Proposal for School Sport to Adopt

Fully Loaded Softball

SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA LIMITED

ACN 092 181 318
Level 1 I Suite 2 I 273 Wellington Street I Collingwood VIC 3066 I Australia
t: +61 3 9417 0022 I f: +61 3 9417 3399 I e: info@softball.org.au I w: www.softball.org.au
 Table of contents
1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................1
2 Background .........................................................................................................................1
3 School Softball – Case Studies .........................................................................................2
Waverley Softball Association...............................................................................................2
Knox Softball Association......................................................................................................2
What’s killing the game at school level .................................................................................3
4 Conclusions .........................................................................................................................4
5 Recommendations ..............................................................................................................5
6 Appendices ..........................................................................................................................5
Major rule changes summarized ...........................................................................................5
Equipment changes ..............................................................................................................6
Success Story – Victorian Teachers Games ........................................................................6
7 Contact Information ............................................................................................................6

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1 Introduction

Softball in Australia is undergoing rapid change. In the last six months Softball Australia created,
developed and implemented a new international event televised on Fox Sports and Kayo. The
Summer Slam is now a feature event on the international softball calendar each February, which
attracts the best players in the world from countries including Japan, Chinese Taipei, Italy, France,
United States, New Zealand and Australia.
The concept is based on “Fully Loaded Softball” which is a shorter, faster, more exciting version
of softball played with the bases loaded every innings. The new format puts all the excitement front
and centre, from the first pitch of the game, then repeats it every innings!
Following the Summer Slam success, Fully Loaded Softball is now being rolled out in Clubs and
Associations across the country, where people can get a taste of what they’ve seen on the
international stage. At the grass roots level, the Club and Association network is a step into the
possibility of exciting career opportunities. As a current Olympic sport, softball in Australia is
positioned perfectly to inspire the next wave of school aged children to find a sport they can enjoy,
learn new skills, gain confidence and lead a healthy life.
Most people experience softball for the first time at school level. It starts with PE classes, perhaps
Tee-ball and then Primary School interschool softball competitions. Perhaps a Sporting Schools
softball program also gives students a taste of softball. Competitions continue into Secondary school
with Junior and Senior Sport providing another taste of softball for students.

2 Background

Softball Australia over the last few years has been trying to establish a baseline of participation data
through our schools network which can be used to inform decisions about our game and how we
improve it to encourage higher participation levels. This year for the first time, we will present data
that that will show softball participation in schools alone, is above 150,000 per annum with around
39% of our 2017-18 membership (10,400 of a total 26,711 members) coming from the school age
demographic.
There are 3.65 million students enrolled in Australian schools (2013)
https://www.acara.edu.au/reporting/national-report-on-schooling-in-australia-2013/schools-and-
schooling/school-numbers)
Our research shows only 4.11% of those students experience
softball at school (that we know about).
In 2017, data we reported just under 100,000 in school
participation (99,882 – see image). As of November 2018, we
recorded well over 150,000 kids participating in softball through
schools.
The numbers show participation is on the rise. However, it’s not
what it seems.
The increase reflects “reported numbers”. Where previously
there was no data collection for participation, now we have
opened communication and reporting from schools with the
assistance of State Schools Sport organisations. The increased communication and reporting has

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led to the capture of more data. It’s not more participation that’s happening, it’s just that we now can
count the numbers more effectively.
In some pockets, softball is very popular and there are several districts considered very strong in
softball participation. These regions are normally found where there is a strong presence of
experienced softball knowledge or local clubs that are thriving.
But in more cases, reports of declining participation are increasing and, in some districts,
participation is dwindling or non-existent. With a sense that the sport lacks some appeal with both
teachers and students, some conversations suggest that perhaps softball is not popular enough to
continue as part of school sport programs.
As you read on you’ll reflect on your own experience of softball, what’s it like from where you sit?
What are the problems that you see? What feedback have you heard? How could it be improved?
As you think about those thoughts, you’ll find that Fully Loaded Softball is being offered at the
perfect time, when a change is needed. As softball in Australia is undergoing massive change, Fully
Loaded Softball is emerging with the answers that softball has been missing.

3 School Softball – Case Studies

Waverley Softball Association

The following observations came from school competition held at Waverley Softball Association as
part of a Softball Australia pilot project through the Knox District schools’ network.
Catchers were not aware of the correct technique for catching, in some cases they did not know
how to put gear on correctly. Many catcher’s protective helmets were sub-standard with straps not
fitting correctly. Mandatory throat protection was not fitted in most cases and requirements were not
known by teachers.
Through general play, children observed did not display correct techniques (for the most part) in
any discipline or fundamental skill for softball (throwing, batting, pitching, fielding, baserunning,
catching). Nor did they have a grasp of competition rules as set out in the competition guidelines.
In consultation with umpires, coaches (teachers) for both teams in one game opted not to enforce
most technical rules as the skill level of children were “beginner”. Most children had played some
softball in PE at school but had never played a competition game before and had not been a part of
any club system before.
Basic softball strategy and decision making was not known or evident in game observation.
Most students and teachers demonstrated some amount of confusion or uncertainty with regards to
what rules apply in different game situations.
Teachers also communicated confusion or lack of knowledge leading into the competition regarding
equipment requirements and what strategy to teach the children.
Knox Softball Association
Following a competition held at Knox Softball Association I sat down with the district coordinator to
discuss some observations and feedback from the day. Here is a snapshot of what was reported.
Over officiating and enforcing rules that are above the level and skill of both teachers and students
lead to students experiencing “embarrassment” even “shame” for not knowing technical rules and
game requirements.

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Dropped 3rd strike rule is played when the skill of catchers is low. Positioning of the catcher
observed meant that most of the time a 3rd strike wasn’t caught on any occasion leading to confusion
from both batters and fielders who are unfamiliar with interpretation of the rule. Low teacher
knowledge of the rule meant students do not get the required level of education and practice before
events.
Infield fly rule is a specific rule designed to outlaw “un-sportsman like” conduct over the history of
softball. It is a rule that is only implemented in specific situations which require a great deal of
understanding of the game to be effectively enforced. Umpires need to know it first, then players and
coaches also need education before it would be appropriate to include this rule in school
competition.
Tagging on a flyball is a technicality that regularly confuses players, coaches and umpires with low
game knowledge. It can lead to disappointment during play where a player runs (as they would
expect) and then is told they are out because they did not “Tag Up” on a fly ball. It also slows and
detracts from scoring opportunities for the batting team.
Pitching has the most impact on the game. A good pitcher strikes out every batter leading to a
negative experience for the batting team, boredom for the fielders (other than the pitcher).
Poor performance from an inexperienced pitcher leads to many walks. The resultant effect on the
game and participants observed were as follows:
• Pitcher is not given a sense of achievement and feels bad or embarrassed they let the team
down when the skill is a difficult one, even for a child who plays softball regularly.

• Batters are frustrated because they did not get to “hit” the ball. Hitting the ball is often the
thing that students say is their favourite part of playing softball, achievement in this area
leads to higher retention.

• Fielders are bored and not engaged as no ball is put into play when the pitcher walks or
strikes out many batters.

• Spectators interviewed commented that games with a lot of walks are uninteresting to
watch.
One school from the competition (already poorly attended) said they would no longer participate in
softball stating:
• It was a poor experience for the kids and they were bored

• The rules are too difficult to understand

• We were told off by the umpire for having equipment that was not up to standard
• “Pitchers either dominate the game or if you’re like us can’t throw strikes and we don’t stand
a chance”

What’s killing the game at school level

Poor experience is being reported like the above all around the country. As an example, Queensland
once had every region in the state participating in softball, now they have some regions running with
no entries for softball. Many other state districts from NSW, South Australia and Victoria are
reporting the same.
The two case studies from Victoria add to the mounting evidence that the type of softball currently
being delivered in schools, is not fit for purpose at the grass roots level. And by “Grass roots” I

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am referring to the first level of competition in local school districts where most participants have
never played before.
If the feedback from these two events alone are indicative of what is happening all around the
country (and I suspect they are), then there is a mismatch between the rules we prescribe and the
amount of knowledge and skill we can reasonably expect teachers and students to acquire through
their experience of softball in the current school environment.
This mismatch is leading to a poor experience of softball and a fear of the game itself that turns
people away. Students encountering any of the following will be less likely to participate in softball:

• Fear of the game

• Fear of the rules
• Fear of injury

• Fear of feeling stupid in front of friends or teachers

• Embarrassment from failure to perform to expectation
The current rules don’t encourage participation and are more tailored to a pathway or a performance
stream you would consider in club or representative softball.
The rules followed in most school competition formats are National or State level rules. These rules
are played at elite competition levels throughout the softball pathway system. The rules are
extremely technical leading to a high level of misunderstanding from both students and teachers.
The rules currently set up, in my opinion, deter from achieving participation outcomes.

4 Conclusions

From the evidence collected during observations of school sport softball events, examination of
current softball rules in competitions and the growing pool of data through Softball and Sport
Australia the following conclusions are made:
• The game is not enjoyed as it should be by students and teachers at schools which limits
uptake and participation
• Rules are complicated and not fit for purpose in current school programs, they should be
tailored more to beginner level softballers, not national or state level players.
• The rules should encourage participation outcomes
• School sport is the first experience of softball for most people and as such, care should be
taken to ensure the game is enjoyed.

• Over officiating and technical rules detract from a positive student (and teacher) experience.
• The technical nature of the rules requires more skilled umpires, players and coaches
leading to challenges to find enough skilled people to help run competitions

• The most fit for purpose set of rules for Primary School and Secondary School softball is
Fully Loaded Softball (Junior Slowpitch).

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5 Recommendations

1) State School Sport organisations to adopt the Fully Loaded Softball (Junior Slowpitch) rules
for State events and implement through their normal process for change, by start of school
year 2020.
2) District through to State level events to align and adopt the Fully Loaded Softball (Slowpitch)
rules and implement through their normal process for change, by start of school year 2020
3) Apply the rule changes to both Primary and Secondary Schools
4) Implement the Fully Loaded concept and monitor participation outcomes
5) Work with Softball Australia to leverage resources and marketing

6 Appendices

Major rule changes summarized

Pitching - Implement social type rules - slow pitch, strike zone mats to eliminate catcher
requirements (skill and equipment is less). Makes it easier to pitch accurately and to hit with success
(student achievement). Ball is lobbed above shoulders at some point in the arch and lands on the
strike zone mat to be awarded a strike. If it misses the mat, it’s a ball.
This modification would make it easier for a beginner pitcher to throw strikes which means more
chance for hitting from the batting team.
It would also reduce umpire skill required to call balls and strikes. They need to rely on an umpire’s
judgement as to whether the ball travelled through the strike zone or not would be reduced. They
simply observe, did it hit the strike zone mat, yes or no? If yes, it’s a strike. It would make it easier
for a teacher with little to no softball experience to learn.
“No Walk rule” includes the introduction of a tee for the batter to hit from if the pitcher throws 3
balls. Normally a batter is walked and goes to first after 4 balls. To liven up the game, after 3 balls
the batter can hit off a batting tee. This means the fielders get involved (reducing boredom) and it
makes it easier for the batter to get a sense of achievement. It also gives the fielding team a chance
to get an out rather than a walk, which they can’t defend.
Catching - No drop 3rd strike rule - kids don't get it and can't execute the skill effectively. Strike
zone mat means catcher collects any ball not put into play and can stand back safely. Catching
equipment is not needed as ball is modified and pitch speed is slow, therefore reduced risk.
Infield Fly rule taken out – it confuses players unless the already play softball. This technical rule
should be implemented at club level, not school programs Perhaps implemented at State level
competition.
Tagging up on fly ball - players don't understand it, it confuses new players and reduces scoring
and activity. Allowing runners to run as soon as the ball is hit creates a more free following, higher
scoring game which students will find more exciting and easier to understand.
No stealing - encourages hitting runners around, with slow pitching there would be no defensive
strategy to stop stealing. Runners must wait till the ball is hit and then can run without having to wait
for ball to be on the ground (no tagging up required).

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Participation – bring in the “Fully Loaded Softball” concept.
The “Summer Slam” took place in February 2019 and showcased an international world first that
saw international superstars of the game playing with bases loaded at the start of every innings. On
the international stage, it puts the pressure situation first and creates more of the “big moments” for
fans to connect with and creates more highlights captured live on Fox Sports.
For school sport the Fully Loaded concept creates more inclusion from the first pitch. From the first
pitch, rather than 8 batters waiting for their turn at bat, 3 additional runners start on the bases every
innings. This creates less down time for students waiting for their turn at bat. It also creates more
opportunity for teams to score runs. Fully Loaded Softball gets more kids active on every pitch.
Everyone bats each innings – players all bat once, then the teams change sides. The standard
team size is 9 batters with up to 12 players per team. The number of people who bat each innings
can be adjusted as long as both teams agree.
Each innings all batters bat once, then swap over to complete an innings. A recommended 3
innings game should be completed in less than an hour. That way each player has the same amount
of activity/engagement for each game and you don’t have the imbalance of a strong team getting 3
or 4 turns to hit while players on a poor team only have as little as 1 or 2 times at bat each game,
possibly without reaching base.
Equipment changes
• Ball - Softcore ball 11 inch is recommended PS
• Ball – Softcore ball 12 inch is recommended for Secondary School

• Strike Zone mat to be used 120 x 90cm black rubber matting

• Helmets required for batters

• Catchers mask/helmet combo required for back stop

Success Story – Victorian Teachers Games

The success of this approach has been seen in many instances including the case study of the
Victorian Teachers games and its transformation following implementation of the Social 7s format
(which is very similar to Fully Loaded Slow pitch rules). A failing 4 team competition has grown to a
16-team competition over the last 3 years since it moved away from a traditional format of the game
to a shorter version that is “Fast, Fun, and Easy to Play”.

7 Contact Information

For further information please contact Softball Australia, Sport Development Manager
Ben Utting

ben.utting@softball.org.au

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