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Latest News
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Aussie umpires selected for ISF Women's World Championships
Thursday, 11 March 2010Congratulations to Darren Sibraa and Scott Rindfleish who have been selected as part of the umpiring crew for the ISF Women's World Championships to be held in Caracas, Venezuela from 23rd June - 2nd July 2010.
Australian umpires, Darren Sibraa and Scott Rindfleish, have been selected to represent Australia in the umpiring crew for the upcoming ISF Women’s World Championships to be held in Caracas, Venezuela, 23rd June – 2nd July.
This is the second world championships for both of these talented umpires following success at the Under 19 Men’s World Championships in Canada in 2008. Darren and Scott have had a year to remember as they have also received their Level 7 accreditation at the 2009 Softball Australia Awards of Excellence dinner in Sydney. They also attained their ISF accreditation together in October 2006 at the ISF Clinic held in New Zealand.
Scott (NSW) and Darren (Qld) are their respective State Directors and their recent appointments highlights their commitment and dedication to the National and International umpiring program.
Darren was very honoured to be selected for the world championship crew.
I am extremely excited by the opportunity to attend another World Championship, and share this opportunity with Scott once again. Having two Australian umpires in attendance speaks volumes about the strength of the Australian program. Any opportunity to represent Australia is one I cherish and I look forward to meeting many umpires that I have worked with before, and a number of the crew that I will meet for first time in Venezuela.
Scott was also over the moon when he received notification of his appointment.
This appointment was very unexpected, but I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to attend my second World Championship. I feel an immense sense of pride to be able to represent Australia in Venezuela. The opportunity to be able to engage and work with some of the best umpires in the world is an experience that I am very much looking forward to.
Both umpires will tour with the Australian Women's team in June where they will officiate at a number of lead-up tournaments throughout America.
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ISF - Seedings set for World Championship
Friday, 5 March 2010In 111 days, 16 countries will begin vying to be called 'number 1' at the ISF's XII Women's World Championship from 23rd June - 2nd July 2010. 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2010
SEEDINGS SET FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Coordination Commission Completes Visit to Caracas
PLANT CITY, FLORIDA (USA) -- In 111 days 16 countries will begin vying to be called “number 1.” Thus, preparations are nearing a fever pitch in Caracas, Venezuela, which will host the International Softball Federation’s XII Women’s World Championship from June 23-July 2.
A 2010 World Championship Coordination Commission has just returned from a visit this past weekend to the South American country. ISF Secretary General Ms. LOW Beng Choo (Malaysia) headed the group that visited for two days with Venezuelan Sports Minister Victoria Mata, General Alirio Ramirez, Colonel Antonio Benavidez, and several organizing committee representatives, along with ISF VP/Latin America Jésus Suniaga, who is also the president of the Venezuela Softball Federation.
The meetings covered topics ranging from transportation and accommodations to security, and several other aspects of the event planning, including television broadcasts. The delegation also visited the playing facilities and another meeting has been scheduled in Caracas for the first week of May.
The seedings have also now been set for the fast pitch tournament, in accordance with the ISF Competition & Technical Code. The teams will be in two pools, as follows:
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Pool A
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Pool B
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Japan
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USA
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Canada
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Australia
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Chinese Taipei
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China
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Netherlands
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Venezuela
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Great Britain
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New Zealand
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South Africa
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Botswana
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Argentina
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Dominican Republic
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Cuba
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Czech Republic
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The game schedule has not yet been finalized but will be released immediately upon its conclusion.
This year’s event marks the 45th anniversary of the first-ever softball world championship (see commemorative logo below). Five women’s teams competed in Melbourne, Australia, in 1965, and one year later the first men’s world championship was held (eleven countries competed in Mexico City). Eventually world championships were also started in the junior women’s and junior men’s categories (age 19-and-under).
About the ISF
The ISF is the world governing body of the sport as recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and SportAccord (formerly the General Association of International Sports Federations). Softball (women's fast pitch) made its Olympic debut. at the 1996 Games in Atlanta. There are 128 affiliated countries in the ISF and millions of participants in the sport worldwide
MEDIA: For more information, please contact ISF Director of Communications Bruce Wawrzyniak at brucew@ISFsoftball.org or (813) 864-0100, ext. 229.
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Technical Bulletin - Playing Rule Changes
Thursday, 4 March 2010Read about the rule changes that will have the most affect on the 2010 World Championships.
Rule changes that will have the most affect at the 2010 World Championships are set out below.
| Rule 1 |
Sec 2 |
Appeal Play |
| Rule 1 |
Sec 35 |
Force Out |
| Rule 1 |
Sec 68 |
OPO |
| Rule 4 |
Sec 5i, EFFECT 5 g-i |
Flex Player |
| Rule 5 |
Sec 8b |
Scoring of runs |
| Rule 5 |
Sec 9b NOTE 5(d) |
Defensive Conference |
| Rule 6 |
Sec 1-3 |
Pitching |
| Rule 8 |
Sec 2k |
Interference by non-playing team member |
| Rule 8 |
Sec 9n |
Interference by runner |
| Rule 8 |
Sec 9s |
The runner is out, deception |
The SAL Technical Bulletin (SAL TB 2009-2 V2) sets out the changes in more detail.
See also the ISF Pitching Regulation (Fast Pitch Only) ISF Points of Emphasis issued on 15 January 2010.
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Aussie Spirit name Captain and Vice-Captain for the World Championships
Thursday, 4 March 2010Stacey Porter and Kylie Cronk announced as Captain and Vice-Captain (respectively) for the ISF Women's World Championships 2010.
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Stacey Porter
Captain - Aussie Spirit |
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Kylie Cronk
Vice-Captain - Aussie Spirit |
The Aussie Spirit team will be led by Stacey Porter (Captain) and Kylie Cronk (Vice-Captain) during the ISF Women’s World Championships to be held in Caracas, Venezuela from 23rd June – 2nd July 2010.
Stacey and Kylie have a lot of international playing experience and both have had important leadership roles for their respective States the last couple of years. They both bring great leadership qualities to the team and most importantly have the respect of their team mates and the staff. I’m confident they can handle the extra responsibility that comes with these two important roles but still perform on the diamond to the standard the team needs them to.
Stacey and Kylie will begin their new roles in the Aussie Spirit’s five game series against Japan to be held at Blacktown Softball Venue from 18th – 20th March.
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ISF Update - 25 February 2010
Tuesday, 2 March 2010Read about the Zimbabwe Festival, Hall of Fame inductions, momentum in Spain and Canada's junior men's coach.
ISF Update - 25 February 2010
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AIS Squad |
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AIS Squad Announced
Monday, 1 March 2010Softball Australia is pleased to announce the 2010 AIS Squad. The following athletes have been selected to the AIS Squad for the 6 month period of March – August 2010. The squad will go through an Induction Camp to be held at the AIS in Canberra 15-17 March.
Jodie Bowering (QLD)
Karina Cannon (NSW)
Clare Currie (ACT)
Kylie Cronk (QLD)
Lauren Daykin (VIC)
Brenda De Blaes (ACT)
Chelsea Forkin (WA)
Leigh Godfrey (WA)
Verity Long-Droppert (WA)
Tracey Mosley (ACT)
Aimee Murch (ACT)
Leah Parry (WA)
Stacey Porter (NSW)
Justine Smethurst (VIC)
Danielle Stewart (QLD)
Clare Warwick (ACT)
Jessica Bahn (VIC)
Marina Walker (VIC)
Tayla Supple (VIC)
Katina Robson (ACT)
Georgia Casey (NSW)
Kathrine Tye (ACT)
Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW)
Hannah Deen (NSW)
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2010 Australian Women's World Championship Team announced
Wednesday, 24 February 2010SAL is pleased to announce the team to compete at the ISF Women's World Championships in Venezuela in June 2010.
| 2010 World Championship Team |
Non-Travelling Reserves |
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| 1 |
Jodie Bowering (Qld) |
Simone Freeman (NSW) |
| 2 |
Karina Cannon (NSW) |
Monique Miller (NSW) |
| 3 |
Clare Currie (ACT) |
Jodie Stevenson (WA) |
| 4 |
Kylie Cronk (Qld) |
Melinda Weaver (Qld) |
| 5 |
Lauren Daykin (Vic) |
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| 6 |
Brenda De Blaes (ACT) |
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| 7 |
Chelsea Forkin (WA) |
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| 8 |
Leigh Godfrey (WA) |
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| 9 |
Verity Long-Droppert (WA) |
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| 10 |
Tracey Mosley (ACT) |
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| 11 |
Aimee Murch (ACT) |
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| 12 |
Kaia Parnaby (NSW) |
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| 13 |
Leah Parry (WA) |
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| 14 |
Stacey Porter (NSW) |
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| 15 |
Justine Smethurst (Vic) |
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| 16 |
Danielle Stewart (Qld) |
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| 17 |
Clare Warwick (ACT) |
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As a lead-up to the World Championships, the team will compete against the Olympic Gold Medallists, Japan in a series in Sydney from 18- 22 March 2010.
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ISF Update - February 2010
Tuesday, 16 February 2010Read about the 35th European Softball Federation Congress held in Turkey, results from the South American Women's Under 19 Championship and more...
ISF Update - 9th February 2010
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2010/2011 Australian Championships Event Allocations
Wednesday, 3 February 2010SAL is pleased to announce the venues for the 2010/2011 Australian Championship cycle. 
Australian Championships
| Event |
Dates |
Venue |
| U17 Girls |
9-15 January 2011 |
Downey Park, Qld |
| U17 Boys |
9-15 January 2011 |
Adelaide, SA |
| U19 Women |
16-22 January 2011 |
Blacktown, NSW |
| U19 Men |
16-22 January 2011 |
Altona, Vic |
| Open Men |
16-20 February 2011 |
Redlands, Qld |
Edebone-Weber Shield/Gilley’s Shield
| Event |
Dates |
Venue |
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Round 1
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19-21 November 2010 |
Blacktown, NSW |
| Round 2 |
17-19 December 2010 |
Waverley, Vic |
| Round 3 |
4-8 January 2011 |
Mirrabooka, WA |
| Finals |
18-20 February 2011 |
Redlands, Qld |
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Pat Rawlings |
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Softball mourns the loss of a one of its greatest Girls in Gold
Tuesday, 8 December 2009The softball community is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our great legends and most colourful characters, Pat Rawlings. Pat passed away, at the age of 87, in Sydney, Australia on Saturday 28th November 2009 Pat was an outstanding contributor to softball, with her involvement spanning over forty years across four states – South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, and her beloved New South Wales. Pat was renowned for her strong and robust personality and commitment to all things Softball. It was undoubtedly her passion and love for this great game that kept her involved over such a long period of time. Even after retiring from her many administrative roles, she maintained an active interest in the sport, including the current crop of players.
Pat will be remembered for being tough but fair, a legacy perhaps of her many years of military service. Pat was a member of the Australian Army for 23 years, where she rose to the rank of Major. Remarkably, she was part of the first all female unit to go on active service in the Middle East. It was during this time Pat developed her passion for softball.
In 1965, Pat was responsible for the involvement of the defence forces in the 1965 World Series in Melbourne – ensuring is was a truly national event. She was an integral member of the Girls in Gold, whose motto was “Leave no stone unturned”. Pat’s role in the 1965 World Series was as the Liaison officer (USA), Coordinator of Army and International detail and letter planning committee. She carried this role out to the highest standard.
It was when Pat settled back in New South Wales that her involvement in Softball rose to a new level. She was the NSW Team Manager from 1969 – 1988, as well as a past NSW Softball President and a Softball NSW Life Member. Pat was NSW’s Australian Softball Federation representative.
Pat’s talents as a team manager were recognised when she was appointed as the Australian Women’s Team Manager in 1980, a position which she held until 1986. She attended many international tournaments and multiple World Championships, and supported many notable athletes including Jenny Holliday, Joyce Lester, Cathy Kerr and Sally McCreedy - to name but a few.
On a national level, Pat was part of one of the most instrumental changes to softball in Australia. In 1983, in recognition of her team and event management experience and expertise, Pat was appointed to a committee to develop a long range plan for Softball. The outcomes of the plan lead to constitutional reform and in 1984 the first Australian Softball Federation (ASF) Board was established.
During this time, Pat joined with Edna Nash (NSW President) and John Reid (WA) to organise the inaugural Open Men’s National Championship, the John Reid Shield, held in 1984. The foresight of these people and the establishment of a men’s pathway for softball in Australia undoubtedly has contributed Australia’s current world ranking and championship success.
Pat remained an ASF Board member until 1997, a tenure of 13 years. In addition to her responsibilities for international matters, Pat was the ASF representative at many national underage events and two Arafura Games.
Pat’s final role was as the tour leader for many supporters heading overseas to support the Australian girls. Her first tour was the 1990 World Championships in Normal (Illinois), followed by the 1994 Championships in St John’s (Newfoundland, Canada). Pat also proudly led the Australian supporters to Atlanta in 1996 to watch Australia’s first appearance at the Olympic Games. She witnessed some historic moments, including Joanne Brown’s extra innings home run to beat the USA for the first time since 1965 and the retirement of another softball great, Joyce Lester, from international competition. On both occasions, Pat sat in the stands with immense pride and no doubt celebrated that night with a glass or two of red!!
Throughout Pat’s career she received many honours in recognition of her contribution to Softball. In 1991, she was inducted into the then ASF Hall of Fame and in 1994 she became an ASF Life Member. Fittingly Pat was also recognised outside the softball community, being awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1991 and an Australian Sports Medal in 2000.
Pat was a leader from amongst a generation of genuine legends who shaped softball in this country. Her legacy is a sport that has an enduring place in this sports mad nation.
She was one of the most colourful and genuine characters in the history of our sport. Her passion was infectious and she made those around her smile. There are many people in the softball world whose hearts are a littler emptier on Pat’s passing. We will live with the memories of a wonderful woman, Major Patricia Rawlings, who ran her team like she ran her troops!
May she rest in peace.
On behalf of the Board and staff of Softball Australia, and the entire softball community, our deepest sympathies and condolences are extended to her family and friends at this time.
Pat’s funeral service was held at Northern Suburbs Crematorium on Monday 7th December 2009 at 11:15am.
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Sweeping Changes at ISF Congress
Monday, 2 November 2009Elections, Constitution, & New ISF Logo Among Numerous Developments FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 25, 2009
MARGARITA ISLAND, VENEZUELA – The retention of the world governing body’s leader, a new secretary general, and various changes among the regional vice presidents were part of the many developments coming out of the just-concluded XXIV International Softball Federation Congress held here. It was also revealed that extensive re-branding efforts will commence shortly, featuring a new ISF logo and revamped website.
In addition, the delegates approved a constitution that took effect immediately and they awarded two future world championships. Plus, a new class was elected to the ISF Hall of Fame. There were also changes to the playing rules, and visits from special guests. The latter included Venezuela Sports Minister Victoria Mata, Venezuela Olympic Committee President Dr. Eduardo Álvarez, and Venezuela Olympic Committee Vice President Mrs. Elida de Álvarez.
Don Porter was re-elected as ISF president, having run unopposed. Ms. LOW Beng Choo (Malaysia) is the ISF’s new secretary general, following elections that took place yesterday. She was previously the ISF deputy secretary general. Retiring ISF Secretary General Andy Loechner (USA) had been in the position since 1987. Two other women from Ms. Low’s region were among those elected by the congress, including a former Olympic softball coach.
In the five regions, a significant change was made in that each now has two vice presidents, plus there is a new position called non-Spanish-speaking Caribbean vice president. The changes are as follows:
| VP Position |
Elected |
| 1st Vice President |
Mr. Dale McMann (CAN) |
| 2nd Vice President |
Mr. Bob Leveloff (NZ) |
| Africa |
Mr. Guillo Marapjane (RSA) |
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Mr. Marumo Morule (BOT) |
| North America |
Mr. E.T. Colvin (USA) |
| Non-Spanish-speaking Caribbean |
Mr. Romell Knowles (BAH) |
| Latin America |
Mr. Antonio Morales (COL) |
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Mr. Jesús Suniaga (VEN) |
| Asia |
Mme. JIANG Xiuyun (CHN) |
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Mme. Taeko Utsugi (JPN) |
| Europe |
Mr. Ami Baran (ISR) |
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Mr. Andre van Overbeek (NED) |
| Oceania |
Mr. Darryl Clout (AUS) |
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Mr. Robert J. Steffy, Sr. (GUM) |
In addition, International Olympic Committee Members Mme. Beatrice Allen (GAM) and Mr. Meliton Sanchez (PAN) remain as members of the ISF Executive Council. Furthermore, the newly created constitution – which comes in addition to the standing ISF Administrative Code – will provide for the creation of an ISF Board of Directors and gives a new, forward direction for the world governing body.
Based on bids that had been presented, the ISF IX Junior Men’s World Championship in 2012 was awarded to Parana, Argentina, and the ISF XIII Men’s World Championship in 2013 was awarded to North Shore City, New Zealand. Dates for both tournaments will be announced at a later time. The event three years from now will mark the first ISF world championship to be held in South America.
Newly elected to the ISF Hall of Fame are the following:
PLAYERS: Peter Clout (AUS), Naomi Ellis (BAH), Rhonda Hira (NZ), Sally (McDermid) McCreedy (AUS), Nobunori Nishimura (Japan), Mark Sorenson (NZ), Darren Zack (CAN)
UMPIRES: Eduardo Jose Falcon (VEN), John McAuliffe (AUS), Wayne Saunders (NZ)
ADMINISTRATORS: Ivan Eduardo Briceno C. (VEN), Philippa Griffith-Bailey (BIZ), Viatcheslav Smagin (RUS), Robert J. Steffy Sr. (GUM), Glen Todd (CAN)
COACHES: Naomi Shaw (NZ)
MERITORIOUS SERVICE: Jacinto David Amaiz (VEN), Don Tricker (NZ)
Also, two individuals were announced as recipients of the prestigious ISF Medal of Honor. Retiring ISF 1st Vice President Clovis Lodewijks (AHO) and Secretary General Andy Loechner (USA) became just the eleventh and twelfth recipients of the award.
The next ISF Congress will take place in October 2011, with the site to be announced at a later date.
MEDIA: For more information please contact ISF Director of Communications Bruce Wawrzyniak at brucew@internationalsoftball.com or +1 813 453 8762.
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