051 79 1,171 18 336 36 4 313 97<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 38
Coaching<br />
Coaching and Team Manager appointments<br />
At the 2011 International Youth Cup, the following coaches were appointed to the <strong>Australia</strong>n Development teams:<br />
Team Coach Team Manager<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women<br />
Aussie Gold U19 Girls<br />
Aussie U17 Girls<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men<br />
Aussie Green U19 Boys<br />
Aussie Gold U19 Boys<br />
Aussie U17 Boys<br />
Paula McGovern (Vic)<br />
Annette Fidge (SA)<br />
Vicki Bingley (NSW)<br />
Cheryl Waye (Vic)<br />
Alan Bain (ACT)<br />
Vicki Bingley (ACT)<br />
Maurice Paraha (Qld)<br />
John Neilsen (NSW)<br />
Gary Butler (WA)<br />
Tony Jackson (NSW)<br />
Adam Sheehan (NSW)<br />
Sandra Evans (Vic)<br />
Alan McNulty (NSW)<br />
Adam Sheehan (NSW)<br />
Scott Sullivan (WA)<br />
Robert Cook (SA)<br />
Ian Deany (Vic)<br />
Faye Guy (Qld)<br />
Jodie Sheehan (NSW)<br />
Jodie Sheehan (NSW)<br />
Colleen Franks (NSW)<br />
During the event, nightly coaching information sessions were conducted on Mental Preparation and Performance,<br />
Athlete Testing Procotols, The Short Game Strategy and Nutrition for <strong>Softball</strong>.<br />
Looking forward<br />
A National Technical Conference for coaches, umpires and statisticians is planned for May 2013 at the AIS. The main<br />
objectives of the conference will be to provide professional development opportunities, as well as conducting joint<br />
sessions on topics relevant to both coaches and officials.<br />
Several <strong>Softball</strong> specific modules of the Level 4 Coach Accreditation course will be delivered in early 2013, including<br />
pitching and catching, baserunning and defensive strategies.<br />
Chantelle James (WA), Assistant Coach, Aussie Pride<br />
Image courtesy Matthew Horne<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 39
Scoring<br />
Scoring<br />
The National Scoring Committee (NSC) continues to work behind the scenes, ensuring that the technical field of scoring<br />
is continuous. In addition, the NSC provides guidance and direction to the State Directors – and this is well supported<br />
by regular teleconferences, which have replaced the weekend conferences.<br />
The NSC has continued to support National events throughout <strong>Australia</strong> with official statisticians providing results, web<br />
reporting and official statistics for <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> selectors and teams. The NSC has also supported Member States<br />
with reference materials for the delivery of ongoing training.<br />
National team scoring appointments<br />
The following statisticians were appointed to international Championships:<br />
• Mary Walkinshaw (Vic)<br />
2011 Open Women’s Tour, Canadian Open International Women Fastpitch in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada<br />
• Helen Edwards (Vic)<br />
2011 IV International Men’s <strong>Softball</strong> Tournament Open Men’s in Parana, Argentina<br />
• Sarah Thompson (NSW)<br />
2011 U19 Men’s Team IV International Men’s <strong>Softball</strong> Tournament Open Men’s in Parana, Argentina<br />
• Kirsty Andrews (Qld)<br />
2011 ISF XI Junior Women’s World Championships in Capetown, South Africa<br />
• Helen Edwards (Vic)<br />
2011 ISF Oceania Men’s Qualifier at Hawker International <strong>Softball</strong> Complex Canberra, ACT<br />
• Lynne Townsend (NSW)<br />
<strong>2012</strong> International <strong>Softball</strong> Challenge (ACT)<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Championship Chief Statistician appointments<br />
The following Chief Statisticians were appointed for the 2011/12 <strong>Australia</strong>n Championships:<br />
Arthur Allsopp Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n U17 Boys' Championship (Vic)<br />
Esther Deason Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n U17 Girls' Championship (Tas)<br />
Nox Bailey Shield (ACT)<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men's Championship<br />
Elinor McKenzie Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women's Championship (WA)<br />
Gilley's Shield and Edebone-Weber Shield<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women's Championship<br />
Round 1 (Vic)<br />
Round 2 (Qld)<br />
Round 3 (ACT)<br />
Round 4 (NSW)<br />
John Reid Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Men's Championship (NSW)<br />
ISF Open Men’s Oceania Qualifier (ACT)<br />
Test Series: Aussie Spirit and NZ White Sox (ACT)<br />
International <strong>Softball</strong> Challenge (ACT)<br />
International Friendship Series (NSW)<br />
Helen Edwards (Vic) and Mary Walkinshaw (Vic)<br />
Sandra Palmer (NSW) and Angela Forgan (Vic)<br />
Matt Denkel (Qld)<br />
Lorraine Davies (Vic)<br />
Chris Trengove (Vic) – Gilley’s TCS<br />
Ray Carter (Vic)<br />
Christine Denkel (Qld)<br />
Chris Trengove (Vic)<br />
Kaye Greggs (NSW)<br />
Kaye Greggs (NSW)<br />
Lorraine Davies (Vic)<br />
Lynne Townsend (NSW)<br />
Lorraine Davies (Vic)<br />
Kaye Greggs (NSW)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 40
Scoring<br />
Accreditation and professional development<br />
The number of accredited scorers continues to grow with a 34% increase through the National Officiating Accreditation<br />
Scheme (NOAS) in the past year. The State Directors of Scoring continue to recruit, train and deliver scoring programs<br />
across the country.<br />
The total number of scorers is 1,649 (30 June <strong>2012</strong>), an increase of 566 on 2011.<br />
Level National ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA<br />
Level 1 1,254 10 800 2 115 85 25 121 96<br />
Level 2 177 5 68 0 14 10 5 58 17<br />
Level 3 143 5 33 0 44 21 6 33 1<br />
Level 4 75 2 25 0 21 4 6 9 8<br />
Total 1,649 22 926 2 194 120 42 221 122<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 41
Scoring<br />
Scoring courses<br />
Member State summaries of scoring courses undertaken (does not include individual NOAS accredited scorers updating<br />
their accreditation currency).<br />
ACT NSW Qld SA Vic Tas WA<br />
Courses delivered 2 20 2 4 9 1 3<br />
Level 1 (new) 3 85 - 20 42 - 16<br />
Level 2 (upgrade) 1 25 1 3 18 1 -<br />
Level 3 (upgrade) - 1 - 4 6 - -<br />
Level 4 (upgrade) - 1 5 - - 1 1<br />
NOAS Level 4 candidates, assessed by the NSC Quality Assurance officer, (for period 1 July 2011 to 30 June <strong>2012</strong>) were:<br />
• Sean Francis (Qld)<br />
• Chris Fraser (NSW)<br />
• Norm Johns (Tas)<br />
• Lynette Eltoft (WA)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 42
Scoring<br />
National Quality Assurance Program<br />
Quality assurance is undertaken following all national games, assessing both paper scoring, and electronic methods.<br />
Arthur Allsopp Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n U17 Boys' Championship (SA)<br />
Esther Deason Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n U17 Girls' Championship (Vic)<br />
Nox Bailey Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men's Championship (Vic)<br />
Elinor McKenzie Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women's Championship (NSW)<br />
John Reid Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Men's Championship (Qld)<br />
Gilley's Shield and Edebone-Weber Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women's Championship<br />
34 games played, 6 scorers reviewed<br />
64 games played, 7 scorers reviewed<br />
34 games played, 5 scorers reviewed<br />
46 games played, 7 scorers reviewed<br />
34 games played, 8 scorers reviewed<br />
82 games played, 32 scorers reviewed<br />
Resources<br />
The National Scoring Committee was able to complete the following resources over the past twelve months:<br />
• a National rules exam was developed with assistance from the National Umpiring Committee<br />
• all accreditation manuals and NOAS scoring programs have now been updated and approved by ASC<br />
• all scoring accreditation resources on the <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> website have been updated. The remaining information<br />
is under full review.<br />
Management<br />
The management of <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>’s National Scoring Program is overseen by the National Scoring Committee,<br />
comprising:<br />
Chief Statistician<br />
Scoring Staff<br />
State Directors of Scoring<br />
Michael Hannelly (NSW)<br />
Lindy Rattigan (SA)<br />
Mary Walkinshaw (Vic)<br />
Ngaire Huston (Qld)<br />
Chris Trengove (Vic)<br />
Carolyn Buttsworth (NSW)<br />
Lyn Lalas (ACT)<br />
Kaye Greggs (NSW)<br />
Matt Denkel (Qld)<br />
Lorraine Davies (Vic)<br />
Lindy Rattigan (SA)<br />
Lynne Eltoft (WA)<br />
The NSC, supported by <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>’s General Manager Operations and Technical, Chet Gray, has undertaken<br />
significant work, holding four teleconferences in August, October, March and June. Key projects include a review and<br />
update of the NOAS Level 4 in accordance with ASC requirements. The NSC has overseen the appointment process for<br />
all <strong>Australia</strong>n Championship Tournament Chief Scorers and the website reporting of all <strong>Australia</strong>n Championship results<br />
and the National Quality Assurance program. The National Chief Statistician, Mike Hannelly (NSW) oversaw the process<br />
of <strong>Australia</strong>n team appointments.<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 43
Scoring<br />
The NSC will continue its busy program in <strong>2012</strong>/13, including:<br />
• compiling statistics from the <strong>2012</strong>/13 <strong>Australia</strong>n Championships<br />
• reviewing the career pathway for scorers to ensure they have the skills and experience to meet the future<br />
requirements<br />
• revising and updating the scoring manuals and course requirements<br />
• developing a community officiating program to support the recruitment and retention of scorers at club level<br />
Recognition<br />
The NSC extends their congratulations to Chris Trengove (Vic), the winner of the 2011 <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Statistician of<br />
the Year.<br />
Image courtesy Greg Heron<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 44
Umpiring<br />
Umpiring<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>’s National Umpiring Program (NUP)<br />
has been held in high regard on the international scene<br />
for many years and the National Umpiring Committee<br />
(NUC) were delighted when two of its most<br />
outstanding umpires were appointed to the final of the<br />
2011 ISF IX Junior Women’s World Championships gold<br />
medal game:<br />
• Helen Strauss (Qld) was appointed as the Plate<br />
Umpire<br />
• Yvonne Kahler (Qld) was appointed as the Second<br />
Base Umpire<br />
These two appointments are an indication that the<br />
program is continuing to produce umpires of the<br />
highest quality through the hard work of many people.<br />
The State Directors of Umpiring meeting was held at<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>’s office in August 2011. A range of<br />
topics were covered throughout the meeting including<br />
umpire survey results from each national<br />
championship, ways to improve communication<br />
including how regular Blues News Online (BNOL)<br />
should be published, and umpire accreditation<br />
including the latest news received from ISF in relation<br />
to when and how umpires are appointed to World<br />
Championships and development.<br />
Accreditation and professional<br />
development<br />
This year, the NUC completed 3 Umpire Rotation<br />
System document, Level 3 and 4 Umpire Manual,<br />
Tournament Chief Umpire Manual, Community Umpire<br />
Manual, Attending National/International<br />
Championship Document and Mentoring Document.<br />
The next step will be to have these manuals accredited<br />
by the <strong>Australia</strong>n Sports Commission.<br />
The total number of active accredited umpires is 1,255 (30 June <strong>2012</strong>), broken down as follows:<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 45
Umpiring<br />
Umpiring National ACT NSW NT SA Qld Tas Vic WA<br />
Level 1 799 9 148 12 66 325 7 197 35<br />
Level 2 222 8 31 6 29 83 3 39 23<br />
Level 3 115 6 24 0 12 32 3 16 22<br />
Level 4 45 1 6 1 5 21 2 4 5<br />
Level 5 22 2 5 0 2 8 0 4 1<br />
Level 6 40 1 12 0 3 11 0 10 3<br />
Level 7 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0<br />
Level 8 9 0 2 0 3 1 0 3 0<br />
Total 1,255 28 228 19 120 482 15 274 89<br />
Advanced Umpire Clinic<br />
Georges River <strong>Softball</strong> Association, NSW<br />
2-3 July 2011<br />
An Advanced Umpire Clinic was presented by Scott Rindfleish (NSW), with the assistance from Ron Houison (NSW) and<br />
Yvonne Kahler (Qld) at Georges River <strong>Softball</strong> Association in July. Six participants from three states attended:<br />
• NSW Andrew Compton, Adrian Rampoldi, James English and Krissi Travers<br />
• Vic Richard Dodds<br />
• WA Steven Gunter<br />
Participants were allocated games at the International Friendship Series and were observed by senior umpires who<br />
evaluated their performances.<br />
Level 5 accreditation<br />
The following umpires attained their Level 5 umpire accreditation at the conclusion of their respective <strong>Australia</strong>n<br />
Championships:<br />
Esther Deason Shield<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U17 Girls’ Championship<br />
Arthur Allsopp Shield<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U17 Boys’ Championship<br />
Elinor McKenzie Shield<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women’s Championship<br />
James English (NSW), Haydyn Wood (SA)<br />
Richard Dodds (Vic), Jamie Harries (Qld)<br />
Norelle Thomas (Qld)<br />
Level 6 accreditation<br />
The following umpires attained their Level 6 umpire accreditation at the conclusion of their respective <strong>Australia</strong>n<br />
Championships:<br />
Gilley's Shield and Edebone-Weber Shield<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women's Championship<br />
Nox Bailey Shield<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men's Championship<br />
Bridget Cameron (Qld), Jay Gibson (NSW), Jana McCaskill (Qld)<br />
Trevor Murphy (Vic)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 46
Umpiring<br />
Umpiring exam<br />
In May <strong>2012</strong>, a total of 341 umpires sat the <strong>2012</strong> National Rules Exam, a 13% decrease from 2011.<br />
• ACT – 13 umpires sat the exam, a 18.75% decrease from last year<br />
• NSW – 101 umpires sat the exam, a 5% decrease from last year<br />
• NT – 0 umpires sat the exam, a 100% decrease from last year<br />
• Qld – 63 umpires sat the exam, a 25.8% decrease from last year<br />
• SA – 51 umpires sat the exam, a 9% decrease from last year<br />
• Tas – 6 umpires sat the exam, a 70% decrease from last year<br />
• Vic – 59 umpires sat the exam, a 12% decrease from last year<br />
• WA – 42 umpires sat the exam, a 9.52% increase from last year<br />
The National Rules Exam uses a database of more than 2,000 questions compiled by Leigh Evans (Vic), with the support<br />
of Graham Bancroft (WA) and Darren Sibraa (Qld).<br />
Supplementary umpire exams<br />
A supplementary exam was made available for Level 3 umpires and above who could not attend the National Rules<br />
Exam.<br />
SA x 1<br />
NSW x 2<br />
QLD x 3<br />
65% pass<br />
83% and 87% pass<br />
83%, 81% and 79% pass<br />
Graham Bancroft (WA) has again assisted with specific rules tasks, in particular updating supplementary exams with new<br />
rules, online reference exams and proofing the basic exam rule references.<br />
The <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Basic Rules Exam for Levels 1 and 2 umpires was released in May 2010. Umpires can sit the exam<br />
any time up until 30 April <strong>2012</strong>. The Exam provides greater flexibility and an easier pathway for entry level umpires to<br />
the umpiring program.<br />
ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA<br />
Nil 41 7 63 18 20 42 12<br />
The process was overseen by Darren Sibraa (Qld), with the support of Jesse Smith (NSW) and Bridget Cameron (Qld).<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 47
Umpiring<br />
Five year trend<br />
ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA<br />
2008 19 128 4 133 42 28 63 44<br />
2009 19 150 4 122 46 18 66 46<br />
2010 7 106 4 98 54 14 62 40<br />
2011 16 106 2 85 56 20 67 42<br />
<strong>2012</strong> 13 103 0 63 51 6 59 46<br />
Exam analysis<br />
The NUC again used the analysis spread sheet developed by Matt Gowty (Qld), <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Hall of Fame member<br />
The data key was to be used to supply the National Registrar with the ability to update the national database. The data<br />
will identify active and non-active umpires for the currency and accreditation requirements for the ASC. The NUC<br />
would like to acknowledge Darren Sibraa (Qld) for providing support and feedback on technical aspects of the program,<br />
Alan McAuliffe (SA), Darrell Shephard (NSW) and Graham Bancroft (WA) for help and support in delivering the technical<br />
stream of the National Umpiring Program.<br />
Umpiring resources<br />
Amanda Houison, UIC Communication, has been responsible for the production and distribution of Blues News Online<br />
(BNOL) every month. BNOL has covered both international and national events, from an <strong>Australia</strong>n perspective, and<br />
looking forward, will include more grassroots news items. The umpiring section of the website is constantly being<br />
updated. The Umpire Honours & Awards page is now available, highlighting our umpires achievements and<br />
appointments.<br />
Leigh Evans (Vic) Darren Sibraa (Qld) Scott Rindfleish (NSW)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 48
Umpiring<br />
Umpiring appointments<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Championship appointments<br />
During the 2011/<strong>2012</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>n Championships, the following umpiring appointments were made:<br />
Gilley's Shield and Edebone-Weber<br />
Shields Round 1<br />
Waverley, Victoria<br />
Debbie Grove (Vic) – TCU<br />
Leigh Evans (Vic) – E<br />
Ian Frame (Qld) – E<br />
Kevin Broomhall (Vic) –part-time<br />
Bridget Cameron (Qld)<br />
Jason Carter (Vic)<br />
David Datson (SA)<br />
Stacey Loveridge (Vic)<br />
Vicki Lansley (NSW)<br />
Darrell Paul (NZ)<br />
Helen Strauss (Qld)<br />
Stuart Tyler (Vic)<br />
Steve Wallace-Yarrow (SA)<br />
Phil Waller (Vic)<br />
Esther Deason Shield <strong>Australia</strong>n<br />
U17 Girls’ Championship<br />
Hobart, Tasmania<br />
Darren Sibraa (Qld) – TCU<br />
Amanda Houison (NSW) – E<br />
Phil Waller (Vic) – E<br />
James English (NSW)<br />
Leanne Gearside (NSW<br />
Stephen Gutteridge (Qld)<br />
George Norrish (NSW)<br />
Kevin Offer ( Vic)<br />
Ryan Thorneycroft (Vic)<br />
Steve Wallace-Yarrow (SA)<br />
Peter Walsh (Qld)<br />
Haydyn Wood ( SA)<br />
Ron Yardley (Qld)<br />
Nox Bailey Shield<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men's<br />
Championship<br />
Hawker, ACT<br />
Patricia Sibraa (Qld) – TCU<br />
Leigh Evans (Vic) – E<br />
Darren Sibraa (Qld) – E<br />
David Casey (Qld)<br />
Mark Gallagher (ACT)<br />
Ron Houison (NSW)<br />
Trevor Murphy (Vic)<br />
Kevin Offer (Vic)<br />
Andrew Rindfleish (NSW)<br />
Scott Rindfleish (NSW)<br />
Jesse Smith (NSW)<br />
Mark Toft (Qld)<br />
Martin Turnbull (Qld)<br />
Phil Waller (Vic)<br />
Gilley's Shield and Edebone-Weber<br />
Shields Round 2<br />
Brisbane, Queensland<br />
Patricia Sibraa (Qld) – TCU<br />
Leigh Evans (Vic) – E<br />
Debbie Grove (Vic) – E<br />
David Casey (Qld)<br />
Ian Frame (Qld)<br />
Leanne Gearside (NSW)<br />
Jay Gibson (NSW)<br />
Yvonne Kahler (Qld)<br />
Liz Kawana (NZ)<br />
Jana McCaskill (Qld)<br />
Damien McCauley (SA)<br />
Trevor Murphy (Vic)<br />
Darren Sibraa (Qld)<br />
Howard Watt (NSW)<br />
Arthur Allsopp Shield <strong>Australia</strong>n<br />
U17 Boys’ Championship<br />
Altona, Victoria<br />
Debbie Grove (Vic) TCU<br />
Ron Houison (NSW) – E<br />
Darrel Shephard (NSW) – E<br />
Richard Barrow (Vic)<br />
David Casey (Qld)<br />
Richard Dodds (Vic)<br />
Jay Gibson ( NSW)<br />
Jamie Harries (Qld<br />
Stacey Loveridge (Vic)<br />
Jana McCaskill (Qld)<br />
Trevor Murphy (Vic)<br />
Chris Trengove (Vic)<br />
Stuart Tyler (Vic)<br />
Gilley’s Shield Final<br />
Blacktown, NSW<br />
Diane Waller (Vic) – TCU<br />
Kyira Cox (NSW)<br />
Ian Frame (Qld)<br />
Leanne Gearside (NSW)<br />
Amanda Houison (NSW) part-time<br />
Ron Houison (NSW) part-time<br />
Yvonne Kahler (Qld)<br />
Neville Lawrance (SA)<br />
Helen Strauss (Qld)<br />
Phil Waller (Vic)<br />
Gilley's Shield and Edebone-Weber<br />
Shields Round 3<br />
Hawker, ACT<br />
Patricia Sibraa (Qld) – TCU<br />
Ian Frame (Qld) – E<br />
Richard Barrow (Vic)<br />
Bridget Cameron (Qld)<br />
Jason Carter (Vic)<br />
Kyira Cox (NSW)<br />
Mark Gallagher (ACT)<br />
Stephen Gutteridge (Qld)<br />
Neville Lawrance (SA)<br />
Jana McCaskill (Qld)<br />
Glen Nalepa (NZ)<br />
Ryan Thorneycroft (Vic)<br />
Steve Wallace-Yarrow (SA)<br />
Diane Waller (Vic)<br />
Elinor McKenzie Shield <strong>Australia</strong>n<br />
U19 Women’s Championship<br />
Mirrabooka, WA<br />
Dianne Waller (Vic) – TCU<br />
Ian Frame (Qld) – E<br />
Amanda Houison (NSW) – E<br />
Peter Baker (WA) – part-time<br />
David Datson (SA)<br />
Warren Duff (WA)<br />
Leanne Gearside (NSW)<br />
Yvonne Kahler (Qld)<br />
Vicki Lansley (NSW)<br />
Neville Lawrance (SA)<br />
Norelle Thomas (Qld)<br />
Chris Trengove (Vic)<br />
Stuart Tyler (Vic)<br />
John Reid Shield<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Men’s<br />
Blacktown, NSW<br />
Patricia Sibraa (Qld) – TCU<br />
Leigh Evans (Vic) – E<br />
Trevor Murphy (Vic) – E<br />
Kevin Broomhall (Vic)<br />
Warren Duff (WA)<br />
Debbie Grove (Vic)<br />
Andrew Rindfleish (NSW)<br />
Gavin Shepherd (NZ)<br />
Darren Sibraa (Qld)<br />
Howard Watt (NSW)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 49
Umpiring<br />
International umpiring appointments<br />
• Leigh Evans (Vic) and Darren Sibraa (Qld) represented <strong>Australia</strong> on the ISF Standards Committee to review and assist<br />
with the technical presentation and rules, which is an ongoing role with the ISF.<br />
• Leigh Evans (Vic) and Kevin Broomhall (Vic) has completed the review of the ISF Four Umpire Rotation System.<br />
• Darren Sibraa (Qld) was appointed to umpire at the IV International Men’s <strong>Softball</strong> Tournament, Parana City,<br />
Argentina in September 2011.<br />
• Kevin Broomhall (Vic) was appointed to the <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men’s Team, Aussie Colts who also toured Argentina.<br />
• Leanne Gearside (NSW) was appointed to the <strong>2012</strong> Women’s Open Club Championship, Lower Hutt, New Zealand in<br />
March 2011.<br />
• Trevor Murphy (Vic) was appointed to the <strong>2012</strong> New Zealand Men’s Open Club Championship, Auckland, New<br />
Zealand, in March 2011.<br />
• Yvonne Kahler and Helen Strauss were appointed to the ISF IX Junior Women’s World Championship in Cape Town,<br />
South Africa, in November 2011.<br />
• International <strong>Softball</strong> Challenge – <strong>Australia</strong> v Japan Women’s Test Series held in Canberra in March <strong>2012</strong>. Leigh Evans<br />
(Vic) was appointed as the TCU with Howard Watt (NSW), Darrell Shephard (NSW), Phil Waller (Vic), Jason Carter<br />
(Vic), Warren Duff (WA) and Alex Turnbull (ACT).<br />
• ISF Open Men’s Oceania Qualifier held in Canberra in December 2011. Patricia Sibraa (Qld) acted as the <strong>Softball</strong><br />
<strong>Australia</strong> Technical Delegate/Competition Manager and Deputy UIC. The TCU for the Qualifier was Wayne<br />
Saunders (NZ) Oceania UIC, with Leigh Evans (Vic), Debbie Grove (Vic), Darren Sibraa (Qld) and Scott Rindfleish<br />
(NSW) as the umpiring crew.<br />
• Ron Houison (NSW) was appointed to the <strong>2012</strong> USA World Cup of <strong>Softball</strong> VII, Oklahoma, USA in June <strong>2012</strong>.<br />
2011 International Youth Cup appointments<br />
The <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> International Youth Cup in July 2011 was staffed by 30 umpires from New South Wales, Victoria,<br />
South <strong>Australia</strong>, Queensland and New Zealand, varying in accreditation from Level 1 to international umpires.<br />
Tournament Chief Umpire, Leanne Gearside (NSW), was assisted by Leigh Evans (Vic), Yvonne Kahler (Qld) and Kevin<br />
Tannebring (SA). Video recordings taken during the tournament were used to provide feedback to individual umpires.<br />
Seventy games were officiated by 28 umpires,with all games covered using the three man rotation system.<br />
State<br />
Qld<br />
NSW<br />
NZ<br />
SA<br />
Vic<br />
WA<br />
Umpire<br />
Yvonne Kahler<br />
Andrew Compton, Matthew Guillaumier, Vicky Armsworth, Jessica Donald-Smith, Ron Houison, Brian<br />
Higginbottom, Joe Kelleimeier, Adrian Rampoldi, Myles Lego, Lyn Moncaster, Tony Moncaster, Dylan<br />
Murdoch, Scott Rindfleish, Sarah Pierson, Thomas Sutomo, Rebecca Taylor, James Townsend, Krissi Travers,<br />
John Walker, Brianne Watt, Brooke Whitfield, Todd Winsor, Christiaan Zaiter<br />
Tony Kaiaruna<br />
Kevin Tannebring<br />
Leigh Evans<br />
Steven Gunter<br />
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Umpiring<br />
2011 <strong>Australia</strong>n Regional U15 Championship<br />
The 2011 <strong>Australia</strong>n Regional U15 Championship was held at Rockhampton in July 2011. Tournament Chief Umpire<br />
Amanda Houison (NSW) was supported by deputies Ian Frame (Qld) and David Casey (Qld) with Brett Atkinson (ACT)<br />
and Kevin Offer (Vic) umpire mentors. Development umpires for the program were:<br />
ACT<br />
NSW<br />
Qld<br />
Vic<br />
WA<br />
Ian Dehlsen, Di Kropp<br />
Colin Tutt, Alf Chapman, Rhett Eldred, Dale Kaimoana, Rob McIntosh, Simon Ross<br />
Neville Baggow, Alan Georg, Janelle Hicks, Kylie Knight, Jesse O’Brien, Gary Wright, Thomas Rivers<br />
Kevin Offer<br />
David Roper<br />
The two umpire system was used in all round games. The three umpire system was used for the semi-finals, preliminary<br />
finals and the grand finals.<br />
Management<br />
The NUC comprises:<br />
• Umpires-in-Chief: Patricia Sibraa (Qld) (Operations), Leigh Evans (Vic) (Technical), Debbie Grove (Vic) (Development)<br />
and Amanda Houison (NSW), (Communications)<br />
• four national umpiring staff: Darren Sibraa (Qld), Kyira Cox (NSW), Bridget Cameron (Qld) and Yvonne Kahler (Qld)<br />
• eight State Umpiring Directors: Scott Rindfleish (NSW), Darren Sibraa (Qld), Alex Turnbull (ACT), Richard Barrow (Vic),<br />
Wayne Clarke (Tas), Neville Lawrance (SA), Roy Cox (WA) and Cathie Allen (NT)<br />
Recognition<br />
Congratulations to Scott Rindfleish (NSW), the winner of the Vivienne Triplett Umpire of the Year for 2011 and Amanda<br />
Houison who was appointed Umpire in Chief – Communications in October 2011.<br />
Looking forward<br />
• Fifteen umpires have applied for advanced training in preparation for the next ISF certification development clinic<br />
to be held in New Zealand in 2014<br />
• The Umpire Technical and Mechanics Bulletins will be published to the <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> website to ensure that all<br />
umpires are aware of all rule changes and umpire mechanics changes<br />
• The first draft of the practical Assessors Manual for umpire accreditation advancement from Levels 2-6 has been<br />
completed and it is envisage the manual will be completed by June 2013<br />
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Umpiring<br />
Helen Strauss (Qld) umpiring at the ISF IX Junior Women’s World in South Africa<br />
Image courtesy Matthew Horne<br />
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Technical Delegates<br />
Technical Delegates<br />
The role of the SAL Technical Delegates at <strong>Australia</strong>n Championships is to ensure the conduct of the Championship is<br />
in accordance with the <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Championship Regulations and Hosting requirements.<br />
The following Technical Delegates were appointed for the 2011/12 <strong>Australia</strong>n Championships:<br />
Esther Deason Shield (Tas)<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U17 Girls' Championship<br />
Arthur Allsopp Shield (Vic)<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U17 Boys' Championship<br />
Elinor McKenzie Shield (WA)<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women's Championship<br />
Nox Bailey Shield (ACT)<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men's Championship<br />
Gilley's Shield and Edebone-Weber Shield R1-R3 (Vic, Qld, ACT)<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women’s Championship<br />
Gilley's Shield R4 and Finals<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women’s Championship<br />
John Reid Shield (NSW) Open Men’s Championship<br />
ISF Open Men’s Oceania Qualifier (ACT)<br />
International <strong>Softball</strong> Challenge (ACT)<br />
Aussie Spirit NZ White Sox Test Series (ACT)<br />
International Friendship Series (NSW)<br />
U15 Regional Championships<br />
Alan McAuliffe (SA)<br />
Leon Leach (Qld)<br />
Ken Culpitt (ACT)<br />
Leon Leach (Qld)<br />
Kylie Bloodworth (Vic)<br />
Kylie Bloodworth (Vic)<br />
Leon Leach (Qld)<br />
Patricia Sibraa (Qld)<br />
Margo Koskelainen OAM (Vic)<br />
Kylie Bloodworth (Vic)<br />
Harvey Milson (NSW)<br />
Michael Chard (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>)<br />
Action at the <strong>2012</strong> John Reid Shield at Blacktown International Sportspark<br />
Image courtesy Donkin Gook Photography<br />
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Community Participation<br />
Community Participation<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> is committed to expanding <strong>Softball</strong> programs in targeted urban, rural and remote areas across<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>.<br />
Indigenous <strong>Softball</strong> Program<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> and our Member States have a long<br />
and proud history of promoting and delivering <strong>Softball</strong><br />
to Indigenous Communities. Our Indigenous <strong>Softball</strong><br />
Program produces positive health and social outcomes<br />
by providing female and male Indigenous <strong>Australia</strong>ns of<br />
all ages and abilities with opportunities to participate<br />
in <strong>Softball</strong> – as players, coaches, umpires,<br />
administrators and volunteers. With <strong>Softball</strong> generally<br />
recognised as the preferred sport of Indigenous<br />
women, and becoming increasingly popular amongst<br />
Indigenous men, we are committed to expanding<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> programs in targeted urban, rural and remote<br />
areas across <strong>Australia</strong>.<br />
The purpose of the program is to increase participation<br />
of Indigenous <strong>Australia</strong>ns from targeted urban, rural<br />
and remote areas in all facets and levels of <strong>Softball</strong> by:<br />
• embedding <strong>Softball</strong> as the sport of choice for<br />
Indigenous women<br />
• positioning <strong>Softball</strong> as an attractive option for<br />
Indigenous men<br />
• supporting government health and wider policy<br />
objectives<br />
• working with Indigenous communities to help them<br />
become self-sufficient, so they can continue to<br />
develop and deliver their own events and programs.<br />
A bat, painted by Angelina Doolan and a ball, painted<br />
by Kira Briscoe, students from the Worawa Aboriginal<br />
College, Healesville, Victoria, were presented by<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Director, Helen Langenberg, to<br />
Andrew Leigh Federal Member for Fraser and Phil<br />
Borgeaud, Deputy Director, Strategy and Relations,<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Institute of Sport.<br />
2011/12 ISP facts<br />
• 7,870 participants involved in Indigenous <strong>Softball</strong><br />
Program activities<br />
• 150 <strong>Softball</strong> Program activities delivered<br />
• 150 participants involved in managing <strong>Softball</strong><br />
programs and competitions<br />
• 160 participants completed coaching/officiating<br />
accredited training<br />
• 100 participants with a disability involved in<br />
Indigenous <strong>Softball</strong> Program activities<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> officially launched the Indigenous<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Program Strategy in Canberra on 23 March<br />
<strong>2012</strong>. Dignitaries were treated to an exhibition match<br />
involving players from the WhISPers <strong>Softball</strong> Club and<br />
Indigenous players from NSW. Ngunnawal Indigenous<br />
elder, Agnes Shea, delivered a welcome to country<br />
speech, acknowledging the players who participated in<br />
the Exhibition match, and <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>’s<br />
Indigenous role models, Stacey Porter, Vanessa Stokes<br />
and Jeff Goolagong.<br />
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Community Participation<br />
ISP State highlights<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> NT<br />
In April, Tania Liddle (Executive Officer, <strong>Softball</strong> NT), Carrie-Anne Garling (Community <strong>Softball</strong> Officer, NT), Tim Hatzi<br />
(<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Social Inclusion Coordinator), Raelene Jeffrey (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> National Community Coach) and<br />
Trish Bennett (<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Community Coaching Program Coordinator) travelled to Hermannsburg and<br />
surrounding communities in the Northern Territory and East Arnhem communities of Yirrkala, Gapuwiyak, Umbakumba,<br />
Ramingining, Galiwinku and Milingimbi to deliver the <strong>Softball</strong> Community Coach Program (SCCP) and <strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up<br />
(SBU) initiatives to more than 1,000 Indigenous community members. Visiting these communities is vital to establishing<br />
good relationships and building rapport and confidence.<br />
The SCCP develops a network of capable coaches to deliver a variety of <strong>Softball</strong> experiences which enhance the health<br />
and social benefits of participants. The program was delivered to more than 30 coaches, providing them with the skills<br />
required to deliver programs, such as SBU.<br />
Fifteen SBU sessions were held, attracting more than 900 participants. The development of coaches in these<br />
communities is imperative to ensure regular participation in <strong>Softball</strong>, and with their newly developed skills, and<br />
enthusiasm of the children, <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> is confident there will be ongoing, regular participation.<br />
A highlight of the visit was helping revive women’s <strong>Softball</strong> in Galiwinku. Since the visit, Evelyna Dhamarrandji from the<br />
East Arnhem Shire Council, took the lead and helped reform the Galiwinku women’s <strong>Softball</strong> team. The team<br />
completed training sessions to prepare for competition against Milingimbi and other community teams. Teams<br />
competing in community competitions were invited to participate in the NT <strong>Softball</strong> Championships held in Darwin.<br />
Wanamyn Fireballs from Timber Creek at the NT Championships<br />
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Community Participation<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> WA<br />
As a result of the <strong>Softball</strong> WA’s strong partnership with<br />
the Western Desert community, <strong>Softball</strong> WA invited a<br />
team from Western Desert Team to attend the Elinor<br />
McKenzie Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women’s<br />
Championship in Perth in January <strong>2012</strong>.<br />
Through the generosity of Newcrest Mining and<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> WA covering travel and accommodation costs<br />
respectively, the team, coached by Aussie Spirit<br />
captain and Indigenous role model, Stacey Porter,<br />
participated in two exhibition matches against a<br />
Western <strong>Australia</strong>n All Stars team.<br />
To coincide with the Western Desert Team visit,<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> arranged for Aussie Spirit Captain and<br />
Indigenous role model, Stacey Porter, to attend and<br />
work with the team. The team also attended a 2 hour<br />
skill development clinic presented by Stacey and<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> National Community Coaches Jenny<br />
Cassidy and Raelene Jeffrey which included batting,<br />
pitching and fielding drills.<br />
The following day, the team, coached by Stacey,<br />
participated in two exhibition matches against a<br />
Western <strong>Australia</strong>n All Stars team.<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> SA<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> SA, in partnership with the South <strong>Australia</strong>n<br />
National Football League (SANFL) delivered a Level 1<br />
Umpire Accreditation Course in April in the Anangu<br />
Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands (APY Lands) to 13<br />
Indigenous women aged 21-30 years of age. All 13<br />
women successfully completed the course and have<br />
become accredited umpires. On a separate visit to the<br />
APY Lands in June, <strong>Softball</strong> SA and SANFL launched the<br />
new Far North West Sports League (FNWSL) Level 1<br />
Coach Accreditation Program. This was delivered to<br />
five females, with one of the participants successfully<br />
completing all components of the course and receiving<br />
Level 1 accreditation.<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> SA is in contact with a number of other<br />
regional offices that have shown an interest in<br />
developing a similar program.<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> for all abilities<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> has partnered with Special Olympics<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>, Special Olympics Victoria and <strong>Softball</strong><br />
Victoria to provide coach development opportunities<br />
for over 15 Special Schools in Victoria’s Metropolitan,<br />
Southern and Eastern Regions.<br />
Looking forward, <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> will deliver a<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Community Coaching Program to more than<br />
30 teachers. Teachers will learn how to develop a<br />
lesson, learn a range of new <strong>Softball</strong> activities and how<br />
to deliver them using the game-based coaching<br />
philosophy. It is anticipated that the teachers will<br />
adopt these methods for their school’s Term 4 <strong>Softball</strong><br />
program to be delivered in November <strong>2012</strong>, which will<br />
lead to the delivery of further <strong>Softball</strong> programs for<br />
people of all abilities and foster links to local club<br />
programs and competitions.<br />
Resources<br />
Indigenous <strong>Softball</strong> Program Book<br />
An Indigenous <strong>Softball</strong> Program Book was developed<br />
and is being used to inform key stakeholders of the<br />
work <strong>Softball</strong> is doing with Indigenous communities<br />
across <strong>Australia</strong>. To view the publication, go to<br />
http://www.softball.org.au/_uploads/res/1_66627.pdf.<br />
The FNWSL, formed on the APY Lands in the far North<br />
West corner of the state, continues to pave the way<br />
for other communities around South <strong>Australia</strong> to<br />
establish their own Leagues. The League has grown<br />
from eight teams in both football and <strong>Softball</strong> to nine<br />
for the <strong>2012</strong> Premiership season. Tjurma, made up of<br />
the homelands surrounding Amata, will enter the<br />
competition as the first additional team since the start<br />
of the FNWSL in 2007.<br />
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Community Participation<br />
Special Olympics <strong>Australia</strong><br />
Special Olympics <strong>Australia</strong> is a national, not-for-profit organisation serving approximately 4,500 people with an<br />
intellectual disability, in 250 sports clubs across <strong>Australia</strong>. <strong>Softball</strong> is one of 13 sports offered to athletes of varying<br />
abilities, from community to international level.<br />
Special Olympics World Summer Games, Athens 2011<br />
At the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens (25 June – 5 July 2011), <strong>Australia</strong> was again represented in the<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> competition, defending their 2007 Gold Medal. A team of 13 extremely talented, hardworking and dedicated<br />
players lived up to the Games slogan ‘I am in’, with each match being tightly contested. The <strong>Australia</strong>n team played in<br />
Division 1, pitting them against tough opposition from the Dominican Republic and Canada BC. Our team came away<br />
with a bronze medal, with the gold medal won by the Dominican Republic.<br />
Special Olympics <strong>Softball</strong> Program 2011/12<br />
Special Olympics <strong>Australia</strong> delivered a number of <strong>Softball</strong> programs and slowpitch competitions nationally for people<br />
with an intellectual disability throughout the year, resulting in:<br />
• 140 <strong>Softball</strong> participants registered<br />
• 5 state-level games and the World Summer Games<br />
• 45 coaches, umpires, scorers involved<br />
• seasonal training and inter-club competitions (mainly with local mainstream clubs)<br />
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>, in partnership with <strong>Softball</strong> NSW and Georges River <strong>Softball</strong> Association, developed a pilot program<br />
aimed to develop relationships with Arabic speaking communities in Bankstown, NSW.<br />
Looking forward, a <strong>Softball</strong> Community Coaching Program will be delivered to the community, providing them with<br />
appropriate skills and knowledge that can be used to deliver community-based <strong>Softball</strong> events and programs to engage<br />
more Arabic speaking communities to the sport of <strong>Softball</strong>.<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 57
<strong>Softball</strong> Community Coaching Program<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Community Coaching Program<br />
The program is not designed to promote winning or technique but rather identify and support coaches through a wellconstructed<br />
learning framework.<br />
The <strong>Softball</strong> Community Coaching Program (SCCP) is a<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> initiative funded through the<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Sports Commission to provide coaches with<br />
the appropriate information, and coaching support to<br />
deliver a Game Sense approach with a focus on<br />
participation and engagement.<br />
The SCCP aims to develop a network of capable<br />
coaches who can deliver a variety of <strong>Softball</strong><br />
experiences which enhance the health and social<br />
benefits of participants. The program is not designed to<br />
promote winning or technique but rather identify and<br />
support coaches through a well-constructed learning<br />
framework.<br />
The objective of the SCCP is to build a coaching<br />
workforce with the appropriate skills and training to<br />
deliver community based <strong>Softball</strong> events and programs,<br />
such as:<br />
• <strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up<br />
• Indigenous <strong>Softball</strong> Program<br />
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse<br />
• Disability <strong>Softball</strong> Program<br />
Participants taking part in the SCCP become actively<br />
involved in delivering activities. Each activity is then<br />
followed by group discussion about how the activity<br />
could be modified to make it easier or harder to suit<br />
their particular group.<br />
As well as the Game Sense approach, the SCCP<br />
introduces participants to two other key elements:<br />
• Discrete coaching<br />
• The CHANGE IT principle<br />
Discrete Coaching allows activities to continue where<br />
possible, ensuring the activity remains engaging for all<br />
participants. The coach can discretely provide tips and<br />
continue to create an encouraging and supportive<br />
environment, which will build individual player<br />
confidence and self-esteem.<br />
Coaches ask the participant questions about how they<br />
think the games can be modified to make them easier<br />
or harder. This can encourage participants to engage in<br />
creative thinking and problem solving.<br />
CHANGE IT<br />
One of the most challenging issues for a coach is<br />
dealing with multi-age groups and/or a wide range of<br />
abilities while still providing fun, safe and engaging<br />
activities. The SCCP provides coaches with a tool that<br />
can achieve this – CHANGE IT. All activities in the<br />
program can be made easier or harder to suit the<br />
participant.<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> SCCP team<br />
The SCCP team consists of:<br />
• Trisha Bennett, <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>’s National<br />
Community Coaching Coordinator<br />
• Brooke Wilkins (Qld), National Community Coach<br />
for NSW and ACT<br />
Brooke is a former Development Officer, <strong>Softball</strong><br />
<strong>Australia</strong> Hall of Fame member and Olympian.<br />
• Bob Crudgington (Qld), Consultant<br />
Bob is a former <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> National Open<br />
Women’s Head Coach, High Performance Manager<br />
and <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Hall of Fame member.<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> thanks Brooke and Bob for their<br />
assistance in developing quality resources to enable<br />
delivery of the program. Thanks also to <strong>Softball</strong><br />
<strong>Australia</strong> National Community Coaches, Jenny Cassidy<br />
and Joanne Paez who assist with implementing the<br />
program.<br />
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<strong>Softball</strong> Community Coaching Program<br />
Delivery of pilot programs<br />
Brooke delivered four pilot programs to over 50 participants in the ACT, Qld and NSW.<br />
Feedback from the pilot programs has been incorporated into all the resources, which include:<br />
• Participants Guide<br />
• Activity Cards<br />
• USB wristband containing electronic resources including video clips and explanations of activities<br />
Brooke and Bob have been instrumental in the development of the SCCP and Brooke with the delivery of the pilot<br />
programs.<br />
Moving forward<br />
In the next financial year, <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> will:<br />
• implement SCCP in each Member State<br />
• develop and release the website<br />
• train 500 participants<br />
• develop additional Activity Cards<br />
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<strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up introduces participants to the fundamental skills of softball through a variety of activities and games<br />
designed to developed physical fitness, social skills and an understanding of the game.<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up (SBU) is a <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> national<br />
junior participation program designed to introduce girls<br />
and boys aged 4 to 12, to the game of <strong>Softball</strong>. SBU<br />
encourages fun and social interaction, where everyone<br />
and anyone can participate. The program offers<br />
participants a variety of modified games and activities,<br />
with the focus on fun and enjoyment, skill<br />
development and continued participation.<br />
A number of successful programs were conducted<br />
throughout the year, particularly in Victoria. During<br />
2011-12, <strong>Softball</strong> Victoria successfully piloted SBU in a<br />
number of metropolitan and rural associations with 717<br />
participants attending. The programs were delivered in<br />
various flexible formats to ensure the needs of the<br />
participants and the providers were met.<br />
• pre-season training as an introduction to SBU<br />
• Saturday mornings ‘in season’ as an introduction to<br />
Tee Ball<br />
• Holiday Programs<br />
• Come ‘n’ Try Days<br />
• clinic or tabloid activities<br />
• Kids Zone – an event-based program<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> NT also commenced their roll out in the form<br />
of clinics, with a total of 690 participants from remote<br />
communities attending. <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> has been<br />
running the SBU program as a core component of the<br />
Indigenous <strong>Softball</strong> Program this year, increasing the<br />
number of SBU participants.<br />
These formats included:<br />
In total the breakdown of participants (by state) through the various forms of SBU was:<br />
State<br />
Numbers<br />
ACT 50<br />
New South Wales 50<br />
Northern Territory 690<br />
Victoria 717<br />
Western <strong>Australia</strong> 70<br />
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<strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> sought extensive feedback from the deliverers of the programs and their feedback has been<br />
incorporated into the updated SBU resources. Feedback from providers who have participated in the program has been<br />
extremely positive. They have recognised the great potential of the program and the ability it has to enhance the<br />
development and retention of our juniors into the future at the grassroots level. As a result, <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> is<br />
confident that the SBU program is now ready for a successful national rollout.<br />
We have also been working to ensure the program will be flexible enough to meet state and association needs.<br />
Equipment purchase for participants is now optional and will provide a less expensive entry point into the program.<br />
Providers have also been offered a greater degree of flexibility in relation to purchasing equipment to run their<br />
programs. This will enhance ability to successfully roll out the program to associations and clubs in the remaining states<br />
and in the lead up to the 2013 summer season.<br />
SBU website<br />
The SBU website, originally launched in 2011, was redesigned in May <strong>2012</strong>. The<br />
new website:<br />
• enables both participants and providers to register online<br />
• provides a dedicated areA where providers can post up-to-date<br />
information about their current and future SBU programs and other items<br />
of interest<br />
• includes more interactive games and puzzles in the Kids section<br />
• includes a new section for coaches, offering a wide range of coaching<br />
resources<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up launch in Victoria<br />
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<strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up<br />
A new feature in <strong>2012</strong> will be the ‘Batter’s Box’ where children can post photos and other items of interest to share. For<br />
more information, visit the <strong>Softball</strong> Batter Up website at www.softballbatterup.com.au<br />
Kids Zone<br />
A new feature of the SBU program is the development of the SBU Kids Zone. Kids Zone is an event-based stream of SBU<br />
to enhance participation, designed to be delivered as a one-off special event at no cost to participants. Throughout the<br />
year, <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> delivered four Kids Zones at national and international events including:<br />
• Gilley’s Shield, Canberra, January<br />
• Elinor McKenzie Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women, Perth, January<br />
• John Reid Shield and Gilley’s Shield, Sydney, February<br />
• International <strong>Softball</strong> Challenge, Canberra, March<br />
In 2013, <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> envisages that Kids Zones will be part of all national events, creating a fun, carnival-like<br />
atmosphere.<br />
Resources<br />
Our next major focus will be the development of resources to deliver SBU within the school environment and during<br />
AASC. These resources are being developed as an extension of the association and club resources. <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong><br />
recognises that there is already a strong connection between clubs and schools and that SBU can be used as a strategy<br />
to convert school participants into club and association registrations.<br />
Looking forward<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> will also be continuing to work in two other important areas that will further enhance the delivery of<br />
SBU. The <strong>Softball</strong> Community Coaching Program will provide the perfect platform to deliver Indigenous <strong>Softball</strong> and<br />
Special Olympics programs.<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 62
CRM Project Update<br />
CRM Project Update<br />
In February 2011, <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> commenced a comprehensive review of the association and club websites,<br />
addressing a number of challenges which had arisen following the launch of the national website in May 2010.<br />
The new look association and club website was released in December 2011. It provides administrators with a more userfriendly<br />
and flexible environment, including:<br />
• Results, events and news displayed more prominently in a tabular format, centred on the home page<br />
• The option to choose which association news to display (for clubs affiliated with more than one association)<br />
• User-friendly display of menu headings<br />
• Customisation of the banner, background and colours<br />
• Optional free content areas for text and images<br />
• Interchangeable free content area are with promotional buttons<br />
The following table provides a breakdown of website use, identifying the number and percentage of active websites<br />
(new template) and regularly updated websites:<br />
ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA<br />
Inactive 10 47 0 37 12 13 26 37<br />
New template 2 43 1 27 17 3 25 5<br />
Old template 7 56 5 57 9 2 30 15<br />
Regularly updated 7 29 0 10 13 0 15 2<br />
Total active 13 99 6 84 26 5 55 20<br />
% Active 56% 68% 100% 69% 68% 28% 68% 35%<br />
% New template* 15% 43% 16% 32% 65% 60% 45% 25%<br />
% Regularly updated** 54% 29% 0% 12% 50% 0% 27% 10%<br />
*Percentage of total active websites on the new template<br />
** Regularly updated means new content generated in the last 1 month for associations and 2 months for clubs<br />
National Membership Database<br />
Website administrators have assisted throughout the year with testing the functionality of the database and providing<br />
invaluable feedback. The database will provide our administrators with the ability to organise, store and retrieve<br />
information as efficiently and effectively as possible, including the ability to:<br />
• Search for, and automatically merge duplicate members<br />
• Run standard reports (members by age/gender, recently registered members, member registration on a month by<br />
month comparison)<br />
• Create reports using specific fields/criteria<br />
• Automatically re-register existing members<br />
Moving forward<br />
Interfuse, our CRM System provider, recently upgraded the fusesport system to a more generic, modern format. The<br />
new look will be available when all remaining, and upgraded, Modules are released in 2013.<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 63
Teams<br />
Teams<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Men’s Team<br />
Aussie Steelers<br />
22 September – 2 October 2011<br />
IV International Men’s Championship, Parana, Argentina<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Men’s Team<br />
Aussie Steelers<br />
7-8 December 2011<br />
International <strong>Softball</strong> Federation Qualifier, Canberra<br />
Cameron Bint (NSW)<br />
Andrew Blackshaw (Qld)<br />
Evan Byrne (ACT)<br />
Josh Davison (Qld)<br />
Neil Delpero (Vic)<br />
David Edwards (Vic)<br />
Drew Faulkner (Vic)<br />
Shaun Goffer (Qld)<br />
Mark Harris (WA)<br />
Andrew Havercroft (WA)<br />
Adam Humble (WA)<br />
Nathan Jones (WA)<br />
Kris Kiefel (Vic)<br />
Scott Patterson (WA)<br />
Jamie Sheehan (NSW)<br />
Lewis Weldon (Vic)<br />
Reserves<br />
Damien Nairm (Qld)<br />
Team Officials<br />
Head Coach – Bob Harrow (ACT)<br />
Assistant Coach – Battery – Loran Algar (Qld)<br />
Assistant Coach – Kere Johanson (Qld)<br />
Assistant Coach – Darrin Hebditch (ACT)<br />
Team Manager – Michael Titheradge (WA)<br />
Physiotherapist – Bernie Simai (Vic)<br />
Statistician – Helen Edwards (Vic)<br />
Umpire – Darren Sibraa (Qld)<br />
William Bailey (Qld)<br />
Andrew Blackshaw (Qld)<br />
Evan Byrne (ACT)<br />
Drew Faulkner (Vic)<br />
Adam Folkard (ACT)<br />
Michael Gibson (ACT)<br />
Joel Goodall (Vic)<br />
Jeff Goolagong (ACT)<br />
Mark Harris (WA)<br />
Andrew Havercroft (WA)<br />
Nathan Jones (WA)<br />
Andrew Kirkpatrick (ACT)<br />
Scott Patterson (WA)<br />
Nick Shailes (Qld)<br />
Jamie Sheehan (NSW)<br />
James Todhunter (NSW)<br />
Lewis Weldon (Vic)<br />
Zenon Winters (ACT)<br />
Team Officials<br />
Head Coach – Bob Harrow (ACT)<br />
Assistant Coach – Battery – Loran Algar (Qld)<br />
Assistant Coach – Kere Johanson (Qld)<br />
Assistant Coach – Darrin Hebditch (ACT)<br />
Physiotherapist – Bernie Simai (Vic)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 64
Teams<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Men’s Squad<br />
Aussie Steelers<br />
March <strong>2012</strong><br />
William Bailey (Qld)<br />
Cameron Bint (NSW)<br />
Andrew Blackshaw (Qld)<br />
Evan Byrne (ACT)<br />
Tim Crome (ACT)<br />
Neal Delpero (WA)<br />
David Edwards (Vic)<br />
Drew Faulkner (Vic)<br />
Adam Folkard (ACT)<br />
Michael Gibson (ACT)<br />
Shaun Goffer (Qld)<br />
Joel Goodall (Vic)<br />
Jeff Goolagong (ACT)<br />
Mark Harris (WA)<br />
Andrew Havercroft (WA)<br />
Adam Humble (WA)<br />
Julian Jemmott (Qld)<br />
Nathan Jones (WA)<br />
Andrew Kirkpatrick (ACT)<br />
Matt Norton (ACT)<br />
Nick Norton (ACT)<br />
Brendan O’Byrne (WA)<br />
Scott Patterson (WA)<br />
Brad Riley (ACT)<br />
Nick Shailes (Qld)<br />
Jamie Sheehan (NSW)<br />
Michael Tanner (ACT)<br />
James Todhunter (NSW)<br />
Lewis Weldon (Vic)<br />
Zenon Winters (ACT)<br />
Reserves<br />
Aaron Boccardo (WA)<br />
Ryan Tranter (NSW)<br />
Open Men’s Squad<br />
June <strong>2012</strong><br />
Andrew Blackshaw (Qld)<br />
William Bailey (Qld)<br />
Cameron Bint (NSW)<br />
Aaron Boccardo (WA)<br />
Mitchell Brownlow (NSW)<br />
Evan Byrne (ACT)<br />
Guy Covacin (Qld)<br />
Neil Delpero (WA)<br />
David Edwards (Vic)<br />
Drew Faulkner (Vic)<br />
Adam Folkard (ACT)<br />
Michael Gibson (ACT)<br />
Joel Goodall (Vic)<br />
Jeff Goolagong (ACT)<br />
Mark Harris (WA)<br />
Andrew Havercroft (WA)<br />
Adam Humble (WA)<br />
Julian Jemmott (Qld)<br />
Andrew Kirkpatrick (ACT)<br />
Nick Norton (ACT)<br />
Brendan O’Byrne (WA)<br />
Scott Patterson (WA)<br />
Nick Shailes (Qld)<br />
Jamie Sheehan (NSW)<br />
Michael Tanner (ACT)<br />
James Todhunter (NSW)<br />
Ryan Tranter (NSW)<br />
Lewis Weldon (Vic)<br />
Zenon Winters (ACT)<br />
Reserves<br />
Timothy Crome (ACT)<br />
Shaun Goffer (Qld)<br />
Nathan Jones (WA)<br />
Kris Kiefel (Vic)<br />
Subject to Fitness<br />
Guy Covacin (Qld)<br />
Kris Kiefel (Vic)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 65
Teams<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women’s Team<br />
Aussie Spirit<br />
<strong>2012</strong> Test Series: New Zealand Whitesox<br />
Hawker, ACT 7- 8 January <strong>2012</strong><br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women’s Squad<br />
Aussie Spirit<br />
January-July <strong>2012</strong><br />
Danielle Bouman (Qld)<br />
Jodie Bowering (Qld)<br />
Chermai Clews (WA)<br />
Michelle Cox (NSW)<br />
Clare Currie (ACT)<br />
Leigh Godfrey (WA)<br />
Sandra Holden (Qld)<br />
Christina Kreppold (WA)<br />
Stacey McManus (NSW)<br />
Kara Murphy (NSW)<br />
Aimee Murch (ACT)<br />
Vanessa Stokes (SA)<br />
Marina Walker (Vic)<br />
Clare Warwick (ACT)<br />
Melinda Weaver (Qld)<br />
Belinda White (SA)<br />
Team Officials<br />
Head Coach – Kere Johanson (Qld)<br />
Assistant Coach – Kelly Hardie (Qld)<br />
Assistant Coach – Kerrie Porter (NSW)<br />
Team Manager – Chris Clough (NSW)<br />
Physiotherapist – Michael Oostryck (WA)<br />
Statistician – Mary Walkinshaw (Vic)<br />
Danielle Bouman (Qld)<br />
Jodie Bowering (Qld)<br />
Karina Cannon (NSW)<br />
Chermai Clews (NSW)<br />
Michelle Cox (NSW)<br />
Clare Currie (ACT)<br />
Brenda De Blaes (ACT)<br />
Chelsea Forkin (WA)<br />
Leigh Godfrey (WA)<br />
Sandra Holden (Qld)<br />
Christina Kreppold (WA)<br />
Verity Long-Droppert (WA)<br />
Zara Mee (NSW)<br />
Jocelyn McCallum (Qld)<br />
Stacey McManus (NSW)<br />
Monique Miller (NSW)<br />
Aimee Murch (ACT)<br />
Kara Murphy (NSW)<br />
Kaia Parnaby (NSW)<br />
Stacey Porter (NSW)<br />
Justine Smethurst (Vic)<br />
Kate Sternes (Qld)<br />
Jodie Stevenson (WA)<br />
Vanessa Stokes (SA)<br />
Kym Tollenaere (Vic)<br />
Lana Tye (NSW)<br />
Jade Wall (Qld)<br />
Clare Warwick (ACT)<br />
Melinda Weaver (Qld)<br />
Belinda White (SA)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 66
Teams<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women’s Squad<br />
Aussie Spirit<br />
International <strong>Softball</strong> Challenge (Japan International<br />
Series)<br />
Hawker, ACT<br />
21-24 March <strong>2012</strong><br />
Jodie Bowering (Qld)<br />
Michelle Cox (NSW)<br />
Brenda De Blaes (ACT)<br />
Chelsea Forkin (WA)<br />
Leigh Godfrey (WA)<br />
Sandra Holden (Qld)<br />
Verity Long-Droppert (WA)<br />
Jocelyn McCallum (Qld)<br />
Stacey McManus (NSW)<br />
Aimee Murch (ACT)<br />
Kaia Parnaby (NSW)<br />
Stacey Porter (NSW)<br />
Justine Smethurst (Vic)<br />
Jodie Stevenson (WA)<br />
Vanessa Stokes (SA)<br />
Kym Tollenaere (Vic)<br />
Clare Warwick (ACT)<br />
Jade Wall (Qld)<br />
Melinda Weaver (Qld)<br />
Belinda White (SA)<br />
Reserve<br />
Christina Kreppold (WA)<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women’s Team<br />
Aussie Spirit<br />
<strong>2012</strong> XIII ISF Open Women's World Championship<br />
Whitehorse, Canada<br />
13-22 July <strong>2012</strong><br />
Jodie Bowering (Qld)<br />
Michelle Cox (NSW)<br />
Brenda De Blaes (ACT)<br />
Chelsea Forkin (WA)<br />
Leigh Godfrey (WA)<br />
Verity Long-Droppert (WA)<br />
Stacey McManus (NSW)<br />
Zara Mee (NSW)<br />
Aimee Murch (ACT)<br />
Kaia Parnaby (NSW)<br />
Stacey Porter (NSW)<br />
Justine Smethurst (Vic)<br />
Jodie Stevenson (WA)<br />
Vanessa Stokes (SA)<br />
Clare Warwick (ACT)<br />
Melinda Weaver (Qld)<br />
Belinda White (SA)<br />
Reserves<br />
Georgia Casey (NSW)<br />
Clare Currie (ACT)<br />
Sandra Holden (Qld)<br />
Christina Kreppold (WA)<br />
Jocelyn McCallum (Qld)<br />
Team Officials<br />
Head Coach – Kere Johanson (Qld)<br />
Assistant Coach – Kelly Hardie (Qld)<br />
Assistant Coach – Kerrie Porter (NSW)<br />
Assistant Coach – Sarah Lockett (resides USA)<br />
Team Manger – Chris Clough (NSW)<br />
Physiotherapist – Michael Oostryck (WA)<br />
Statistician – Mary Walkinshaw (Vic)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 67
Teams<br />
AIS Women’s Scholarships<br />
December 2011- 31 July <strong>2012</strong><br />
Jodie Bowering (Qld)<br />
Karina Cannon (NSW)<br />
Clare Currie (ACT)<br />
Brenda De Blaes (ACT)<br />
Chelsea Forkin (WA)<br />
Leigh Godfrey (WA)<br />
Christina Kreppold (WA)<br />
Verity Long-Droppert (WA)<br />
Jocelyn McCallum (Qld)<br />
Stacey McManus (NSW)<br />
Monique Miller (NSW)<br />
Aimee Murch (ACT)<br />
Kara Murphy (NSW)<br />
Stacey Porter (NSW)<br />
Justine Smethurst (Vic)<br />
Carmelle Sorensen (Qld)<br />
Kate Sternes (Qld)<br />
Jodie Stevenson (WA)<br />
Kym Tollenaere (Vic)<br />
Lana Tye (NSW)<br />
Marina Walker (Vic)<br />
Jade Wall (Qld)<br />
Clare Warwick (ACT)<br />
Melinda Weaver (Qld)<br />
Belinda White (SA)<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women’s Squad<br />
Aussie Pride<br />
<strong>2012</strong><br />
Bianca Abrahams (NSW)<br />
Allanah Alvarado (WA)<br />
Madeline Cameron (SA)<br />
Emily Campbell (ACT)<br />
Eva Carless (Qld)<br />
Rebecca Chapman (Qld)<br />
Jordyn Christensen (NSW)<br />
Sian Colee (NSW)<br />
Stephanie Curtis (Qld)<br />
Karla Davidson (NSW)<br />
Annali Dolman (SA)<br />
Alice Donohoe (NSW)<br />
Brittney Flint (Qld)<br />
Mikayla Gregory (Qld)<br />
Rachel Higgins (Qld)<br />
Beth Hobden (NSW)<br />
Rachel Lack (NSW)<br />
Jordan Lambert (SA)<br />
Lauren Lange (WA)<br />
Mikaela Mahony (NSW)<br />
Nicola Maitland NSW)<br />
Julia McCann (NSW)<br />
Jessica Meyer (NSW)<br />
Tahli Moore (NSW)<br />
Holley Onley (WA)<br />
Jayme Reddacliff (Qld)<br />
Stephanie Trczinski (SA)<br />
Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW)<br />
Jacinta Williams (ACT)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 68
Teams<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men’s Team<br />
Aussie Colts<br />
22 September – 2 October 2011<br />
Tour of Argentina in lead up to the <strong>2012</strong> ISF IX Junior<br />
Men’s World Championship<br />
Jason Cronan (NSW)<br />
Sam Daff (Qld)<br />
Mitchell Daly (Qld)<br />
Nathan Dickinson (NSW)<br />
Leigh Halpin (NSW)<br />
Jeremy Jemmott (Qld)<br />
Kayne Kajan (NSW)<br />
Marshall Kronk (Qld)<br />
Christopher McClure (NSW)<br />
Ryan Merriman (Qld)<br />
Jayson Morgan (Qld)<br />
Liam O’Leary (NSW)<br />
Patrick Schipp (NSW)<br />
Ryan Sinclair (Vic)<br />
Jesse Taws (ACT)<br />
Joshua Wagner (Qld)<br />
Jonathan Wall (Qld)<br />
Team Officials<br />
Head Coach – John Neilsen (NSW)<br />
Assistant Coach – Sandra Evans (Vic)<br />
Assistant Coach – Murray Rivers (Qld)<br />
Assistant Coach – Vicki Bingley (ACT)<br />
Team Manager – Jodie Sheehan (NSW)<br />
Osteotherapist – Andrew Evans (Vic)<br />
Statistician – Sarah Thompson (NSW)<br />
Umpire – Kevin Broomhall (Vic)<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men’s Team<br />
Aussie Colts<br />
1 – 10 November <strong>2012</strong><br />
ISF IX Junior Men’s World Championship, Parana,<br />
Argentina<br />
Nathan Dickinson (NSW)<br />
Scott Jansen (Vic)<br />
Jeremy Jemmott (Qld)<br />
Kayne Kajan (NSW)<br />
Sam Kassianou (Vic)<br />
Marshall Kronk (Qld)<br />
Kieran O’Leary (NSW)<br />
Liam O’Leary (NSW)<br />
Nick O’Shea (Vic)<br />
Mason Rossi (NSW)<br />
Patrick Schipp (NSW)<br />
Ryan Sinclair (Vic)<br />
Jesse Taws (ACT)<br />
Joshua Wagner (Qld)<br />
Aaron Whitefield (Qld)<br />
Matthew Wickham* (ACT) (replaced McClure July <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
Jack Hayes (Vic)<br />
*Christopher McClure (NSW) (withdrew July <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
Reserves<br />
Mitchell Daly (Qld)<br />
Jamee Jones (WA)<br />
Tom Noble (NSW)<br />
Team Officials<br />
Head Coach – Gary Butler (WA)<br />
Assistant Coach – Wess Frances (SA)<br />
Assistant Coach – Adam Sheehan (NSW)<br />
Specialist Coach – Sandra Evans (Vic)<br />
Team Manager – Maxine Cleary (Qld)<br />
Statistician – Lindy Rattigan (SA)<br />
Physiotherapist – Rowena Toppenberg (Qld)<br />
Umpire – Kevin Broomhall (Vic)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 69
Teams<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men’s Squad<br />
Aussie Colts<br />
Selected for the John Reid Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n Open<br />
Men’s Championship<br />
14-18 February <strong>2012</strong>, Blacktown International<br />
Sportspark, Sydney<br />
Jason Cronan (NSW)<br />
Nathan Dickinson (NSW)<br />
Jack Hayes (Vic)<br />
Scott Jansen (Vic)<br />
Jeremy Jemmott (Qld)<br />
Kayne Kajan (NSW)<br />
Sam Kassianou (Vic)<br />
Marshall Kronk (Qld)<br />
Christopher McClure (NSW)<br />
Tom Noble (NSW)<br />
Liam O’Leary (NSW)<br />
Nick O’Shea (Vic)<br />
Patrick Schipp (NSW)<br />
Ryan Sinclair (Vic)<br />
Jesse Taws (ACT)<br />
Joshua Wagner (Qld)<br />
Matthew Wickham (ACT)<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men’s Squad<br />
Aussie Colts<br />
January <strong>2012</strong><br />
Jason Cronan (NSW)<br />
Mitchell Daly (Qld)<br />
Nathan Dickinson (NSW)<br />
Jack Hayes (Vic)<br />
Scott Jansen (Vic)<br />
Jeremy Jemmott (Qld)<br />
James Jones (WA)<br />
Kayne Kajan (NSW)<br />
Sam Kassianou (Vic)<br />
Marshall Kronk (Qld)<br />
Christopher McClure (NSW)<br />
Tom Noble (NSW)<br />
Kieran O’Leary (NSW)<br />
Liam O’Leary (NSW)<br />
Nick O’Shea (Vic)<br />
Mason Rossi (NSW)<br />
Patrick Schipp (NSW)<br />
Ryan Sinclair (Vic)<br />
Jesse Taws (ACT)<br />
Joshua Wagner (Qld)<br />
Aaron Whitefield (Qld)<br />
Matthew Wickham (ACT)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 70
Teams<br />
Aussie U17 Boy’s Squad<br />
8-14 January <strong>2012</strong><br />
At the completion of the Arthur Allsopp Shield, these players were selected in U17 Boy’s Squad to play at International<br />
Youth Cup, 2-6 July <strong>2012</strong>.<br />
Callum Beashel (NSW)<br />
Colton Brockhurst (Qld)<br />
Steven Dawson (Vic)<br />
Matt Dean (SA)<br />
Ayden Gough (NSW)<br />
Dean Halsey (Qld)<br />
Ben Jager (ACT)<br />
Brent James (Vic)<br />
Christopher Kacin (Qld)<br />
Jaymon King (Qld)<br />
Jayden Lach (NSW)<br />
Maclaine Lowe (NSW)<br />
Ben Lucas (SA)<br />
Hayden Masson (Vic)<br />
Hayden Matthews (NSW)<br />
David McCaskie (ACT)<br />
Josh McGovern (ACT)<br />
Jack Noble (NSW)<br />
Stuart Perry (NSW)<br />
Jarrod Polzin (Qld)<br />
Tyrell Priestley (Qld)<br />
James Purcell (Qld)<br />
Michael Robar (NSW)<br />
Izack Rossi (NSW)<br />
Cameron Short (Vic)<br />
Matthew Speirs (Vic)<br />
Samuel Spooner (NSW)<br />
Adrian Taylor (Qld)<br />
Adam Talarico (Vic)<br />
Lachlan Webb (SA)<br />
Matthew Wickham (ACT)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 71
International Results<br />
International Results<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n AIS Squad v New Zealand Whitesox Test Series<br />
Mirrabooka, WA<br />
7-8 January <strong>2012</strong><br />
Games<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n AIS Squad 9 v NZ Whitesox 1<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n AIS Squad 11 v NZ Whitesox 4<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n AIS Squad 8 V NZ Whitesox 0<br />
Image courtesy Donkin Gook Photography<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 72
International Results<br />
International Challenge Series<br />
Hawker, ACT<br />
21-24 March <strong>2012</strong><br />
Games<br />
Aussie Spirit 2 v Japan 3<br />
Aussie Spirit 3 v Japan 5<br />
Aussie Spirit 7 v Japan 10<br />
Aussie Spirit 4 v Japan 7<br />
Aussie Spirit 5 v Japan 3<br />
Aussie Spirit 1 v Japan 7<br />
Aussie Spirit 6 v Japan 5<br />
Awards<br />
Most Valuable Player<br />
Best Pitcher<br />
Best Batter<br />
Award winners<br />
Stacey Porter (Aussie Spirit)<br />
Yamato Fujita (Japan)<br />
Misato Kawano (Japan)<br />
ISF Oceania Men’s Qualifier<br />
Hawker, ACT<br />
6-7 December 2011<br />
Games<br />
Tanifa Samoa 8 v PNG Langarons 1<br />
Aussie Steelers 8 V PNG Langarons 0<br />
Aussie Steelers 12 V Tanifa Samoa 4<br />
PNG Langarons 0 V Tanifa Samoa 12<br />
Tanifa Samoa Aussie Steelers 12<br />
PNG Langarons Aussie Steelers 17<br />
Aussie Steelers Head Coach, Bob Harrow, congratulates the PNG team<br />
Image courtesy Sportographs<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 73
International Results<br />
Argentina Challenge<br />
Paraná, Argentina<br />
Open Men<br />
22-25 September 2011<br />
Games<br />
1 Argentina<br />
2 <strong>Australia</strong><br />
3 Parana<br />
4 Bblanca<br />
22 September – 2 October 2011<br />
Games<br />
1 <strong>Australia</strong><br />
2 Argentina<br />
3 Parana<br />
4 Combined Argentina<br />
U19 Men<br />
22-25 September 2011<br />
Games<br />
1 Argentina<br />
2 <strong>Australia</strong><br />
3 Parana<br />
4 Rcheca<br />
22 September – 2 October 2011<br />
Games<br />
1 <strong>Australia</strong><br />
2 Parana<br />
3 Argentina<br />
4 Rcheca<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 74
International Results<br />
2011 IX Junior Women’s World Championship<br />
Cape Town, South Africa<br />
7-17 December 2011<br />
Final placings<br />
Results for <strong>Australia</strong><br />
1 United States <strong>Australia</strong> 9 v Russia 1<br />
2 Japan <strong>Australia</strong> 3 v Brazil 0<br />
3 Chinese Taipei <strong>Australia</strong> 2 v Japan 7<br />
4 <strong>Australia</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> 10 v Germany 0<br />
5 Canada <strong>Australia</strong> 7 v Zimbabwe 0<br />
6 New Zealand <strong>Australia</strong> 9 v Chinese Taipei 4<br />
7 Brazil <strong>Australia</strong> 7 v Argentina 0<br />
8 China<br />
9 Czech Republic<br />
10 Puerto Rico Playoffs<br />
11 Argentina<br />
12 Russia <strong>Australia</strong> 4 v USA 7<br />
13 South Africa <strong>Australia</strong> 7 v New Zealand 0<br />
14 Germany <strong>Australia</strong> 2 v Chinese Taipei 3<br />
15 Botswana<br />
16 Zimbabwe<br />
Megan Horne bats for Aussie Pride against Russia<br />
Image courtesy Matthew Horne<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 75
<strong>Australia</strong>n Championship Results<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Championship Results<br />
Edebone–Weber Shield Final<br />
Hawker, ACT<br />
4-7 January <strong>2012</strong><br />
Final placings<br />
Final results<br />
1 NSW Firestars NSW Firestars 7 v Western <strong>Australia</strong> Flames 3<br />
2 Western <strong>Australia</strong> Flames<br />
3 ACT Diamonds<br />
4 Qld Heat<br />
5 Victorian Titans<br />
6 NZ White Sox<br />
7 SA Starz<br />
Awards<br />
Most Valuable Players<br />
Award winners<br />
Chelsea Forkin (WA) and Clare Warwick (ACT)<br />
John Reid Shield<br />
Blacktown, NSW<br />
13-18 February <strong>2012</strong><br />
Final placings<br />
Final results<br />
1 ACT ACT 2 V Western <strong>Australia</strong> 0<br />
2 Western <strong>Australia</strong><br />
3 Queensland<br />
4 Victoria<br />
5 NSW<br />
Awards<br />
Most Valuable Players<br />
Best Pitcher<br />
Best Batter<br />
Rookie of the Year<br />
Player of the Grand Final<br />
Award winners<br />
Zenon Winters (ACT)<br />
Neal Delpero (WA)<br />
Zenon Winters (ACT<br />
James Brownlow (NSW)<br />
Jeff Goolagong (ACT)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 76
<strong>Australia</strong>n Championship Results<br />
Elinor McKenzie Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women’s Championship<br />
Mirrabooka, WA<br />
15-21 January <strong>2012</strong><br />
Final placings<br />
Final results<br />
1 New South Wales NSW Firestars 4 v ACT 0<br />
2 ACT<br />
3 Queensland<br />
4 Western <strong>Australia</strong><br />
5 Victoria<br />
6 South <strong>Australia</strong><br />
7 Northern Territory<br />
Awards<br />
Most Valuable Player<br />
Best Pitcher<br />
Best Batter<br />
Player of the Grand Final<br />
Award winners<br />
Mikaela Mahony (NSW)<br />
Brittney Flint (Qld)<br />
Rachel Lack (NSW)<br />
Julia McCann (NSW)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 77
<strong>Australia</strong>n Championship Results<br />
Nox Bailey Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Men’s Championship<br />
Hawker, ACT<br />
15-21 January <strong>2012</strong><br />
Final placings<br />
Final results<br />
1 Queensland Queensland 5 v Victoria 4<br />
2 Victoria<br />
3 New South Wales<br />
4 ACT<br />
5 Western <strong>Australia</strong><br />
6<br />
7<br />
Awards<br />
Most Valuable Player<br />
Best Pitcher<br />
Best Batter<br />
Player of the Grand Final<br />
Award winners<br />
Kayne Kajan (NSW)<br />
Marshall Kronk (Qld)<br />
Jesse Taws (ACT)<br />
Marshall Kronk (Qld)<br />
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<strong>Australia</strong>n Championship Results<br />
Esther Deason Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n U17 Girls’ Championship<br />
Hobart, Tasmania<br />
8-14 January <strong>2012</strong><br />
Final placings<br />
Final results<br />
1 New South Wales New South Wales 3 v Queensland 1<br />
2 Queensland<br />
3 South <strong>Australia</strong><br />
4 Western <strong>Australia</strong><br />
5 ACT<br />
6 Victoria<br />
7 Tasmania<br />
Awards<br />
Most Valuable Player<br />
Best Pitcher<br />
Best Batter<br />
Player of the Grand Final<br />
Award winners<br />
Jordyn Christensen (NSW)<br />
Stephanie Trzcinski (SA)<br />
Beth Hobden (NSW)<br />
Amelia Cudicio (NSW)<br />
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<strong>Australia</strong>n Championship Results<br />
Arthur Allsopp Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n U17 Boys’ Championship<br />
Altona, Victoria<br />
8-14 January <strong>2012</strong><br />
Final placings<br />
Final results<br />
1 New South Wales New South Wales 7 v ACT 0<br />
2 ACT<br />
3 Queensland<br />
4 Victoria<br />
5 South <strong>Australia</strong><br />
6 Western <strong>Australia</strong><br />
Awards<br />
Most Valuable Player<br />
Best Pitcher<br />
Best Batter<br />
Player of the Grand Final<br />
Award winners<br />
Hayden Mathews (NSW)<br />
Adrian Taylor (Qld)<br />
Callum Beashel (NSW)<br />
Callum Beashel (NSW)<br />
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<strong>Australia</strong>n Championship Results<br />
Gilley’s Shield, <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women’s Championship Final<br />
Blacktown, NSW<br />
16-18 February <strong>2012</strong><br />
Final placings<br />
Final results<br />
1 NSW Firestars NSW Firestars 2 V ACT Diamonds 1<br />
2 ACT Diamonds<br />
3 Qld Heat<br />
4 Western <strong>Australia</strong> Flames<br />
5 SA Starz<br />
6 Victorian Titans<br />
Awards<br />
Most Valuable Player<br />
Best Pitcher<br />
Best Batter<br />
Rookie of the Year<br />
Player of the Grand Final<br />
Award winners<br />
Brenda De Blaes (ACT)<br />
Sandra Holden (Qld)<br />
Chelsea Forkin (WA)<br />
Michelle Edgtton (NSW)<br />
Bree Brooker (NSW)<br />
Image courtesy Donkin Gook Photography<br />
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<strong>Australia</strong>n Championship Results<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n U15 Regional Championship<br />
Rockhampton, Qld<br />
6-10 July 2011<br />
Final placings – Girls’ Division<br />
Final placings – Boys’ Division<br />
1 Sydney Metro Blue 1 Sydney Metro Green<br />
2 Sydney Metro Green 2 Sydney Metro Blue<br />
3 Canberra Gold 3 SQ Regional Academy Storm<br />
4 SQ Regional Academy Flames 4 SQ Regional Thunder<br />
5 SQ Regional Academy Fire 5 SQ Regional Academy Cyclones<br />
6 SQ Regional Academy Flickers 6 Country NSW<br />
7 Canberra Blue<br />
8 Country NSW<br />
9 SEMSA<br />
Images courtesy Pro Photo <strong>Australia</strong><br />
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Other National Results<br />
Other national results<br />
International Youth Cup<br />
Blacktown, NSW (Women)<br />
4-8 July 2011<br />
Final placings<br />
1 School Sport <strong>Australia</strong><br />
2 NSW Metro<br />
3 Sunstate Wanderers<br />
4 Aussie U17 Girls<br />
5 NZ Junior Girls’ Development<br />
6 NSW Country<br />
7 SE Metro Vic<br />
Awards<br />
Most Valuable Player<br />
Best Pitcher<br />
Best Batter<br />
Player of the Grand Final<br />
Award winners<br />
Taylah Tsitsikronis (School Sport <strong>Australia</strong>)<br />
Julia McCann (Aussie U17 Girls)<br />
Michaela Mahoney (School Sport <strong>Australia</strong>)<br />
Taylah Tsitsikronis (School Sport <strong>Australia</strong>)<br />
International Youth Cup<br />
Blacktown, NSW (Men)<br />
4-8 July 2011<br />
Final placings<br />
1 Aussie U19 Green<br />
2 NZ Junior Boys’ Development<br />
3 Western Civil<br />
4 Aussie U19 Gold<br />
5 ISA New Zealand<br />
6 NSW Metro<br />
7 Aussie U17 Boys<br />
8 NSW Country<br />
Awards<br />
Most Valuable Player<br />
Best Pitcher<br />
Best Batter<br />
Player of the Grand Final<br />
Award winners<br />
Jesse Taws (Aussie U19 Men’s Green)<br />
Marshall Kronk (Aussie U19 Men’s Green)<br />
Mitchell Daly (Aussie U19 Men’s Gold)<br />
Jason Cronan (Aussie U19 Men’s Green)<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 83
Other National Results<br />
International <strong>Softball</strong> Challenge<br />
Blacktown, NSW<br />
28-30 July 2011<br />
Final placings<br />
1 US Colleges<br />
2 <strong>Australia</strong>n U19 Women’s Squad<br />
3 NSW Blue<br />
4 QAS<br />
5 NSW Red<br />
Awards<br />
Most Valuable Player<br />
Best Pitcher<br />
Best Batter<br />
Award winners<br />
Mikaela Gregory (ASSA)<br />
Sandra Holden (QAS)<br />
Georgia Casey (NSW)<br />
Image courtesy Devan Price<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 84
Life Members/Hall of Fame<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Life Members<br />
Life Members are recognised for their exceptional and devoted service to <strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong>.<br />
Name Year State<br />
Darryl Clout 2010 NSW<br />
Bob Harrow 2010 ACT<br />
Bill Gobbart 2006 Vic<br />
Ken Culpitt 2004 ACT<br />
Alan McAuliffe 2002 SA<br />
Shirley Schneider 2000 WA<br />
Pat Rawlings* OAM 1994 NSW<br />
Margo Koskelainen OAM 1993 Vic<br />
Rosemary Adey OAM 1989 SA<br />
Pat Shearwood 1980 ACT<br />
Edna Nash* 1969 NSW<br />
Pat Young* 1968 NSW<br />
Audrey McLaughlin AM 1967 Qld<br />
Esther Deason MBE* 1966 Vic<br />
Merle Short* 1966 Vic<br />
Marjorie Dwyer* 1966 Vic<br />
*denotes deceased<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> Hall of Fame inductees<br />
The Hall of Fame recognises <strong>Australia</strong>n players and non-players who have made an outstanding contribution to the<br />
sport of <strong>Softball</strong> at the international level.<br />
Name Year State<br />
Fiona Crawford 2010 NSW<br />
Paul Maisey 2010 Vic<br />
Marissa Warburton 2010 Qld<br />
Ken Culpitt 2009 ACT<br />
2009 <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Men’s Team Aussie Steelers and<br />
ISF World Champions<br />
2009<br />
Geoffrey Coultas 2008 WA<br />
Brian Flint 2008 WA<br />
Darryl Rector 2008 WA<br />
Robert Richardson 2008 NSW<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 85
Life Members/Hall of Fame<br />
Name Year State<br />
Bill Downing 2008 WA<br />
Russell Taylor 2008 WA<br />
Josh Davison 2008 NSW<br />
Dave McKenzie 2008 WA<br />
Peter Clout 2008 NSW<br />
Sally McCreedy OAM 2008 ACT<br />
Peta Edebone 2008 Vic<br />
Brooke Wilkins 2008 NSW<br />
Kathy Mitchell 2008 Qld<br />
John McAuliffe 2007 SA<br />
Bob Crudgington 2006 Qld<br />
Matt Gowty 2006 Qld<br />
Troy Baverstock 2005 NSW<br />
Kylie Herbert 2005 NSW<br />
Alan McAuliffe 2005 SA<br />
Carol Peel 2005 NSW<br />
Haylea Petrie 2005 Qld<br />
Kim Cooper 2004 Qld<br />
Shane King 2004 Qld<br />
Kerry Dienelt 2004 NT<br />
Lindsey Carroll 2004 ACT<br />
Kellie Loughman 2004 Vic<br />
Kerrie Maddern 2004 Vic<br />
Nichole Richardson 2004 Vic<br />
Margo Koskelainen OAM 2004 Vic<br />
Joanne Brown 2004 ACT<br />
Francine McRae 2004 Qld<br />
Lindsay Anderson* 2003 WA<br />
Anthony Bull 2003 WA<br />
Laing Harrow 2002 ACT<br />
Rhonda Wills 2002 Vic<br />
Jenny Holliday 2002 Vic<br />
Joyce Lester OAM 2000 Qld<br />
Leanne Evans 1997 Vic<br />
Gaye Ledingham 1997 NSW<br />
Pat Shearwood 1995 ACT<br />
Sandra Troyahn 1995 Vic<br />
Arthur Allsopp* 1992 Vic<br />
Rosemary Adey OAM 1991 SA<br />
Pat Rawlings OAM* 1991 NSW<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 86
Life Members/Hall of Fame<br />
Name Year State<br />
Jane Stevens 1990 SA<br />
Lorraine Brown 1989 SA<br />
Josephine Loton 1989 Vic<br />
Janine (Jan) Allsopp 1988 Vic<br />
Carol Selem 1988 NSW<br />
Vivienne Triplett* 1988 Vic<br />
Esther Deason MBE* 1987 Vic<br />
Marjorie Dwyer* 1987 Vic<br />
Merilyn Middlin 1987 Vic<br />
Joanne Paez 1987 Vic<br />
Judy Phelps OAM 1987 NSW<br />
Chris Roughley 1987 NSW<br />
Sybil Turner 1987 NSW<br />
Rhonda Boyd 1986 Vic<br />
Denise Hutchinson 1986 Vic<br />
1965 <strong>Australia</strong>n Open Women’s Team and ISF World<br />
Champions<br />
1985<br />
Norma Allsopp<br />
Margaret Dodds<br />
Bess Dornan<br />
Myrtle Edwards<br />
Rita Gherardin<br />
Elinor McKenzie*<br />
Audrey McLaughlin<br />
Helena Meehan<br />
Nina Menner<br />
Midge Nelson BEM<br />
Gladys Phillips* (C)<br />
Judy Pizaro*<br />
Marjorie Scott<br />
Merle Short*<br />
Sandra Somerville<br />
Margaret Swann<br />
Nancy Whittingham<br />
Lorraine Woolley<br />
*denotes deceased<br />
Hall of Fame inductees<br />
Vic<br />
Qld<br />
Vic<br />
Vic<br />
Vic<br />
Vic<br />
Qld<br />
Vic<br />
WA<br />
Vic<br />
Vic<br />
Vic<br />
Vic<br />
Vic<br />
Qld<br />
Vic<br />
SA<br />
Qld<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 87
ISF Hall of Fame Inductees<br />
ISF Hall of Fame inductees<br />
Name Year State<br />
Bob Harrow 2011 ACT<br />
Paul Maisey 2011 Vic<br />
Peta Edebone 2011 Vic<br />
Peter Clout 2009 NSW<br />
John McAuliffe 2009 SA<br />
Sally McCreedy OAM 2009 ACT<br />
Norma Allsopp 2005 Vic<br />
Joanne Brown 2005 ACT<br />
Ken Culpitt 2005 Qld<br />
Kerry Dienelt 2005 NT<br />
Denise Hutchinson 2005 Vic<br />
Shane King 2005 Qld<br />
Laing Harrow 2003 ACT<br />
Margo Koskelainen OAM 2003 Vic<br />
Alan McAuliffe 2003 SA<br />
Jenny Holliday 2001 Vic<br />
Joyce Lester 2001 Qld<br />
Audrey McLaughlin AM 1999 Qld<br />
Rosemary Adey OAM 1997 SA<br />
Janine (Jan) Allsopp 1993 Vic<br />
Vivienne Triplett* 1993 Vic<br />
Sybill Turner 1993 NSW<br />
Rhonda Boyd 1991 Vic<br />
Christine Roughley 1991 NSW<br />
Margaret Swann 1989 Vic<br />
Myrtle Edwards* 1987 Vic<br />
Merle Short* 1987 Vic<br />
Marjorie (Midge) Nelson BEM 1981 Vic<br />
Esther Deason* MBE 1981 Vic<br />
*denotes deceased<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 88
Member States<br />
Member States<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> ACT<br />
t: 02 6278 3000<br />
f: 02 6278 3111<br />
e: ceo.softballact@bigpond.com<br />
w: www.act.softball.org.au<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> NSW<br />
t: 02 9677 4000<br />
f: 02 9677 4040<br />
e: office@softball.net.au<br />
w: www.softball.net.au<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> NT<br />
t: 08 8927 3333<br />
f: 08 8927 9999<br />
e: softballnt@bigpond.com<br />
w: www.nt.softball.org.au<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Qld<br />
t: 07 3391 2447<br />
f: 07 3391 4734<br />
e: admin@softballqld.asn.au<br />
w: www.qld.softball.org.au<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> SA<br />
t: 08 8353 6766<br />
f: 08 8353 2480<br />
e: admin@softballsa.com.au<br />
w: www.sa.softball.org.au<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Tasmania<br />
t: 03 6249 3589<br />
f: 03 6249 3589<br />
e: softballtas@yahoo.com<br />
w: www.tas.softball.org.au<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Victoria<br />
t: 03 415 1745<br />
f: 03 8678 3018<br />
e: admin@softballvic.org.au<br />
w: www.victoria.softball.org.au<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> WA<br />
t: 08 9349 9911<br />
f: 08 9345 3553<br />
e: adminsoftallwa@iinet.net.au<br />
w: www.wa.softball.org.au<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 89
Partners and Sponsors<br />
Partners and sponsors<br />
Principal Partner<br />
High Performance Partner<br />
Indigenous <strong>Softball</strong> Program Partner<br />
Apparel Sponsor<br />
Official Equipment Supplier<br />
Sponsors<br />
Ebadges Marketworthy Sport Business Partners<br />
Fielder’s Choice<br />
National Aboriginal Sporting<br />
Chance Academy<br />
Theme Park<br />
McKenna Hampton <strong>Softball</strong> Excellence Valiant Press<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 90
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 91
Glossary<br />
Glossary<br />
AASC<br />
AIS<br />
ASC<br />
BNOL<br />
CALD<br />
CRM<br />
DTE<br />
ISF<br />
ISP<br />
NEDP<br />
NCAS<br />
NOAS<br />
NSC<br />
NUC<br />
NUP<br />
SCCP<br />
TCS<br />
TCU<br />
UIC<br />
Active After school Communities<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Institute of Sport<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Sports Commission<br />
Blues News Online<br />
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse<br />
Client Relationship Management<br />
Daily Training Environment<br />
International <strong>Softball</strong> Federation<br />
Indigenous <strong>Softball</strong> Program<br />
National Elite Development Program<br />
National Coaching Accreditation Scheme<br />
National Officiating Accreditation Scheme<br />
National Scoring Committee<br />
National Umpiring Committee<br />
National Umpiring Program<br />
<strong>Softball</strong> Community Coaching Program<br />
Tournament Chief Statistician<br />
Tournament Umpire in Chief<br />
Umpire in Chief<br />
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2012</strong> Page | 92