Softball Australia - Australian Sports Commission

Softball Australia 1

CONTENTS 

Page Description 

01 Introduction and Mission 

02 Message from the Australian Sports Commission 

03 President 

05 Chief Executive Officer 

08 Key People 

10 Committees 

13 2007 / 08 Game Development Report 

20 Women's High Performance Program 

24 Marketing and Communications 

25 Athletes' Commission 

27 National Umpiring Program 

29 National Scoring Program 

31 Senior Women's Program 

34 Australian Open Women's Squad and Statistics 

37 Senior Men's Program 

39 Senior Men's Squad and Statistics 

40 Under 19 Women's Program 

41 2008 Australian Youth Women's Development Squad 

42 Under 19 Men's Program 

43 Under 19 Men's Program Team and Statistics 

47 Australian Fastpitch Championships 

50 Softball Australia National Women's League 

51 Summary of Registrations (2007 / 2008) 

52 Awards 

55 Australian Capital Territory 

57 New South Wales 

58 Northern Territory 

59 Queensland 

62 South Australia 

64 Victoria 

65 Tasmania 

66 Western Australia 

67 Contact Details 

IBC Sponsors 

2 Softball Australia

INTRODUCTION 

The Australian Softball Federation (ASF) was formed in 

1947, by softball associations in Victoria, Queensland 

and New South Wales. The ASF, today known as 

Softball Australia, aims to provide opportunities for 

people to participate at all levels and in all forms of the 

game, by developing, promoting and managing the 

game throughout Australia. 

Softball now spans across every state and territory 

in Australia offering involvement for all individuals at 

school, club, state, national and international levels. 

There are two forms of softball – fastpitch and slowpitch. 

Fastpitch softball is widely played, especially at 

competition level, while slowpitch softball is promoted as 

a recreational game in Australia. 

Championships are held at both state and national levels 

on an annual basis and are for the age groups of Open 

Women and Men, Under 23 Women and Men, Under 19 

Women and Men, Under 16 Girls and Boys and Masters. 

At an international level, softball is played in over 120 

countries around the world. Australia is currently the 

only country in the world to have their four national 

teams ranked in the top three; Australia’s Open Women’s 

team - Aussie Spirit, Open Men’s team – Aussie 

Steelers, and Under 19 Women’s team – Aussie Pride, 

are ranked third in the world with the Under 19 Men’s 

team – Aussie Colts, ranked number one. 

These high world rankings are a reflection of the quality 

of softball at the local level and standard of education 

and accreditation systems in place in areas such as 

coaching, umpiring and scoring in Australia. 

A significant strength of softball in Australia is the 

dedication of a large number of volunteers who give their 

own time to administer the sport. 

OUR MISSION 

“Softball Australia will provide quality sport 

opportunities for all in the community. As a united 

group striving for excellence, we will be responsive 

to stakeholders’ expectations and will endeavour to 

deliver softball is a spirited, fun and innovative sport 

in a changing world” 


MESSAGE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION 

2 Softball Australia 

Australia, for its small population and remoteness 

of location, continues to confound the world with its 

achievements on the international sporting stage. 

This position has been reached by the development 

of a comprehensive and effective national sport 

system that encourages sport and structured 

physical activity for all Australians and creates 

opportunities to enable those who are talented and 

motivated to reach their potential. This system has 

evolved with the strong support of the Australian 

Government, State/Territory and local governments, 

the private sector and sporting organisations at all 

levels. 

At the national level, primary responsibility for 

developing and directing sport lies with national sporting 

organisations. On behalf of the Australian Government, 

the Australian Sports Commission plays central 

leadership, co-ordination, funding and advocacy roles 

in the operation of the Australian sport system, largely 

through the national sporting organisations. Indeed the 

Australian Government, through the Commission, is the 

major investor in Australian sport. 

In 2007-08 the Australian Government, through the 

Commission, provided Softball Australia with funding of 

more than $2 million for the development of the sport and 

its continued enhancement at the grass-root and elite 

levels. The Commission also allocated a further 

$270,000 under the Australian Government Sport 

Training Grants program. This program provided 

targeted direct financial support to Beijing Games medal 

potential athletes. 

The Australian Sports Commission recognises that 

Softball Australia has continued to work to build its 

membership base and has made significant progress 

in establishing quality business processes with the 

view to maximising service delivery to its membership. 

Following the recent review of softball, the Australian 

Sports Commission has been very pleased with the 

progress of Softball Australia in moving toward a soundly 

governed and professionally managed national sporting 

organisation. 

On behalf of the Commission, I look forward to working 

with Softball Australia in the future for the betterment of 

Australian sport. 

Mark A Peters 

Chief Executive Officer 

Australian Sports Commission

PRESIDENT 

The last 12 months 

have been a very 

important time in the 

history of Softball 

Australia, with some 

major success, on 

and off the diamond, 

and some significant 

challenges beginning to 

be addressed and the 

seeds of major change 

being planted. 

In what can only be described as a remarkable 

performance, our under 19 men’s team the ‘Aussie Colts’ 

brought home a fourth successive ISF Junior World 

Championship Gold medal. Head Coach John Nielsen 

and the entire team and staff are congratulated on an 

outstanding performance. Our men’s program continues 

to deliver fantastic results despite the ongoing funding 

challenges for this form of our sport. 

Congratulations are also extended to the Aussie Spirit 

who, after a hectic 12 months, competed at the 2008 

Beijing Olympic Games and brought home a bronze 

medal. The bronze medal game received enormous 

coverage in Australia and demonstrated the high 

entertainment value of softball at the elite level. Well 

done to Head Coach Fabian Barlow and the entire team 

who we are all very proud of. 

Winning Olympic bronze is an outstanding achievement 

and I would also make special mention of Natalie Ward, 

Melanie Roche and Tanya Harding who are the first 

Australian female athletes to win medals at 4 consecutive 

Olympic Games. 

The decision of the IOC to not include softball on the 

Olympic program for 2012 is a bitter pill for Softball 

to swallow, however the ISF Back Softball Campaign 

is in full swing and the International promotional and 

lobbying campaign is giving Softball a chance for reinclusion 

in 2016. The Olympic decision impacts on a 

number of areas including; the dreams of young Softball 

participants, the aspirations of those athletes currently 

in the female talent pathway, promotion of softball to the 

wider public and High Performance funding from the 

Federal Government, which is vitally important for our 

success at the international level. 

Other major challenges facing Softball in the short term 

include: increasing participation numbers and increasing 

revenue from non-government sources. Both are 

considerable challenges and in many ways go handin-hand. 

By increasing participation more membership 

revenue will come into softball at all levels and more 

participants also makes softball more attractive to 

commercial partners and sponsors. 

The Softball Australia Board is acutely aware of these 

challenges and has been developing strategies to 

address them. The last 12 months has seen a number 

of initiatives specifically created to tackle many of 

the aforementioned issues. The most public of these 

initiatives has been the ASC Review and the adoption of 

the "Too Few; Too Much Report". The Report provides 

softball with a blueprint to advance the sport which starts 

with Constitutional and Governance Reform and also 

include specific recommendations relating to events, 

game development and high performance. Many of the 

recommendations are quite large and all of Softball’s 

stakeholders must rally together to advance the sport to 

ensure a bright future. 

The Softball Australia Board has also been working 

very hard at confirming the roles of directors, keeping 

a strategic focus and improving the transparency and 

consultation associated with all decision making. The 

management of the finance area has been a major area 

of focus and a number of steps have been taken to 

ensure best practice is adopted in this important area. 



I would like to thank all of the Board Members for their 

support, commitment and passion in what has been an 

extremely active year for the Board and I look forward 

to their ongoing commitment to steer Softball Australia 

through such an important time in its’ history. 

The role of our Member States and Territories in 

developing softball cannot be overstated. The states 

and territories play a vital role in administering our sport, 

not only impacting on the grassroots level directly, but 

also coordinating the pathway for our talented athletes. 

Softball Australia makes policy and conducts programs 

and competition at the National Level, but it is the 

Member states and territories who do the ‘work on the 

ground’ which is vital for the success of all National 

initiatives. The collaboration between Softball Australia 

and the state and territory associations is essential 

for Softball to take the necessary steps forward in the 

coming years and I look ahead with confidence that this 

will be the case. 

On a sad note we learnt of the passing in January of 

Softball Australia Life Member Merle Short. Merle was a 

long time Honorary Secretary of the Australian Women’s 

Softball Council and is probably best known for being 

the Manager of the 1965 World Championship Australian 

Team. Merle Short is a true legend of the game of 

softball and will be sorely missed by all in the Softball 

Community. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our 

principle partners the Australian Sports Commission, the 

Australian Institute of Sport and also, our commercial 

partners and sponsors for their excellent support of 

Softball in 2007-08. Your ongoing support is crucial 

for softball to continue heading in the right direction 

in the years ahead.The staff at Softball Australia is 

acknowledged, both in the National Office in Melbourne 

and the High Performance Office in Brisbane. The 

enthusiasm with which you undertake your roles is 

recognised and your efforts appreciated. 

I am pleased to say that Softball Australia has taken the 

first steps on a challenging but exciting road ahead and 

I look forward to the entire softball community taking 

charge of the future. 

Phil Matthewson 

President

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

It is fair to say that 

2007-08 has seen the 

beginning of enormous 

change in the world of 

Australian Softball. 

In September 2007 the 

National Office re-located 

from the outer Melbourne 

suburb of Box Hill to 

be close to the city in 

Hawthorn. The office 

building is shared with 

Bowls Victoria and Bowls 

Australia and has a real ‘sports’ feel to it. The office is 

approximately double the size of the old office and has a 

large boardroom allowing meetings and functions including 

Board meetings to be held on site. 

From a management and governance viewpoint, the 

major activity during the past 12 months has been a 

‘whole of sport’ review conducted by the Australian Sports 

Commission. The review considered all parts of the 

softball business and activity at national and state level 

and the ‘Too Few; Too Much’ report was produced. ‘Too 

Few; Too Much’ contains 42 recommendations including 

constitutional change, structural change in the High 

Performance Program and new Community Softball 

Programs. The report probably hasn’t told the softball 

community anything that it didn’t know already, but it has 

given much needed direction on how to tackle a number of 

the challenges softball has been grappling with for many 

years. 

Softball Australia acknowledges the contribution of 

the Australian Sports Commission which fully funded 

the review in addition to ongoing support in the High 

Performance and Development areas. Special thanks to 

the chief authors of the report, Stephen Fox and David 

Crocker whose hard work is sure to pay dividends for 

softball in the future. 

Many challenges for softball in Australia still remain and 

significant work is required to ensure softball remains 

strong in respect to participation numbers and international 

results. These challenges cannot be adequately dealt 

with by individual groups within softball and it is the 

responsibility of all stakeholders to work together to 

advance the sport in Australia. 

The past 12 months has also seen a number of changes 

in staff and structure at Softball Australia. Dianne 

Lilburn (Communications Coordinator) and Joanne 

Paez (Business Manager) left Softball Australia for new 

challenges and we welcomed Deion Moore (Financial 

Coordinator) and Shannon Ryan (Club Development and 

Membership Growth Coordinator). We wish Dianne and 

Joanne all the best for their futures and look forward to 

Deion and Shannon’s contribution. 

Personnel changes have also occurred within the Directors 

of Softball Australia. In October 2007 former Softball 

Australia CEO and Director Neil Dalrymple did not seek 

re-election due to employment commitments and Sue 

Rindfleish was elected to the Board. Phil Matthewson 

was officially elected as President of Softball Australia 

after holding the position in an acting capacity following 

the retirement of Harvey Milson from the position earlier 

in 2007 and Darryl Clout was elected Vice President. 

Retiring Director Jenny Holliday was also re-elected. In 

December 2007 the Board welcomed Maree Holden and 

Andrew Seeckts as appointed Directors with expertise in 

communications and finance respectively. 

While all this change was taking place off the field 

Australian Teams kept performing at an extremely high 

level on the field. 

The “Aussie Colts” Junior Men’s Softball Team celebrated 

their fourth consecutive World Championship gold medal 

with a spectacular win in the ISF World Championships 

against Canada in Whitehorse, Canada. Congratulations 

to Head Coach John Nielsen and the entire squad for an 

outstanding achievement. 

The Aussie Steelers will compete at the 2009 ISF World 

Championships after qualifying by finishing 2nd in a 

qualifying tournament hosted by New Zealand Softball in 

April 2008. 



Aussie Spirit spent 2007-08 preparing for the Beijing 

Olympic Games. Tours to China, Japan and Canada in 

addition to participation in the National League/National 

Championships all contributed to the preparation of the 

15 athletes who were selected to represent Australia at 

the Games. Softball Australia would like to acknowledge 

the efforts of all squad members, volunteers and staff 

who were involved throughout the team’s preparation. In 

a terrific campaign Aussie Spirit came away with a hard 

fought Olympic bronze medal after a titanic tussle with 

Japan, during which 5 tiebreak innings were required 

before a result could be achieved. The game also saw 

softball broadcast on free to air television in prime time 

with an estimated audience of 3.3 million Australian 

viewers. 

The entire Aussie Spirit are to be congratulated on 

winning an Olympic bronze medal, however we make 

special mention of three of our athletes; Natalie Ward, 

Tanya Harding and Melanie Roche who are the first 

Australian female athletes to win medals at 4 consecutive 

Olympic Games – an outstanding achievement. 

At the National level, as usual our championships and 

events were hotly contested. Congratulations to the 

following state/territory associations for their success; 

Championship/Event Winner 

Arthur Allsop Shield (Under 16 Male) NSW 

Esther Deason Shield (Under 16 Female) NSW 

Nox Bailey Shield (Under 19 Male) ACT 

Elinor MacKenzie (Under 19 Female) NSW 

Laing Harrow Shield (Under 23 Male) ACT 

Joyce Lester Shield (Under 23 Female) Victoria 

John Reid Shield (Open Men’s) ACT 

Gilley’s Shield (Open Women’s) NSW 

National League (Open Women’s) Qld 

On behalf of Softball Australia I would also like to 

acknowledge the staff and volunteers of all host 

associations for the National Championships and Events 

for their hard work in providing the facilities and infrastructure 

for such events to take place. 

It would also be remiss of me not to take this opportunity 

to thank our wonderful band of loyal partners and 

sponsors; 

• Australian Sports Commission 

• Australian Institute of Sport 

• Australian Olympic Committee 

• Easton 

• Ausport 

• MAKO Eyewear 

• Canterbury International 

• Boronia Travel Centre 

• Mizuno 

• My Heroes 

• Johnson & Johnson 

• State Institutes/Academies of Sport; QAS, ACTAS, 

NSWIS, WAIS, VIS 

My appreciation is also extended to the Directors, staff 

and volunteers of Softball Australia and our Member 

States and Territories, who continue to make a very 

valuable contribution to management and governance 

of the sport in Australia. Your hard work, dedication and 

passion is acknowledged and will continue to be required 

as we take softball forward together. 

Softball is heading into a new era, both on and off the 

diamond. While we wait for the International Olympic 

Committee decision regarding the re-inclusion of Softball 

on the Olympic Program for 2016, after missing out 

for 2012, it is the responsibility of all stakeholders in 

the game to unite to tackle the immediate challenges 

confronting us. Such challenges include: ensuring that 

the game stays relevant for the next generation and 

providing quality participation and pathway opportunities 

for both the recreational competitor and the future 

national team representatives. 

We look forward to much of the hard work from 2007-08 

beginning to bear fruit in the year ahead and Australian 

softball attaining the success it deserves. 

Mark McAllion 

Chief Executive Officer


KEY PEOPLE 


BOARD Phil Matthewson FCPA 

President 

Phil has been involved in softball 

since the mid 1980's, firstly as a 

coach, then Assistant Coach of the 

Western Australian Senior Women’s 

team in 1997 and later moving to the 

administration side of the sport. He is a Life Member 

of the Carine Cats Ball Club after serving as President 

for a number of years. He was on to the Board of the 

Western Australian Softball Association (WASA) in 1993 

and became President in 1997 until 2003. Phil became 

a Board Member of Softball Australia in 1998, Vice 

President in 2003, took on the role of acting President in 

early 2007 and was elected to President in October 2007. 

Darryl Clout 

Vice President 

Darryl has been involved in a number of 

roles in Softball for more than 20 years. 

He was a member of the NSW Board 

from 1995 to 2000 and has been a 

member of the Softball Australia Board 

since 1996, serving as President from 200 to 2004. He 

has represented the Federation at the ISF Congresses in 

Tampa in 2003, Kaohsiung in 2005 and Manila in 2007. 

He is a member of the ISF's Administrative Commission, 

Legislative Commission, the Code Review group and 

the ISF Strategic Task Force, chaired by former IOC 

President, Juan Antonio Samaranch, known as the 

'Back Softball' Committee. He has held various roles 

as Team Administrator and Head of Delegation at a 

number of Men's World Championships and International 

tournaments. In October 2007 David was elected to the 

position of Softball Australia Vice-President. He is also 

the General Manager of the NSW Department of Sport 

and Recreation. 

DIRECTORS 

Jenny Cassidy 

Jenny was elected to the Board in 

October 2004 and is currently the Head 

Coach of Softball at Wesley College. 

After playing softball for 11 consecutive 

years, representing Waverley and 

Victoria at Junior and Senior levels, 

Jenny had to leave the sport due to work commitments. 

She has returned to the sport after 10 years and is 

heavily involved at all levels. 

Ken Culpitt 

Developing a passion for the game 

since the early 1960s, initially as a 

scorer, Ken became one of the most 

renowned umpires not only in Australia, 

but also internationally, umpiring at six 

World Championships. Ken joined the 

Board in 2001, after serving on the ACT State Board, 

and has made a major contribution to the direction of the 

Softball Australia Umpiring Program over the past twenty 

years, for over ten years as a Deputy Umpire-in-Chief. 

Ken was instrumental in the development of Softball 

Australia’s Strategic Plan and is a Life Member of Softball 

Australia, Softball Canberra and the ACT Umpires’ 

Association. 

Jenny Holliday 

A member of the Board since 2005, 

Jenny started her softball career in 

1974 playing through to 1998; a career 

which saw her represent Australia 

in 104 games including three World 

Championships (1986, 1990, 1994) 

and one Olympic Games (1996). Jenny is now Chief 

Executive of the People and Parks Foundation. Prior to 

this her roles included Executive Director of the Victorian 

Olympic Council Inc. and Head of Girls Sport at Caulfield 

Grammar. Jenny was inducted into the International 

Softball Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Softball Australia 

Hall of Fame in 2002. She is a Life Member of the Glen 

Waverley Softball Club.

Joyce Lester, OAM 

Joyce played 235 games for Australia 

and was part of the Bronze Medal 

winning team at the Atlanta Olympics 

in 1996. She was an Australian Senior 

Representative from 1977 to 1996 

and captain from 1985 to 1996. Since 

her retirement from playing, Joyce has been involved 

in coaching various teams in Queensland. Joyce was 

inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame in 2000 

and was elected to the Board in 2002. 

Susan Rindfleish 

Sue, elected to the Softball Australia 

Board in 2007, has been involved 

in Softball Administration since the 

early 1980s. She has been a Board 

Member of Softball NSW since 1996 

and the President of Softball NSW 

since 2002. Sue is a Life Member of the Sutherland 

Shire Softball Association and a Founding Life Member of 

Redbacks Softball Club. Sue has held a number of team 

Administrator roles for NSW at Australian Championships 

since 1993. As a teacher in NSW Primary School 

Education, Sue has been actively involved in the school 

sport scene and is a Life Member of both the Sydney 

East Region Primary School Sports Association and the 

Botany Bay Zone PSSA. 

Andrew Seeckts 

Andrew joined the Board at the 

beginning of 2008 with the focus 

on finance. This is Andrew's first 

involvement with Softball however, he 

has previous experience in the Sports 

and Recreation industry including 

the MCC and Golf Australia. Andrew is Chair of the 

Softball Australia Finance Committee and has overseen 

significant change in this area during 2007 - 2008. 

Maree Holden 

Maree Holden has been involved in 

softball for many years at all levels 

of the game as either a player or 

administrator. She began her softball 

playing career as a 7 year old in Mt 

Isa – she has coached and has also 

been a team manager, but has also focussed her time in 

the promotion of the sport. She has worked as Media 

Officer for the Brisbane Diamonds National Fastpitch 

League team, Media Officer for the Australian Women’s 

team and Publicity Officer for the Queensland Softball 

Association. 

Terry Downes 

Athletes Commission Representative 

Has played 96 games for the Aussie 

Stealers and has attended three World 

Series (1996, 2000, 2004). Terry has 

been a specialist coach for the womens 

team at the 2004 / 2008 Olympics. 

He was also the winner or the first Softballer of the Year 

Award. 

Kelly Gentle 

Athletes Commission Observer 

A member of the Athletes Commission 

since 2006. Kelly began playing 

softball in 1985 at the Cumberland 

Nepean Softball Association in 

NSW where she is still an active 

playing member. She played for the University of 

Hawaii from 1995 until 1999 while studying a degree in 

communication on a scholarship. After playing in Hawaii 

Kelly had a short stint in the Italian League. Kelly was a 

member of the Australian Women’s Team from 2001 until 

2006 and won bronze with the team at the 11th Women’s 

World Championship. Currently Kelly holds the position 

of Club General Manager at Fitness First. 

ADMINISTRATION 

Chief Executive Officer Mark McAllion 

Game Development Manager Chet Gray 

Athletes and Events Administrator Shane Cantelmi 

Administration Assistant Erini Gianakopoulos 

Finance Co-ordinator Deion Moore 

Talent Identification Coordinator 

Membership Growth 

Kylie Bloodworth 

& Club Development Coordinator Shannon Ryan 

High Performance Manager 

Programs Co-ordinator 

Bob Crudgington 

– AIS Softball Bernadette Dench 

AIS Administration Assistant Christine Angove 

Chief Statistician Michael Hannelly 

National Umpire in Chief Andrew Rindfleish 

Softball.org.au Manager Heather Farrell 

NATIONAL TEAM HEAD 

COACHES 

AIS Head Coach / 

Australian Women’s Coach Fabian Barlow 

Under 19 Women’s Head Coach Paula McGovern 

Men’s Head Coach Bob Harrow 

Under 19 Men’s Head Coach John Neilsen 


COMMITTEES 

UMPIRING 

Andrew Rindfleish (Umpire in Chief) 

Patricia Sibraa (DUIC) 

Leigh Evans (DUIC) 

Debbie Grove (DUIC) 

NATIONAL UMPIRE STAFF 

Mark Toft 

Sue Itzstein 

Bruce McCahon 

Yvonne Kahler 

Scott Reindfleish 

SCORING 

Michael Hannelly (Chief Statistician) 

Lindy Rattigan 

Mary Walkinshaw 

Ngaire Huston 

CHAMPIONSHIP 

Jenny Cassidy 

Cathy Kerr 

Shane Cantelmi 

Michael Hannelly 

Andrew Rindfleish 


Mark McAllion 

Chet Gray 

NATIONAL SELECTORS 

Women 

Paula McGovern 

Fabian Barlow 

Janell Behrendt 

Men 

Bob Harrow 

Darryl Clout 

Ann Monahan 


Under 19 Men 

Wayne Durbidge 

Ann Monahan 

John Neilsen 

Under 19 Women 


Annette Fidge 

Sally McCreedy 

Youth 

John Bright 


Vikki Bingley 

HIGH PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 

Jenny Holliday, Bob Crudgington, Mark McAllion, 

Chet Gray, Fabian Barlow. 

FINANCE COMMITTEE 

Andrew Seeckts, Deion Moore, Ken Culpitt, 

Mark McAllion, Phil Matthewson, Michael Hannelly 

ATHLETES COMMISSION 

Terry Downes, Jenny Holliday, Kelly Gentle, Paul Maisey, 

Brooke Wilkins 

TEAM OFFICIALS 

U19 Men 

Tour of NZ, October 2007 

Head Coach: John Neilsen 

Assistant Coach: Gary Butler 

Specialist Coach: Sandra Evans 

Team Manager: Jodie Sheehan 

Statistician: Christine Denkel 

Massage Therapist: Pat Turnock

Canberra Skins, December 2007 


Assistant Coach: Vikki Bingley 

Specialist Coach: Laing Harrow 

IT/Video Analysis: Gary Butler 



Physiotherapist: Jesse Adams 

Open Men’s Nationals 

March 2008 & ISF World Championship 

June 2008 


Assistant Coach: Gary Butler 

Specialist Coach: Laing Harrow 

IT Specialist Coach: Sandra Evans 



Physiotherapist: Chris Neal 

Open Men 

Pacific Series, December 2007 

Overseeing the program 

Head Coach: Bob Harrow 

Battery Coach: Loran Algar 

Team Manager: Michael Titheradge 

IT/Video Analysis: Barry Blanchard 

Physiotherapist: Bernie Simai 

Physiotherapist: Yoni Salomon 

Physiotherapist: Cecile Dellaport 

Massage Therapist: Pat Turnock 

Green Team 

Coach: Paul Maisey 

Coach: Gary Butler 

Statistician: Lindy Rattigan 

Gold Team 

Coach: Bryan Edwards 

Coach: John Neilsen 

Statistician: Helen Edwards 

ISF Qualifier, April 2008 

Head Coach: Bob Harrow 

Assistant Coach: Loran Algar 

Assistant Coach: Kere Johanson 

Team Manager: Michael Titheradge 

Statistician: Helen Edwards 

IT/Video Analysis: Barry Blanchard 

Physiotherapist: Bernie Simai 

Open Women 

2007 Canada Cup 

Head Coach: Fabian Barlow 

Asst Coach: Lindsey Carroll 

Asst Coach: Lachlan Thorburn 

Video Analyst: Susan Tomlinson 

Team Manager: Jillian Ritter 

Massage Therapist: Terry Downes 

Physiotherapist: Katrina Macdonald 

Statistician: Mary Walkinshaw 

Selector: Janell Behrendt 

Umpire: Leigh Evans 

2007 China Cup 


Asst Coach: Wayne Saunders 



Massage Therapist: Angela Lewis 


Statistician: Cheryl Dawes 

Selector: Paula McGovern 

Strength & Conditioning: Lachlan Penfold 

Umpire: Darren Sibraa 

2007 Japan Cup 


Asst Coach: Richard McCreedy 

Asst Coach: Joyce Lester 



Massage Therapist: Howard Arbuthnot 


Statistician: Carolyn Buttsworth 


Umpire: Darrell Shephard 

2008 International Challenge 


Asst Coach: Richard McCreedy 

Asst Coach: Wayne Saunders 



Massage Therapist: Terry Downes 


Statistician: Carolyn Buttsworth 


Selector: Paula McGovern 



2007 / 08 GAME DEVELOPMENT REPORT 

OVERVIEW 

This report will focus on club development projects, 

coach education programs and membership growth 

initiatives, which have taken place during the period July 

2007 to June 2008. 

Sports Accreditation Online (SAO) 

In 2007 Softball Australia was asked by the ASC, as one 

of the initial 5 sports, to trial the new Sports Accreditation 

Online (SAOI) system for coaches. All existing softball 

coaches within our national database were transferred 

over into the new SAO system in November. Since 

November, State and Territory affiliates have gained 

access to the new online database, for the purpose of 

updating all accredited coaches information. 

The Australian Sports Commission's (ASC) Coaching 

and Officiating Unit has developed the system over the 

last two years with input from selected national sporting 

organisations. Sports Accreditation Online provides 

a strong IT foundation for the future of the National 

Coach Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) and the National 

Officiating Accreditation Scheme (NOAS). Sports 

Accreditation Online will provide valuable information for 

more than 2,500 individual softball coaches and officials. 

Use of the internet to upload accreditation data 

streamlines the process and enables softball to 

implement new business systems that avoid multiple 

handling of data and reduce workloads for State 

affiliates. 

A key feature for coaches and Softball Australia is 

access to Sports Coach and Sports Official online 

publications. A category search will enable articles in the 

two publications to be located by areas of interest. 

Other features of Sports Accreditation Online 

include the ability to: 

• monitor accreditation programs, in terms of expiry 

dates and review processes; 

• access reports providing a range of information on 

an NSO’s accredited coaches and officials; 

• generate reports on trends and cross sport 

comparisons; 

• allow individuals to update their own personal 

contact details or refer individuals back to their 

NSO; 

• allow coaches and officials to access their 

accreditation status and print off their own 

certificates; 

SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA CONDUCTS ISF/ NFCA 

INTERNATIONAL COACHING COLLEGE 

Softball Australia played host in Canberra to 80 coaches 

from all over the Oceania region who participated 

in the International Coaching College. The course 

was held at the Australian Institute of Sport from 30 

August - 2 September. The college was established 

in the USA in collaboration between the International 

Softball Federation and the National Fastpitch Coaches 

Association. This was the first time the course had been 

conducted in Australia and provided many coaches with 

the opportunity to come together and share experiences 

and develop their knowledge of our great game. 

The college is a four day intensive course lead by some 

of the most experienced coaches in the world. Sharon 

Drysdale, the Director of the National Fastpitch Coaches 

College was the lead instructor of the course, adequately 

supported by John Tschida, and Linda Wells. 

Coaches from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the 

Philippines, Federated States of Micronesia, American 

Samoa and Palau benefited from the information 

delivered on many facets of the game including:offensive 

and defensive strategy in addition to hitting and practical 

sessions. Coaches left the course with a comprehensive 

resource manual to utilise in their own countries. 

Participants attending the course were as follows: 

Vikki Bingley, Frank Curcio, Vicki Bingley, Alan Bain, 

John Neilsen, Laing Harrow, Bob Crudgington, 


Fabian Barlow, Troy Baverstock, Grant Weir, Lachlan 

Thorburn, Kere Johanson, Lindsey Carroll, Sue 

Brandenburg, Andrew Mallison, Sam Donkin, Joanne 

McGowen, Marilyn Jones, Sharon O'Mara, Dale 

Kaimoana, Heather Skuse, Bill Fitzgerald, Lloyd 

Howlett, John Black, Barry Blanchard, Martin McMahon, 

Kevin Jenkins, Wendy Mathieson, Brooke Wilkins, Sue 

Nisbet, Sonya Oskam, John Nairn, Reeann Chatman, 

Teri Cubillo, Toni McCormack, Paula McGovern, Cheryl 

Waye, Sandra Evans, Geoff Ritchie, Kirsty Mann, David 

Bailey, Jenny Cassidy, Gary Butler, Chantelle James, 

Janice Landy, Janell Behrendt, Annette Fidge, Leah 

Grantham, Stephen Hunt, Rob Cook, Robert Henty, 

Annette Phillips, Debbie Sauerwald, Debbie Colls, 

Shelley Keen, Debbie Mygind, Rob Siolo, Alex Carter, 

Kath McGilbert, Murray HAWKE, Dean Rice, Dave 

Workman, Josephine LIM LEE IM, Jenny LIM POH 

CHOO, Prof. Francis Carlos B. Diaz, Kingston Anson, 

Patterson Anson, Clayton Mahuka, Tobias Marbou 

Carolyn Ngiraingas 

Softball Membership Growth and Club Development 

In November 2007, Shannon Ryan joined the Softball 

Australia staff as the Membership Growth & Club 

Development Co-ordinator. Since this time, Shannon 

has been looking after a number of areas concerning 

growth/participation and club development practices, 

along with creating new opportunities for targeted and 

other associations who seek assistance. There are a 

number of different areas that Shannon oversees as part 

of his role. They include: 

Regional Membership Growth & Club Development 

Program 

The Regional Membership Growth & Club Development 

program is focusing on six local associations in NSW, 

Vic, TAS, SA and WA. They have been targeted at 

this time in order for them to develop not only their 

membership numbers but their ability, capacity and 

development practices to operate effectively as an 

association. 

Diamond Program/Grand Slam Program 

The Diamond Program continues to be promoted across 

the country through state and territory associations. This 

program is one critical part of being able to evaluate 

where an association/club sits when it comes to all areas 

of association/club development. Softball Australia is 

currently developing an online resource called the Grand 

Slam Program which will assist associations and clubs in 

all areas of development and membership practices. 


SportsCONNECT – Inclusive Softball 

Softball Australia has completed its fourth year with the 

newly named SportsCONNECT program and remains 

at gold level. The Inclusive Softball program involves 

the education, awareness and promotion of softball for 

all abilities, cultural and socio economical backgrounds. 

Softball Australia made a presentation to health, sporting 

and local government officials in Victoria in June, to 

inform them of the work that we have done and continue 

to do. We continue to promote the Inclusive Softball – 

Softball for Everyone resource to disability organisations, 

as well as softball associations and clubs. 

Indigenous Sport Program 

Funding support from the Indigenous Sports program 

and Department of Communications, Information 

Technology and the Arts (DCITA), enabled Softball 

Australia to continue to fund programs that worked with 

indigenous communities. The Indigenous Community 

Softball Carnival program was conducted in NT, WA, and 

SA with funding support from Softball Australia being 

provided to the ACT for various Indigenous initiatives. 

These programs continue to address the social issues 

prevalent in these communities and also promotes 

softball development. 

Active After Schools Community Program – AASCP 

Softball Australia completed working with the AASCP 

program to develop a companion manual for softball. 

The eight week softball program has been developed 

for the "after schools’ sessions", to deliver a positive 

sporting experience and promote the opportunity of 

recruiting potential members to softball clubs and 

associations. Softball Australia will continue to promote 

this program to all relevant stakeholders in the sport. 

Most of our state affiliates have continued to form links 

with their State AASCP in order to deliver after school 

softball programs. 

Easton OZPitch program - Recreational Slow Pitch 

program 

Easton continues to support the opportunity for all States 

to participate in the Easton OZPitch program. State 

affiliates and local associations continue to be able to 

access resources from Softball Australia to start their 4 – 

6 week recreational slow pitch program for parents and 

local organisations. Over the past year we have had a 

number of associations take up the program in the states 

and territories.



Talent Identification and Development 

The primary focus of the Talent Identification and 

Development area in 2007/08 was to conduct testing 

across all states/territories. Through the funding 

provided by the High Performance program and 

the Australian Sports Commission, National Talent 

Identification program (NTID), over 500 tests were 

conducted throughout the year in six states. Selected 

from the testing were the top 20 female athletes to 

attend the Under 14 Development Camp in Sydney in 

July 2008. The Talent Identification area was rebranded 

during the year to become the “Unearthing the Stars” 

program. Testing of athletes in states took a variety 

of forms throughout the year, with various states 

aligning themselves with National League teams as a 

promotional exercise. 

The Talent Identification and Development program 

received $50,000 in funding across the past two financial 

years from the NTID program, for the identification and 

development of talented indigenous athletes. Softball 

Australia is now able to identify the Indigenous athletes 

participating in the elite pathways. In this past year 

Softball Australia has not only provided support to 

individual athletes but also ran an Indigenous Battery 

Camp in 2007. This program, culminated in the selection 

of the Australian Indigenous team who will participate in 

the International Challenge Series in July 2008. 

Chet Gray 

Game Development Manager 

Shannon Ryan 

Membership Growth & Club Development Coordinator 


Talent ID Coordinator 

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

AND TALENT ID PROGRAMS 

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP SERIES 

The boy's and girl’s Friendship series were split over two 

weeks during the July school holiday. 

The Girl’s Friendship Series June 28 – July 5th with 10 

teams competing and Boy’s Friendship Series July 6 – 

11- with 6 team competing which included a team from 

New Zealand. 

INTERNATIONAL FREINDSHIP SERIES (BOYS) 

"Australia Gold" secured the 2007 Youth Men`s 

Friendship Series title after defeating the Qld Sharks 

by 8 runs to 2. Australia Gold and the Qld Sharks had 

finished in third and fourth positions after preliminary 

rounds. Hard fought Semi Final matches saw both teams 

advance to the Final, after the Sharks defeated NZ 1-0 

and Aust Gold knocked Aust Green over by 6-2. 

Individual Awards 

Player of the Final - Shaun Bostock(Gold) 

Most Stolen Bases - Kyle Beaudoin(NZ) 

Most RBI`s - Adam Pearce(Sharks) 

Best Pitcher - Shane Norman(Gold) 

Best Batter - Shaun Bostock(Gold) 

Most Valuable Player - Ty Priest(Gold) 

INTERNATIONAL FREINDSHIP SERIES (GIRLS) 

Softball Australia`s Youth Girl’s Friendship Series was 

won by Australia Green, who defeated US Red by 3 runs 

to 2. US Red finished on top of the ladder after rounds 

and met Aust Green in the Series Final. The Aussie 

girls powered through the game with a strong defensive 

performance and powerful hitting. Aust Green pitcher, 

Simone Freeman was named Pitcher of the Tournament 

and Player of the Final, with impressive performances on 

the mound throughout the four day tournament. Simone 

pitched the seven innings Final, achieving 13 K2s. 

Other tournament awards went to; 

Jade Wall(Gold)- MVP 

Dani Curcio(ACTAS)- Batting 

Kiley Schwebhelm(US Red)- Fielding 

Stacey Webber(Green)- Most Home Runs 

Sarah Needy(US Red)- Most Stolen Bases 

Jade Wall(Gold)- RBIs


INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE SERIES 

Rain affected play in the Preliminary Final and playoff 

game of the International Challenge Series at Blacktown 

Olympic Park. The Grand Final could not be contested 

due to continuing heavy rain. 

The International Challenge Series win was therefore 

awarded to the School Sport Australia Merit Team as 

they were the first team to reach the Grand Final. US 

Red were named runner`s up for the series. 


Final Standings 

1st Merit Team 

2nd US Red 

3rd Invitational 

4th NSW Metro 

5th US Blue 

Individual Award Winners 

Most Stolen Bases - Kara Murphy(NSW Metro) 

Fielding - Kellie Corder(US Red) 

Batting - Toni Dance(Invitational) 

Pitching - Kaia Parnaby(Merit) 

Most Valuable Player - Jackie Di Siervi(Invitational) 

SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA U/14 NATIONAL TRAINING 

CAMP 

The first u/14 national training camp was held, June 29 – 

July 4th which included 20 players and 5 coaches. 

The quality of the coaches and assistant coaches who 

ran the camp was excellent. The Assistant coaches 

worked within their brief and followed the directions of 

the Leader Coaches and their behaviour and manner 

with these athletes was appropriate at all times. 

A detailed plan for the camp was devised before the 

camp, with input from the leader coaches via a 2-hour 

phone conference. This gave the camp a basis to work 

with and helped with the planning, with Cathy Kerr and 

the NSW Softball Association. This also meant planning 

time each evening was reduced as the focus of each 

session was already in place. All that was required 

was minor changes and specific planning for the day’s 

sessions. 

All Assistant coaches were involved in the nightly 

planning sessions. Mary Magarey (physiotherapist) 

conducted a session with the athletes and parents on 

shoulder care and detailed exercises with a Theraband 

© that athletes could do at home. Athletes were given a 

Theraband © of their own. 

Areas covered during camp included: 

Pitching, Catching, Throwing, Fielding, Batting,Bunting, 

Base Running, Pool recovery, Relay plays, Games, 

Dynamic Warm Ups, Fitness, Infield, Outfield,Sliding 

Leader Coaches 

Paula McGovern, Brooke Wilkins, Kim Cooper, 

Barry Blanchard 

Assistant Coaches 

Claire Dalziel, Brett Kirk, Mark Leonard 

Players 

Francesca Alves (VIC), Belinda Anderson (TAS), Rachel 

Beggs (QLD), Stephanie Birk (NSW), Ashleigh Bruce 

(NSW), Melinda Buckmaster (ACT), Jordyn Christensen 

(NSW), Mariah Cumberlidge (QLD), Annali Dolman (SA), 

Nicolette Dunn (NT), Grace Fox (ACT), Lillian Halfacree 

(NSW), Alexandra Halsey (QLD), Melissa Hayes (NT), 

Brianna McGovern (ACT), Melissa Nottidge (NSW), 

Renee Watt (ACT), Jacinta Williams (ACT), Stephanie 

Williams (NSW) 

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS BATTERY PROGRAM 

Softball Australia conducted the first National Indigenous 

battery program for 5 players and 3 coaches July 5 – 8. 

The camp provided an opportunity for players to have 

access to high quality coaches, biomechanical analysis, 

sports science and nutrition. 

PARTICIPANTS 

Jessica Forest (NT), Shantelle Anderson (NT), 

Catherine Hohepa (NT), Katina Robson (ACT), 

Bianca Scrymgour (NT) 

COACHES AND OFFICIALS 

Kylie Bloodworth, Joanne Paez, Brooke Wilkins 

AIS Pitching Coach 

Kyle Richardson - Dartfish Assistance


WOMEN'S HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM 

During the 2007/08 year the major focus of Softball 

Australia’s Women's High Performance Program was the 

continual preparation and final selection of our Olympic 

team for the 2008 Beijing Games. 

Competition 

In order to maximise opportunities for players to 

be selected and at the same time ensure the team 

combinations were enhanced the program focused 

on competition opportunities. The Australian team 

participated in three overseas international competitions 

including the Canada Cup, the China Cup and the Japan 

Cup. These tournaments provided quality games against 

Olympic standard opponents as well as exposure to the 

playing conditions in Asia. 

At the completion of the National League season Softball 

Australia also conducted two more events in March with 

the NTC Challenge and the International Series at the 

Blacktown Olympic Centre. Over the past 12 months 

leading up to the announcement of the Olympic team, 

Australia participated in 8 international events as well as 

conducting four rounds of National League and National 

Championships. This schedule not only prepared the 

team for the Olympic Games but provided AIS Squad 

members and “potential” Olympic players with the 

opportunity to demonstrate their wares to the National 

Selection Panel. 


Training Camps 

Each year the training camp schedule is driven by the 

AIS Softball Program. With the exception of the annual 

AIS Induction camp and an Olympic Selection Camp 

most of the training camps were held later in the year 

after the Olympic team had been announced. These 

camps were important in finalising team goals, strategies 

and developing teamwork. 

Daily Training Environment 

Our National Training Centre Program continued 

to provide the daily training for our AIS Squad and 

developing players. Through the efforts of our NTC 

coaches and the support provided by a number 

of the State Institutes and Academies our players 

enjoyed excellent support via skills and performance 

enhancement sessions as well as support from their 

athlete welfare departments. Services included injury 

management, strength and conditioning, video feedback, 

nutrition, performance psychology and athlete career and 

counselling services. 

On behalf of Softball Australia, we would like to thank 

the staff of the New South Wales Institute of Sport, 

the Queensland Academy of Sport, the ACT Academy 

of Sport, the Victorian Institute of Sport and the West 

Australian Institute of Sport for their expert guidance and 

support of our elite softball players. 

Softball Australia would also like to acknowledge the 

support and efforts from the State Softball Organisations, 

who provide the underpinning programs and the 

framework for the State teams for National Competitions. 

Performance Enhancement 

The major focus of the performance program has been 

the scouting of Olympic opponents, with the use of video 

analysis and charting via Digital Scout. Thanks to the 

work from Sue Tomlinson; athletes and coaches received 

DVD ROMs of their own performances and opposition 

teams. This type of work is time consuming and Sue 

would have spent many late nights downloading and 

editing footage from games in order to give the team a 

strategical edge over its opponents. 

Softball Australia would also like to acknowledge 

the expertise of the AIS Sports science consultants, 

especially nutritionist Michelle Cort and performance 

psychologist Rosanna Stanimirovic. 

Management and Administration 

There is a tremendous amount of “off the diamond” work 

necessary to get an international squad ready for an 

Olympic Games. Head Coach, Fabian Barlow has done


an outstanding job providing the planning, leadership 

and direction of the women’s program. However the 

program wouldn’t have progressed far without the help of 

a number of key people, both staff and volunteers. 

Heading the list of volunteers is Jill Ritter, the team 

manager for “Aussie Spirit”. For a volunteer to make 

herself available for so many overseas tours and 

events was a remarkable contribution to the team. Her 

excellent organisational skills ensured many of the team 

functions were executed smoothly. Off the field activities 

included dealing with hotels, airports, excess luggage, 

team finances and the general daily organisation and 

administration of the team. 

A number of volunteer coaches also helped Fabian and 

the coaching staff, and the expertise and enthusiasm 

provided by Richard McCreedy and Wayne Saunders 

has been greatly appreciated by Softball Australia and 

Aussie Spirit. Keeping track of performance statistics is 

another important task and the contributions from Carolyn 

Buttsworth, Cheryl Dawes and Mary Walkinshaw are also 

acknowledged. 

Softball Australia also wishes to acknowledge the efforts 

from our volunteer selectors, Paula McGovern and Janell 

Behrendt who were charged with the difficult task of 

assisting Fabian Barlow with the selection process. 

Other people to contribute to the program include our 

medical staff led by Doctor Mark Young. On tour, our 

athletes received care from our physiotherapists Katrina 

MacDonald, Kylie Robertson and massage therapists 

Howard Arbuthnot, Terry Downes and Angela Lewis. 

Our NTC coaches have been tireless in their efforts to 

prepare individual players for international competition 

and we would like to acknowledge the expertise of 

Lindsey Carroll and Lachlan Thorburn, who contributed 

at training as well as assisted Fabian Barlow by 

participating in a number of international events. 


Other NTC coaches including Troy Baverstock, Grant 

Weir, Kylie Bloodworth, Lloyd Howlett and Kathy Horton 

also made significant contributions to the daily training 

environment of our elite players. 

Before any player or coach steps onto a plane there is a 

tremendous amount of work required in terms of logistics. 

The work put forward by our AIS Softball Coordinator 

Bernadette Dench has been outstanding. Apart 

form the administration work associated with the AIS 

program, “Bernie” was responsible for the logistics for 8 

international events, 6 AIS camps as well as looking after 

the bookings for 6 National League teams at 3 different 

events. Bernie also looked after uniforms and apparel for 

the Australian team as well as administering the ASADA 

database for softball. Her efficient and friendly manner 

always made her the first stopping point for any player or 

staff member. 

Finally on behalf of the staff of the High Performance 

Program I would like to thank the leadership provided 

by our Chief Executive, Mark McAllion and SA board 

member Jenny Holliday. 

Mark left no stone unturned to make sure we had the 

resources to carry out all facets of the high performance 

plan, and along with the input from Jenny Holiday 

provided the strategic leadership necessary to get the job 

done. 

I would also like to thank the staff at the office in 

Melbourne particularly Deion Moore, Shane Cantelmi, 

Chet Grey and Erini Gianakopoulos who were always 

available to assist us to keep the program running. 


High Performance Manager


MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS 

The Marketing and Communications side to the Softball 

Australia business in 2007/2008 saw the introduction of 

a number of innovative mediums and events, and a busy 

time from a media perspective in the lead up to both the 

Canada Cup and the Beijing Olympic Games. 

A highlight of the year was the announcement of the 2008 

Beijing Olympic Team which was held on the 2nd April in 

Blacktown, Sydney. The AOC Assistant Chef de Mission, 

Lyn Bates officially named the team with Jo Banning, 

Media Liaison for the AOC performing the role of Master 

of Ceremonies and Phil Mathewson, President of Softball 

Australia welcoming those in attendance. 

Natalie Ward was named Captain of the Team and spoke 

to those attending which included, members of the 

media, AOC members, softball representatives and local 

association presidents and secretaries. 

Another event during the year was the annual Softballer 

of the Year Awards dinner, held in Brisbane and attended 

by about 120 people including Softball Australia 

Committee Members, State Representatives, athletes 

and softball supporters who were treated to the 

professionalism of Craig Willis as the MC and witnessed 

Bob Crudgington inducted into the Softball Australia “Hall 

of Fame”. 

The month of February 2008, saw the appointment of 

Sports and Entertainment Group (SEG) to provide a 

number of services including: media liaison, webcasting, 

newsletter production and the introduction of the 

My Heroes concept. 

In February, Softball Australia took the ground-breaking 

move to stream-on-demand over the internet, the 


International Challenge Series held in Blacktown, Sydney, 

between Australia, Japan, China and Canada. 

Followers of the sport in Australia and overseas were 

able to watch the series at a time which was convenient 

for them through the internet and were provided with all 

the action and commentary as if watching it on television, 

something which was a first for the sport of softball. 

Being an Olympic year, media interest in the team was 

heightened with most members involved in many media 

interviews, including newspaper, magazine, radio and 

television with a fun highlight for Nat Ward and Belinda 

Wright, who were featured on Saturday Disney. 

The year also saw the revitalisation 

of the "Softballer newsletter" with a 

new look design, of which there have 

been three editions over the last few 

months. The same design was used 

for all the other printed Softball 

Australia collateral including the 

2008 Media Guide and this 

2007/2008 Year Book 

Wise heads 

& unbridled 

freshness 

Five of the 15 players named by the 

Australian Olympic Committee on 

April 4 will be going to their first 

Games. 

The 

Softballer 

The Australian team selected for the Olympic Games in 

Beijing in August, is an excellent mix of wise heads with 

the unbridled freshness of first-time enthusiasm. 

Headlining that quintet is the youngest 

member of the team, 21 year old pitcher 

Australia has won a medal at all three Melanie Roche, Tanya Harding, Natalie 

Justine Smethurst. Belinda Wright, who 

Olympic softball tournaments – bronze in Titcume and Stacey Porter who are all 

was a reserve for the team that went to 

Atlanta and Sydney, silver in Athens. The playing for different teams in Japan, while 

Athens four years ago, will be an active 

USA has won the gold at all three 

Kelly Hardie and Simmone Morrow are 

member in 2008, while Danielle Stewart, 

Games, and while Ritter believes the playing in Italy. 

Jodie Bowering and Kylie Cronk are also 

Americans are still the ones to beat, she 

Olympic debutants. 

“We will be playing in the Canada Cup, 

emphasised the evenness now apparent which is a tradition for this team every 

At the other end of the scale, three 

in international softball. 

year, and there we’ll probably face the 

players will be competing in their fourth 

“The Americans are the ones to beat, but USA as well as other teams competing in 

Olympics – a perfect record of participa- 

so is Japan, so is China, so is Canada,” Beijing. So it will give us a fair bit of 

tion given softball was only introduced for 

Ritter explained. “I think everyone has an practice before we hit the Olympics.” 

the 1996 Games in Atlanta. Captain 

concluded Ritter. 

Natalie Ward and two of the four pitchers 

in the team – Melanie Roche and Tanya The week after the team was named the A final camp back in Australia will be 

Harding. 

players went into a four-day, team- 

conducted before the team flies to Beijing 

building camp at the Gold Coast which on August 6. The first of the Aussie 

The final chance to impress for selection 

was all about physical challenges and Spirit’s seven preliminary matches will be 

on the team was the international series 

operating as a unit, but little about 

played on August 12. 

staged at Blacktown in March against 

softball. 

Canada, China and Japan. While 

The Australian Softball Team 

Canada, which had its Olympic team “We didn’t pick up any gloves or balls,” 

for the Beijing Olympic Games is: 

here, won the tournament, Australia’s aim Ritter admitted. “It was a bit more about 

to experiment with various combinations getting everyone on the same page and Jodie Bowering Natalie Ward (Capt.) 

was rated a success. 

understanding what they have to do off Kylie Cronk Belinda Wright 

the diamond and now Fabian Barlow Kelly Hardie Kerry Wyborn 

Jill Ritter, Section Manager for the 

takes over on the diamond.” 

Tanya Harding Head Coach: 

Australian team, said: “Because we were 

Sandra Lewis Fabian Barlow 

selecting, we obviously didn’t have line- Another camp was conducted on the first 

Simmone Morrow Team Officials: 

ups out there that would necessarily be weekend in May in Sydney for the nine 

Tracey Mosley Wayne Saunders 

as competitive. Fabian Barlow, our Head players who aren’t currently playing 

Stacey Porter Richard McCreedy 

Coach was looking to see who stepped professionally overseas. 

Melanie Roche Susan Tomlinson 

up and who didn’t, not can we win it.” 

Justine Smethurst Jillian Ritter 

Danielle Stewart Katrina Macdonald 

Natalie Titcume 

Terry Downes 

equal chance and it’s a lot more even now.”

ATHLETES' COMMISSION 

The Softball Australia Athletes’ Commission (AC) has 

been in the Softball Australia framework now for three 

consecutive years. The purpose of this commission is to 

represent the views of athletes from the grass roots to the 

elite level to the Softball Australia Board. 

2007/08 members of the athletes commission are; 

Terry Downes QLD 

Kelly Gentle NSW 

Paul Maisey VIC 

Brooke Wilkins QLD 

In 2007/08 Terry Downes and Kelly Gentle were the 

AC members on the Softball Australia Board with 

Terry Downes being the voting member. Our Board 

representatives continued to voice the ideas and 

concerns of the players where necessary at board 

meetings and once again, the AC would like to thank 

Softball Australia for their continued recognition of the 

Athletes’ Commission and for allowing its members to 

become an integral part of the SA board. 

The 2007/08 year was busy with the Women’s team 

heading off to the Olympics winning Bronze, the 

Under 19 Men’s team winning Gold at the Youth World 

Championship, the Men’s team winning the ACTEW AGL 

Pacific International Men's Series and qualifying for the 

2009 World Championship. 

This busy year again the AC was able discuss via email, 

teleconferences, and face-to-face meetings many 

topics from the issues facing the sport from an athlete’s 

perspective to the different issues surrounding our 

representative teams. 

Some Athlete Commission discussion and actioned items 

this year have been: 

• AC member Paul Maisey continued communications 

with the umpires association to discuss current game 

management and decision-making. It is hoped that this 

new open line of communication will help improve the 

game of softball. 

• Players from the women’s program sought and received 

permission from the board to write a letter of thanks 

to both the ASC and AOC for their ongoing support 

of softball and the Australian women’s players in this 

country. 

• Men’s Fundraising Committee (est. 2006) has been 

raising money to help offset some of the personal 

expenses involved with the men’s program and its 

travel. 

The program was boosted by: 

• Adam Dean’s generous contribution of live magic shows 

• Raffles held at the 60th anniversary in Sydney 

• Sports memorabilia auction at the skins tournament 

• Zaidee Foundation Support. Softball Australia and 

the AC got behind the Zaidee Foundation this year by 

wearing the rainbow shoelaces at national tournaments 

to raise awareness of youth organ donation. We thank 

all States and players that were involved and wore the 

laces. 

• Player numbers and caps were distributed to men’s 

players retrospectively. States have used tournament 

dinners and state team dinners to present players with 

caps. The team will present all future caps to new team 

members. 

• Australian women’s team uniform committee - players 

were brought together and used in the decision making 

for team uniforms with a sponsorship with Canterbury 

making it possible for the team to be decked out in new 

playing uniforms. 

• The AC has made efforts to gain player input to the 

SA website via posting personal stories and diaries to 

engage public interest. The framework for this and a 

more structured approach will be established in the 

coming 12 months. 

• A page on the SA website with information regarding 

the AC’s existence, roles and responsibilities is in the 

pipeline for launch in 2009. The page will allow athletes 

to gain a greater understanding of the AC and voice 

their opinions and ideas direct to the AC members for 

discussion at meetings. 

• AC agreed with Softball Australia to the idea of 

discontinuing the u23 National Tournaments due to the 

new direction our sport is headed. 


All members of the AC would like to send their 

congratulations to the Aussie Colts and the Aussie Spirit 

team members on their outstanding individual and team 

achievements throughout their World Championship and 

Olympic campaigns. They have proved once again that 

athletes and teams from Australia are tough, skilled and 

have the ability to play softball with class and integrity. 

The AC continued to increase the awareness of its 

existence and the awareness of its role for members of 


Softball Australia. It is anticipated that this next year we 

will continue to grow as a commission and provide both 

Softball Australia and members with support. 

Terry Downes and Kelly Gentle 

On behalf of the Softball Australia Athletes’ Commission

NATIONAL UMPIRING PROGRAM 

2007/08 was a busy year for softball across the country 

with many opportunities for our umpires to be involved 

in softball at all levels. The service provided by our 

1000 plus registered umpires from Saturday T-ball to the 

growing number of masters competitions to State and 

National championships and to the international arena 

has allowed our sport to continue to be enjoyed by all. At 

the National level, we had eight National Championships 

in 2008, serviced by 48 qualified umpires, an increase 

of 6 from 2007, averaging 1.75 tournaments each. In 

total, 89 umpire appointments were made for the 2008 

Nationals. The National League series was played 

in the three eastern States and provided additional 

opportunities to umpires, largely, from these States. The 

ACT Men’s Skins Tournament in December, together 

with the annual South Brisbane Classic in June provided, 

largely self-funded (though accommodation is provided in 

Canberra), high class opportunities to those umpires with 

a focus on the male side of our sport. 

At the International level, opportunities for umpires on 

both the female and male programs were again plentiful 

in 2006/2007. Four of the Olympic teams competed in an 

international tournament in Sydney in April, with Debbie 

Grove (Vic), Neville Lawrance (SA), Damien McCauley 

(SA), Andrew Rindfleish (NSW), Scott Rindfleish 

(NSW), Darrell Shephard (NSW) and Diane Waller (Vic) 

comprising the umpire crew. The annual men’s Pacific 

International Test series was held in Canberra following 

the ACT Skins weekend in December 2007. Ken Culpitt 

was appointed the UIC and Leigh Evans (Vic), Bruce 

McCahon (NSW), Damien McCauley (SA), Andrew 

Rindfleish (NSW) and Darren Sibraa (Qld) joined with 

three visiting New Zealand international umpires to work 

the tournament. The Softball Australia Friendship Series, 

held over a fortnight at Blacktown in Sydney in July 2008 

continued as a developmental venue for umpires. For 

the fourth year, an Advanced Umpire Clinic was held in 

conjunction with the Friendship Series. Five umpires 

from NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria 

attended the Clinic. 

Debbie Grove, from Victoria, was named the 2007 

Viv Triplett Umpire of the Year at the Softball Australia 

Awards of Excellence for her continued contribution to 

softball umpiring at the State, National and international 

levels. The Australian and New Zealand umpire 

programs have had a Tasman Exchange in place for 

many years. Under this initiative each country sends 

one or more of its umpires to the other to officiate at a 

National championship. Warren Duff (WA) and Kevin 

Broomhall (Vic) travelled to Hutt Valley for the NZ Men’s 

Club Championship in March 2008. Reciprocating was 

Jeremy England, who umpired at the Men’s Nationals 

in Melbourne in March 2008. Internationally, a number 

of overseas appointments were made to support the 

female and male programs. Debbie Grove (Victoria) and 

Di Waller (Victoria) were appointed to the 2008 Beijing 

Olympics. Margo Koskelainen was also appointed as 

a Deputy UIC at the Olympics. Scott Rindfleish (NSW) 

and Darren Sibraa (Qld) were appointed to the Under 


19 Male World Championships in Whitehorse, Canada, 

in 2008. Debbie Grove and Di Waller accompanied the 

Australian Team to the 2008 Canada Cup. Leigh Evans 

(Vic), Damien McCauley (SA), Scott Rindfleish and Darren 

Sibraa umpired the Men’s World Championship Qualifier in 

Auckland in April 2008. 

Wayne Saunders, from New Zealand, was appointed to 

the position of Oceania Region Umpire in Chief in 2007. 

Wayne has displayed a keenness to have as unified 

approach as possible across all Oceania countries. 

Andrew Rindfleish and Scott Rindfleish conducted a clinic 

for Papua New Guinea umpires in Port Moresby in March 

2008. Formal clinic work was followed by on diamond 

assessment at the PNG National Championships. 

Our successful umpires at national levels of accreditation 

in 2008 were, for Level 6 – Dave Roberts (South Australia), 

Helen Strauss (Queensland) and Howard Watt (NSW); 


and for Level 5 – Richard Barrow (Victoria), Matt Blake 

(Queensland), Mark Gallagher (ACT), Leanne Gearside 

(New South Wales) and Peter Walsh (Queensland). 

January 2008 saw the passing of long term ISF Director 

of Umpires, Merle Butler. Merle was a friend to Australian 

softball umpiring and a close friend to many individual 

Australian umpires. He is and will be missed by many. 

Andrew Rindfleish 

National Umpire-in-Chief

NATIONAL SCORING PROGRAM 

The National Statistician Committee (NSC) has continued 

to forge its way into recognition with a number of 

significant achievements including: 

Highlights 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Governance and management of the Statistician 

program for the year; 

Operational Plan for the Statistician Program has 

been reviewed and updated; 

Extension of Committee to assist in successful 

programs; 

NSC National Scoring forum with every State and 

Territory, except the Northern Territory represented; 

National Officials Accreditation Scheme (NOAS) 

accepted and in place; 

Exam assessments (review of requirements) and 

quality control; 

Staffing of National and International Events in 

Australia: 

Quality assurance review of all games from the 2008 

National Championships and events; 

The improvement of Electronic reporting from 

National Events by Statisticians and volunteers; 

Further technology assessment (trial of technology 

formally at a championship); 

Mentoring program trialled for 2008 with good results 

and feedback at National and State level; 

Adoption of the Australian Sports Commission 

Trainer and Presenter courses; and 

Recognition of the skills of Australian Statisticians 

Internationally through appointments to International 

Events by ISF. 

The two years of transition to the NOAS accreditation has 

now been completed, effective July 30, 2008. 

The Mentor Program has progressed during the year 

with NSC Members attending both planning and Mentor 

training programs. At the Open Nationals in Sydney 2008, 

a Northern Territory Statistician who had been identified 

for a career path in April 2007, was invited to attend and 

improve her skills. 

The Northern Territory Statistician was paired with Mentor 

Statisticians at the event to enable her to have a wide 

variety of experiences and pick up skills. The exposure to 

a diverse group enabled the NT Statistician to select the 

most appropriate mentor to meet their needs, as well as 

developing a future support group. 

The NT Statistician was able to display competencies at 

the event in, operating the National Statistics Database, 

practical skills in the running of a scoring team at a 

National Event, Electronic and Paper Scoring at National 

Events. Also The NT Statistician was able to successfully 

present a practical exam for examination for NOAS 

Level 4. 

In a trial at the NTC and International Challenge new 

Level 2 NOAS scorers were able to attend and be paired 

with senior statisticians. The improvement in skill sets of 

the “mentee” scorers was impressive and they are now 

pressing the NSW State Director for a Level 3 course. 

The consistency and quality control standards across the 

program are underpinned through the quality assurance 

program with the assessment of every game across 

national tournaments. The work of the National Scoring 

Committee members undertaking the duty is outstanding 

and must be recognised. 

Reviews are provided to State Directors for hosted 

tournaments, to ensure the content is correct. It 

is pleasing to see the improvement of reporting at 

National Events with the Tournament Chief Statistician’s 

implementing recommended changes. 

In May, the National Scoring Forum was conducted with 

all States and Territories attending with the exception of 

the Northern Territory. The format of this annual forum 

changed this year to provide additional opportunities 

to network as well as continuing to provide a valuable 

source for consultation, discussion and directives. 


Carolyn Buttsworth (NSW), Cheryl Dawes (Qld), Christine 

Denkel (Qld),Helen Edwards (Vic) and Lindy Rattigan 

(SA) represented Softball Australia in a variety of scoring 

and statistical roles at international level over the past 12 

months. 

International recognition of the Australian Scoring Program 

has been evidenced by the international appointments by 

ISF of Australian Statisticians. Lis and Mike Hannelly were 

appointed to the South Pacific Games as Lecturers and 

Chief Statisticians. 

Their role included training the available scorers in Samoa 

prior to the games and mentoring during the games. Mike 


Hannelly has been appointed as Chief Scorer and Carolyn 

Buttsworth has been appointed as an official Scorer to the 

Beijing Olympics. 

We would like to thank the very hard working National 

Scoring Committee members for their hard work during 

the year. Without their efforts, our program would not have 

progressed. 

Mike Hannelly 

Chief Statistician

SENIOR WOMEN'S PROGRAM 

With an Olympic team selected in March and the 

Olympic Games to be staged in August it has been 

a hectic 12 months for both the athletes and staff as 

players showcased their skills at different national and 

international events to seek selection for Beijing. 

The athletes were provided with lots of opportunities to 

secure their selection with tours to Canada, China and 

Japan between July and December of 2007 as well as 

an international home series against Canada, China 

and Japan in March 2008. There was also the National 

League, Gilley’s Shield and an Olympic Trial camp in 

February held in Brisbane to allow the players to put their 

best foot forward. 

On March 16 th in Sydney the three national selectors sat 

in a hotel room for 7 hours to select the final 15 athletes 

that would represent Australia in the softball event at the 

2008 Beijing Olympic Games. This was quite a difficult 

few hours for the selectors as we knew as the day was 

going on we were making some players dreams come 

true as well as ruining others. We felt we could have 

selected another 2 or 3 different combinations of teams 

and they all would have done a good job for their Country. 

Throughout the international tours and the home series 

in March the team experienced some mixed results. 

This was due to a mixture of trialing new combinations, 

possibly players trying too hard to impress, quality 

opposition as well as just some up and down team 

performances. Throughout these mixed performances 

we not only learnt a lot about our own players but 

also the strengths and weaknesses of our upcoming 

Olympic opposition. There were many hours spent by 

Sue Tomlinson our video analyst in centerfield capturing 

footage of our opposition and providing this footage to 

the coaches for them to analyze.Once the team had 

been selected in March and we had conducted our first 

Olympic camp in April six members of the team left to 

play in the professional leagues of Japan and Italy. In 

particular this was pleasing that three of the players 

were pitchers as this would provide a great preparation 

for them by having to pitch to world class hitters every 

weekend. This left nine players and the staff to prepare 

for the pre Olympic tour to Canada as well as the 

Olympics through camps, scrimmage games as well as 

their own individual skills work with their home based 

coaches. These nine athletes worked extremely hard 

during this time and were looking forward to putting that 

hard work into practice on the Canada tour. 

The Canada tour would involve exhibition games against 

an All Star team from Ontario as well as the Venezuelan 

National team who had also qualified for Beijing. This 

would be followed by a Tri-nations series involving 

Australia, Canada and Japan and then onto Vancouver 

for the well known Canada Cup event. There would also 

be team trainings as well as the players continuing their 

strength and conditioning programs at gyms we were 

provided access to. 

I have several people and groups to thank for their 

help, effort and support over the last 12 months. The 

Australian Institute of Sport, Softball Australia Board and 

the Softball Australia staff members in the Melbourne 

office have been terrific in their support of the Women’s 

National Program. The NTC coaches around the country 

have been vital in the development and up-skilling of the 

players which has led to a quality National League and 

Gilley’s Shield as well as a stronger player base for the 

National selectors to choose from. Bob and Bernie in the 

AIS office in Brisbane have made massive contributions 

to the program, the different teams selected and myself 

over the last 12 months. The Aussie Spirit staff have 

been great and are a real pleasure to work with, they give 

up their families and time away from work to provide the 

players with the best opportunity to perform. And lastly 

and most importantly the athletes, thank you for your 

efforts over the last 12 months in particular leading into 

the selection of the Olympic team. During this emotional 

roller coaster time of selection and trying your very best 

to perform you all conducted yourselves in a way that the 

Australia softball community can be proud of. 

Fabian Barlow 

Senior Women's Head Coach 



Jodie Bowering 

Sandra Lewis 

Justine Smethurst 

Belinda Wright 

Kylie Cronk 

Simmone Morrow 

Danielle Stewart 

Kerry Wyborn 

Kelly Hardie 

Tracey Mosley 

Natalie Titcume 

Stacey Porter 

Tanya Harding 

Melanie Roche 

Natalie Ward (C) 


AUSTRALIAN OPEN WOMEN'S SQUAD AND STATISTICS 


Australian Opens Women’s Squad and Statistics 

Games played for period 30 th June 2007 – 28 th June 2008 

2007/2008 AIS/Australian Open Women’s Squad 

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Total 

Catherine Bishop SA 4 0 0 0 0 4 

Alison Bourne NSW 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Jodie Bowering Qld 8 8 4 4 7 31 

Sarah Bradley NSW 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Carly Cheesman VIC 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Kylie Cronk Qld 8 8 4 4 6 30 

Chelsea Forkin WA 3 0 0 0 0 3 

Leigh Godfrey WA 0 0 0 0 7 7 

Kelly Hardie Qld 0 4 3 2 5 14 

Tanya Harding Qld 0 3 3 2 0 8 

Danica Howlett NSW 9 6 2 5 7 29 

Kate Judd ACT 7 6 3 4 6 26 

Sandra Lewis Qld 9 8 0 0 7 24 

Jocelyn McCallum Qld 4 0 0 0 0 4 

Zara Mee NSW 6 4 0 0 5 15 

Simmone Morrow NSW 0 0 0 0 9 9 

Tracey Mosley Qld 9 8 4 4 9 34 

Kaia Parnaby NSW 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Stacey Porter NSW 9 8 4 5 9 35 

Kathryn Quigley VIC 9 0 4 5 8 26 

Jenna Richards ACT 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Melanie Roche NSW 0 1 2 2 0 5 

Justine Smethurst VIC 0 0 0 0 6 6 

Danielle Stewart Qld 9 0 3 4 2 18 

Natalie Titcume VIC 0 4 4 5 8 21 

Kym Tollenaere Qld 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Natalie Ward NSW 9 7 4 4 7 31 

Clare Warwick ACT 0 7 3 4 0 14 

Melinda Weaver Qld 0 8 0 0 0 8 

Rebecca Whalley Qld 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Felicity Witt NSW 6 4 2 2 5 19 

Belinda Wright NSW 9 7 4 5 7 32 

Kerry Wyborn NSW 9 7 2 5 9 32

International Matches 

Played from 30 June 2007 – 28 June 2008 

(1) 2007 Canada Cup 

30 June – 8 July 2007 

Vancouver, Canada 

Preliminary Rounds RF A 

v White Rock Renegades 9 0 

v Chinese Taipei 4 3 

v USA 0 11 

v Japan Elite 0 3 

v Washington Blast 7 6 

v Puerto Rico 15 0 

Playoffs 

v Japan 3 8 

v Venezuela 11 2 

v Japan 7 0 

Totals 56 33 

Placing 5th 

(2) 2007 China Cup 

9 – 14 October 2007 

Beijing, China 



v Canada 2 0 

v China 16 1 

v China 2 1 

v Canada 3 0 


Playoffs 

v Canada 0 5 

v China 1 4 

Totals 40 15 

Placing 5th 

(3) 2007 Japan Cup 

16 - 20 November 2007 

Yokohama Stadium, Japan 


v Japan 0 1 

v USA 1 5 

v China 2 1 

Playoffs 

v China 5 0 

Totals 8 7 

Placing 3rd 

(4) 2007 Japan Elite Challenge 

21 - 22 November 2007 

Yokohama Stadium, Japan 







Totals 15 19 

(5) 2008 International Challenge 

12 – 16 March 2008 

Blacktown NSW, Australia 


v Canada 1 0 

v China 6 8 

v Japan 4 5 

v Canada 1 3 

v China 5 2 

v Japan 2 1 

v China 1 5 

v Japan 2 3 

v Canada 11 10 

Totals 33 37 

Placing 3rd 

Totals for all matches played: 

Runs for: 152 

Runs against: 111 

Games won: 18 

Games drawn: 1 

Games lost: 16 



SENIOR MEN'S PROGRAM 

First of all, congratulations to John Nielson and the entire 

Under 19 Aussie Colts list of players and officials for not 

only winning the 2008 Junior World Championships but 

in the heart stopping way that you did it.The pressure on 

this team to succeed was clearly evident from the start 

as winning a fourth consecutive World Championship 

over a sixteen year span is like finding a four leaf clover 

in the middle of a busy highway. A lot of the recent Open 

Men's success together with our Under 19 achievements 

is thanks largely to the tremendous results of the recently 

introduced Friendship Series and the scouting and talent 

ID that has blossomed from this program. 

Here we are, less than 12 months away from the ISF 

World Championships in Saskatoon and the Open Mens 

squad has now been finalized, our Training & Fitness 

Program is well and truly underway and our Website to 

compliment our Video Analysis is nearing completion. 

I am very excited with the group of athletes who have 

been selected in the 2008 Opens Mens Squad. The 

squad itself comprises a balance of youth and experience 

and brings with it : Speed, Versatility and a strong 

Pitching Department. More than ever our players have 

been exposed to “World Class” International competition 

with 8 players from our current squad participating in the 

ISC World Tournament recently held in the USA 

The SKINS Tournament in Canberra later this year will 

again produce the ultimate of competition for all squad 

members to showcase their talents in looking to gain 

selection in the World Championship Team.The majority 

of the team is hoped to be selected at the completion of 

the SKINS Tournament & Friendship Series. 

We have tasted success during this past 12 months at 

the Pacific Series in Canberra where our very own Aussie 

Green & Aussie Gold both defeated New Zealand. The 

Blacksox then inflicted their revenge in the ISF Qualifying 

Series in Auckland.This series was closely fought and 

was by no way a runaway victory which will now give us 

the extra incentive it takes to get to the top.Our upcoming 

schedule will comprise of the 2008 Canberra Skins 

Tournament and a possible Friendship Series following 

this event.The team will be heading to Canada on July 3 

and our Base Camp will be Milverton, Ontario, who have 

hosted Australian Teams since 1974. 

Progress can only be made by looking into the future 

as the builders have left their mark throughout the 

journey. I would like to thank the many officials who have 

contributed to the success of this program along the way 

which has made my job easier to co-ordinate. 

Coaches : Bryan Edwards , John Nielson , Gary Butler 

and Paul Maisey who assisted at the International Pacific 

Series. Loran Algar continues to provide valuable support 

in his role with the team as does our most recent addition 

to the Mens program , Kere Johanson. 

Statisticians : Helen Edwards and Lindi Rattigan 

IT / Scouting : Barry Blanchard & Wayne Durbridge 

Physiotherapist : Bernie Simai 

Massage Therapist : Pat Turnock 

Special mention also to our selectors: Ann Monaghan 

& Darryl Clout and to our Team Captain Mike Harrow 

who has assisted in the preparation and monitoring 

of our Training & Fitness Program.I would also like to 

acknowledge the players who have put in a tremendous 

amount of time & effort in their endeavours to succeed 

and I am sure with the pride and professionalism that has 

been displayed they will see reward for their efforts in the 

journey ahead.And finally to the man who keeps us all 

informed, shows direction when it needs to be shown and 

organises the many favours that are continually asked 

by us all .Our Manager, Mike Titheradge who has been 

with us from the start displays enthusiasm and desire for 

success that seems to get stringer and stronger each 

year.A BIG THANKYOU for the commitment to this team 

and for the assistance in translating all communication 

in easy to understand language that is understood by 

myself in particular –Your efforts mean a lot to the Aussie 

Steelers. 

Bob Harrow 

Head Coach 



SENIOR MEN'S SQUAD AND STATISTICS 

Name Surname Caps at WC Qualifier 

Tyron Bartorillo 5 

Evan Byrne# 

Aaron Cockman 5 

Tim Crome 

James Darby 

Neal Delpero# 

Terry Downes 6 

David Edwards 5 

Adam Folkard 4 

Michael Gibson 

Nathan Gill * 

Jeff Goolagong 7 

Mike Harrow 5 

Andrew Havercroft 

Jon Hudson 

Adam Humble 4 

Brad Jones 

Josh Jones * 

Nathan Jones 5 

Kris Kiefel 

Andrew Kirkpatrick 5 

Ryan Lavers# 

Shaun Mason * 

David Metekingi 5 

David Newsome 7 

Shane Norman # 

Matt Norton # 

Nick Norton 

Glen Rigg * 

Adam Rindfleish * 

Rahim Rohizat # 

Nick Shailes 6 

Joel Southam * 

Travis Southam 

Michael Tanner 

Andrew Thurtell * 

6 

Luke Van de Griendt * 

Lewis Weldon # 

Heath Wells # 

Ricky Wheeler # 

Jayson White * 

Zenon Winters 7 

# = 2008 Squad member only , * = 2007 Squad member only 

International Matches 

Played from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 

(1) Pacific International Series 

5-8 December, 2007 

Canberra, ACT 

Australia Green RF RA 

v Australia Gold 7 2 

v Japan 2 1 

v New Zealand 2 5 

v Japan 7 0 


v Australia Gold 4 5 

Finals 

v Australia Gold 

Grand Final 

7 6 


Totals 37 24 

W/L Record 

Placing 1st 

6 2 

(2) ISF Men's Regional World Championship 

Qualifier 

10-13 April, 2008 

Auckland, New Zealand 

RF RA 


v Papua New Guinea 8 0 

v Guam 16 0 

v Guam 15 0 


v Papua New Guinea 5 0 

Final 


Totals 45 14 

W/L Record 

Placing 2nd 

4 3 


UNDER 19 WOMEN'S PROGRAM 

The U/19 Women’s Program is at the start of its 

preparations for the World Championship in 2011. The 

new Squad was selected solely from the U/16 National 

Fastpitch Championships in Adelaide as all these 

athletes will be eligible for the team in 2011. The all new 

selection team of Sally McCreedy, Annette Fidge and 

myself watched the girls closely and were assisted by the 

terrific team of State coaches from the Championships 

and chose a squad of 32 athletes to be invited to the 

Friendship Series in July. This new, refined selection 

procedure resulted in a very good standard of softball 

athlete at the Friendship Series. The fitness test and 

game performances are testament to that. 

Since my appointment as Head Coach, I will be taking a 

“hands on” approach with the squad. As a result several 

visits were made interstate to visit the athletes before 

the Friendship Series. A program was planned out and 

during my visits the plans were implemented. Set plays 

were organised along with my expectations to each of 

the members prior to the Friendship Series. 

In early April, a 2 day camp in Brisbane that was 

conducted for the Regional members of the QAS 

squad was organised for the athletes selected into the 

Friendship Series. We flew the 2 athletes from SA to this 

camp so they had the opportunity to be exposed to all 

the training as well as working with Brooke Wilkins and 

Marissa Carpadios in regards to specific battery work. It 

also provided an opportunity for the squad to mix and 

start breaking down the barriers. 

During the U/23 Fastpitch Championships, we were able 

to conduct a 2 day battery camp in Sydney with the help 

of Marissa Carpadios. On day 2, the NSW non battery 

members of the squad and the ACT members came to 

Blacktown and we were able to run a 1 day camp for 

them following the basic structure of the Brisbane run 

camp. This was a very efficient way of meeting most of 

the squad. 

In early May, I attended 1 day of the Australian 

Schoolgirls Championship in Sydney. About a third of the 

squad were participating at the Championship including 


the 2 WA members of the squad. It was an opportunity 

for me to meet with some squad players and with their 

coach and outline various plays to work on back home. 

Finally in June we worked with the Victorian members 

(and Melbourne based NT athlete) to follow the same 

program. In all, we had the opportunity to meet and or 

train all 32 members of the squad. In reality we had the 

opportunity of working with 28 members of the squad. 

This was beneficial as most athletes came to the 

Friendship series knowing what was expected of them 

and consequently we did not have spend large amounts 

of time explaining set plays. Attending the School Girls 

Championship was also very worthwhile. I met with the 

convenor, who made it clear we would be most welcome 

to attend the next Championship in Adelaide 2009. He 

thought it was good that the Australian Head Coach was 

taking an interest in the Championship. It certainly was 

another opportunity to see athletes perform in game 

conditions. As we progress, more of the Squad will 

participate in this Championship. 

The Friendship Series in July was the conclusion of 

the selection process for this first squad. Two even 

teams were selected but their results varied. I took the 

opportunity to coach both teams twice to work with all 

athletes and coaches. This was a very good tactic for me 

and one that should be continued again next year. 

As the squad is at it’s youngest, they may struggle 

against the older competition however we were very 

pleased on how the teams fared. The “Green” team were 

outstanding only losing 2 games and finishing 3rd overall. 

The “Gold” team had a slow start but began to play some 

good softball and finished 5th. 

Overall, it was pleasing to observe the progress of the 

athletes. The need to continually stay in contact with the 

squad and increase training and playing opportunities will 

be vital to their continued development. 


U19 Head Coach

2008 AUSTRALIAN YOUTH WOMEN'S DEVELOPMENT SQUAD 

Rachael Ambrose (NSW) 

Michelle Beecher (ACT) 

Michelle Bell (NSW) 

Georgia Casey (NSW) 

Bridget Corver (ACT) 

Hannah Deen (NSW) 

Annali Dolman (SA) 

Nicolette Dunn (NT) 

Sonya Fleischfresser (Qld) 

Jemma Freegard (WA) 

Lora Hanson (Qld) 

Stephanie Harm (Qld) 

Megan Horne (NSW) 

Zoe Hughes (Vic) 

Ebony Humble (WA) 

Lana Kaesler (SA) 

Rhianne Kerr (NSW) 

Melissa Lindsay (Vic) (Withdrew) 

Olivia MacGinley (Qld) 

Georgia Phillips (NSW) 

Ellen Roberts (NSW) 

Katina Robson (ACT) 

Ella Ross (ACT) 

Linley Somerville (NSW) 

Tara Speakman (Qld) 

Alison Sternes (Qld) 

Tayla Supple (Vic) 

Katherine Tye (ACT) 

Lana Tye (NSW) 

Emily Wadwell (NSW) 

Marina Walker (Vic) 

Stacey Webber (Qld) 

Shaylee Worner (Qld) 

Photographs courtesy of Sue Christie, Softball NSW 


UNDER 19 MEN'S PROGRAM 

Australia once again have been crowned World 

Champions. The success achieved by the team was 

thoroughly deserved. The professional approach and 

preparation the players and staff applied during the 3 

year build up to the World Championships was a credit 

to all. Our motto of Pride, Passion, Unity, Respect and 

Discipline went a long way in helping us achieve our 

goals. 

During the lead up to selection of the team, a squad 

competed against New Zealand in Hawkes Bay. This 

squad was successful in winning the friendship series 


conducted here and also won the test series 4 games 

to 3. A squad also competed against Open Age Men’s 

teams at the 2007 Canberra Skins, and even though we 

did not win a game, the players and staff gained valuable 

experience in our quest for gold. The team was selected 

in January 2008 and training programs commenced 

under the supervision of States based satellite coaches. 

These programs were skill and fitness based and ran 

for 3 nights per week. Each athlete had their own fitness 

program that they completed in their own time. These 

sessions continued until the team departed for the World 

Championships. 

In March, the team competed in the Open Men’s National 

Championships that were held at Altona in Victoria. The 

competition against the best men in Australia was a 

vital cog in our preparation for Worlds. The boys played 

some great softball, winning several games and gaining 

valuable experience along the way. The win against 

ACT, was a highlight of the competition and a stepping 

stone to the World Championships. I would like to thank 

Softball Australia and the Member States for allowing us 

to participate in these Championships. 

In June, the team set out for Vancouver in Canada 

for a series of games in preparation for the World 

Championships. I would like to thank Tom Taylor for his

assistance in arranging games against some of the best 

men’s teams in Vancouver and on Vancouver Island. 

Also thanks to all team contacts and players for such 

high quality games in our preparation. Congratulations 

also to staff and players for there performance both on 

and off the diamond. With a 16-2 win/loss record, the 

team showed they would be hard to beat at the World 

Championships 

The team traveled to Whitehorse for the VIII Junior Men’s 

World Championships. The boys played exceptional 

softball over the period of the championships. Their belief 

in each other was a beacon for all to see. Once again our 

motto of Pride, Passion, Unity, Respect and Discipline 

was to the fore, this along with courage and commitment 

made the team an unyielding force. All members of 

the team contributed during the championships with 

aggressive offence and defence laying the foundation 

stone for our success. The high level of skills shown by 

all players was evident throughout the games with very 

few mistakes. 

Our belief in each other and the commitment to work 

together to achieve our goals was evident to the very 

end. In a very tight and exciting final the team at no 

stage contemplated defeat and with a never say die 

attitude fought hard to the end to achieve their dreams. I 

would like to congratulate the staff and players on their 

performance both on and off the diamond, they were a 

credit not only to themselves and their families but also to 

Softball and their country. 

I would also like to sincerely thank a very dedicated team 

of officials for their efforts throughout the program. Jodie 

Sheehan, Laing Harrow, Gary Butler, Sandra Evans, 

Christine Denkel and Chris Neal who worked extremely 

hard throughout the program on making sure our 

objectives and goals were met and thus ensuring nothing 

was left to chance in our quest for World Championship 

success. 

I would also like to thank the following for their assistance 

over the 3 years of the program. Ann Monaghan and 

Wayne Durbidge for their tireless efforts in selecting 

the squads and team. Also Vicky Bingley, Werner Pohl, 

Phillip Powel, Rob Cook and Michelle Torpey for their 

help with coaching the players over the program. To 

the Board and Staff of Softball Australia thanks for your 

support throughout the many camps, test series and 

finally the tour. Without the help of the above mentioned 

we may not have achieved success. To the players and 

their parents thank you all for the courage, commitment 

and support you provided during the program, it was 

much appreciated. I would like to wish you all the best in 

their future sporting and life endeavors as I am sure that 

the memories we have and the friendships we formed will 

last a life time. Finally I wish the staff and team selected 

for the VIIII Junior Men’s World Championships in 2012 

all the best in their quest to once again be the best in the 

World. 

John Neilsen 

U19 Men's Head Coach 


UNDER 19 MEN'S PROGRAM TEAM AND STATISTICS 


2008 Australian Under 19 Men’s Team 

Steven Albee 

Craig Bingley 

Cameron Bint 

Aaron Boccardo 

Shaun Bostock 

Tyson Duncan 

Thomas Edwards 

Drew Faulkner 

Beau Harich 

Ryan Lavers 

Shane Norman 

Ty Priest 

Brad Riley 

Rahim Rohizat 

Matt Stafford 

Jason Tutt 

Heath Wells 

Reserves 

Shaun Illingworth 

Aidan Kajan 

Brendan Lamb 

Lewis Weldon 

Matthew Walker 

2007 Squad Members 

Travis Duroux 

Stephen Flux 

Todd Greaves 

Shaun Illingworth 

Corey Jong 

Aidan Kajan 

Matthew Kraeh 

Robert Maughan 

Nicholas Murray 

Sean Smith-Weaver 

JamesWilson 

INTERNATIONAL MATCHES 

Played from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 

(1) Test Series vs New Zealand 

12-13 July, 2007 

Blacktown, NSW 

RF RA 






Totals 31 15 

W/L Record 

Placing 1st 

3 2 

(2) Tour of New Zealand 

30 September - 7 October, 2007 

Hawkes Bay, New Zealand 

NZ FRIENDSHIP SERIES RF RA 

v NZ Black 4 1 

v NZ Red 3 2 

v NZ Red 2 4 

v NZ Black 8 5 

v Hawkes Bay 3 2 

Totals 20 14 

W/L Record 

Placing 1st 

4 1 

NZ TEST SERIES RF RA 








Totals 34 33 

W/L Record 

Placing 1st 

4 3

(3) Pre-World Championship 

8-17 June, 2008 

Canada 

PRACTICE MATCHES RF RA 

v Stealers 3 0 

v Canadians 5 2 

v Mariners 7 2 

v Firefighters 5 4 

v Sars 5 0 

v Rebels 9 2 

v Connaught All Stars 3 0 

v Meralomas 0 2 

v Squamish 10 1 

v Squamish 8 1 

v Slammers 7 1 

v Slammers 7 2 

Totals 69 17 

W/L Record 11 1 

KOKANEE CLASSIC RF RA 

v Comox Valley 6 4 

v Cumberland 96ers 9 0 

v Victoria Athletics 3 0 

v Vancouver Firefighters 2 3 

v Victoria Athletics 8 5 

v Vancouver Firefighters 6 4 

Totals 34 16 

W/L Record 

Placing 1st 

5 1 

(4) ISF Junior Men's World Championship 

20-29 June, 2008 

Whitehorse, Canada 

RF RA 

v Botswana 15 0 

v South Africa 19 0 

v Japan 6 1 

v Denmark 19 1 

v Czech Republic 7 2 

v Argentina 6 3 

v Canada 3 1 

v Venezuela 11 4 

v United States 9 0 


v Mexico 3 0 

Finals 

v Japan 4 1 

Gold Medal Match 

v Canada 2 1 

Totals 104 23 

W/L Record 

Placing 1st 

12 1 

TOTALS FOR ALL MATCHES PLAYED 

Runs For 292 

Runs Against 118 

Games Won 39 

Games Lost 9 



AUSTRALIAN FASTPITCH CHAMPIONSHIPS 

2008 GILLEY’S SHIELD 

Australian Open Women’s Fastpitch Championship 

6 – 12 January, 2008 

Blacktown Olympic Park, NSW 

Final Standings Win Loss RF RA 

New South Wales 10 2 61 28 

Queensland 8 5 38 29 

Victoria 7 5 26 27 

ACT 6 5 30 22 

Western Australia 3 7 22 26 

South Australia 0 10 7 52 

Grand Final Score 

New South Wales 2 def Queensland 0 

Winning Team 

Kyira Cox, Kelly Gentle, Renee Gloss, Tatiana Holodnow, 

Danica Howlett, Zara Mee, Simmone Morrow, Ashlee 

Pobjie, Stacey Porter, Belinda Summerville, Kym Turnell, 

Natalie Ward, Felicity Witt, Belinda Wright, Kerry Wyborn, 

Rachel Zucchetti, Troy Baverstock (Head Coach), 

Chris Clough (Administrator), Kathy Horton (Assistant 

Coach), Lloyd Howlett (Assistant Coach), Sharon O’Mara 

(Specialist Coach), Carolyn Buttsworth (Statistician), 

Justin Wray (Physiotherapist), Jamie Ryan (Sport 

Scientist). 

Award Winners 

Midge Nelson Medal (MVP) 

Stacey Porter (NSW) 

Lorraine Woolley Medal (Best Pitcher) 

Felicity Witt (NSW) 

Sybil Turner Medal (Best Batter) 

Belinda Summerville (NSW) 

Rosemary Adey Medal (Rookie of the Year) 

Belinda White (SA) 

2008 JOHN REID SHIELD 

Australian Open Men’s Fastpitch Championship 

1 – 7 March, 2008 

Altona, Victoria 


ACT 11 1 49 16 




Australia U19 4 6 28 54 



ACT 5 def Western Australia 0 

Winning Team 

Evan Byrne, Adam Folkard, Mike Harrow, Laing Harrow, 

Matthew Jones, Andrew Kirkpatrick, Michael Moore, 

Matthew Norton, Nicholas Norton, Matthew Riley, Richard 

Sullivan, Michael Tanner, Bob Harrow (Head Coach), 

Geoff Tutt (Manager), Tracey Hebditch (Statistician). 

Award Winners 

Most Valuable Player 

Michael Harrow (ACT) 

Best Pitcher 

Andrew Kirkpatrick (ACT) 

Best Batter 

Zenon Winters (Qld) 

Rosemary Adey Medal (Rookie of the Year) 

Michael Moore (ACT) 



2008 JOYCE LESTER SHIELD 

Australian Under 23 Women’s Fastpitch 

Championship 

15 – 19 April, 2008 

Blacktown Olympic Park, NSW 





ACT 3 7 54 69 


NSW Country 2 7 33 55 

Northern Territory 1 7 16 63 


Victoria 4 def New South Wales 3 

Winning Team 

Carly Bell, Jenny Bryce, Stacey Bulger, Carly Cheesman, 

Amy Collins, Emily Curcio, Stephanie Davis, Jackie 

Di Siervi, Chloe Fagan, Nikki Hollett, Zoe Hughes, 

Natalie James, Lauren Olsen, Emily Smethurst, 

Justine Smethurst, Dale Stocker, Caroline Ziada, Kylie 

Bloodworth (Head Coach), Christine Cox (Assistant 

Coach), Joanne Paez (Assistant Coach), Jan Ferguson 

(Statistician), Jenny Miles (Trainer). 

Award Winners 

Most Valuable Player Lauren Olsen (Vic) 

Best Pitcher Kaia Parnaby (NSW) 

Best Batter Jade Wall (Qld) 

2008 LAING HARROW SHIELD 

Australian Under 23 Men’s Fastpitch Championship 

9 – 13 April, 2008 

Mirrabooka, WA 


ACT 7 4 46 35 






ACT 3 def Queensland 1 

Winning Team 

Evan Byrne, Daniel del Rio, Travis Duroux, Josh Jones, 

Matt Jones, Andrew Kefford, Michael Moore, Nick Norton, 

Brad Riley, Matt Riley, Matt Stafford, Jesse Tawes, Grant 

Robertson (Head Coach), Tony Bishop (Trainer), Peter 

Jones (Statistician), Evan Byrne (Assistant Coach). 

Award Winners 

Most Valuable Player Damien Nairn (Qld) 

Best Pitcher Matthew Stafford (ACT) 

Best Batter Lewis Weldon (Vic) 

2008 ELINOR MACKENZIE SHIELD 

Australian Under 19 Women’s Fastpitch 

Championship 

13 – 19 January, 2008 

Hobart, Tasmania 







ACT 4 8 55 86 

Tasmania 0 12 12 109 


New South Wales 5 def Western Australia 1 

Winning Team 

Annabel Davies, Nicole Deegenaars, Ashleigh Deen, 

Melissa Dwight, Monique Faul, Simone Freeman, Kirsty 

McKirdy, Stacey McManus, Katherine McVeity, Monique 

Miller, Kara Murphy, Kaia Parnaby, Sophie Pickering, 

Sally Ward, Lisa Williams, Kimberley Wright, Darrin 

Crisp (Head Coach), Sue Pobjie (Administrator), April 

Clune (Assistant Coach), Sharon O’Mara (Assistant 

Coach), Charlie Whetu (Assistant Coach), Lis Hannelly 

(Statistician), Lauren Gradwell (Trainer). 

Award Winners 

Most Valuable Player Ashleigh Deen (NSW) 

Best Pitcher Kaia Parnaby (NSW) 

Best Batter Ashleigh Deen (NSW)

2008 NOx BAILEY SHIELD 

Australian Under 19 Men’s Fastpitch Championship 

20 – 26 January, 2008 

Redlands, Queensland 


ACT 10 3 70 28 







ACT 8 def New South Wales 2 

Winning Team 

Luke Baxter, Craig Bingley, Matt Cuthbert, Travis Duroux, 

Tom Edwards, Matt Jones, Andrew Kefford, Matt Kraeh, 

Michael Moore, Andrew Power, Brad Riley, Matt Riley, 

Matt Stafford, Jason Tutt, Heath Wells, Werner Pohl 

(Head Coach), Graeme Matthew (Administrator), Callan 

Lewis (Trainer), Brenda Hebditch (Statistician). 

Award Winners 

Most Valuable Player Matt Stafford (ACT) 

Best Pitcher Brad Riley (ACT) 

Best Batter Steven Albee (NSW) 

2008 ESTHER DEASON SHIELD 

Australian Under 16 Girls Fastpitch Championship 

13 – 19 January, 2008 

West Beach, South Australia 




ACT 6 5 64 49 



Tasmania 3 7 21 61 


Northern Territory 0 9 19 71 


New South Wales 7 def Victoria 1 

Winning Team 

Rachael Ambrose, Michelle Bell, Georgia Casey, Hannah 

Deen, Samantha Freeman, Megan Horne, Rhianne Kerr, 

Lauren Murphy, Ellen Roberts, Rachael Sechi, Linley 

Somerville, Lana Tye, Emily Wadwell, Annika Whitford, 

Rachael Williams, Bridget Wilson, Barry Blanchard 

(Head Coach), Sam Donkin (Administrator), John Black 

(Assistant Coach), Heather McCann-Price (Assistant 

Coach), Barry Rumsey (Assistant Coach), Michelle Cate 

(Statistician), Bill Holland (Video Analyst), Sam Poole 

(Trainer). 

Award Winners 

Most Valuable Player Hannah Deen (NSW) 

Best Pitcher Lana Tye (NSW) 

Best Batter Katina Robson (ACT) 

2008 ARTHUR ALLSOPP SHIELD 

Australian Under 16 Boys Fastpitch Championship 

4 – 10 January, 2008 

Hawker, ACT 




ACT 7 7 103 127 




New South Wales 13 def Victoria 4 

Winning Team 

Matthew Attard, Mitchell Brownlow, Grant Clark, Luke 

Doherty, Steven Evic, Cameron Hardie, Joel Harris, 

Lachlan Hay, Adam Henville, Ryan O’Driscoll, Trent 

Paterson, Harrison Peters, Guy Power, Reece Powles, 

Ben Scambury, James Todhunter, Wayne Browne (Head 

Coach), Robyn Laws (Administrator), Chris Brownlow 

(Assistant Coach), Adam Rindfleish (Assistant Coach), 

Kevin Skuse (Assistant Coach), Robyn-Anne Sinclair 

(Statistician), Paul Taylor (Video Analyst), Lauren 

Gradwell (Trainer). 

Award Winners 

Most Valuable Player Riley O’Connor (Qld) 

Best Pitcher Harrison Peters (NSW) 

Best Batter Reece Powles (NSW) 


SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA NATIONAL WOMEN'S LEAGUE 

9 – 11 Nov 2007 Downey Park, Brisbane 

7 – 9 Dec 2007 Jells Park, Melbourne 

6 – 11 Jan 2008 Blacktown Olympic Park, Sydney 

22 – 24 Feb 2008 Blacktown Olympic Park, Sydney 


Final Standings Win Loss RF RA Points 

1. NSW Firestars 21 4 141 76 42 

2. QLD Heat 19 6 119 59 38 

3. ACT Diamonds 14 11 110 88 28 

4. VIC Titans 9 16 47 98 18 

5. WA Flames 9 16 65 84 18 

6. SA Starz 3 22 46 123 6 


Queensland Heat 4 def NSW Firestars 3 

Winning Team 

Sandra Avery, Nicole Bennett, Jodie Bowering, Kylie 

Cronk, Kristy-Lee Dalton, Tyleisha Dunn, 

Kellie Hardie, Emma Harris, Sandra Lewis, Tracey 

Mosley, Jessica Muller, Amy Pagotto, 

Brooke Spence, Kate Sternes, Danielle Stewart, Kim 

Tollenaere, Vicki Gannon (Manager), 

Lachlan Thorburn (Head Coach) Joyce Lester (Asst 

Coach), Kevin Jenkins (Asst Coach) 

Award Winners 

Player of the Finals 

Queensland Heat 

Sandra Avery 

MVP Stacey Porter 

NSW Firestars 

Best Pitcher 

NSW Firestars 

Zara Mee 

Best Batter 

Queensland Heat 

Kylie Cronk

SUMMARY OF REGISTRATIONS 

PLAYERS 

State Association T-Ball Junior Senior SlowPitch/Masters Total 

M F M F M F M F M F M/F 

ACT 314 630 267 420 320 456 75 75 976 1,581 2,557 

New South Wales 730 1,044 853 1,757 892 2,536 667 2,582 3,142 7,919 11,061 

Northern Territory 43 26 9 47 9 191 65 45 126 309 435 

Queensland 430 597 798 1,297 1,005 2,244 9 22 2,242 4,160 6,402 

South Australia 78 172 128 662 166 1,251 29 30 401 2,115 2,516 

Tasmania 36 77 8 45 35 314 0 0 79 436 515 

Victoria 230 333 239 467 371 1,171 113 188 953 2,159 3,112 

Western Australia 283 198 248 155 1,276 1,615 45 44 1,852 2,012 3,864 

TOTAL PLAYERS 2,144 3,077 2,550 4,850 4,074 9,778 1,003 2,986 9,771 20,691 30,462 

OFFICIALS/ADMINISTRATORS 

State Association Coaches Umpires Other Total 

M F M F M F M F M/F 

ACT 107 121 7 14 56 142 170 277 447 

New South Wales 228 100 153 141 93 232 474 473 947 

Northern Territory 7 5 4 2 1 14 12 21 33 

Queensland 108 61 53 15 52 159 213 235 448 

South Australia 59 49 21 7 22 111 102 167 269 

Tasmania 10 16 8 3 0 14 18 33 51 

Victoria 67 44 33 21 29 77 129 142 271 

Western Australia 6 0 15 2 3 2 24 4 28 

TOTAL OFFICIALS/ADMINISTRATORS 592 396 294 205 256 751 1,142 1,352 2,494 

TOTALS 

State Association Total 

M F M/F 

ACT 1,146 1,858 3,004 

New South Wales 3,616 8,392 12,008 

Northern Territory 138 330 468 

Queensland 2,455 4,395 6,850 

South Australia 503 2,282 2,785 

Tasmania 97 469 566 

Victoria 1,082 2,301 3,383 

Western Australia 1,876 2,016 3,892 

TOTAL 10,913 22,043 32,956 


AWARDS 


SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA LIFE MEMBERS 

1966 Esther Deason, MBE* 1989 Rosemary Adey, OAM 

Merle Short* 1993 Margo Koskelainen, OAM 

Marjorie Dwyer* 1994 Pat Rawlings, OAM 

1967 Audrey McLaughlin, AM 2000 Shirley Schneider 

1968 Pat Young* 2002 Alan McAuliffe 

1969 Edna Nash* 2004 Ken Culpitt 

1980 Pat Shearwood 2006 Bill Gobbart 

* Deceased 

SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME MEMBERS 

1985 G. Phillips* 1991 R Adey, OAM 

H. Meehan P Rawlings, OAM 

N Menner 1992 A Allsopp* 

N. Allsopp 1995 P Shearwood 

N. Whittingham S Troyahn 

E. McKenzie* 1997 L Evans 

R. Gherardin G Ledingham 

M. Scott 2000 J Lester, OAM 

J. Pizaro* 2002 L Harrow 

L. Woolley R Willis 

M. Nelson, BEM J Holliday 

M. Dodds 2003 L Anderson 

S. Sommerville T Bull 

M. Swann 2004 K Cooper 

M. Edwards J Brown 

A. McLaughlin, AM S King 

M. Short* F McRae 

B. Dornan K Dienelt 

1986 R Boyd L Carroll 

D Hutchinson K Loughman 

1987 E Deason, MBE* K Maddern 

M Dwyer* N Richardson 

M Middlin M Koskelainen, OAM 

J Paez 2005 C Peel 

J Phelps, OAM T Baverstock 

C Roughley K Herbert 

S Turner H Petrie 

1988 J Allsopp A McAuliffe 

V Triplett 2006 M Gowty 

C Selem B Crudgington

1989 L Brown 2007 J McAuliffe 

1990 J Stevens 

* Deceased 

ISF HALL OF FAME (AUSTRALIAN MEMBERS) 

J Loton 

1981 Esther Deason (Administration) 2001 Jenny Holliday (Player) 

1983 Midge Nelson, BEM (Player) Joyce Lester, OAM (Player) 

1987 Myrtle Edwards (Coach) 2003 Laing Harrow (Player) 

Merle Short (Administration) Margo Koskelainen, OAM (Umpire) 

1989 Margaret Swann (Player) Alan McAuliffe (Umpire) 

1991 Rhonda Boyd (Player) 2005 Norma Allsopp (Player) 

Christine Roughley (Player) Ken Culpitt (Umpire) 

1993 Janine Allsopp (Player) Joanne Brown (Player) 

Sybil Turner (Player) Denise Hutchinson (Player) 

Vivienne Triplett (Umpire) Kerry Dienelt (Player) 

1997 Rosemary K Adey, OAM (Administration) Shane King (Player) 

1998 Audrey McLaughlin, AM (Administration) 

SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA AWARDS OF ExCELLENCE (2007) 

Female Athlete of the Year Sandra Allen 

Male Athlete of the Year Andrew Kirkpatrick 

Junior Female Athlete of the Year Chelsea Forkin 

Junior Male Athlete of the Year Andrew Evans 

Spirit Award Marissa Carpadios 

Indigenous Athlete Award Renee Gloss 

Coach of the Year Leanne Evans 

Administrator of the Year Sue Nisbet 

Statistician of the Year Michael Hannelly 

Vivienne Triplett Award - Umpire of the Year Debbie Grove 

Local Softball Association Waverley Softball Association 

Softball Australia’s Hall of Fame Bob Crudgington 

SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA SERVICE AWARDS (2007) 

WA: Kent Barrett, Peter Beresford, Gary Collie, Peter Nielson 

Vic: Beverley Beard, Jill Fry, Lynne Wilmott 

Qld: Maria Caterson, Bruce Challenor, John Dyer, Desley Humphries, Judy Losberg, Dave Martin 

SA: Keith Sampson 

NSW: Vicki Lansley, David Duckworth, Bill Forsyth, Kayleen Shailes, Dianne McGowen, Cheryl Mahon, George 

Mills, Joy Molyneaux, Helen Miller, Kerrie Porter, Barry Blanchard, Ruth Marshall, Ben Scott, Joanne Buchanan, 

Rhonda Schultz, Sue Thompson, Marilyn Walker. 

Tasmania: Shirley Wood, Nikki Smith, Lisa East, Trish Webb, Peter Clarke, Laurence Newman, Rebecca Hayes, 

Allison Donohue, Shelley Keen, Rosalie Winduss. 



AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY 

I am very pleased to see that the seeds of change that 

have been planted over the past couple of years have 

started to take effect. We have been able to implement 

a number of changes to the way our sport is run and we 

are slowly starting to see the benefits of these changes. 

I believe the manner in which we have co-operatively 

worked through changes and challenges put before us 

and the foundations laid, augers well for the future of 

softball in the ACT. I am extremely pleased with the way 

we have worked towards common objectives and am 

proud to be at the helm of a group of people keen to see 

the sport succeed. 

While the 2007/08 season once again saw us maintain 

our overall membership numbers, a concern is the 

decline in the number of junior players and the decline 

in our junior affiliate membership. This is an area that 

needs serious attention. We need to work together to 

address the problems being experienced by our junior 

clubs and affiliates. Without a strong junior base we 

cannot expect our sport to continue to grow. 

Another area that poses some serious questions over 

our ability to run our competitions is the impact on 

ground usage posed by the drought. We have been 

successful in obtaining financial assistance from the ACT 

Government to drought proof our fields. The work to be 

undertaken will include re-sowing the enclosed diamonds 

with drought resistant couch grass, two new skinned 

training diamonds and water tanks to assist with the 

watering of the internal diamonds. 

Unfortunately, we have not had the success we would 

have liked in gaining additional income from sponsorship. 

We have devoted a substantial amount of effort in 

seeking the sponsorship dollar. However, the reality 

appears to be that we need to look at other sources for 

increasing income, rather than relying on sponsorship. 

Nonetheless ,we will continue our pursuits in this area. 

It gives me great pleasure to congratulate all players and 

officials who represented the ACT in the various national 

and international events during the 2007/08 season. 

Once again you have done Softball ACT proud. Despite 

our relatively small population base, ACT teams continue 

to perform well above what could be expected at the 

national level. 

The strength of the sport in the ACT has once again 

been emphatically demonstrated by the excellent 

performances of our teams and the success of many 

players in being selected for Australian teams and 

squads. Congratulations to all players and officials who 

have been selected in Australian representative teams or 

squads. 

Our men have ensured there is no doubt who is the 

number one men’s softball state in the country by 

winning the open, under 23 and under 19 championships 

and finishing a very creditable third at the under 16 

level. Our women’s program also made significant 

progress this season. Our Open Women, playing 

as the ACTAS Diamonds, finished third at the Open 

Women’s Championships and third overall in the National 

Women’s League competition. Much of the credit for 

the improvement of our Open Women’s performances 

must go to Lindsey Carroll, the ACT Academy of Sport 

Program and the support received from Softball Australia. 

In the other national championships, the Under 16 girls 

also finished a creditable third, while our Under 19 

women finished sixth and our Under 23 women finished 

in fourth place. 

Of course the success enjoyed by our teams and the 

individual honours gained by numerous players would not 

have been possible without the dedicated and expert help 

provided by our coaches, managers, statisticians and 

administrators. These people voluntarily devote many 

hours to the development and growth of our players and 

the sport. To these people I say a very big thank you 

because we couldn’t achieve what we have without you. 

On the diamonds at Hawker we have also been very 

busy and successful with the staging of the following 

events: 



• The Tainn Hunter Classic Slow Pitch Carnival which 

raised over $10,000 for charity. 

• An international friendly series against the 

Indonesian Men’s team. 

• The ActewAGL Pacific International Men’s Series 

featuring the Australian, Japanese and New Zealand 

Men’s teams. 

• The ActewAGL Canberra Skins with teams 

from around Australia, Japan and New Zealand 

participating. 

• The Primary School Sports National Softball 

Championships for both boys and girls. 

• The Under 16 Boys National Championships. 

• The Australia Day Carnival which this year took on 

an international flavour with a visiting New Zealand 

boys team participating. 

• The ACT Mixed Slow Pitch Invitational Carnival. 

These events were a huge success because of the hard 

work and dedication of our office staff and the large 

number of volunteers who devoted countless hours and 

energy to ensure each event was meticulously planned 

and smoothly run. Softball ACT is deeply indebted to 

you for your time and efforts. The community service 

you offer our sport is outstanding. Please know you are 

valued and appreciated. 

There is no doubt that a major contributor to our 

successes is the large number of willing and committed 

volunteers. Our volunteer base is the core to our 

continued success and excellent achievements. Please 

accept my special thanks for your efforts; we could not do 

it without you. 

Today, it is impossible to present a viable sport to the 

community without sponsors and partners. I would like 

to pass on my gratitude to the Department of Sport and 

Recreation Services, the Department of Territory and 

Municipal Services, Australian Capital Tourism and the 

ACT Academy of Sport for their assistance. I would 

also like to acknowledge and thank all our sponsors and 

supporters, in particular ActewAGL, the Ainslie Football 

and Gungahlin Lakes Clubs and Ausport. We are 

delighted you offer your support through partnership with 

Softball ACT. We look forward to continuing working with 

you into the future. 

Last, but not least, I would personally like to thank 

the Softball ACT Board members who have played a 

significant part in steering our sport and focussing its 

continued growth and success. 

Softball Australian Capital Territory

NEW SOUTH WALES 

There have been many highlights over the past 12 

months for Softball, the biggest being the success once 

again of the Australian U19 Men’s Team at the World 

Championship. Congratulations to all the team on a great 

achievement. 

It was pleasing to see an increase in membership from 

most country affiliates however there was an overall 

decline across the state. To assist with the profile of the 

sport and to compliment the hard work from the affiliates, 

Softball NSW has partnered with NBN TV to develop a 

TV Commercial to be shown in country areas. 

NSW has been fortunate to host a number of events 

over the past 12 months, with the highlight being the 

International Series which involved: Australia, Canada, 

Japan and China. Other events were the Open Women’s 

Australian Championship, Softball Australia Friendship 

Series, International Challenge Series and the U23 

Australian Championship. Together with many state 

events the volunteers are stretched to the limit, but 

continue to give up their time to ensure that the events 

are a success. 

NSW had success at the 2008 Australian Championships 

with good results across all teams and many individual 

success stories. 

With the hard work of volunteers NSW can continue to 

provide many programs across the state including the 

Rising Star U12 Program, Regional Academy programs, 

Disability Programs, Indigenous Programs and programs 

for umpiring, scoring and coaching. The changes in the 

NCAS & NOAS have met with positive responses and 

the technical areas are working hard to ensure that the 

programs are delivered as widely as possible. 

One of the biggest disappointments was the decision by 

the NSW Institute of Sport to not continue with a Softball 

Program after December 31 2008. 

Softball NSW are fortunate to have a number of sponsors 

who continue to support the sport, Blacktown City 

Council, Department of Sport and Recreation, Easton, 

Rooty Hill RSL, Coca Cola, The Dugout, Kay’s Custom 

Sportswear, Rising Stars, Gemshot Photography, Adam 

Dean, GEO Domains, and Tri-Steel. 

The future of the sport rests with the enthusiasm and 

hard work of our volunteers and we cannot underestimate 

their value. 

Softball New South Wales 


2007/2008 has been a time of change and progress for 

Softball NT. Softball in the Territory is becoming more 

widely recognised, which is evident by the growth in 

registrations from the previous year. 

In 2007/2008 Softball NT farewelled Development 

Officers Melissa May and Kerry Wetherall and welcomed 

Executive Officer, Jacquie Hatt and Development Officer, 

Danielle Campbell. 

Our Under 23 Representative team was fortunate enough 

to be coached by veteran Barry Blanchard. The team 

travelled to Sydney to compete in the 2008 Australian 

Under 23 Women’s Fastpitch Championship (Joyce 

Lester Shield). 

Softball NT also facilitated the development of our junior 

players by fielding a team at the 2008 Australian Under 

16 Girls Fastpitch Championship (Esther Deason Shield). 

A joint initiative with Baseball NT saw the successful 

running of a 6 week social Big Balls / Little Balls 

competition, with baseball and softball being played on 

alternating weeks. Slow Pitch competitions were also 

held numerous times throughout the year. 

Four Indigenous Territory girls had the honour of being 

selected for the inaugural Australian Indigenous team 

to participate in the International Challenge Series. 

Softball NT was proud to see Nicolette Dunn, Helen 

Laughton, Tara Liddy and Jessica Forrest representing 

the Territory’s Indigenous population at this international 

event. 

This year saw our Development Officers visiting 

numerous remote Indigenous communities for carnivals 


NORTHERN TERRITORY 

NORTHERN TERRITORY 

and to assist in establishing regular competitions. Basic 

scoring and umpiring courses are held during each visit 

to assist communities to run their own competitions in 

the absence of Softball NT representatives. Wadeye, a 

community located on the western edge of Daly River, 

has established and maintained a 9 team community 

competition. 

In 2008, the Northern Territory Championships displayed 

the talent of players from Darwin, Katherine, Timber 

Creek and Jilkminggan. Leigh Godfrey (WA), Jodie 

Stevenson (WA), Chelsea Forkin (WA) and Sarah 

Tutchener (VIC) participated as pickup players for 

separate teams selected by secret ballot. The girls 

conducted skill sessions before the Championship, which 

was thoroughly enjoyed by the junior and senior players 

alike. 

Softball NT is looking forward to another exciting year of 

changes and progress in Territory softball. 

Softball Northern Territory

QUEENSLAND 

Softball Queensland has had a busy and productive year. 

Following on from the successful development of The 

Softball Centre - Redlands last year, we celebrated the 

opening of the upgrade to The Softball Centre - Brisbane. 

The Downey Park upgrade, an investment of $670K into 

lighting and player facilities, was officially opened by Mr. 

Chris Bombolas MP on Wednesday 7 November 2007 on 

behalf of the Minister for Police, Corrective Services and 

Sport, the Honourable Judy Spence MP. 

From ongoing viability of the sport, we report two 

noticeable outcomes. Firstly, Softball Queensland was 

successful in achieving three year funding from the 

Queensland Government for the 2008 - 2010 period 

for Organisational Development and Priority Initiatives 

(PI). The PI funding program has allowed Softball 

Queensland to implement our Growth and Participation 

Project introducing modified softball, OzPitch and Simple 

Softball, to areas where softball currently isn’t being 

played. Secondly, our registration numbers in traditional 

club softball have shown an increase over the current 

year. This is the first real increase we have experienced 

for a number of years and hopefully reflects a return 

of the investment of the good work that was made in a 

number of initiatives including, Simple Softball, the Junior 

Games Pathway and Growth & Participation Project. 

On the representative front, congratulations are extended 

to the Queensland Heat team which won back to back 

National League titles. The Queensland Heat is the 

new name for the combined QAS Heatwave and SQ 

Sunlanders teams. Congratulations are also extended to 

the players and officials from Queensland who either won 

individual national awards or were selected in national 

teams and squads or appointed to international events. 

These are listed elsewhere in the report. Other awards 

received included: 

� Queensland Sportswoman of the Year - Brooke 

Spence was awarded the Clem Jones Group 

Emerging Athlete Award at the Womensport 

Queensland Dinner 

Queensland Sports Awards - The 2007 Qld Under 

� 

� 

� 

16 Girls Team won the Department of Education, 

Training and the Arts 2007 Queensland Junior 

Sport Team of the Year. 

Logan City Sport Awards - the 2006 Softball 

Queensland Masters Tournament won the Logan 

City Sport Awards Event of the Year 

Audrey McLaughlin AM was awarded the 

Queensland Government – Sport and Recreation 

Volunteer Medal. 

We welcomed Canterbury Clothing Company as our 

official uniform and apparel supplier and thank all our 

sponsors and preferred suppliers. The Queensland 

Government Department of Sport and Recreation and 

the following sponsor groups continue to contribute to the 

success of softball in Queensland: Queensland Academy 

of Sport, Canterbury Clothing Company, Easton, Dormer 

Sport, Quest Apartments, Four’N Twenty, Yellow Cabs, 

Constellation Hotel Group, OAMPS and Ozwings. 

Print media coverage has again been very high with 

over $100k coverage gained. Softball was featured on 

Network 10’s “Sport On” segment for their Totally Wild 

children’s show and the Olympic Softball Team Farewell 

was covered by all four TV stations in addition to the 

print media. Channel 10 presented their weather report 

with two live crosses during the event and ABC featured 

a segment on Tanya Harding during their Stateline 

program. 

QUEENSLAND 

Events are a major part of our business. In addition to the 

State Championships, national events, season launch, 

annual dinner and the Olympic Farewell, SQ held the 

inaugural Southern Cross Challenge in Redlands in 

April 2008. The Challenge was developed to provide 

international competition and links with other international 

teams. The SQ Masters Tournament started with 8 teams 

in 2000 and continues to grow with 62 teams participating 

in 2007. Special mention of the Mackay Softball 

Association who hosted the 2008 Under 14 Boy’s State 

Championship eight weeks after the city and specifically 

the softball park, was inundated. Flood water level 


eached higher than the dugout roof on all diamonds. A 

mammoth effort was put in by the volunteers who worked 

so hard to make sure that the diamonds were not just 

playable but in great condition for the championship. 

Thank you to the Softball Queensland Board and staff for 

their continued assistance and dedication in carrying out 

the affairs of the organisation. Special acknowledgment 

goes to Tracey Holt and Kerry McAllister for their specific 

contributions, both having resigned late in the final year 

of their two year terms and welcome to our new Board 

Member, Mark Jeppesen. 


Finally thank you to our volunteers who make our 

teams, clubs, and associations successful and therefore 

the overall success of the sport in Queensland. Your 

continual effort is amazing and often overlooked, but very 

worthy of recognition. 

Softball Queensland


SOUTH AUSTRALIA 

A number of major projects undertaken have resulted in a 

rewarding but at times very challenging year. 

SA hosted back to back masters’ events and supported 

by international promotion, the 2007 event became the 

Australasian Masters Games. 

In addition to Stream 1 funding from the Office for 

Recreation & Sport, SA was successful in its application 

for Stream 2 funding to conduct a governance 

review in 2007/08. The review is now complete with 

recommendations to be implemented on a progressive 

basis. 

The 2007 Junior Tournament was again a great success, 

having become an integral part of theNational Junior 

competition calendar with teams from SA, VIC, ACT and 

NSW now participating. 

SA hosted the 2008 Australian U16 Girls Championship 

with funding from the Office for Recreation & Sport 

assisting with the running of the event and provision 

of sports training services. Keith Sampson, was the 

Convenor of this Championship in which all 8 States/ 

Territories participated. 

The Senior State Championships were held on the 

Australia Day long weekend at Softball Headquarters, 

with Gawler & Districts hosting the Junior Championships 

in February. 

Following changes to the National League program the 

entry of the SA Starz into a 6 team competition was a 

highlight of the year. The team’s participation in the 

League was funded by Softball Australia and the AIS with 

access to the player draft an added benefit. 


Re-elected to his 3rd term as President, Keith Sampson 

continued in this demanding position, supported by hardworking 

and committed Vice-President/Treasurer, Jane 

Hunt and other Board Members Rosemary Adey, Annette 

Fidge, Kay Mentha & Bob Bartels. 

The OzPitch competition was conducted with 4 teams 

participating, 59 of whom were not competing in another 

mainstream competition. 

Congratulations to ex-pat. South Australians,Tracey 

Mosley & Simmone Morrow on their inclusion in the 

Women’s Olympic Team, to Sue Tomlinson on her 

appointment as Assistant Coach/Video Analyist and to 

John McAuliffe who will be inducted into the Softball 

Australia Hall of Fame in October. 

Neville Lawrance was reappointed to a further term as 

DOU recently completing his 7th year in the position 

with Janell Behrendt newly appointed to the position of 

DOC. Although the DOS position remained vacant for 

the majority of the year, Lindy Rattigan has recently been 

confirmed in this position. 

Softball South Australia


VICTORIA 

State Teams 

We congratulate and thank every coach, manager, 

statistician, player and parent for their great efforts in 

supporting our National teams. Continuing improvements 

within our junior development program will see further 

progress in coming years. Congratulations also go to our 

players who gained National selection. 

Technical Committees 

State Technical Directors, Geoff Ritchie, Lorraine Davies 

and Di Waller have continued with their efforts to ensure 

all coaches, scorers and umpires receive the training 

and guidance required to maintain their high standards. 

Congratulations to all those officials who achieved levels 

during the season and also those who represented our 

state at National and International level. 

Development Officer 

Geoff Ritchie, our Development Officer has continued his 

great work over the past year. 

Events 

The State Championship sub-committee, headed 

by Heather Farrell, and ably assisted by the host 

associations, worked tirelessly to present very successful 

state championships this year. 

Dot Bourke and her Masters committee are to be 

commended on the organisation of the Victorian Masters 

Championship which was an outstanding success once 

again. 

Funding & Sponsorship 

Andy Bailey’s work as Project Officer continued at the 

high level of previous years, with funding programs again 

proving very successful. Thanks to the Department of 

Victorian Communities for providing funding which is vital 

to the future growth of softball in Victoria. 


VICTORIA 

Association Affiliates 

Thanks once again to all the people involved in the 

administration and conduct of our affiliate associations. 

It is due to their continuing involvement that enables 

softball to maintain a presence throughout the state, and 

the time and effort required is greatly appreciated. 

Thanks to the Board 

I would like to thank the board members for all their 

hard work and dedication to the task. I appreciate 

their assistance and support over the year for what is 

sometimes a thankless job. I am confident that Softball 

Victoria is on a sound financial footing and will continue 

to be so. I look forward to the challenges ahead. 

Softball Victoria

TASMANIA 

The 2007/08 softball season has been a challenging one 

for Softball Tasmania. The decline in senior numbers has 

been a concern while the increase in the juniors has been 

very pleasing. 

All Associations are to be congratulated on their 

attendance and hosting of Tasmanian Championships. 

Association teams provided many close, enthusiastic and 

skilled games with the premiership shields being shared 

around the all the Associations. 

Softball Tasmania thanks all those involved for their help 

and dedication, especially our Directors of Umpiring 

(Wayne Clarke) and Scoring (Norm Johns). 

Congratulations to all players who were awarded Most 

Valuable Player awards during the Championships. 

Tasmanian teams competed in National Championships 

with mixed results. U16 Girls played extremely well and 

recorded several wins, while the U19 Women although 

playing great softball were unable to put a win together 

coming very close on a number of occasions. Players, 

officials and parents committed themselves to trainings 

and travel to ensure that teams were able to participate 

at the highest level of competition and Softball Tasmania 

thanks all those involved. 

Ian French continues to update the Softball Tasmania 

web site with information about all softball news, results 

and other relevant softball information. Thanks Ian 

for your many volunteer hours, Softball Tasmania is 

extremely grateful. 

January 2008, saw Southern Tasmanian Softball 

Association host the Australian U19 Women’s National 

Championships in Hobart. Convenor Jim Seabourne, 

his committee and the many volunteers who worked 

tirelessly during the weeks leading up to, during and after 

the Nationals. Everything ran very smoothly and Softball 

Tasmania hopes those attending and visiting from other 

states enjoyed their time in Tasmania. 

The Northern Tasmanian Softball Association tried, with 

great success, a different approach to recruitment. The 

NTSA decided on a TV advertisement which resulted in 

165 young softballers enjoying a 10 week program of skill 

and introduction to softball. The introduction of a mixed 

slow pitch roster also provided many players with games 

and thanks must go to Easton and Softball Australia for 

their help and assistance. 

Softball Tasmania congratulates Rahim Rohizat who 

was selected into the Australian U19 Men’s team, who 

won the ISF Junior Men’s World Championship in 

Canada. Rahim’s outstanding performances have also 

led to his selection in the Australian Open Men’s Squad. 

Unfortunately, Rahim has had to leave Tasmania so 

that he might further his softball dream and improve his 

chances of selection and because of this move he has 

received great success in his softball. The Tasmanian 

softball community is extremely proud of Rahim’s 

achievements and we continue to wish him every 

success in the future. 

Softball Tasmania continues to rely on our volunteers 

who continue to be the “LIFE BLOOD” of Softball 

Tasmania and Association. All are to be thanked for their 

support and willingness to give their time freely for the 

benefit of softball. 

Softball Tasmania 


It truly gives me a great amount of pleasure to write my 

first annual report for the members of Softball having assumed 

my role as General Manager in early December 

2007. I believe that the sport of Softball will flourish in 

what is a society that is densely populated by sports and 

recreational activities. Sporting participants are overwhelmed 

by choice, and Softball must ensure that its 

product is designed and positioned to capture the largest 

piece of the pie it can. 

The future of Softball in Western Australia is very bright 

and with the introduction of a national junior participation 

program, talent identification programs and procedures, 

club development opportunities and the like, Softball 

throughout the entire country will prosper. 

Participation rates in Western Australia have remained 

steady in a dwindling sporting environment and the introduction 

of the programs listed above should result in 

increases to the annual participation rates in years to 

come. 

The pending Olympic decision will have an impact on the 

sport of Softball as we move forward. The continuation 

of existing and or establishing of new programs will be 

dependant on this decision. Softball WA is committed to 

the continuation of the High Performance programs and 

is currently in discussions with the WA Institute of Sport in 

regards to the future of the WAIS program. 


WESTERN AUSTRALIA 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 

The review undertaken by the Australian Sports Commis- 

sion has highlighted numerous areas that the sport will 

continue to grow in the coming periods and it is what we 

do NOW in these key areas that will impact on OUR sport 

in the future. 

I look forward to working with all members of the Softball 

family as we move forward into what should be a highly 

challenging, yet exciting and prosperous period for the 

sport of Softball in not only Western Australia, but the 

entire country. 

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the 

wonderful efforts of our board members, Softball WA staff 

and volunteers, committee members of our associations 

and clubs, corporate partners Department of Sport and 

Recreation and Healthway, our Softball WA supporters 

and sponsors, umpires, scorers, coaches, officials and 

most of all the players and participants for making this 

great game what it is. 

Softball Western Australia

CONTACT DETAILS 

STATE ASSOCIATIONS 

Softball ACT 

PO Box 264 

Hawker ACT 2614 

T: (02) 6278 3000 

F: (02) 6278 3111 

E: softballACT@bigpond.com 

W: www.act.softball.org.au 

Softball New South Wales 

PO Box 52 

Blacktown NSW 2148 

T: (02) 9677 4000 

F: (02) 9677 4040 

E: office@softball.net.au 

W: www.softball.net.au 

Softball Northern Territory 

PO Box 37443 

Winnellie NT 0821 

T: (08) 8927 3333 

F: (08) 8927 9999 

E: softballnt@bigpond.com 

W: www.nt.softball.org.au 

Softball Queensland 

C/- Sports House South 

1/866 Main Street 

Woolloongabba QLD 4102 

T: (07) 3391 2447 

F: (07) 3391 4734 

E: ADMIN@softballqld.asn.au 

W: www.qld.softball.org.au 

South Australia Softball 

Association 

PO Box 217 

Henley Beach SA 5022 

T: (08) 8353 6766 

F: (08) 8353 2480 

E: sasoftball@bigpond.com.au 

W: www.sa.softball.org.au 

Tasmania Softball Council 

GPO Box 2124 

Hobart TAS 7001 

T: (03) 6249 3589 

F: (03) 6249 3589 

E: softballtas@bigpond.com 

W: www.tas.softball.org.au 

Victorian Softball Association 

PO Box 397 

Laverton VIC 3028 

T: (03) 9360 0817 

F: (03) 9360 0818 

E: vicsoftb@bigpond.net.au 

W: www.vic.softball.org.au 

Western Australian Softball 

Association 

PO Box 450 

Mirrabooka WA 6941 

T: (08) 9349 9911 

F: (08) 9345 3553 

E: adminsoftballwa@iinet.net.au 

W: www.wa.softball.org.au 

NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES 

ACT Academy of Sport (ACTAS) 

Po Box 90 

Belconnen ACT 2616 

T: 02 6207 4388 

F: 02 6207 4042 

W: www.sport.act.gov.au/actas 

NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) 

Po Box 476 

Flemington Markets NSW 2129 

T: 02 9763 0294 

F: 02 9763 0290 

W: www.nswis.com.au 

Queensland Academy of Sport 

(QAS) 

90 Windsor Terrace 

Windsor QLD 4030 

T: 07 3357 1895 

F: 07 3357 2081 

W: www.qasport.qld.gov.au 

Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) 

Po Box 828 

South Melbourne VIC 3205 

T: 03 9699 8055 

F: 03 9699 7690 

W: www.vis.org.au 

Western Australian Institute of 

Sport (WAS) 

Po Box 183 

Claremont WA 6910 

T: 08 9387 8166 

F: 08 9383 7344 

W: www.wais.org.au 



SPONSORS 

Softball Australia wishes to acknowledge the valuable support of the following sponsors 

1. Logo only 2. Stacked identity 

This Year Book contains comments of a general nature only and is not intended to be relied upon for a substitute for specific professional 

advice. No responsibility or liability can be accepted by the Australian Softball Federation Inc. Trading as Softball Australia for loss, 

damage or injury occassioned to any person doing anything as a result of any material in this document. 

© Australian Softball Federation Inc. Trading as Softball Australia. 

Softball Australia acknowledges the photographers who have contributed significantly to the 2007 - 08 Yearbook including; 

Sue Christie, 3. Running Jodie identity Sheehan, Gary McGinty, Kylie Bloodworth and Jill Ritter. 

Produced and Designed by Sports and Entertainment Group Ltd 

4. Logotype only 

www.sportsandentertainment.com.au 

E&OE 



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