Softball
A variation of baseball which is played on a smaller field and with a larger ball.
Created in 1887 to keep baseball players fit during the winter months, softball was introduced in Australia in 1939 through promotion into NSW schools and colleges.
The first national softball body, Australian Women’s Softball Council (AWSC), was formed in 1949. 1
Discover more about softball through the Clearinghouse evidence base:
- Modified Sports - adaptations that make softball more inclusive and accessible.
- Australian Sport History - history and Hall of Fame information about softball.
Evolution:
- Australian Women’s Softball Council (AWSC) [1949-1972]
- Australian Softball Federation (ASF) [1972-2000]
- Softball Australia [2000-]
Participation
An estimated 29,000 Australians [aged 15+] participated in softball at least once in 2024. 2
An estimated 10,000 Australian children [aged 0-14] participated in softball at least once in 2024. 2
An estimated 20,500 Australian women [aged 15+] and an estimated 8,500 Australian men [aged 15+] participated in softball at least once in 2024. 2
Explore further participation statistics for softball through the AusPlay online portal., opens in a new tab
Governing body
Softball Australia, opens in a new tab is an organisation recognised by government at all levels as the National controlling body for the sport of softball in Australia.
Australian Women’s Softball Council (AWSC) became known as the Australian Softball Federation (ASF) in 1972. The organisation remained under this name until 2000 when it changed its name to Softball Australia.1
REFERENCES
- History, opens in a new tab, Softball Australia (accessed 14 January 2026)
- AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 15 October 2025)
Documents
The Clearinghouse for Sport has sought permission from relevant organisations for the inclusion of their documents in this archive. Copyright ownership remains vested with the organisation and as such permission from the copyright owner should be sought if you wish to communicate, adapt or reproduce these documents.
- Softball Australia Annual Report 2022-2023[PDF • 8.09 mb]
- Softball Australia Annual Report 2021-2022[PDF • 2.21 mb]
- Softball Australia Annual Report 2020-2021[PDF • 5.86 mb]
- Softball Australia Annual Report 2019-2020[PDF • 9.53 mb]
- Softball Australia Annual Report 2018-2019[PDF • 6.48 mb]
- Softball Australia Annual Report 2018[PDF • 4.36 mb]
- Softball Australia Annual Report 2017[PDF • 6.94 mb]
- Softball Australia Annual Report 2016[PDF • 1.92 mb]
- Softball Australia Annual Report 2015[PDF • 16.96 mb]
- Softball Australia Annual Report 2014[PDF • 4.64 mb]
- Softball Australia Annual Report 2013[PDF • 3.08 mb]
- Softball Australia Annual Report 2012[PDF • 5.88 mb]
- Softball Australia Annual Report 2011[PDF • 2.06 mb]
- Softball Australia 2010 Financial Statements[PDF • 1.11 mb]
- Softball Australia Annual Report 2010[PDF • 2.02 mb]
- Softball Australia Annual Report 2009[PDF • 6.51 mb]
- Softball Australia Yearbook 2007-2008[PDF • 4.57 mb]
- Softball Australia Yearbook 2006-2007[PDF • 12.01 mb]
- Softball Australia Yearbook 2005-2006[PDF • 13.63 mb]
- Softball Australia Yearbook 2003-2004[PDF • 9.39 mb]
- Softball Australia Yearbook 2001-2002[PDF • 9.63 mb]
- Softball Australia Yearbook 2000-2001[PDF • 7.7 mb]
- Softball Australia Yearbook 1999-2000[PDF • 7.89 mb]
- Softball Australia Yearbook 1998-1999[PDF • 8.52 mb]
- Softball Australia Yearbook 1997-1998[PDF • 13.62 mb]
- Softball Australia Yearbook 1996-1997[PDF • 9.14 mb]
- Softball Australia Yearbook 1995-1996[PDF • 10.14 mb]
- Softball Australia Yearbook 1994-1995[PDF • 13.91 mb]
- Australian Softball Federation Yearbook 1992-1993[PDF • 7.42 mb]
- Australian Softball Federation Yearbook 1991-1992[PDF • 6.34 mb]
- Australian Softball Federation Yearbook 1990-1991[PDF • 13.92 mb]
- Australian Softball Federation Yearbook 1989-1990[PDF • 2.79 mb]
- Australian Softball Federation Yearbook 1988-1989[PDF • 3.71 mb]
- Australian Softball Federation Yearbook 1987-1988[PDF • 3.57 mb]
- Australian Softball Federation Yearbook 1986-1987[PDF • 2.19 mb]
- Australian Softball Federation Yearbook 1985-1986[PDF • 1.57 mb]
- Softball Australia National Participation Plan 2021-2024[PDF • 8.36 mb]
- Softball Australia Strategic Plan 2023-2028[PDF • 531.14 kb]
- Softball Australia Strategic Plan 2017-2022[PDF • 7.94 mb]
- Softball Australia Strategic Plan 2014-2017[PDF • 285.87 kb]
- Softball Australia Strategic Plan 2010-2014[PDF • 187.71 kb]
