2012 Annual Report - Softball Australia

Membership
Membership Management Plan
The membership management plan has provided
impetus for the creation of a Membership Review
Project Team, overseen by Michael Shields (Vic):
• Sue Rindfleish (NSW)
• Mark Jeppesen (Qld)
• Bob Nicholson (SA)
• John Milbourne (Tas)
• Jenny Holliday (Vic)
• Trevor Howard (WA)
• Andrew Pratley (ASC)
• David Simpson (ASC)
The Project Team has progressed work on priorities in
the last 12 months with a focus on implementing
strategies identified in the past year to help arrest the
decline in membership. In November 2012, the key
action will have been achieved, with the presentation
of a new membership model to Member States at the
Softball Australia Annual General Meeting for their
consideration.
In addition, further outcomes have been advanced,
including:
• preparation of Memorandums of Understanding
with key national partners, that include significant
providers of Softball outside of the traditional
sport structure
• development of a proposed member rewards
scheme and new business model
• alignment of the new national database with
existing and proposed Softball programs and
membership model
• initial work to implement opportunities identified
in the Market Insights project, 2012 National
Softball Survey and Segmentation Final Report
This work is seen as an essential complement to the
new membership model, the impact of which will be
enhanced as the sport continues to accept changes to
the status quo.
Market research
The 2012 National Softball Survey and Segmentation
Final Report provided considerable insight into the
perceptions and expectations of the Softball
community, including current and former members,
and the broader Australian community. Softball
Australia will use the report to shape not only the new
membership model, but the development of initiatives
that supplement the model and strengthen the overall
position of the sport.
Looking forward
Softball Australia is presented with an opportunity to not only address the trend of membership decline, but at the
same time, the perceived weaknesses of the current sport structures. The Membership Review Project has provided
Softball Australia with a clear way forward. To complement the Project in 2012/13, Softball Australia will continue to
expand the Softball Batter Up, Indigenous Softball and Softball Community Coaching Programs. In addition, possible
future initiatives, such as Little League, will provide a broader experience for membership.
Jodie Bowering, Aussie Spirit
Image courtesy Donkin Gook Photography
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