Category: Domestic Softball

by Colum Lavery

Presidents Message to Softball Leinster AGM

We understand that not all in attendance could hear the message below at the SL AGM – we have re-produced it for our members on the website.

To: Softball Leinster Membership

I would like to start by apologising for my absence from the Softball Leinster AGM today, however unfortunately due to Work Commitments in London I am unable to join you.

I have asked Nadia’s permission to read the following short paragraph on my behalf today.

I would like to start by thanking the current Softball Leinster Committee for all their efforts in running the leagues over the last 12 months. As volunteers it is very difficult to balance work, home, team and a committee at the same time. It has been a challenging year for Softball in Ireland and in Leinster and I would like to thank SL for their support in the SI initiatives during the season and applaud them for continuing to grow the sport during the season past.

I have watched with interest the election campaign for Chairman of SL and the comments associated with it and I am delighted to see two strong candidates for Chairman, either of which I am confident will continue to develop the game in the region and Softball Ireland will look forward to working with them … I would encourage those running for the executive positions today who are not elected to consider taking another role in SL as volunteers with such calibre are always valued!

I do shortly wish to address a number of items brought up during the current post season and provide clarity to the membership:

  •  SL is a region of Softball Ireland charged with the responsibility of running the league’s and developing the game within the region
  •  SI DO NOT have any intention of disbanding or interfering in any other way with the running of SL
  •  SL is free to structure leagues in the format they think is best for the development of the game in the region – independent of any influence from SI
  •  Finally, SL are fully involved and a key contributor to the governance of SI through their Board Member

Two weeks from today, Softball Ireland will host its AGM and it will be another important moment for our sport with a number of announcements … as we move forward and develop into an Olympic Sport which bring the potential funding options with it, I would ask all members to take an active part on the day as we look to take the sport to the next level.

Today however is about celebrating the last 12 months of SL and preparing for the next 12 months …

Finally, I would like to thank the outgoing SL Committee for all their work and pay special tribute to Nadia … over the las number of years Nadia has been close to the centre of everything good in SL and freely gave up her time to work on developing and grow the game … Nadia will be another loss to SL however, she should be thanked for everything she has done to help SL get to where it is now.

Thanks you for taking time to listen and I hope you all enjoy the Rugby World Cup final!

Colum Lavery

President, Softball Ireland

by Colum Lavery

TNT CROWNED NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Leinster 2015 Premier Division champions TNT beat Ulster champions Sliders 19-9 to win SINCC

After winning their first Premier Division title in early September, TNT have followed this up and beat Ulster champions the Belfast Sliders. Moving forward SINCC will rotate annually between Leinster and Ulster and 2015 saw the first time the tournament was played outside of Dublin.

The game was in the balance until the fourth inning but a ten run inning from TNT put the game beyond Sliders with the game being called in the fifth. TNT will now be nominated as Softball Ireland second representative for the European Club Cup to be held in 2016. TNT will join the 2015 Champions Oddsox Greens as Ireland’s representatives.

Softball Ireland would like to thank Softball Ulster for hosting the tournament as part of their End of Season Blitz.

by Colum Lavery

Updated Underage Player Guidelines Issued

Issued April 9, 2015

Requirements for Under-18s playing adult softball

Introduction

Everyone who participates in softball is entitled to do so in a fun, enjoyable and safe environment. These principles apply to all participants, but young people in particular are entitled to a higher duty of care.

These requirements are minimum standards to be followed by all Softball Ireland – affiliated teams, whether competing in local leagues, in tournaments or internationally.  Teams, leagues and tournaments can introduce additional requirements governing the participation of young players on adult teams as they see fit. A young player is defined as a player younger than 18 years of age and at least 14 years of age at the time of taking the field.
Requirements

1) Each team shall appoint a Welfare Officer who will ensure that the appropriate welfare procedures and checks are followed and that there is a process in place to assess whether the young player is competent to play at which the team is competing.
2) Each player who is under 18 shall be assessed for this purpose by regionally nominated representatives or appointed Softball Ireland national team coaches.

3) Two areas shall be considered when deciding if a young player is competent to take part in an adult team or game:
i. General physical capability.
ii. Softball skills and ability.
4) A brief record of the player’s name, date of the assessment, competency for all or specified positions and any observations or comments shall be made in writing to the Regional Council.
5) The young person’s parent or guardian shall complete a Permission to Play form in all cases where the young person is competing with an adult team or taking part in an adult game.  If a parent / guardian is unfamiliar with softball, a club representative shall explain the risks of the sport to them.  The completed form shall be retained by the Team Captain and copy sent to the Regional Secretary.
6) The team shall arrange regular training and coaching sessions which young players should attend in order to progress their softball development and skills.
7) Young players shall wear a helmet and face guard when batting and base running in.  All players under 18 who are coaching, umpiring or acting as batboys or batgirls shall wear a helmet when on the field.

8) Young players shall wear a gum shield if playing in the infield.

9) Young players must wear a catcher’s mask if playing that position in slowpitch softball.

10) Young players shall wear appropriate sports footwear.

11) The Team Coach or Captain shall review a young player’s competence to continue playing should game conditions change – for example, due to adverse weather, a change in the level of play or the conduct or aggressiveness of the opposing team.

12) If an Umpire is unsure about the competence of a young player, he or she shall make his concerns known to the Team Captain.