Category: Board

by Colum Lavery

Champion Green, Champion Softballers

Softball Ireland have today announced an initiative to support the promotion of businesses owned by Softball Ireland members through our website and social media channels.

2020 has been a very difficult year for most small business in Ireland and in support of the national campaign to “Champion Green” we are asking the Softball Ireland community to “Shop Local, Shop Softball”.

Softball Ireland member owned small businesses are invited to send us in details of their businesses, their promotions etc and Softball Ireland will promote them to the Sofball Ireland community through our website and social media channels.

We will be creating a dedicated page on our site to allow members to check the directory of Softball Ireland member businesses.

The Softball Ireland board feel its important to encourage, Shop Local, Shop Softball, to support our community in these challenging times.

If you wish to submit your business name, logo, short explanation of what you do and contact details please send them to president@Softball.ie

by Colum Lavery

Have Your Say: CO-ED Slowpitch Development Plan Consultation

The Slowpitch Development Working Group has prepared a DRAFT development plan for co-ed slowpitch softball in Ireland.

This plan has been developed with the working party comprising of Ruth Brady, Declan Carty, Andrew Craven, Will Gilpin, Amanda Ní Ghabhann, Jay Slevin & Colum Lavery (President).  There have been two workshops to develop the DRAFT, and a third is planned for the end of August to considering member feedback.

Sofball Ireland members are invited to review the attached draft Co-ed Slowpitch Development plan and consider the below questions.

The DRAFT CO-ED Slowpitch Development Plan can be downloaded here

1. Do you agree with the vision statement yes/No
2. If No can you, please provide comment on what needs to be changed and or added
3. Do you agree with the six work streams required to achieve the Vision yes/No
4. If No can you, please provide comment on what is missing and or should be removed/changed
5. Is there anything missing from the tasks/programmes to be developed that you feel should be considered for inclusion in the next Draft

The final date for feedback on the plan is Monday 17th August. The Project Team will meet on the 27th August and consider what changes should be made to the Draft as a result of the feedback received. Following this meeting, a final Draft Development Plan will be provided to the Softball Ireland Board for its consideration and hopefully, approval.

Members are asked to send their feedback on the DRAFT CO-ED Slowpitch Development plan to DevSurvey@softball.ie




Home plate with a bat, balls and helmet.
by Andrew Craven

Softball Ireland Return to Play Framework

Softball Ireland are fortunate to have two doctors on the Board, representing North and South of the border respectively, as our medical committee. Following the most recent public health advice from the HSE and the NI Executive, they have presented initial return to play timelines to the Board. Following receipt of feedback from the regions, the Board have approved these as our national framework. The committee will now consider detailed return to play protocols (including playing rules), while the Board works with the regions on challenges such as insurance costs, field availability and competition structure. 

1. Seek to reactivate Softball Ireland insurance as of 20th July 2020.

2. Teams may train from 20th July 2020 provided insurance is in place, no more than two teams are present at the diamond and the Softball Ireland return to play protocols are adhered to.

3. Games may commence from 1st August 2020 provided insurance is in place, no more than two teams are present at a diamond and the Softball Ireland return to play protocols are adhered to.

4. No tournaments will be sanctioned in 2020, including BWC, IOST, SINCC, and club/national tournaments at home or abroad.

5. Team captains must submit electronically a list of attendees at training or games, within 24 hours, in line with HSE contact tracing requirements, for 6-week retention.

6. SI will make a final decision on Softball Ulster activity after the NI Executive publishes timelines for their recently published roadmap.

Expected return to play timeline
Expected Softball Ireland Return to Play Timeline

This position is subject to change as further information is made available to the public by the HSE and NI Executive. Final decisions on when games will be played, competition structures and fees will be set by Softball Ireland and the regions, subject to this framework and the SI Return to Play Protocols (TBA) being adhered to. The Softball Ireland Return to Play Protocols will be issued no later than the 30th of June 2020. Any questions to secretary@softball.ie.

by Andrew Craven

Softball Ireland Constitution Review

The Softball Ireland Board would like to take this opportunity to review our governance, including the constitution and regulations. We are setting up a working group for this purpose, but would also like invite thoughts from all members. Please see attached our current constitution (with the 2018 & 2019 AGM changes marked as tracked changes), our current regulations, the proposed changes from the 2019 AGM which were not progressed following the COVID-19 cancellation of the EGM, and a form to submit ideas. This consultation period will be open for three weeks until Sunday 7th June. The working group will propose changes to the constitution at the next EGM/AGM. We will also be taking the independent report shared at the AGM, and Sport Ireland guidelines, into consideration.

View the SI Constitution

View the SI Regulations

View the Proposed Constitutional Amendments

Download the Consultation Response Document

Send all completed responses to secretary@softball.ie by Sunday 7th June 2020.

by Colum Lavery

COVID-19 Update From Softball Ireland Board

Update Statement on COVID-19 from the Softball Ireland Board

 Wednesday, 25 March, 2020

Immediate Release

 

Updated statement from Softball Ireland regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the impact on the upcoming season and tournaments:

Softball Ireland continues to closely monitor the coronavirus pandemic and advice from both national and international health organisations and experts.

The health and safety of the Softball Ireland community is our top priority and we want to continue to implement the utmost precautions to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Further to the announcement of tighter restrictions by the Irish & British governments in the last 48 hours.
 
Softball Ireland wish to reconfirm that its instruction to the clubs, regions and national teams to suspend all training sessions and upcoming competitions until the end of April remains in place.
 
At this time it appears likely that the suspension may continue into May and June, however the Softball Ireland Board will continue to monitor all governmental instructions and the advice of the Softball Ireland Medical Committee on this ever changing situation and update the membership accordingly.
 
Softball Ireland would like to thank our members who in numerous different capacities are on the “front line” of this emergency.
 
Lastly, we encourage our members to continue following the advice of the HSE and to self-isolate as necessary, have proper hand hygiene and that the use of social distancing is the most effective way we have of stopping the spread of this virus.

by Colum Lavery

Statement on COVID-19 from the Softball Ireland Board

Statement on COVID-19 from the Softball Ireland Board

 

Thursday, 12 March, 2020

 

Immediate Release

 

 

Statement from Softball Ireland regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the impact on the upcoming season and tournaments:

 

Softball Ireland is continuing to closely monitor the coronavirus pandemic and advice from both national and international health organisations and experts.

 

The health and safety of the Softball Ireland community is our top priority and we want to implement the utmost precautions to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

 

After recent conversations by our Medical Committee with other sporting NGBs, Softball Ireland is instructing its regions and national teams to suspend all training sessions and upcoming competitions until the end of April. We understand that this decision results in a significant amount of inconvenience and disappointment to our members, volunteers and supporters.

 

This decision has been undertaken with consideration for our members, their families and friends, as well as the general population.

 

We find ourselves in a dynamic and rapidly changing situation, and will make any necessary changes to optimise the season, if possible, for our members. It is likely that the suspension will continue into May and June, but we will monitor the situation and update the membership accordingly.

 

Lastly, we encourage our members to be aware of the significant amount of misinformation being disseminated on social media, and only take advice from recognised authorities. Remember that avoiding travel to affected areas, self-isolating as necessary, proper hand hygiene and use of social distancing are the most effective ways we have of stopping the spread of this virus.

by Colum Lavery

Board Meeting Summary of Decisions & Actions

The Softball Ireland Board held its latest meeting on the evening of Monday January 13, 2020

Attendees:

Colum Lavery (President), Conor Sayles (Secretary), Massimo Lepri (Treasurer)

Reginald Clark (Softball Ulster), Amanda Ní Ghabhann (Softball Leinster)

Declan Carty (Ordinary Member), Andrew Craven (Ordinary Member), Jordan Sylver (Ordinary Member)

Apologies:

Melanie Cunningham (Fastpitch Ireland),

The below is a list of key decisions/actions of the Board taken at its Monday January 13, 2020 meeting

Confirmation of Decisions & Actions Since Last Meeting

  1. The Board confirmed and ratified its decision to further postpone the Annual General Meeting to February 15, 2020 and the Extraordinary General Meeting to February 15, 2020. The Board noted that the decision to postpone was based on the recommendation of the independent panel and noted that the final report of the panel would be available before the end of January 2020.

Softball Ireland Umpires Working Group Report

The Board recalled that in response to growing concerns at the quality and quantity of umpires in the regions, the outgoing Softball Ireland setup a working group in September 2019 chaired by the Softball Ireland Secretary to assess the current state of play and recommend actions to move forward. The board noted the detailed report and recommendations and APPROVED the implementation of the reports recommendations in 2020. The Board further APPROVED that the report and recommendations would be circulated to the Softball Ireland Members. The full report can be viewed by clicking here.

Regional Association Reports

  1. Softball Leinster
    • Update noted
    • Recruitment event to be held in March 2020 – date TBC
    • SL SINCC proposal at AGM to be revisited
  2. Softball Ulster
    • Update noted
    • SU Dates noted
  3. Fastpitch Ireland
    • Report noted
    • Day 3 of Fastpitch League to be held on February 1, 2020
    • International Tournament dates noted

National Slowpitch Team Director Role

The Board had previously agreed to create the position of National Slowpitch Team Director (title may change) to lead all Slowpitch Natioal team programmes. The final draft of the job specification was presented to the board for review and comment. The Board agreed that final comments would be submitted to Colum and the final job specification would be reviewed and circulated to members before the end of January.

International Tournaments

The Board noted that currently no hosts for the Men’s Slowptich European Championships in June or Clubs Super Cup in August had been confirmed. Colum on behalf of Softball Ireland was working closely with the ESF to ensure that these tournaments were progressing and that relevant parties were being kept appraised of the situation.

by Colum Lavery

Board Meeting Update

The Softball Ireland Board held its latest meeting on the evening of Wednesday December 11, 2019

Attendees:

Colum Lavery (President), Conor Sayles (Secretary), Massimo Lepri (Treasurer)

Reginald Clark (Softball Ulster), Melanie Cunningham (Fastpitch Ireland), Amanda Ní Ghabhann (Softball Leinster)

Declan Carty (Ordinary Member), Andrew Craven (Ordinary Member), Jordan Sylver (Ordinary Member)

The below is a list of key decisions/actions of the Board taken at its Wednesday December 11, 2019 meeting

Co-Option of Softball Ireland Board Members & Postponed AGM

The Board noted that the nominated candidates for Board positions had been co-opted in accordance with the constitution and that this had been communicated to the membership by email and placed on the website here. The Board further noted that the Regional representatives and Ordinary appointments will need to be ratified by the AGM, however Massimo Lepri appointment as Treasurer is confirmed for the remainer of the current term through the 2020 AGM.

The Board noted that Colum Lavery continues to act in the capacity of President pending the holding of the election at the postponed AGM on January 11, 2020 (or EGM on January 26, 2020 if required).

The Board noted that the postponed AGM will take place on January 11, 2020 in ALSAA and will be followed by an EGM to consider a number of constitutional amendments (and Presidential election if required) on January 26, 2020.

2020 Tournaments

The Board confirmed the dates of the 2020 tournaments as set out below. The Board noted that no decision can be taken on SINCC pending the postponed AGM on January 11, 2020.

  • BWC 2020 – Saturday April 25, 2020
  • IOST 2020 – Saturday & Sunday August 22/23, 2020 

(Post Board meeting: Registration links and full details on BWC & IOST are available by clicking here)

Finance

The Board considered the 2020 draft Budget and noted that a final draft would be circulated to the board for consideration once Massimo had an opportunity to review the numbers.

The Board further agreed that Massimo would propose updated financial processes in accordance with the Governance Code in advance of the next meeting of the Board.

Regional Updates

The Board noted updates from the three Regional representatives in attendance.

European Softball Tournaments 2020

The Board noted that the deadline for entering teams into the 2020 European Softball Tournaments is December 31, 2019 and confirmed the entry of the following:

  • Slowpitch European Championships – Mens National Team
  • Fastpitch European Championships – Women’s National Team
  • European Slowpitch Cup – Dodder & Belfast Brawlers

Slowpitch National Teams

The Board agreed to the creation of a new (non coaching) role to head up the Slowpitch High Performance programmes. The Board created a sub committee to draft a job description for the Director of Slowpitch HP which would be advertised prior to year end.

Medical Working Group

The Board noted concern raised at the SL AGM that medical treatment/advice was been provided by individuals who may not be suitably qualified. The Board formed a Medical Working Group and requested that Dr. Melanie Cunningham (Chair of WBSC-Europe Medical Commission) and Dr Andrew Craven consider Medical/First Aid guidelines for the sport which may be implemented at all tournaments and by the Regional Associations.

Umpiring Working Group

The Board noted a brief update on progress to date and further noted that an update will be circulated in due course.

Baseball Softball Ireland

The Board received an overview of progress to date with the development of Baseball Softball Ireland and the Sport Ireland membership application.

Jigsaw
by Colum Lavery

Softball Ireland Board Appointments

Softball Ireland Announce Board Appointments

Following on from the open discussions with the membership on Saturday November 30, 2019 and in accordance with the Softball Ireland Constitution, the Softball Ireland Board has agreed to co-opt the nominated candidates for Board positions (with the exception of President) to the Softball Ireland Board with immediate effect. The Co-opted members will act as Board members for a period of 12 months subject to ratification of their appointments at the re-arranged AGM on January 11, 2020. It should be noted that the Board following discussions with members were satisfied that this was the correct approach as each nomination was uncontested.

With the appointment of the nominated candidates, for the first time in a number of years, all positions on Softball Ireland Board will be filled. The Softball Ireland Board is as follows:

  • Colum Lavery – President (this position will be considered for election at January 11, 2020 AGM)
  • Conor Sayles – Secretary 
  • Massimo Lepri – Treasurer
  • Amanda Ní Ghabhann – Softball Leinster Rep
  • Reginald Clark – Softball Ulster Rep
  • Melanie Cunningham – Fastptich Ireland Rep
  • Declan Carty – Ordinary Member
  • Andrew Craven – Ordinary Member
  • Jordan Sylver – Ordinary Member

The first meeting of the incoming Board will be December 11, 2019.

Softball Ireland would like to thank the outgoing Board members for their time, efforts and support during their terms on Council.

by Colum Lavery

AGM 2018 Decisions – Treasurer Required

Annual General Meeting 2018 Decisions

The 2018 Softball Ireland Annual General Meeting was held on November 17, 2018. Thank you to all the members who attended and took part in engaged and positive AGM.

Below is a summary of the decisions on the day, the full minutes will be circulated shortly.

  • A detailed update on the proposed merger with Baseball Ireland was provided to the membership in attendance
  • Accounts to year ended September 30, 2018 approved
  • Elections/Confirmation of Appointments as follows
    • Conor Sayles was elected as Secretary
    • Jonathan Spielberg was confirmed as Softball Leinster Rep.
    • Jay Slevin was confirmed as Softball Ulster Rep.
    • Melanie Cunningham was confirmed as Fastpitch Rep.
    • Erin Brown was confirmed as Independent Board member
  • 2019 Softball Ireland priorities were noted
  • Constitutional amendments were approved

Treasurer Required

Softball Ireland are seeking a volunteer to take on the position of Treasurer – if you are interested in the role or need to know more about it please email president@softball.ie 

by Colum Lavery

Softball Ireland Board Meeting Update

As part of Softball Ireland’s commitment to improve communication with our members and keep you informed of areas of focus and decisions, Softball Ireland moving forward will be providing a summary of matters discussed at the Board and decisions taken. The below is a high level summary of the minutes of the

Softball Ireland Board Meeting

16 October 2018 / 7.00-9.00pm / World Rugby Offices

Attendees

Colum Lavery (President – CL), Olwen Barrett (Treasurer – OB), Conor Sayles (Secretary – CS), Erin Brown (ind. – EB), Jonathan Spielberg (SL – JS), Melanie Lavery (FP – ML)

Apologies

Jay Slevin (SU – JA)

Notes

  • Minutes and updates noted
      • Discussions with Baseball Ireland on the MOU continuing to finalise language.
      • EB is working on TOR for the good governance group with the aim of progressing before the 2019 season.
      • Noted that SU voted against changing the run ahead rule.
      • Softball Skills Clinic and intro to  FP launch was scheduled for 20 October in ALSAA and has been advertised on social media.
  • Softball Ulster
  • JA provided an update in advance and it was taken as read.
  • CL noted the positive progress being made in Ulster following his attendance at the recent AGM
  • Softball Leinster
    • JS circulated minutes from the last SL meeting in advance. He also shared draft, high level accounts on the day.
    • CL noted the long term need to agree a single format for all regional and national accounts to enable aggregation into consolidated “SI Group” accounts.
    • Information for the SL AGM will be circulated shortly. CL offered to meet the SL Board in advance, but JS declined – not required.
  • Fastpitch
      • ML noted the focus of the programme was turning toward bottom-up development, following on from the success of the top-down approach.
      • Finding more volunteers to support coaching and administration will be key to future progress.
      • Continue to work on developing a selection policy that is acceptable to the Olympic Federation of Ireland
      • CL noted TG4 interest in a FP documentary about girls in Irish sport, to be filmed before Christmas.
  • Treasurer
      • Update on Softball Ireland finances was noted
      • Final accounts to September 30, 2018 being prepared
  • Competitions/International
    • Belfast and Limerick are both keen to host a leg of the National Coed League. Galway are more interested in Pick ‘n’ Mix.
    • The advertisements for a Competitions and Events Officer has drawn no volunteers. It will be raised again at the SL and SI AGMs and advertised on Volunteer Ireland. We are however near confirmation on a Communications Officer.
    • CL noted a true slow pitch World Cup is in development with WBSC.
    • CL noted his delight that Julie Trundle had offered to take over the running of the defunct Indoor tournaments over the winter and she has successfully relaunched the November tournament. CL added SI were delighted that Julie had accepted the title Head of Indoors.
  • AGM
      • It is hoped to stream the AGM.  Noted some concerns were raised about the in-person quorum attendance (50% teams).
      • The SI Board reviewed the proposed constitutional amendments from SL. It was agreed that #6 is not constitutional.
      • It was agreed to amend #2 to a set date of of Notice being issued by 1 September and combine an element of #1. Board was in agreement with recommendations #3, #4 and #5
      • OB confirmed that she would not be running for re-election. CL thanked her on behalf of SI for 4 years’ service as treasurer.
  • 2019 priorities
    • The Board were supportive of proposed priorities presented by CL.
    • SI Board asked to review and provide comments in advance of the AGM.
    • SL suggested that responsibility for intervarsity coed slow pitch should reside with SI.

Calendar

  • October
    • 20 Softball Skills Clinic and Fastpitch League Event, ALSAA
    • 21 Softball Leinster AGM
    • 25 SI Board Con Call (0730)
  • November
    • 17 Softball Ireland AGM, ALSAA
by Colum Lavery

Softball Ireland Board Nominations

TO: SOFTBALL IRELAND MEMBERS

In accordance with Article 10 and Article 11 Of the Softball Ireland Constitution, the following positions are up for election at the Annual General Meeting to be held on November 30, 2014

Officers of Softball Ireland
1. Softball Ireland Secretary (2 Year Term)
2. Softball Ireland Treasurer (2 Year Term)

Board Members*
Four Ordinary Board Member Positions

* Softball Leinster & Softball Ulster each nominate one Board Member as per Article 11 of the Constitution.

Softball Ireland would welcome nominations of candidates for either the Officer Positions or the four Ordinary Board Positions.

Any candidate must be proposed (they may propose themselves) and seconded by a registered member of Softball Ireland. All nominations should be submitted to president@softball.ie and should be received no later than mid-night on Tuesday November 18, 2014.

In advance of nominating a candidate, please find outlined below the expectation of a Board Member:

1. Attend a minimum of 6 Board Meetings per annum (4 in Person)
2. Sit on a minimum of 1 SI Board Commission
3. Attend events on behalf of SI Board

Issued November 12, 2014 by Softball Ireland Board