2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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Reflecting on the year that was, as we do when look-ing forward, the bigger picture that we work towards shows that we continue to bring out the best in our organisation. Sure, there are areas of improvement that we are working on but overall, Softball SA have been on a steady march towards positive change, best practice on and off the diamond and modernising processes to stay in touch with the rest of the sporting industry. 2019/20 will be much of the same but with the guidance of a new strategic plan, aligned with our governing body, Softball Australia, we will focus on sustainability, community and participant develop-ment opportunities.

Retention matters! Just when we thought we had ar-rested the 20-year decline in membership numbers, including three years of growth, the last two years have seen a reduction. Not due to the lack of recruit-ment with close to 700 new or returning members registering this year. This highlights, yet again, the call to action to all associations and their clubs, regard-ing retention, which was highlighted before the end of the 3-year Association Club Development Officer (ACDO) program. If this area is ignored, we will con-tinue to look at further decline in membership num-bers.

Participation opportunities are at our fingertips with the recent school sport figures in SA showing that there are more than 15,000 students participating in softball at schools around the state. Clubs are very much encouraged to have a working relationship with schools in and around your local areas to best tap into these participants and maximising the potential members using the self-funding program, Sporting Schools.

We are promoting a sport that actually means some-thing to many softball fanatics locally, nationally and internationally. Softball SA is leading the country in promoting the sport of softball; television (free to air), social media, print and events have catapulted our name and brand further and wider than ever before.

This year we signed a two-year deal with nation-al broadcaster, NITV (SBS Group) who aired games across Australia on Sunday afternoons, we had great feedback from the station and good ratings numbers as well. Channel 44 (SA Community TV) have contin-ued the support of our great game with a third year of showing games (mostly on Friday nights with several replays throughout the week and out of season).

Our Social media platforms were red-hot this year with 80% growth in Facebook likes (figures provid-ed by https://www.shunt.com.au/sa/) and with this growth we overtook every other state (for softball) in Australia with now over 6000 likes. We started our In-stagram page, which has had great reach. It is video views that have helped us break records, create history and become televised and it is all thanks to the ‘Space-quake Sports effect’. Many thanks to David Muggle-ton and his team at Spacequake Sports.

We thank all media for their support mainstream and local/regional journalists that also have softball fea-tured throughout the summer, especially Robert Laid-law and Ben Hook who both have continued their amazing work in the Advertiser and Sunday Mail.

Development pathways received a boost with the suc-cessful application for funding from the Office for Rec, Sport and Racing. Their help with the recruitment of a Pathways Development Office and their direction in-cluding funding obligations have helped to ensure the Dragons Program continues. I’m very much looking forward to what the next couple of years may deliver with this funding.

State Team performances don’t tell the full story of how far we’ve come and a credit to the State Team officials and players for their commitment and con-tribution to the program. The SA Starz (Open Wom-en) team fell 1 run short of Gilley’s Shield success and were runner-up, our best result in 46 years. New Head Coach, Morgan Young was able to lead his team to the final. The U17 Girls also made the final in a home tournament.

Our new strategic plan has been completed with great positivity for a brighter future, but it will not come without us all rolling up our sleeves and contributing, from my operational team to local teams and clubs, mums and dads, State reps, the board and committee members.

This year we had a number of changes in staff and Board Directors;We farewelled Simone Thompson from the Board, after eight years of service. She was always consid-ering the bigger picture and helped the organisation with some big changes. Hopefully it’s not a retirement

form the sport all-together as she has become a valued member her club and State Women’s team as a statis-tician.

Also, Daniella DiGirolamo had to step away due to a number of other commitments, we thank her for her time on the Board the last year.

Alice Prokopec started out with the organisation in July 2017 in what was only an 8-week contract. 18 months later, Alice chose to move on from the organ-isation after playing a massive role with some major events including the DENSO vs Aussie Spirit series and left with a bang after a very successful U17 Na-tional Championship in January this year.

Wess Frances completed his 3-year term as the ACDO. Always one to put everything into his work, he un-covered critical information and data regarding the retention of the membership, assisted all associations during the three years, providing a valuable resource to the membership. During that period, he also helped to establish the Dragons program that has now been engrained into the organisation and is the flagship development program for our pathways. Finally, he also ended his tenure as State Coordinator of Coach-ing, putting record numbers of coaches through the accreditation program. During this period, Wess was honoured for his voluntary work with the Chairman’s award as Coaching Coordinator in 2014 and Dragons Coordinator in 2018, becoming the only person to have won the award three times.

The efforts of the Softball SA staff are not to be forgot-ten, many thanks to Kelsey Knuckey, Mandy Layden and Morgan Young for your tremendous work this year. All have contributed above expectations, here’s to another great year ahead.

My final acknowledgement and thanks are to the soft-ball community at large and in particular to those that volunteer their time for the love of the game, promot-ing a positive and inclusive culture and of course the betterment of the sport.

It with great pleasure to present the 2018/19 annual report, it is filled with good times and great achieve-ments and I hope you, the reader, enjoy the look back

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On behalf of the Softball SA Inc. Board of Directors, it gives me great pleasure to present to you the 2019 Annual Report, marking the 75th year of softball in South Australia.

Over the past 12 months as the Chair, I have been driving the focus of the Board on the business of governance, finance, risk and strategy for managing our sport in South Australia. At times, this can be a difficult task when our dedicated volunteers are so entrenched in our communities. To this end I want to thank the following people for giv-ing back to the sport and the endless hours of commitment to ensure we are moving in the right direction; Andrea Collett, Karyn Dale, Kim Evans, Janell Behrendt, Paul Brooking and Stuart Mossman. In addi-tion, I would like to say a special thank you to Daniella Di Girolamo for her short but effective tenure on the Board, and to Sim-one Thompson who resigned after eight great years of service. Additionally, a sad but fond farewell to Janell Behrendt for her valued contribution in just over four years on the Board.

I am pleased to report a significant improve-ment in our financial result from last year. The published result is effectively a breakev-en position, this excludes an anticipated FY 2018/19 dividend of approximately $7,000 from Diamond Sports, which is anticipated to be received this November and effective-ly posts a slight surplus result for our organ-isation. This year’s result also includes a significant decrease in grants and sponsor-ship income, together with increased costs of doing business, all of which was large-ly managed through salary savings and increased officials, teams and program in-come. The Board remains focused on fur-ther improving its budgeting and reporting processes and has budgeted to control costs and maximise revenue opportunities in this financial year.

The Board released the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan at the recent Club Development Day. This plan has set the way for the coming three years with a vision of being a game for all, for life, through being a thriving,

innovative and inclusive sport for the South Aus-tralian community. It focuses on participation, high-performance success, and working collabora-tively to build a sustainable softball organisation in South Australia. A number of operational plans and projects will roll out over the coming months and years to achieve these goals.

On the field this year we once again showed strength in our state teams with some excellent results and improvements on previous years. We also had a quite a number of players and officials selected in Australian squads and teams and others in devel-opment sides. Strategically, this is important for softball in the state and we will continue to focus on developing our members and high-performance pathways.

We cannot continue to grow without the engage-ment and support of key business partnerships. I would like to acknowledge West Beach Parks, the Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing, and Sport SA for their significant support of softball in SA over the past year. I would also like to acknowl-edge the support of our commercial partners that include Bendigo Bank, Easton and Emmsee Sports, as well as a very special mention to Statewide Su-per for their very generous support as a part of their Women in Sport sponsorship program. I encourage you to support our partners at every opportunity.

We saw the operating team of Softball SA grow over this past year with the addition of two part-time roles: a Marketing and Partnerships Coordi-nator and a Pathways Development Officer. This will enable us to grow the business and focus on forming and maintaining long-term commercial relationships with like-minded business, as well as improve the skills and experience of our members through effective and professional pathways of de-velopment.

I would like to thank James Harris – Executive Of-ficer, Kelsey Knuckey – Sport and Admin Support Officer, Mandy Layden – Marketing and Partner-ships Coordinator, and Morgan Young – Pathways Development Officer for their work and for the commitment to becoming a highly effective strate-gic office.

CH

AIRMAN

’S REPORT

In addition to our paid staff, we are fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers who give up their own time and provide their skills and professional expertise to Softball SA for very little in return. I would sincerely like to thank these hard-working people who help our sport to continue operating at the level that enables us to grow and move forward.

I would specifically like to acknowledge Annie Fidge as High-Performance Coordinator, Jacqui Dunn as the Chair of the State Teams’ Committee, Lindy Rattigan as the State Scoring Coordinator, Robert Weaver and Graham O’Neill for the dedi-cation to maintaining our grounds, and Steve Wal-lace-Yarrow as the State Umpire in Chief. I would also like to acknowledge Jacqui Crafter who has recently been appointed as State Coaching Coor-dinator.

It was great to see so many of our affiliates deliver well-organised and successful events over the year. Specifically, Riverland hosted the Junior State Championship over the March (Adelaide Cup) long weekend and their annual Riverland Mas-ters tournament over the June (Queen’s Birthday) long weekend; Port Pirie hosted the State Masters Games in April; and Hills live streamed a broad-cast of their Men’s Grand Final. Looking ahead, I wish both Hills and GDSA all the best for their up-coming events in the Labour Day Junior Carnival and the Junior State Championships, respectively.Also of note is the successful running of the Un-der 17 Boys and Girls National Championships held at West Beach in January. Hosting a nation-al championship is a privilege and one that states must apply for. The event was well executed due to the efforts of the Softball SA office and a large and dedicated group of volunteers. I thank you all for your efforts across all these marquee events, but also a large thanks to our community of supporters and especially to the athletes.

I would also like to acknowledge the work of Jim Manning and the Adelaide Competition Commit-tee (ACC) for their hard work over the past season and the positive changes that have resulted due to the work of this group.

In closing, I would like to thank every one of you who are helping create a positive future for Softball in South Australia. Our community of dedicated athletes, officials, staff, volunteers, family and friends should be commended. There is still a lot of work to do and I hope that in continuing to work together, we will continue to achieve results and maximise the positive impact for our great sport.

Uby FaddoulChairman

CH

AIRMAN

’S REPORT

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Reflecting on the year that was, as we do when looking forward, the bigger picture that we work towards shows that we continue to bring out the best in our organisation. Sure, there are areas of improvement that we are working on but overall, Softball SA have been on a steady march towards positive change, best practice on and off the diamond and modernising processes to stay in touch with the rest of the sporting industry. 2019/20 will be much of the same but with the guidance of a new strategic plan, aligned with our governing body, Softball Australia, we will focus on sustainability, community and participant development opportunities.

Retention matters! Just when we thought we had arrested the 20-year decline in membership numbers, including three years of growth, the last two years have seen a reduction. Not due to the lack of recruitment with close to 700 new or returning members registering this year. This highlights, yet again, the call to action to all associations and their clubs, regarding retention, which was highlighted before the end of the 3-year

Association Club Development Officer (ACDO) program. If this area is ignored, we will continue to look at further decline in membership numbers.

Participation opportunities are at our fingertips with the recent school sport figures in SA showing that there are more than 15,000 students participating in softball at schools around the state. Clubs are very much encouraged to have a working relationship with schools in and around your local areas to best tap into these participants and maximising the potential members using the self-funding program, Sporting Schools.

We are promoting a sport that actually means something to many softball fanatics locally, nationally and internationally. Softball SA is leading the country in promoting the sport of softball; television (free to air), social media, print and events have catapulted our name and brand further and wider than ever before.

This year we signed a two-year deal with national broadcaster, NITV (SBS Group) who aired games across Australia on Sunday afternoons, we had

great feedback from the station and good ratings numbers as well. Channel 44 (SA Community TV) have continued the support of our great game with a third year of showing games (mostly on Friday nights with several replays throughout the week and out of season).

Our Social media platforms were red-hot this year with 80% growth in Facebook likes (figures provided by https://www.shunt.com.au/sa/) and with this growth we overtook every other state (for softball) in Australia with now over 6000 likes. We started our Instagram page, which has had great reach. It is video views that have helped us break records, create history and become televised and it is all thanks to the ‘Spacequake Sports effect’. Many thanks to David Muggleton and his team at Spacequake Sports.

We thank all media for their support mainstream and local/regional journalists that also have softball featured throughout the summer, especially Robert Laidlaw and Ben Hook who both have continued their amazing work in the Advertiser and Sunday Mail.

Development pathways received a boost with the successful application for funding from the Office for Rec, Sport and Racing. Their help with the recruitment of a Pathways Development Officer and their direction including funding obligations have helped to ensure the Dragons Program continues. I’m very much looking forward to what the next couple of years may deliver with this funding.

State Team performances don’t tell the full story of how far we’ve come and a credit to the State Team officials and players for their commitment and contribution to the program. The SA Starz (Open Women) team fell one run short of Gilley’s Shield success and were runner-up, our best result in 46 years. New Head Coach, Morgan Young was able to lead his team to the final. The U17 Girls also made the final in a home tournament.

Our new strategic plan has been completed with great positivity for a brighter future, but it will not come without us all rolling up our sleeves and contributing, from my operational team to local teams and clubs, mums and dads, State reps, the board and committee members.

EO REPO

RT

This year we had a number of changes in staff and Board Directors;We farewelled Simone Thompson from the Board, after eight years of service. She was always considering the bigger picture and helped the organisation with some big changes. Hopefully it’s not a retirement from the sport all-together as she has become a valued member her club and State Women’s team as a statistician.

Also, Daniella DiGirolamo had to step away due to a number of other commitments, we thank her for her time on the Board the last year.

Alice Prokopec started out with the organisation in July 2017 in what was only an 8-week contract. 18 months later, Alice chose to move on from the organisation after playing a massive role with some major events including the DENSO vs Aussie Spirit series and left with a bang after a very successful U17 National Championship in January this year.

Wess Frances completed his 3-year term as the ACDO. Always one to put everything into his work, he uncovered critical information and data regarding the retention of the membership, assisted all associations during the three years, providing a valuable resource to the membership. During that period, he also helped to establish the Dragons program that has now been engrained into the organisation and is the flagship development program for our pathways. Finally, he also ended his tenure as State Coordinator of Coaching, putting record numbers of coaches through the accreditation program. During this period, Wess was honoured for his voluntary work with the Chairman’s award as Coaching Coordinator in 2014 and Dragons Coordinator in 2018, becoming the only person to have won the award three times.

The efforts of the Softball SA staff are not to be forgotten, many thanks to Kelsey Knuckey, Mandy Layden and Morgan Young for your tremendous work this year. All have contributed above expectations, here’s to another great year ahead.

My final acknowledgement and thanks are to the softball community at large and in particular to those that volunteer their time for the love of the game, promoting a positive and inclusive culture and of course the betterment of the sport.

It with great pleasure to present the 2018/19 annual report, it is filled with good times and great achievements and I hope you, the reader, enjoy the look back.

James HarrisExecutive Officer

EO REPO

RT

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LIFE MEM

BERS

HALL O

F FAME

1950 Miss E Summers* 1982 Mr L Tyler OAM1951 Miss J Irwin* 1987 Mrs L Brown

1958 Mrs K Correll 1989 Miss V Scarman*1961 Miss K Sims* 1993 Mr R Coombe*

1962 Mrs O Radloff* 2002 Mr A McAuliffe1963 Miss M Parslow* 2003 Mrs L Birks

1969 Mrs L Mildren 2005 Mrs J Williams1972 Mrs M Pollard* 2008 Mr K Sampson

1975 Miss J Cahill 2009 Mrs R Robinson1975 Miss M Laing* 2009 Mrs H Baker

1976 Miss Ry Adey OAM* 2012 Mr N Lawrance1977 Miss N Whittingham 2012 Ms L Rattigan

1982 Mr L Tyler OAM 2014 Mrs T Connolly2017 Mr L Hull

(*deceased)

Ms R Adey OAM* Mrs D Mason*Ms J Cheesman Mrs M Pollard*

Ms M Laing* Ms R Strapps Ms K Maloney Ms N WhittinghamMs B Phillips Mrs L BrownMs J Stevens Mrs J DaleMs L White Mr J McAuliffe

Mrs B Bawden Ms L MartinMrs T Connolly Mrs K Sims*Mr A McAuliffe Mrs S Tomlinson

(*deceased)

2018-19 SNAPSH

OT

2328Registered Members

1041 Senior Members- 876 Female- 165 Male

986 Junior Members- 704 Female- 282 Male 08

Adelaide ClubsGlenelg Rebels

Legends (Minor Club)Port Adelaide Magpies

Southern Districts (Minor Club)Sturt Falcons

Walkerville CatsWest Torrens Eagles

10Associations

Broken HillCentral Districts

Gawler & DistrictsHills

MFSAMount Gambier

NAMSAPort PirieRiverlandSunraysia

301Registered Officials258 On-Field Officials

43 Off-Diamond Officials

116State Representatives

81Dragons Participants

47Australian Squad

Members

6205Facebook Likes

PAGE 12

The new role of Pathway Development Officer for Softball SA has been funded via a grant through the Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR) with this role commencing in December 2018. The role is therefore in place to support the delivery of agreed obligations with the ORSR.

The main outcomes of this role are to:• Manage SSA’s current Junior Development Program (including all components of the Dragons Program)• Create and implement SA-wide structured pathway programs for specialised player and coach development that can be measured and demonstrated• Create networks with other industry professionals to provide support to pathway programs.

To achieve the agreed outcomes outlined above, it was clear that in order to take our players from sub-elite to high performance that coaching education (across all our State associations) is critical. Coaching mentors have been identified with respect to ongoing involvement in coaching education programs.The best way we can collaborate as a State on our development pathways better is by taking State program initiatives back to a club level, obtaining club coach buy-in and therefore obtaining a “best practice” mentality and approach State-wide.

Specialised programs have been identified and implemented consisting of: Speed Training, Battery Training, Strength and Conditioning (S&C), Short Play, Hitting, Fielding, and Psychological aspects of being successful “creating success”.

A new S&C program have been implemented with two S&C coaches, Ben Lucas (S&C South Adelaide Football Club and Adelaide Club Competition Softball Coach) and Alex Mackay (State junior coach + Adelaide Club Competition A grade player) as part of the Dragons Programs. Coaching education as well as players. We have continued with Cathy Lambert and the Sprint Program, on a broader scale in 2019, throughout the SA Softball Community (through the Dragons Program) with this program being implemented and a proven success in development of biomechanics and speed mechanics and their fundamentals.

All our programs are inclusive of both metro and regional areas. Coaching education is of utmost importance in the regional areas.

To establish a state-wide “best practice” way to coach and educate our players is the ultimate goal based on consistent and focussed direction – best practice, to achieve continued proven results. Our approach to the Speed Training program (Starz in 2019, 16 stolen bases compared to 3 in 2018) has shown that consistency and frequency of programs is paramount.

Little League International; a relationship based on a pathway progression program and international opportunities to explore best practices used around the world, as well as provide another competition in the off-season. South Australia did not participate in the Little League International series in 2019 as it was decided that due to a duty of care to our players and officials, which is paramount, was not guaranteed due to the security concerns of the series host being Jakarta, Indonesia. We will review the details of the 2020 series and hope to be able to participate as we did in 2018.

The ORSR are assisting SSA with softball events and programs as well as providing specialist coaches to assist when and where appropriate.

The outcome of a more state-wide inclusive culture of development opportunities and greater pathways for Softball SA’s developing players and officials will ensure Softball SA’s continued competitive edge in state and national competitions and ultimately our fair share of international representation coming from South Australia.

The new international rule changes and associated opportunities for Australian team selections being available to much younger athletes make the times ahead for South Australian Softball look very bright.

Morgan YoungPathway Development Officer

DRAG

ON

S PROG

RAM

PAGE 15

My report is a formal introduction as the new Marketing and Partnership Coordinator, a newly developed position for Softball SA with an update on work carried out to date.

Qualification, experience and skills that saw me successfully secure this new position, come all the way from Bonnie Scotland, where my family emigrated from 12 months ago. One of my recent roles was Development Manager for the world famous 7stanes Mountain Bike Trails. This was a not-for-profit organisation whose remit was to develop a robust and sustainable funding model to ensure the long-term promotion of the 7stanes Mountain Biking trail centres. Other experience I brings to the table, includes project management, partnership management, community engagement, events, finance and digital marketing. Accumulatively, a great fit for the position.

The main responsibilities of the Marketing and Partnership Coordinator include:• Grow and retain our membership base and increase member engagement• Oversee all facets of marketing and communications associated with the organisation, working closely with the EO and other key stakeholders• Work with the EO to create, foster and manage high-level business partnerships• Implement PR, media, communications and activations strategies to build awareness• Manage, develop and create proactive and reactive media opportunities and crisis management communications • Create content across a broad range of channels to build and grow the Softball SA (SSA) corporate brand and achieve marketing and organisational objectives.

Areas of work in progress include:• Completed a work plan with key performance

indicators and timeline.• Helped develop an operational workplan from

the new strategic plan 2019-22.• Commenced work on an overarching marketing

plan.• Reviewed digital analytics and commenced

work on a social media content strategy.• Created up-to-date participation information.• Gathered information for partnership proposals.• Mapped businesses as potential partnerships

targets.• Secured extended partnership funding from a

current key partner.• Joined the organising committee for 2019

Australian Masters.• Commenced work with the Sport and Admin

Support Officer to organise a Masters softball social event.

• Joined the organising team for Softball SA’s 75th birthday event.

• Commenced community engagement.

To help Softball SA attract more business partnerships and achieve out marketing and fundraising goals, please feel free to contact me on marketing@softballsa.com.au with any business contacts or other feedback and information.

I am looking forward to the challenges this position will face whilst making an impression in the softball world.

Mandy LaydenMarketing and Partnership Coordinator

SPORT SA AW

ARDS

Softball SAWinner: Community

Event of the Year

Georgia HoodWinner: Country

Athlete of the Year

MARKETIN

G &

PARTNERSH

IPS

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Softball SA held a variety of events in the 2018/19 season, drawing in some great crowd numbers. The major highlight for the season was hosting the combined Under 17 Boys and Girls National Championships in January 2019 and seeing the Under 17 Girls finish second overall.

Club Development DayThe 2018 Club Development Day was held on the 28th – 29th July, with around 50 club and association members attending from across the state.Throughout the weekend the members were presented several topics from the SSA Board members, SSA State Umpiring, Coaching and Scoring Coordinators along with ‘best practice’ presentations form two associations, CDSA and Hills on their suc-cessful junior programs.

23rd Labour Day TournamentThe 23rd Labour Day Tournament was held over the October Long weekend, fielding 26 teams through five age groups (Boys and Girls) with teams travelling from Northern Territory (1), Victoria (10) and South Aus-tralia (15).

Results:Under 18 Girls Premiers Sturt NavyRunner Up Sturt Blue

Under 15 GirlsPremiers Victoria

DiamondsRunner Up Sturt Falcons

Under 16 BoysPremiers Hills GreenRunner Up Victoria Vipers

Under 13 GirlsPremiers Sturt NavyRunner Up Sturt Port

Adelaide

Under 13 MixedPremiers Victoria LightingRunner Up Hills

20th Junior State Championships Riverland Softball Association hosted the 20th Ju-nior State Championships for the first time since 2004.

Results:

Under 17 Girls - Division 1Premiers SturtRunner Up Sturt

Under 17 Girls - Division 2Premiers WalkervilleRunner Up Riverland

Under 15 Girls - Division 1Premiers HillsRunner Up Sturt

Under 15 Girls - Division 2Premiers Port AdelaideRunner Up Glenelg

Under 13 Girls - Division 1Premiers HillsRunner Up Sturt

Under 13 Girls - Division 2Premiers CDSARunner Up Port Adelaide

Under 13 BoysPremiers HillsRunner Up Hills/Riverland

Under 15 BoysPremiers Hills/RiverlandRunner Up CDSA

SOFTBALL SA EVEN

TS

2019 Under 17 Boys and Girls National Championship

West Beach was once again host to a National Championship, this one, the combined Under 17 Boys and Girls. Adelaide has now hosted the U17 Boys six times and the U17 Girls seven times.

The attendance during this event was fantastic, and those who couldn’t make it down to West Beach were able to watch every night game and Grand Finals live streamed on Facebook and YouTube thanks to Spacequake sports.

The live streaming of the games was great media exposure for our sport along with Channel 7 News live cross for their Sunday night weather coverage.

This event was planned, organised and run like clockwork by the Softball SA Office Staff and was a great ending to Alice’s time working for us. Many thanks to the army of volunteers including Sue Knuckey, Hay-ley Bonython, Jesse Dreswick, Ian Lilburn, Natalie Lilburn and Julie Rocco just to name a few

The week saw both South Australian teams, Boys and Girls perform to great standards with the Girls finishing second overall to NSW.

SOFTBALL SA EVEN

TS

PAGE 18

Senior State ChampionshipsThe 63rd Senior State Championships (26th - 28th January 2019) was held over two and a half days, hosting 20 teams.

Due to no A Grade Women’s division this year the highest grade to claim the title was the B Grade Women, which was won by Mount Gambier as the standout team.

MFSA was the A Grade Men’s premiers, with Travis Ashman (NAMSA) and Jarryd Farrell (Hills) being named joint MVPs.

The annual Emmsee Sportswear Home Run Derby was again run on the Saturday night of competition. The winners were Cody Manning (Mt Gambier) for the second year in a row and Luke Andrews (MFSA) who each received Emmsee Sportswear vouch-ers.

Results: 2019 Men’s Team of The YearPitcher Jarryd Farrell NAMSAPitcher Laurie Peters MFSACatcher James Harris MFSAFirst Base Dan Waters MFSASecond Base Mark Peressin MFSAThird Base Aaron Pearce HillsShort Stop Bodie Williams NAMSALeft Field Travis Ashman NAMSACentre Field Peter Atkinson HillsRight Field Damien Boxer NAMSAUtility Coen McLeod HillsUtility Kris McLeod HillsCoach Dan Waters MFSA

A Grade MenPremiers MFSA (1) Runner Up Hills (0)

B Grade MenPremiers Hills (13)Runner Up NAMSA (1)

B Grade WomenPremiers Mount Gambier (9)Runner Up CDSA (1)

C Grade WomenPremiers Adelaide (6)Runner Up Sunraysia (0)

D Grade WomenPremiers Hills (8)Runner Up Sunraysia (7)

Emmsee Homerun Derby WinnersMen Luke Andrews MFSA)Women Cody Manning

(Mt Gambier)

Mens Most Valuable Player - JointTravis Ashman NAMSAJarryd Farrell Hills

SOFTBALL SA EVEN

TS

2018-19 Softball SA and ACC Awards Night

Softball SA Annual Awards Night was held on 31st of March 2019 at the Festival Functions, Findon and provided numerous highlights from an out-standing year of softball moments.

Ben Hook was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening once again, after raving reviews form the year before. Interviewing of the State coaches was introduced this year to provide a different feel during the State Team portion of the evening. This change came with positive feedback from attendees

Guests were once again treated to the vocal talents of Kelly O’Brien and various Spacequake Sports video highlights.

The formal and professional presentation for the annual event was warmly received by all in atten-dance, including sponsors, partners, Life Members, Hall of Famers and other VIPs, with the major highlight of the evening being, no doubt, the pre-sentation of the 50th Kath Correll Medal (ACC A Grade MVP).

Other major award recipients included:

Robert ‘Roo’ Weaver Trophy Volunteer of the Year

Hayley Bonython

Chairman’s Award Jim ManningOutstanding Achievement Award

Georgia Hood

West Beach Parks Junior Athlete of the Year

Girls: Zali AdamsBoys:Kaleb Zakelj

Umpire AwardsMarg Abbott TrophyRookie Umpire of the Year

Ella Slee

Lyle Tyler TrophyDirector of Umpiring

Ian Gray

McAuliffe TrophyACC Umpire of the Year

Damien McCauley

Softball SA Umpire of the Year

Kevin Tannebring

State Team MVPsLorraine Brown TrophyOpen Women MVP

Jailyn Ford (USA)

Open Men MVP Blake Jackson (NSW)

Under 23 Women MVP Jamie MeadIan Pike Memorial TrophyUnder 19 Women MVP

Georgia Hood

Under 19 Men MVP Harry May and Cooper Goodman

Steve Hamra TrophyUnder 17 Girls MVP

Jenny Gray

Under 17 Boys MVP Kaleb Zakelj

SOFTBALL SA EVEN

TS

PAGE 21

Riverland Softball Association again hosted held our annual, Masters Carnival from Fri-day 7th - Monday 10th June. This year saw a total of 11 teams nominate which was a great result. Due to the large number of teams and everyone wanting to play each team, we re-duced play time to 60min games. Over the course of the weekend the lead changed sev-eral times, with competition being tight.

The outcome of the overall winner came down to last games played Monday morn-ing, which saw Hills being victorious.

A highlight as always is our Sunday morn-ing novelty round with Central Masters Blue crowned the winners (dressed up as Kings and Queens).

After a long weekend of playing and the weather being nice (considering its middle of winter); We again ended a little sorer than when we began not only our muscles and legs but also our bellies from all the laughter had by all.

We would like to thank all the teams who come up and participate each year. We as an association love hosting people in our beautiful region and enjoy being able to hold this year after year. We look forward too many more to come. So, pencil it into your diary ladies June long weekend come on up, gain some amazing memories and meet new friends playing the game we all love.

Carnival TableTeam W D L PtsHills 8 0 2 16Allsorts 8 0 2 16Riverland 7 0 3 14Gawler 6 0 4 12Valkyries 6 0 4 12Pt Adelaide 5 1 4 11Cobdogla 5 1 4 11Pt Pirie 5 0 5 10Central Red 2 0 8 4Misfits 2 0 8 4Central Blue 0 0 10 0

Monica HaajaRiverland Softball Association

RIVERLAND

MASTERS

A Grade WomenPremiers WalkervilleRunner Up West TorrensGF MVP Desi GiamarelosB&F Katie Sutherland-Finch

C Grade WomenPremiers SturtRunner Up Glenelg NavyB&F Tara Andrews

Under 17 - Division 1Premiers SturtRunner Up Seacombe

Under 15 - Division 1Premiers SeacombeRunner Up Sturt

Under 13 - Division 1Premiers HillsRunner Up Glenelg

ACC AwardsA Grade Rookie of the Year

Zali Adams

Most Successful ClubJunior Division

Sturt

Most Successful ClubSenior Division

Sturt

B Grade WomenPremiers WalkervilleRunner Up West TorrensB&F Hayley Bonython

and Alice Prokopec

D Grade WomenPremiers SturtRunner Up SeacombeB&F Marianne Floyd

Under 17 - Division 2Premiers Port AdelaideRunner Up Walkerville

Under 15 - Division 2Premiers SturtRunner Up Port Adelaide

Under 13 - Division 2Premiers Sturt BlueRunner Up Sturt White

Team of the YearPitcher Jesse Dreswick Walk.Pitcher Katie

Sutherland-FinchPt. Adel

Catcher Bel White SturtFirst Base Kelsey Knuckey WTSCSecond Base Faith Pickard WTSC

Third Base Lana Kaesler WTSCShort Stop Jordan Lambert WTSCOutfield Ada Caruana SturtOutfield Vicky Mcfarland Pt AdelOutfield Maddie Cameron SturtUtility Georgia Hood HillsUtility Sophie Hoyle WTSCCoach Sue Tomlinson Walk.

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A Grade Premiers USC BearsGF Best on Ground Nikki HomannB&F Bronwyn

PendletonR/Up B&F Anne-Marie

Wilkinsonand Chantelle Lewis

C Grade Premiers Phantoms

PurpleGF Best on Ground Hantie

PretoriusB&F Hantie

PretoriusR/Up B&F Stacey Rutlan

Division 4 Premiers Road RunnersGF Best on Ground Rebecca CordesB&F Tanya EdmundsR/Up B&F Grace Haldane

and Zoey Brady

Under 13Premiers USC CubsGF Best on Ground Isaac Saunders

Division 1Premiers KangasB&F Sally GreenR/UP B&F Nikki Schiller

Under 17Premiers Two WellsB&F Jaye CarsonR/UP B&F Jack Ruediger

Associaiton AwardsPresident’s Trophy Bob BartelsSenior Umpire Bob BartelsJunior Umpire Rachel BryanScorers Trophy Brooke StortonMost Runs Scored Kangas D1 Club Champ Shield Kangas

B Grade Premiers TigersGF Best on Ground Mel WilsonB&F Mel Wilson and

Veronica Geesing

R/Up B&F Natasha Garrad and Jody Hobbs

C Grade - Division 2 Premiers TigersGF Best on Ground Naomi James

Under 16 Premiers Valley View EaglesGF Best on Ground Jenna SandersonB&F Christian RothallR/Up B&F Ashleigh Fiedler and

Nahlia Rigby

Association AwardsPerson of the Year Judith LukasPlayers of the Year Hantie PretoriusSenior Umpire of the Year

Judith Lukas

Junior Umpire of the Year

Jeremy Mortimer

Best First year Umpire Chris Taylor

Division 2Premiers BluejaysB&F Kerry HartupR/UP B&F Emma Perry

Under 13Premiers KangasB&F Zoe DoudleR/UP B&F Jalanie Gross

State Championship AwardsC Grade MVP Carlijn HillD Grade MVP Annabel UngerU13 Boys MVP Jaye CarsonU13 Boys Batting Patrick HancockU13 Girls MVP Neve Cammans

Central Districts Softball Association

Gawler & Districts Softball Association

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A Grade WomenPremiers Torrens ValleyMVP Tessa NorrisR/UP MVP Kim Cutting

C Grade WomenPremiers Pirates/MacclesfieldMVP Mandy BottroffR/UP MVP Glenys Megson

Men - Division 1Premiers HahndorfMVP Cooper

GoodmanR/UP MVP Jarryd Farrell

Under 15 MixedPremiers Torrens ValleyMVP Charlie ShearerR/UP MVP Axel Westren-Schapel

B Grade WomenPremiers Hahndorf BlackMVP Jackie PocockR/UP MVP Michelle Gore

Men - Division 2Premiers PiratesMVP Peters AtkinsonR/UP MVP Jack Vonow

Under 13 MixedPremiers Hahndorf WhiteMVP Will TrevorrowR/UP MVP Archie King

Hills Heat TeamsA Grade Women 5th PlaceUnder 13 Div 1 Premiers

Mattingly Perpetual Shield (Most Runs Scored)

U13 Mixed Torrens Valley (202 Runs)Tony Snell Memorial Trophy

Cooper Goodman (Redsox)Bob Crowhurst Shield

Tessa Norris (Strathalbyn) Smith Builders Perpetual Trophy for U16

GirlsLily Byfield (Redsox Blue)

Jessie Gill Perpetual Trophy for U16 BoysCharlie Shearer (Hahndorf)Senior Umpire of the Year

Scott Fairley (Hahndorf)Junior Umpire of the Year

Oliver Askew (Echunga)President’s Trophy

Kelvin Williams

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State ChampionsBack to back State Championships for the MFSA. Once again represented by the Nairne Angels, it is the association’s third state title. MFSA would like to express our sincere thanks again to the Hills Association for releasing a handful of our regular play-ers to ensure we not only had a team but ul-timately, a viable competition. It is this in-clusive, cohesive and forward thinking that allows our sport to continue to develop and elevate men’s fastpitch in South Australia.

MFSA also had a dominant presence in the Home Run Derby. MFSA junior, Luke An-drews casually launched long ball after long ball to claim the title and an Emmsee Sports-wear voucher for his troubles.

State Championship Awards Team of the YearPitcher Laurie PeterCacther James HarrisFirst Base Dan WatersSecond Base Mark PeressinCoach Dan Waters

International In February, the Aussie Steelers squad un-dertook a tour to New Zealand to play in the TAB Challenge, headed up by SA’s Jarryd Farrell (2017 World Championships Silver medallist). From all accounts, Farrell and the Steelers held their own but were hum-bled by the two NZ teams and eventual vic-tors Japan.

Softball SA Umpire of the year award winner and MFSA representative, Damien McCauley, had a busy 12-months including two European tours - 2018 Intercontinental Cup in Czech Republic and then across to the Netherlands for the European Super Cup, Damien then returned to Europe for the 2019 Mens World Championships in June. Congratulations Damo!

Spacequake Sports Dave Muggleton and his team at Spacequake Sports have continued their support of the Mens game off the success of last year’s State Mens All*Star game and this year produced and live-streamed more Mens games than ever before. These games included the State Men’s vs All-Stars game, U17 Boys National Championships and the Hills Mens Grand Final with each live stream recording im-pressive viewing numbers in comparison with oth-er live streams. We hope this partnership contin-ues to grow and ultimately see more Men’s games streamed to meet global viewer demands.

Social MediaAs the popularity of Mens’ Fastpitch goes from strength to strength, MFSA will continue to bring Fastpitch to the fans via our social media platforms also leveraging our partnership with Al’s Fastball (www.alsfastball.com) and Spacequake Sports.

Men’s Fastpitch Softball Associaition

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State and National Representatives MFSA would finally like to take the time to for-mally recognise and congratulate their members that went on to represent our state and country in 2018/19:

Open MenOfficials Don Paters (Asst.)

James Harris (Asst.)Paegan Hall (Man)Kathy Paters (Stats)

Players Jarryd FarrellSheldon HallJames HarrisScott HumphrysSam PaturisLaurie PetersDan Paterson

Under 19 MenOfficials Geoff May (HC)

Alex Mackay (Asst.)Jo Liddell (Man)Courtney May (Stats)

Open WomenOfficials Morgan Young (HC)

Under 17 BoysOfficials Kelvin Williams (HC)

Meg Chaplin (Asst.)Kylie Barrington (Man)Josh Goodman (Stats)

Players Oliver AskewCuba BuckskinJames GoslettTom MegsonJames MelvilleTallis RichardsonKaleb ZakeljSamuel Zweck

Under 19 MenPlayers Cooper Goodman

Jack HopkinsLiam LucasBen MarshHarry MaySam PaturisKye Sinnott

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Division 1Premiers Valley ViewB&F Scott HumphrysR/UP B&F Bodie WilliamsGF MVP Scott HumphrysRising Star Kyle Smith

Team of the YearPitcher Travis Ashman TigersPitcher Scott Humphrys EaglesCatcher Willy Baker TigersFirst Base Dennis

WilliamsonDemons

Second Base Dan Peterson EagleThird Base Cooper

GoodmanDemons

Premiers DemonsRunner UP Warriors BlueGF MVP Grace MillardB&F Leyna

BruggermannR/UP B&F Nicole Vause

A1 WomenPremiers TigersB&F Amber SteffR/UP B&F Rachel

Ciampi andSam Burt

A3 WomenPremiers CougarsB&F Karen BoweringR/UP B&F Michelle

Williams

Under 13Premiers CheckmatesB&F Bridie Ellis/

NunnR/UP B&F Alyssa Ganley

and Cohen Tee

Senior State Championship MVPNAMSA Blue Hayden VenningNAMSA Red Travis Ashman

Short Stop Bodie Williams DemonsOutfield Damien Boxer DemonsOutfield Daniel Adamson DemonsOutfield Jayd Burns DemonsUtility Sam Paturis EaglesUtility Adrian Philp Phantoms

Batting Average Nicole VauseR/UP Batting Average Cody ManningRunners Batted In (RBI) Cody ManningR/UP RBI Leyna

Bruggermann

A2 WomenPremiers CougarsB&F Kristy O’NeillR/UP B&F Sam Youngman

Under 17Premiers Solly CatsB&F Jarylee BrownR/UP B&F Jesse Skipworth

Nothern Area Mens Softball Associaition

Mount Gambier Softball Associaition

Port Pirie Softball Associaition

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Division 1Premiers CobdoglaRunners Up Loxton BlueBest on Ground Julie CookB&F Caleb KoehneR/UP B&F Kathy Johnson

Rising Star AwardShakaya Aitken-Glass Loxton Blue

Senior All StarsCaleb Koehne Loxton BlueKathy Johnson Loxton GreenAmy Gardner RenmarkChloe Passmore CobdoglaCara Venning Loxton Blue

A GradePremiers EaglesRunners Up Bears

Seinor MVP Bec CoombesJunior MVP Kulyha Lyons

Division 2Premiers LyrupRunners Up BerriBest on Ground Hannah BrauerB&F Lara Brauer and

Rachel HumbleR/UP B&F Kale Karpany

Shakaya Aitken-Glass Loxton BlueCodie Tilbrook RenmarkAllison Stokes Loxton GreenEmma Nykiel Loxton GreenSarah Armstrong Loxton Blue

A ReservePremiers Rebels Navy

R/UP Seinor MVP Kristy TelferR/UP Junior MVP Emma Martin

Riverland Softball Associaition

Sunraysia Softball Associaition

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Open Women - Starz (Mirrabooka, WA)PlayersPippa Adkins Maddie CameronJailyn Ford (USA) Amber HoodGeoegia Hood Sophie HoyleLana Kaesler Sophie KingMiho Kurita (Japan) Jordan LambertOlivia MacGinley Vicki McFarlandChelsea Robinson Sarah TonkinGracen Walk (QLD) Belinda WhiteOfficialsMorgan Young (HC) Tanya Hood

(Asst.)Sue Tomlinson (Asst.) Cathy Lambert

(Man)Simone Thompson (Stats)

Under 23 Women (Redlands, QLD)PlayersGeogie Baker Kelsea BarkerHayley Bonythoon Steph CollettAmber Hood Regan LambertCody Manning Jamie MeadBianca Ramsey Natasha StrappsRachel Tonkin Sarah TonkinMcKenzie Ween

OfficialsAndie Collett (HC) Tim Mead (Asst.)Sue Tomlinson (Asst.) Cathy Lambert

(Man)

Under 19 Women (Blacktown, NSW)PlayersZali Adams Pippa AdkinsMaddi Ashby Hayley BonythonMontana Edwards Georgia HoodJessie Keech Jordyn LeeGemma Letton Dani PerezFaith Pickard Sophie RobertsMadison Racher Karah SchultzMadi Scott McKenzie WeenOfficialsJanell Behrendt (HC) Bridget Corver

(Asst.)Belinda White (Asst.) Meegan Roberts

(Man)Marcie Trzcinski (Stats)

Under 17 Girls (West Beach, SA)PlayersNeve Adams Zali AdamsIndigo Beck de Sila Chloe CharltonClaire Collins Michaela CollinsPeyton Daniels Simi DhaliwalMillie Fidge Mary-Elise FussJenny Gray Jessie KeechAbbie Mossman Aroha MunroeKarah Schultz Zoe YoungOfficialsSteven Sims (HC) Bill Benedictson

(Asst.)Steph Trzcinski (Asst.) Kelsey Knuckey

(Man)Carla Munroe (Man) Gel Collins (Stats)

2019 STATE REPRESENTATIVES

Open Men (Hawker, ACT)PlayersDavid Barraclough (ACT) Isaac

Caloiero-SmithJarryd Farrell Sheldon HallJames Harris Bryce Heal (VIC)

Scott Humphrys Blake Jackson (NSW)

Sam Paturis Laurie PetersDan PetersonOfficialsAaron Cockman (HC) Don Peters

(Asst.)James Harris (Asst.) Paegan Hall (Man)

Kathy Peters (Stats)

Under 19 Men (Blacktown, NSW)PlayersTony Anthony (VIC) Jye Dennis (VIC)Cooper Goodman Jack HopkinsTristan Little (VIC) Liam Lucas Ben Marsh Harry HopkinsBrad Oliver (VIC) Sam PaturisKye Sinnott Caleb Sutton (QLD)

Connor Wattke (VIC)OfficialsGeoff May (HC) Alex Mackay

(Asst.)Jo Liddell (Man) Courtney May

(Stats)

Under 17 Boys (West Beach, SA)PlayersOliver Askew Jack Besgrove

(NSW)

Cuba Buckskin Connor Cameron (NSW)

Hayden Dablestien (NSW)

Adam Davey (QLD)

James Goslett Tom MegsonJames Melville Alexander Peli

(NSW)

Tallis Richardson Callum Turner (QLD)

Kaleb Zakelj Samuel ZweckOfficialsKelvin Williams (HC) Meg Chaplin

(Asst.)Kylie Barrington (Man) Josh Goodman

(Stats)

2019 STATE REPRESENTATIVES

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The 2019 Gilley’s Shield Starz group fo-cussed heavily on overcoming self-limiting beliefs and self-imposed limitations when it came to the biggest obstacles and those standing between us and the realisation of our full potential. This changing attitude and belief were a major part of achieving the success we did at the Gilley’s.

We talked about being impeccable with our word, what we were telling ourselves and where our focus was being directed. Was our “Why” strong enough to keep us focussed in the right direction? Being able to control our internal dialogue was a major part of train-ing.

Credit to all involved with the Starz for “buying in” to the philosophy, strategy and tactics I wanted to bring to the State team in order to get the greatest of success.

Although we missed out on the ultimate result, we did have many successes along the way. These suc-cesses included creating the best team culture to executing two-strike hitting adjustments brilliantly – the list does go on.

What makes this group special is their willingness to work together to positively impact those around them.

These players know that the Starz future shines bright, as do I. It’s all about perspective.

Open Women’s National ChampionshipGilley’s Shield, January 2019, Mirrabooka, WA

Head Coach, Morgan YoungStarz MVP - Jailyn Ford (USA)

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2019 saw another tough year for the Open Men at the John Reid Shield from the com-pletion to the extreme heat experienced all week.

The team comprised of seven South Aus-tralians and the remainder were picked up in the draft. This brought another chal-lenge for the team to face as many hadn’t played together previously.

We slugged it out during the week with no luck on our side until we were able to win our first game of the tournament on Thursday against Queensland 10-4. This game showed a great batting display in-cluding three homeruns. Majority of our games were close fights with one or two innings being our down-fall.

Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the fi-nals, finishing with only one win for the week.

Congratulations to Blake Jackson who won the Rookie of the Tournament Award.

Open Men’sNational

ChampionshipJohn Reid Shield, January 2019,

Hawker, ACT

Head Coach, Aaron CockmanOpen Men MVP - Blake Jackson

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For the first time in since 2007 a South Aus-tralia team had competed in the Under 23 Women’s Joyce Lester Shield. In a shortened tournament compared to the other Champi-onships, we played each team once, includ-ing a US Athletes team prior to finals.

The team ended up winning two games against VIC and ACT which landed us in the semi-final against QLD. Unfortunately, we went down to QLD 7-2 in six innings to miss out on advancing.

The Under 23 age group is an important pathway for players between the U19 and the Open levels and is great to see the team competing at National Championships and hopefully it will be a regular for South Australia in years to come.

U23 Women’s National ChampionshipJoyce Lester Shield, July 2019, Redlands, QLD

Head Coach, Andie CollettU23 Women MVP - Jamie Mead

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The team had a lot of success both on and off the field. They prepared well with excellent training sessions and worked hard on their team building as they knew that this was also a key to success.

We achieved some amazing individ-ual results in the batting scoring 61 runs and there was some spectacular fielding displays for the crowd to en-joy.

The players were disappointed to not finish second before the minor round however they came out strong and won their first final against WA. With a strong start against QLD in the second final we were unable to string together our hits on the day and lost that game to finish third overall for the week.

This team earnt a lot of respect from the other states both on and off the diamond, and the coaching staff couldn’t have been prouder of them.

U19 Women’sNational

Championship

Elinor McKenzie Shield, January 2019, Blacktown, NSW

Head Coach, Janell BehrendtU19 Women MVP - Georgia Hood

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The Under 19 Mens Team this year was a combined effort with Softball Victoria with one pickup player from Qld. Special thanks to Softball Victoria for giving the boys an opportunity to play together un-der the SA banner, from all reports, the Vic boys were terrific and showed good work ethic. Unfortunately, the results didn’t reflect the performance .

Positives that stand out for this team was the fact that these boys still have their best years in front of them and their develop-ment is now in their own hands should they want to put in some effort, listen to senior players and coaches and take on opportunities not just for themselves but for the future of boys and men’s softball in SA.

All of these boys would be well placed to put themselves up for selection in the Open Mens team in 2020 should they want to take their game to the next level

Stand out performances from Liam Lucas and the joint MVP winners Harry May and Cooper Goodman.

Thanks to Jo Liddell for the enormous amount of work she did for this team and to two amazing young ladies that showed that you don’t need to be a veteran official to help out and give back to the sport – Alex Mackay and Courtney May, you both are a credit to yourselves and the Softball SA community, you both have a long his-tory in Men’s softball ahead of you, keep up the great work.

U19 Men’sNational

ChampionshipNox Bailey Shield, January 2019,

Blacktown, NSW

Head Coach, Geoff MayU19 Men MVP -

Cooper Goodman and Harry May

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The Under 17’s had the pleasure of playing in front of a home crowd and their performances through-out the week resulted in a place in the Grand Final. Full credit to all the players involved, they were a pleasure to coach. Their hard work and commit-ment both on and off the diamond did themselves, their families and their state proud.

Our support staff and officials were a pleasure to have on hand and all stepped up to give us the best chance possible.

Our pitching staff were fantastic, and our overall team performances are getting better and better each championship. A huge thank you needs to go out to Ian Chapman for his outstanding work throughout the week, charting every game to give our battery the best chance possible against some of the strongest hitters in the age group.

I believe with more hard work, plenty of dis-cipline in all aspects of the game we can take it to the next level as majority of these girls will stay together with the age group changes in 2020.

U17 Girls’ National Championship

Ester Deason, January 2019, West Beach, SAHead Coach, Steven (Butch) Sims

U17 Girl MVP - Jenny Gray

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In what was a terrific learning experience for the boys that represented our state and to me personally, we had high hopes, a great time and the week was also quite a challenge.

Playing at ‘home’ for the first time since 2011 was a thrill for some of the boys, especially the opportunity to be broadcast on Space-quake Sports.

Thanks to the players’ parents for their sup-port and to the other states that allowed us the temporary use of a few draft players.

Our aim from the very start was to obvious-ly finish as high as we possibly could. We intended to get as many runners on base as possible, by any means we could.We saw some stand out individual perfor-mances from Cuba Buckskin, Jack Besgrove (NSW) and Kaleb Zakelj. Kaleb’s efforts were rewarded with U17 Aussie Selection and our team MVP

U17 Boys’ National ChampionshipArthur Allsopp Shield, January 2019, West Beach, SA

Head Coach, Kelvin WilliamsU17 Boy MVP - Kaleb Zakelj

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U15 Regional Championship

U15 Girls Development Blue, January 2019, Mirrabooka, WAHead Coach: Annie FidgeAssistant Coach: Jodie SmithManager: Deb PetreStatistician: Theresa Warburton

U15 Girls Development Red, January 2019, Mirrabooka, WAHead Coach: Justina AdamsAssistant Coach: Jenny DunnManager: Elisa Chillingworth

U15 Boys Development, January 2019, Hawker, ACTHead Coach: Mandy HopkinsAssistant Coach: Mandy BottroffManager: Matt SchapelStatistician: Rose Mattingly

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2019 AUSTRALIAN

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Aussie Spirit (2018)

Maddie Cameron

Japan Cup (Japan)

Jordan Lambert

Japan Cup (Japan)

Bel WhiteWorld Championships

(Japan)

Jacqui Dunn

Japan Cup (Japan)

Annie Fidge

Japan Cup (Japan)

Junior World Championships

Pippa Adkins Georgia Hood Sophie Roberts Madi Scott Janell Behrendt

TAB ChallengeJarryd Farrell

(New Zealand)

Under 14 Boys (New Zealand)Evan Hooper Harry HopkinsArchie King Fynn LangfordTheoden Stirling Will TrevorrowAjax Westren-Schapel

Under 15 Boys (Friendship Series)Taj Kite Axel Westren-SchapelEvan Hooper (Reserve)

Under 17 Boys (New Zealand)Kaleb Zakelj

Under 19 Women Pippa Adkins (Worlds) Hayley BonythonGeorgia Hood (Worlds) Sophie Roberts (Worlds)

Madi Scott (Worlds)

Open Women Maddie Cameron Georgia HoodJordan Lambert Chelsea RobinsonStephanie Trzcinski Belinda White

2019 Asia-Pacific Tournament (NSW)PlayersMaddie Cameron Georgia HoodJordan Lambert Chelsea RobinsonBelinda WhiteOfficialsJacqui Dunn

Under 14 Girls (New Zealand)Halle Adams Ruby BallardHarper Bridley Abby KennedyRaine Menzies Claire Warburton

Under 15 Girls (Friendship Series)Neve Adams Charlize

CallaghanTaylor Chillingworth Emilia DolphinRuby Fidge Jorja HooperAbi Jorgenson Georgia KingChloe Slee

Under 17 Girls (USA)Zali Adams Millie FidgeJesse Keech Aroha Munroe

(Reserve)

Open MenJarryd Farrell

2019 National Pro Fastpitch (USA)Maddie Cameron Stephanie Jordan Lambert TrzcinskiBelinda White

Australian Representation - Squads

Australian Representation - Events

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This year the South Australia Scoring pro-gram took a significant step forward… in fact, it was a giant leap – which was achieved with the hosting of the Australian National Championships – not one, but two tourna-ments run concurrently at West Beach. While it will take time to provide full coverage for Nationals resourcing with the requirement for Level 4 statisticians, this season saw an exciting increase in participation. I have nev-er seen so many South Australians involved scoring at a Nationals! Throughout the year (as early as August 2018), a dedicated team of scoring staff commenced their work to be able to officiate at the National tournaments. Eight South Australian Statisticians and Scorers joined me in working with a large contingent of 20 personnel overall – to meet the extensive re-quirements of scoring, statistics and online presentation of games through the iScore and Simmetrics programs.

Jill Williams worked to become reaccredited to Level 4 and was a regular scorer with the A grade games throughout the season. This was a great gain back to scoring, with Jill not only officiating in an extremely capable manner at the National level as an Official statistician; but she also took a state team scoring role with the recent Under 23s. Wel-come back! Further to this,

The National Scoring Committee continue to re-develop the entire accreditation framework, along with accredited modules for the technology aspect of the sport, to assist in formalising competency for this area. To date, I’m unsure what this will look like – however, I will update you as informa-tion is presented.

Following on from the televised games being scored in the previous season, statistics were compiled across every A grade game, with all of the “Tour-nament” accredited scorers and statisticians assist-ing undertaking games duties. As per the previous season – an additional benefit to the A grade games being scored, and televised, is that a number of the up and coming scorers used these games to score and submit for feedback. Many thanks to those who undertook games – in particular Julee Pre-iss, Jill Williams, Marcie Trzcinski who provided extensive support, and to Leanne Sims, Meredith Goodman, Gel Collins, Ashley & Stu Mossman, Kat Mackereth, and Kay Bendall who assisted when time allowed.

As in previous seasons, where Clubs do not have the resources to keep their own statistics, they have been able to obtain their team statistics. A num-ber of the A grade scorers worked with the scoring team throughout the season to help them develop their competency. Thanks to the “Stats Team” - your willing assistance was most appreciated – and this provided an outstanding opportunity to ad-vancement of skills.

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Australian National ChampionshipsFollowing many months of planning, the scoring programfor the National Tournaments came to fruition.• 20 statisticians and scorers• 1 Tournament Chief Statistician• 1 Tournament Asst Chief Statistician• 69 games scored across 7 days• 207 scoring allocations met• 3483 minutes of scoring for the U17 Boys• 3440 minutes of scoring for the U17 Girls• 1849 iScore viewers for the U17 Girls• 1247 iScore viewers for the U17 Boys• Shortest game – 56 minutes (ACT/Qld Girls)• Longest game – 2:35 minutes (Vic/WA Boys)• 280 meals; 140 morning teas; • 140 afternoon teas

An outstanding effort by the SA team:• Jill Williams (13 games)• Meredith Goodman (12 games)• Leanne Sims (11 games)• Kate Mackereth (10 games)• Kay Bendall (9 games)• Julee Preiss (8 games + 4 assessment games)• Sue Norris (6 games + 4 assessment games)• Marcie Trzcinski (6 games + 4 assessment

games)

Special thanks to our interstate counterparts who worked the tournament – especially Jim Giles, who was outstanding in his technology role; and to Kerryn Bell, Mary Walkinshaw, Tricia Sibraa and Leanne Harvey for their support and guidance to the SA L2 and L3 scorers.

And what can I say about the efforts of our cater-ing team Julie Rocco and Natalie Lilburn – best tournament catering and facilities ever!

It is hoped that there will be further opportunities moving forward with demonstration or exhibition tournaments ongoing for the scoring pathway to continue to gain momentum.

Accreditation SummarySouth Australia currently has 104 accredit-ed Scorers with 13 are due to expire 31 De-cember 2019. This was an increase of 25% against last years’ numbers of 83. The low numbers of Level 4+ competency still re-mains a financial risk to Softball SA, and jeopardises our ability to be self-sufficient at Softball Australia National events - and will continue to require the resources to be ap-pointed from other states at a significant cost to Softball SA.

An intensive Scoring program conducted in August, started the ball rolling in prepara-tion for a big season. Whilst the content of the program provided by the National Scor-ing Committee was not as extensive as an-ticipated, based on the feedback received in review – I found it a great opportunity to get the SA scoring group working as a great and enthusiastic team. Thank you to those who gave up a full weekend to be involved.

Five courses were conducted during the year – with a further two scheduled but cancelled due to lack of interest. During the season, Accreditation was also conducted direct for Strathalbyn Softball Club - no further region-al programs requested. We welcomed 20 new Level 1 scorers; 5 upgraded to Level 2; 2 upgraded to Level 3; and 3 worked toward Level 4. As at the time of this report – Mar-cie Trzcinski has received advice of a pass to Level 4, with Julee Preiss and Susan Norris both awaiting their results.As is the norm for softball, we suffered some pretty torrid conditions and several very complex games in the journey for accred-itation – but I am confident that the many opportunities for games is resulting in higher quality scorers joining the ranks.

I am hopeful that within a season or two, South Australia will further develop the competency to support SSA’s applications to host tournaments.

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Congratulations to our new and upgraded scorers:

Level 1Lyn Adams Amanda BourkeMackenzie Bourke Lynette

CallaghanElisa Chillingworth Hayley

DobroszczykSam Doyle Clare FoleyJodi Hauwai Naomi HillJodie Huttunen Madison

LippasoarTash Mayers Catherine MayesSharyn Mayne Heidi SamuelJeremy Simpson Rebecca SimsCasey Taylor Bobbi Taylor

Level 2Audrey Connell David LightbodyDawn Miller Benjamin MooreThersea Warburton

Level 3Meredith Goodman Leanne Sims

Level 4Marcie Trzcinski Jill Williams

Level 4 - Awaiting Exam ResultsSusan Norris Julie Preiss

As is standard, several scorers lapsed their scoring accreditation within the accredita-tion program in 2018/2019. Those wishing to regain validity to their last held level need to work through the Scoring Co-ordinator to progress their updating requirements. All scorers are required to demonstrate ongo-ing competency of their level, in addition to undertaking a rules examination. (Stat-isticians who have not updated are recorded as expired at their last level held and do not appear in the statistics provided. There is a 12 month amnesty period from expiry date for updating to be undertaken prior to losing their accreditation level fully.)

It is important that regional affiliates endeavour to identify a “scoring” champion - someone who knows about scoring; is accredited themselves; and is interested in promoting and facilitating the scor-ing program within their own regions. Where a suitable candidate is in regions, it may be possible to accredit them to lecture the Level 1 scoring pro-grams. In encourage affiliates to work with SSA to ensure that your scoring resources remain current.

2018-19 Scoring ClinicsClinics Held

Attendees Advanced/New level

Reaccredated

x3 Level 1 12 + 9 + 2 5x1 level 2 5 5x1 Level 3 5 2

Level 4 5 1+2 pending 1

Current Accredited Scorers in SALevel 1 72Level 2 19Level 3 11Level 4 2International 1Total 104

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Promotion and Resources Scoring Manuals are available electronically - these are a great resource to assist the scoring fraternity – from grassroots to experienced. However, as not-ed, all resources are currently under review within the new accreditation ownership.

RecognitionAnd finally, recognition and congratulations to the appointed scorers and statisticians for 2019 – this year saw applications across all teams, and pleas-ingly, from mainly accredited scorers. I thank Soft-ball SA for support in the appointment of Accred-ited Scorers/Statisticians to each State Team. It is important that State Team scorers are seen as am-bassadors working actively in the development of the scoring fraternity and the strategic direction of SA, to increase our numbers. The benefits of ex-perienced scorers/statisticians to a coaching team cannot be underestimated.

National Appointments• Lindy Rattigan - National Scoring Panel,

Softball Australia• Lindy Rattigan – Tournament Chief Statistician

– Australian U17’s Girls & Boys Tournament• Jill Williams – Tournament Statistician –

Australian U17’s Girls & Boys Tournament• Julee Preiss – Tournament Candidate

Statistician - Australian U17’s Girls & Boys Tournament

• Marcie Trzcinski – Tournament Candidate Statistician - Australian U17’s Girls & Boys Tournament

• Susan Norris – Tournament Candidate Statistician - Australian U7’s Girls & Boys Tournament

• Kate Mackereth – Tournament Asst Scorer - Australian U17’s Girls & Boys Tournament

• Meredith Goodman– Tournament Asst Scorer - Australian U17’s Girls & Boys Tournament

• Leanne Sims – Tournament Asst Scorer - Australian U17’s Girls & Boys Tournament

• Kay Bendall – Tournament Asst Scorer - Australian U17’s Girls & Boys Tournament

State Team Scoring Appointments• Simone Thompson – Scorer – Open

Women• Courtney May – Scorer – SA U19 Men• Marcie Trzcinski – Scorer – SA U19

Women • Jill Williams – Scorer – SA U23 Women• Gel Collins – Scorer – SA U17 Girls• Josh Goodman – Scorer – SA U17 Boys• Rose Mattingly – Scorer – U15 Boys

Scorers seeking to find pathway directions should contact the State Scoring Co-ordi-nator, Lindy Rattigan (scoring@softballsa.com.au or phone after hours: 0412 255189) to assist in determining a local development plan.

Lindy RattiganState Coordinator of Scoring

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It has been an exciting and eventful last 12 months in the umpiring community. The development of the SACE/ SAPSASA ini-tiative saw nine secondary students trained as Greenshirts and then through, mentor-ing, practical assessments and theory assess-ment, they were accredited with their Level 1. These students were so enthusiastic and I’m sure the word will spread, and the pro-gramme will be even bigger next year.

All in all, we improved our Level 1 recruit-ment from six in 2017-18 to 23 in 2018-19. Plans are already well in place, not only to maintain/improve this, but also to ensure that those who have joined our ranks con-tinue to develop their skills as they move through the levels. I have set clubs and affili-ates the challenge to promote the Greenshirt programme within their clubs and associa-tions. It is important that the push for um-pires, statisticians, managers etc. also comes from within these bodies to ensure that our game has the officials that are needed.

I have continued to appreciate the support extended to me by the committee and indeed our whole softball community. I look for-ward to the next 12 months.Softball SA Umpiring CommitteeUmpire in Chief (UIC) Steve Wallace-Yarrow

Deputy UIC VacantSecretary Ian GrayTreasurer Karen WoodExamining Steve Wallace-Yarrow

Rosters & ACC Rep Mike BendallTraining Kevin Tannebring

Clinics ConductedType Date AttendeesLevel 1/Greenshirt Sept ‘18 14Level 1 (Hills) Nov-Dec ‘18 30Level 1 (Pt. Pirie) Nov ‘18 30APY Lands x8 trips 10Level 2 Nov-Dec ‘18 5Level 1 (GDSA) Feb-Mar ‘19 18GDSA Dec ‘19 5SAPSASA April ‘19 9

Management at State TournamentsTournament UIC DeputyLabour Day Mike Bendall Steve

Wallace-YarrowSenior State Jacqui Crafter Ian GrayJunior State Steve Wallace-

YarrowMike Bendall

National AppointmentsMike Bendal U17 Boys’/Girls’

U15 BoysIan Gray U17 Boys’/Girls’

Friendship SeriesNeville Lawrance U17 Boys’/Girls’

U23 Men’s/Women’sDamien McCauley Open Men’sGreg Rusack U15 Girls’Kevin Tannebring U17 Boys’/Girls’

U15 Boys’Steve Wallace-Yarrow Open Women’s

U23 Men’s/Women’sU19 Men’s/Women’sSummer SlamFully Loaded Softball

International AppointmentsDamien McCauley Open Men’s World

ChampionshipsSteve Wallace-Yarrow Asia Pacific Cup

Adeladie Competition FinalsD Grade P. Brooking

P. GilesC Grade C. Paech

D. BorovnikB Grade M. Bendall

I. GrayJ. Crafter

A Grade D. McCauleyN. LawranceS. Wallace-Yarrow

Softball SA Award RecipientsMarg Abbott Rookie Ella SleeLyle Tyler UIC Ian GrayMcAuliffe - ACC Damien McCauleySSA Umpire of the year Kevin Tannebring

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Level AdvancementsLevel 1 23Level 2 3Level 3 1

Looking forward:We are continuing with our successful Green Shirt program. There will be sessions offered at West Beach and once again we will be available to attend affiliates.

We will be running specific Level 2 training and providing a Level 3/4 training as part of the Drag-ons Camp provided, we can get the numbers.

We would like to once again work closely with our Senior Coaches to ensure that we can provide a ser-vice that is to the benefit of our game.

We will once again work with School Sports to ensure that another successful SACE- SAPSASA partnership is in place.

We are pursuing the installation of a camera set up that would not only be beneficial for umpires to monitor the strike zone, but also for clubs in devel-oping pitching skills

Challenges:Personnel to deliver training and services to our Clubs and Affiliates.

Senior umpire numbers – the bulk of our most senior umpires are close to retirement and if they all decided to leave at once, we would have real difficulties filling our roster.

Our challenge is for Clubs and Affiliates, with our support, to develop their role in Umpire Development.

We will once again work with School Sports to ensure that another successful SACE- SAPSASA partnership is in place.

To quote the magpie, ‘Let’s do this!’

Steve Wallace-YarrowState Umpire in Chief

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