Baseball/Softball
The Targeted Sports Participation Growth Program for baseball and softball was developed jointly by Australian Softball Federation (ASF) and the Australian Baseball Federation (ABF).
The program, called Play Ball, focuses on the use of tee-ball as a game common to both baseball and softball to increase the participation and membership levels of both softball and baseball. The program features an in-school program targeted at ages seven to twelve, and then strategies for conversion of participants into either an interschool or community based tee-ball competition. Links are established with both baseball and softball clubs to present boys and girls with a clear pathway from tee-ball to either softball or baseball.
The ASF and ABF have a strong corporate partner in Major League Baseball International (MLBI), which supplies significant equipment, resources and incentives to the program. Through the partnership with MLBI and the Australian Sports Commission, the ABF and ASF aim to provide opportunities for children to participate in games and activities in a learning environment that is fun, safe and embodies the principles of fair play.
The ABF and ASF are rolling out the program across all states and territories. However, specific regions within states will be targeted based on demographics of the sport in the area, existing player base, potential of school-club linkages in the area, and the state organisation’s ability to deliver resources to complement the program in the area.
For more information about the Play Ball program see the Australian Baseball Federation’s website or visit the website of the Australian Softball Federation.
