2023 Over 35s National Championships

Softball Australia acknowledge the Darug tribe, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 

On behalf of Softball Australia, I’d like to welcome you to the Over 35s National Softball Championship in Blacktown, in what is sure to be an exciting and enjoyable few day.

The Harrow name carries a strong legacy with both Men's and Women's softball in Australia, and Bob's significant impact is demonstrated with the recent naming of the Bob Harrow Memorial Trophy for the Men's Over 35 National Champions.

We should see some fantastic softball over the next few days, with many teams featuring celebrated and recognisable softball names.

The Over 35s format is important because it gives our athletes the opportunity to continue their representative career indefinitely. Traditionally, we have focused on Underage and Open Championships, but the opportunity to play at the national level should be open to all, whatever the age.

Finally, to all of our players, coaches, volunteers, supporters, and our hosts Softball NSW: A sincere thank you for all your hard work and dedication to making this week happen.

I look forward to seeing who takes out the titles at the end of the Championship!

Rosie Williams
Chief Executive Officer, Softball Australia

On behalf of the Softball NSW Board and staff members, we are excited and proud to welcome all players, officials, team support staff, spectators and everyone who has had a hand in the Over 35 National Championships, to New South Wales.

We would like to acknowledge the original custodians of the land on which we host the Championships, the Darug Nation. We would also like to acknowledge and welcome other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may be attending this event.

The Over 35 National Championships is sure to provide a fantastic platform for athletes to put their exemplary skills and knowledge of the sport to test, equally matched by coaches, umpires, statisticians, and other officials who will support the event. Above all, we look forward to a spectacular display of skill by all the athletes and officials from right around Australia and for respect, fair play, and integrity from all those competing and attending this event.

Our best wishes and good luck to everyone who will be participating in the Championships! Hosting the Over 35 National Championships is, undoubtedly, a matter of pride for all of us here at Softball NSW. As a venue, Blacktown International Sportspark has played host to an outstanding array of local, state, national and global events, including the 2000 Sydney Olympics as well as a host of National Championships in the past.

The Board of Softball NSW take this opportunity to express our gratitude towards Blacktown City Council, as well as the NSW Government, for their continued support in working towards the success of the event. We would also like to acknowledge the significant efforts of all staff members of Softball NSW and Softball Australia who have already contributed significantly in the event planning, strategy, and marketing of the Championships, while continuing to work towards and during the event.

Our sincere thanks also to our incredible group of volunteers who will come together and assist with the delivery of the Championships during the event days. Looking back at the glorious track record Softball NSW has maintained in its history of events, we can confirm how thrilled and happy we are about hosting the 2023 Over 35 National Championships.

We welcome you all again and look forward to seeing you at the Sportspark.

Chris Hall
President
Softball NSW
 

Umpires

Officials and Statisticians

Kaye Greggs (TCS)
Rowena Whittle
Lynne Townsend
Linda Passfield
Maria Wakefield
Sharon Smith
Sylvia Kohut
Helen Hamilton-Foster
Jenny Todhunter
Sue Frost
Chris Fraser
Daniela Palma
Kath Schofield
Narelle McIntosh

Assistant Scorers:
Cherri Stephenson
James Townsend
Valerie Cooper
Susanne Hamilton
Georgina Smith 

Daily Pass:

Child (12 years and under) – Free

Child (13-17 years) – $12.00

Concession/Senior – $12.00

Adult – $18.00

Family – $40.00

(incl. 2 x Adult and 2 x Child (13-17 years) tickets)

All entry after 5:00pm is a flat $5.00.

In addition to Softball Australia’s values and general Code of Conduct, as a spectator involved with Softball Australia, a Member State or an affiliated association or club activity must meet the following requirements in regard to your conduct during that activity:

1. Applaud good performance and efforts from all players and teams. Congratulate all players on their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.
2. Respect the decisions of officials and coaches and teach young people to do the same.
3. Never ridicule or scold a young player for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational.
4. Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by other spectators, coaches, officials or players.
5. Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no game.
6. Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.
7. Do not use violence, harassment or abuse in any form (ie do not use foul language, sledge or harass players, coaches, umpires, officials or other spectators).
8. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.