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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:

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
  1. History, opens in a new tab, Softball Australia (accessed 14 January 2026)
  2. AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 15 October 2025)

Documents

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